KC11 - Missile Guidance

Question 1

List key components of a guided missile.

Answer 1

• Guidance (Brain of missile)
• Power (Powers the electrical systems)
• Control (Carries out the guidance orders)
• Warhead (Carries the explosive, fusing, and firing systems)
• Propulsion (Provides the force that propels the missile)

Question 2

Describe the following types of homing guidance: Active Homing

Answer 2

• Missile illuminates target by transmitting energy
• Missile receives reflected energy
• Establishes line of sight

Question 3

Describe the following types of homing guidance: Semi-Active Homing

Answer 3

• Target illuminated from elsewhere
• Missile receives reflected energy
• Establishes line of sight

Question 4

Describe the following types of homing guidance: Passive Homing

Answer 4

• Target transmits energy
• Missile receives reflected energy
• Establishes line of sight

Question 5

Describe the following types of command guidance: Beam Riding

Answer 5

• Beam of energy is directed at target
• Missile flight path remains within the beam
• Flight path adjusted in accordance with errors detected.

Question 6

Describe the following types of command guidance: Command Link

Answer 6

Missile commanded by an operator or computer.

Question 7

Describe the following types of command guidance: Seeker Assisted Guidance

Answer 7

• Command Centre tracks the target, at the same time the missile also sends additional target locating information back to the command centre.
• The Command Centre cross references both signals and provides the missile with updated guidance commands to the target.