aliases:
- MissileMissiles are guided, self-propelled munitions that will track a target and guide themselves on an interception path to said target, before detonating a warhead. There are a multitude of different types of missiles for different purposes, such as tracking and destroying starships. Due to their highly mobile nature, they are most commonly equipped on combat aircraft, starfighters, warships, combat vehicles and stationary silos.
Integrated Tracking Assistive Systems are built-in modifications to the tracking and interception logic of a missile. They each affect an aspect of the missile's behaviour, allowing it to more effectively make "decisions" in different scenarios and environments - thus increasing the probability of a kill. These ITAS can work in accordance with one another, multiplying the missile's efficiency. Given their nature, most ITAS are only utilised on space launched missiles.
General ITAS
| ITAS | Description |
|---|---|
| Active Environment Avoidance Logic (AEAL) | Calculates the optimal route to avoid obstacles while still reaching the target based on known information. Often used in conjunction with LiDAR. |
| Active Imaging Target Identification (AITI) | Identifies targets visually in conjunction with its known relative location based on shape, velocity and material. |
| Automatic Relock (ARL) | Allows the missile to actively look for and relock onto the same or different targets if the current target is lost. |
| Close-In Final Guidance (CIFG) | If running low on reaction control system fuel, the missile will angle itself forwards based on its velocity as well as the current velocity of the target in order to keep the target in its field of view for as long as possible while conserving fuel. |
| Datalink (DL) | Allows data to be remotely relayed between the missile and launcher. It also allows the missile to be launched at targets tracked by other friendly vehicles. |
| Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) | Identifies friendly and hostile aircraft based on predefined tags to avoid possible friendly fire situations. |
| Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) | The missile uses light emission for real-time mapping of its surrounding environment. Often used in conjunction with electronically scanned array radars in active radar homing missiles. |
| Mid-Flight Thrust Pausing (MFTP) | The missile keeps a certain amount of fuel in reserve for the final necessary manoeuvres once the target is within a certain range. |
| Missile Automatic Kill Switch (MAKS) | The missile self-destructs if left without a viable target in its range/FOV for a certain amount of time. |
| Target Kill Proximity Angling (TKPA) | The missile angles itself and its warhead toward the target in the event of a proximity pass rather than a direct hit. |
| Thrust Vector Control (TVC) | Allows active thrust vectoring of the main motor to allow for tighter turning circles. |
| Zero Time Angling (ZTA) | The missile points itself in the target's leading direction before activating its main motor. |
Infrared ITAS
| ITAS | Description |
|---|---|
| Infrared Counter-Countermeasures (IRCCM) | Field of View Narrowing: The missile seeker's field of view reduces as it approaches its target. Suspended Animation Tracking: Upon seeing a stronger infrared source, the missile's seeker is temporarily switched off while guidance continues based on inertial predictions. Imaging Infrared: The infrared signature tracking is combined with consistent visual identification of the target based on its shape. |
| Lock On After Launch (LOAL) | The missile is launched instead with a radar lock and guides itself to where the target is predicted to be upon entering expected infrared signal range. |
| Radar Assisted Infrared (RAIR) | Combines the characteristics of an active radar homing seeker with normal infrared tracking seeker capabilities. |
Semi-Active Radar Homing ITAS
| ITAS | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Independence Modes (AIM) | The missile will vary its independence from the launch vehicle's radar track depending on environmental and situational parameters. It can, in some models, decide to switch to a fully active radar homing equivalent mode. |
Active Radar Homing ITAS
| ITAS | Description |
|---|---|
| Variable Active Ranging (VAR) | The missile's seeker switches to active mode sooner or later than its set active range depending on factors such as velocity, target characteristics and environment |