How do guided missles work?
In: Physics
It depends on the rocket. Some the launching platform preprograms a course or destination coordinates, thats common for guided rocket artillery and large platforms like cruise missiles.
Some follow a laser from either the launching platform or a third party.
Some have on board passive sensors following emissions like heat or radio waves to track onto vehicles or enemy radar.
Some have on board active radar.
For those last couple they may be able to seek out a target on their own but often the launching platform designates a target and the missile is using its sensors to try and stay on that target rather than finding it’s own.
There are many different methods and types depending on the intended target and what technology was available at the time that particular weapon was designed.
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