ELI5. I kinda get how a rocket might track on the heat of a helicopter or jet. But how does the tracked vehicle know that it is being tracked? I assume this is real life and not just movies when a big read INCOMING MISSILE warning shows up.

Question

ELI5. I kinda get how a rocket might track on the heat of a helicopter or jet. But how does the tracked vehicle know that it is being tracked? I assume this is real life and not just movies when a big read INCOMING MISSILE warning shows up.

In: Technology

Answer 1

If the missile tracking the heat signature of the vehicle that vehicle won’t know the missile is coming, the pilot needs too see the missile and take action accordingly. If the missile uses radar, either a semi active or active guidance system, then your own vehicle can detect the radar emissions and warn you.