Introduction to Wire-Guided Missiles

Wire-guided missiles have been a significant part of military technology for decades. Unlike modern guided missiles using radio-frequency or optical guidance systems, these wire-guided missiles rely on a physical wire to transmit signals between the launch device and the missile. This technology provides reliable guidance over specific ranges and has seen use in both ground and air applications.

The Concept Behind Wire-Guided Missiles

The basic idea behind a wire-guided missile is straightforward: a long wire is laid down manually or by pre-setting a wire by a delivery vehicle. The missile detects the wire and follows it back to its target. Depending on the design, the wire can be:

MCLOS (Manual Command Line of Sight): Guided by a person tracking the target and manually adjusting the missile to follow the wire. SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command Line of Sight): Guided by a control pad that relays adjustments automatically to the missile.

Range and Functionality

The length of the wire can be several hundred meters, and the type of guidance system (MCLOS or SACLOS) determines its effectiveness and flexibility.

MCLOS: Manual Command Line of Sight

In a MCLOS (Manual Command Line of Sight) system, an operator watches a scope on a control station and manually adjusts it to keep the missile on target by moving the control standoff (the device holding the wire). This method provides some flexibility, but it requires the operator to maintain visual contact with both the wire and the target, which can be challenging.

SACLOS: Semi-Automatic Command Line of Sight

A SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command Line of Sight) system uses a control pad to send adjustments to the missile. The operator can control the guidance more effectively, as the system automatically manages the adjustments. This makes SACLOS more efficient and reliable, especially in complex or changing environments.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Reliable over a specific range, which can be critical in certain combat scenarios. Less susceptible to jamming and electronic interference due to the physical nature of the guidance. Easier to produce and maintain compared to more complex guidance systems.

Disadvantages:

Depends on the operator's skill and accuracy. Narrow operational range compared to newer guidance systems.

Applications and Historical Use

Wire-guided missiles have been used in various military contexts since the 1940s. Notable examples include:

SIMLauncher (Simulacrum Launcher): Used by the Germans during World War II, this weapon guided anti-aircraft missiles. ASRAAM (Air-Superiority Rafale Missile Assured): Used in the Rafale fighter jet, this missile series incorporates MCLOS and SACLOS systems. BBC Tracker Missile: Employed in several versions, from armored vehicles to ground combat applications. MAZ-55 Gun Carrier: A Soviet rebuilt armored vehicle used for artillery and missile support, capable of launching wire-guided missiles.

These systems have been adapted for various military vehicles and aircraft, providing reliable guidance in close combat scenarios where electronic systems might be less effective.

Technical Details and Innovations

Optical Unit: In a SACLOS system, an optical unit on the missile receives signals from the control pad. The operator uses a control stick to change various parameters, such as yaw, pitch, and roll, which are then transmitted to the missile via the wire. This method ensures that the missile stays on the wire and follows it accurately to the target.

Control Pad: The control pad in a SACLOS system provides more flexibility and ease of use for the operator. By inputting commands directly into the system, the operator can make precise adjustments to the missile's guidance.

Modern Adaptations: Today, wire-guided missiles are being integrated with modern communication technologies to enhance their performance. Some systems now use a combination of wire and data-link technology, providing a hybrid guidance solution that combines the reliability of wire guidance with the flexibility of modern electronics.

Conclusion

Wire-guided missiles, with their reliance on physical wire guidance, have played a significant role in military history. While modern technologies have largely superseded them, their simplicity and reliability still make them relevant in certain scenarios. Understanding the principles behind MCLOS and SACLOS systems can provide valuable insights into the evolution of military technology and the importance of balanced, adaptable systems.