Question 1

What is lock-on after launch?

Accepted Answer

Lock-on After Launch (LOAL) refers to a missile's capability to be launched before the missile's seeker has acquired its target. This offers a significant tactical advantage in air combat and other engagements. Here's a breakdown:Concept: In a typical launch scenario, the launching platform (aircraft, ground vehicle, etc.) locks onto the target with its radar or other targeting systems before launching the missile. With LOAL, the missile is launched first, and then uses its own seeker or receives updated target information to lock onto the target in flight. This allows the launching platform to break away or engage other targets sooner, improving survivability.How it Works: LOAL missiles rely on sophisticated guidance systems. Initially, the missile is guided inertially, perhaps with mid-course updates via a data link. During this phase, the launching platform can transmit updated target information (location, velocity, etc.) to the missile. Later in its flight, the missile activates its own seeker (radar, infrared, or other sensor) to autonomously acquire and track the target.Advantages:Increased Launch Platform Survivability: The launching platform doesn't need to stay locked onto the target for as long, reducing its exposure to enemy fire. This is particularly important in dogfight scenarios.Engaging Targets Beyond Visual Range (BVR): LOAL enables engagement of targets at longer ranges, as the launching platform doesn't need to maintain a lock for the entire flight of the missile.Fire-and-Forget Capability:  Many LOAL missiles have true "fire-and-forget" capability once the seeker locks on, allowing the launch platform to immediately disengage.Engaging Multiple Targets Simultaneously: A platform can launch multiple LOAL missiles against different targets in rapid succession.Guidance Types: LOAL guidance systems vary. Some rely solely on inertial guidance and the missile's own seeker. Others use data links for mid-course updates from the launch platform or other sources (e.g., AWACS).Limitations:Complexity and Cost: LOAL missiles are more complex and expensive than traditional missiles due to the advanced guidance and data link systems.Data Link Vulnerability: Missiles that rely heavily on data links can be vulnerable to jamming or disruption of the data link.Seeker Performance: The missile's seeker must be able to reliably acquire and track the target, even in cluttered environments or against countermeasures.Examples:  Examples include the AIM-120 AMRAAM (some variants), the MBDA Meteor, and various air-to-surface missiles.

Question 2

lock-on after launch nedir?

Accepted Answer

Lock-on After Launch (LOAL) refers to a missile's capability to be launched before the missile's seeker has acquired its target. This offers a significant tactical advantage in air combat and other engagements. Here's a breakdown:Concept: In a typical launch scenario, the launching platform (aircraft, ground vehicle, etc.) locks onto the target with its radar or other targeting systems before launching the missile. With LOAL, the missile is launched first, and then uses its own seeker or receives updated target information to lock onto the target in flight. This allows the launching platform to break away or engage other targets sooner, improving survivability.How it Works: LOAL missiles rely on sophisticated guidance systems. Initially, the missile is guided inertially, perhaps with mid-course updates via a data link. During this phase, the launching platform can transmit updated target information (location, velocity, etc.) to the missile. Later in its flight, the missile activates its own seeker (radar, infrared, or other sensor) to autonomously acquire and track the target.Advantages:Increased Launch Platform Survivability: The launching platform doesn't need to stay locked onto the target for as long, reducing its exposure to enemy fire. This is particularly important in dogfight scenarios.Engaging Targets Beyond Visual Range (BVR): LOAL enables engagement of targets at longer ranges, as the launching platform doesn't need to maintain a lock for the entire flight of the missile.Fire-and-Forget Capability:  Many LOAL missiles have true "fire-and-forget" capability once the seeker locks on, allowing the launch platform to immediately disengage.Engaging Multiple Targets Simultaneously: A platform can launch multiple LOAL missiles against different targets in rapid succession.Guidance Types: LOAL guidance systems vary. Some rely solely on inertial guidance and the missile's own seeker. Others use data links for mid-course updates from the launch platform or other sources (e.g., AWACS).Limitations:Complexity and Cost: LOAL missiles are more complex and expensive than traditional missiles due to the advanced guidance and data link systems.Data Link Vulnerability: Missiles that rely heavily on data links can be vulnerable to jamming or disruption of the data link.Seeker Performance: The missile's seeker must be able to reliably acquire and track the target, even in cluttered environments or against countermeasures.Examples:  Examples include the AIM-120 AMRAAM (some variants), the MBDA Meteor, and various air-to-surface missiles.