Active guidance is characterized by which feature?

Active guidance is characterized by which feature?

• A. The missile carries its own radar transmitting and receiving unit.
• B. The ground radar illuminates the target and the missile uses external energy.
• C. The missile relies on external target emissions to home in.
• D. The missile uses a laser beam for steering.

Answer: (A)

Active guidance means the missile carries its own radar transmitter and receiver, emitting radar energy, detecting the echoes from the target, and using that information to steer itself. This self-contained system lets the missile locate and track the target without relying on external illumination or emissions. In contrast, semi-active guidance uses ground-based illumination and the missile only receives reflections, passive guidance relies on the target’s own emissions, and laser-guided systems depend on a laser designator beam rather than onboard radar.

Active guidance means the missile carries its own radar transmitter and receiver, emitting radar energy, detecting the echoes from the target, and using that information to steer itself. This self-contained system lets the missile locate and track the target without relying on external illumination or emissions. In contrast, semi-active guidance uses ground-based illumination and the missile only receives reflections, passive guidance relies on the target’s own emissions, and laser-guided systems depend on a laser designator beam rather than onboard radar.