The optical, or visual, command guidance system has limited value, since the missile must always be visible from the command station. Information links may use optical or electronic observation methods. Once this is known, correction signals can be sent to the missile. The information link enables the control point to determine the amount of error existing between the actual position of the missile and the desired position. The accuracy and dependability of the information link determines to a great extent the over-all accuracy of the complete system. This knowledge is obtained through information links. The use of command guidance requires an accurate knowledge of the missile position, since all guidance comes from outside the missile. These stations would then send commands to the missile to correct any deviations from the desired course. If the flight path is long, and a large part of the path is over friendly territory or waters, several stations might track the missile as it comes into their range. It then sends out control impulses (commands) to bring the missile to the desired course. It determines the error, if any, between the actual position of the missile and the desired position. When command guidance is used, a ground, shipboard, or airborne station determines the position of the missile by radar tracking equipment or other means. It may be used for remote control of target drone planes or even ships.) (But command guidance is not limited to missiles alone. It is reasonable to assume that command guidance can be used whenever it is possible to accurately determine the position of the missile during its flight. Point, most of these difficulties can be overcome. However, because command guidance makes it possible to change the flight path of the missile by signals from the control Perfect performance is difficult to obtain because of natural disturbances and, in wartime, enemy countermeasures. The purpose of any guidance system is to secure direct hits on a selected target. One, an INFORMATION LINK, enables the control point to determine the position of the missile the other, the COMMAND LINK, makes it possible for the control point to correct any deviations from the desired path. Current missiles controlled by command guidance include Regulus, Bullpup, and Nike.Ī command guidance system incorporates two links between the missile and the control point. The name means that intelligence (commands) is transmitted from an outside source while the missile is in flight. This chapter deals with COMMAND GUIDANCE. The various systems of missile guidance were discussed briefly in chapter 6. Therefore, an accurate, fast-acting guidance system is of prime importance. Moving targets can take evasive action without guidance, the missile would be unable to compensate for this action. Even though it functions perfectly, a missile without accurate guidance may miss a selected fixed target by several miles. This control is necessary because forces, natural or otherwise, can cause the missile to deviate from its predetermined course. To strike the target on the first shot, the trajectory of the missile must be accurately controlled. Cost, size, and the necessity for surprise prohibit the firing of ranging shots (as was done with gun fire). Principles of Guided Missiles and Nuclear Weaponsįor maximum effectiveness, the first missile fired at a target should strike that target.
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