Missilesdirected

Missilesdirected refers to guided missiles—self-propelled weapons designed to be steered toward a target during flight using onboard or external guidance systems. This class contrasts with unguided missiles by employing avionics and sensors that adjust the flight path to improve accuracy and reduce collateral damage.

Guidance systems for missilesdirected span several technologies. Inertial navigation uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to track position and velocity. Terminal guidance can involve semi-active radar homing, active radar homing, infrared or imaging infrared seekers, or laser guidance. Satellite-based navigation such as GPS or GLONASS provides mid-course updates, often in combination with inertial control. Many missiles employ multi-mode seekers to counter countermeasures and adapt to complex environments.

Missilesdirected covers a wide range of platforms and roles, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, anti-ship, and submarine-launched missiles, as well as cruise missiles and some precision-guided ballistic missiles. Cruise missiles typically blend inertial guidance with a terminal seeker and, increasingly, satellite updates. Ballistic missiles may use inertial guidance with terminal guidance options for improved accuracy at the point of impact.

Historically, guided missiles emerged in the 20th century with radio-command and beam-riding concepts in World War II, followed by more autonomous guidance in the postwar era. Notable developments include air-to-air missiles, surface-to-air systems, and long-range cruise missiles such as the Tomahawk, along with various strategic and tactical missiles. Modern designs emphasize multi-mode guidance, precision, and resistance to countermeasures.

See also: guided missiles, precision-guided munitions, cruise missile, ballistic missile.