Cold War, Modern Day, Two Minute Read

How Do Radar Missiles Work? Unveiling the Science Behind

In the complex tapestry of modern warfare, radar missiles stand as formidable threads weaving through the intricate pattern of defence technology. These powerhouses of precision and destructive capability have reshaped the landscape of military strategy, particularly in aerial combat.

However, their functioning can often appear abstruse to those unfamiliar with military technology. To demystify these potent armaments, we dive into the nuts and bolts of how radar missiles operate.

At its core, a radar-guided missile employs radio waves to track and home in on a target.

Unlike infrared-guided missiles, which detect heat emissions, radar missiles rely on radio wave reflections or ‘echoes’ to discern the location and movement of a target.

Stealth aircraft like the J-20 have tiny radar signatures which make getting a radar lock difficult.
Stealth aircraft like the J-20 have tiny radar signatures which make getting a radar lock difficult. Photo credit – N509FZ CC BY-SA 4.0

A radar missile’s operation comprises three fundamental stages: detection, tracking, and homing, each of which involves intricate processes and state-of-the-art technology.

Detection

The first step in a radar missile’s operation is the detection phase. Radar, an acronym for “Radio Detection and Ranging”, works by emitting a burst of radio waves and then listening for their reflection off objects.

Read More: Saab 35 Draken – Double Delta Dragon

Depending on the time it takes for the waves to return and the shift in their frequency (Doppler shift), the radar can calculate the distance, speed, and direction of the target.

In some instances, a missile’s radar system may work in conjunction with an external system, like an aircraft’s radar, to detect potential targets. Once a possible target is identified, the missile is launched.

Radar missiles often have greater ranges than IR. The AIM-54 Phoenix is huge.
Radar missiles often have greater ranges than IR. The AIM-54 Phoenix is huge – needing to store the fuel for the rocket motor to burn.

Tracking

Following the detection phase, the missile moves into the tracking phase. The missile’s onboard radar continues to emit radio waves and monitor their reflections, updating the target’s location in real-time.

The data obtained by the radar system is then processed by the missile’s onboard computer, which calculates a trajectory to intercept the target. Even if the target attempts evasive manoeuvres, the missile can adjust its path dynamically, thanks to the continuous feedback from the radar system.

Homing

The final operational phase of a radar missile is the homing phase, during which the missile zeroes in on its target. As it nears the target, the missile might switch to a different type of radar known as ‘terminal guidance’.

Radar missiles are not just used against other aircraft, but also ground targets and ships. The missile (right) is an RB15S anti ship missile that can be carried by the JAS39 Gripen.
Radar missiles are not just used against other aircraft, but also ground targets and ships. The missile (right) is an RB15S anti-ship missile that can be carried by the JAS39 Gripen.

This radar provides more precise information about the target’s location, enabling the missile to make minute adjustments to its trajectory to ensure a successful strike.

Read More: Grumman X-29 – The Backward Wing Plane

Once the missile reaches its target, the warhead is detonated, resulting in the neutralization or destruction of the target.

This homing stage can be a game of cat and mouse, as the targeted vehicle might deploy countermeasures, such as chaffs (clouds of metallic strips), to confuse the incoming missile’s radar.

Radar-guided missiles come with certain advantages. They are typically less susceptible to environmental factors than infrared missiles and can track targets at longer ranges.

Moreover, the latest generations of radar missiles can even discriminate real targets from countermeasures and can track multiple targets simultaneously.

However, radar missiles also have their share of limitations. For one, they are generally more expensive than other types of missiles due to their intricate radar systems.

The effect of chaff on the display of a Würzburg Riese radar. The effect of jamming appears in the left "jagged" half of the circular ring, contrasting with the normal "smooth" (unjammed) display on the right half of the circle
The effect of chaff on the display of a Würzburg Riese radar. The effect of jamming appears in the left “jagged” half of the circular ring, contrasting with the normal “smooth” (unjammed) display on the right half of the circle.

Also, because they emit radio waves, radar missiles can potentially be detected by enemy systems, giving the targeted vehicle early warning of an incoming missile.

Despite their challenges, radar-guided missiles remain a cornerstone of modern military strategy. They demonstrate the incredible advancements we’ve made in the realm of defence technology, using radio wave echoes to seek and neutralize threats.

As we look toward the future, it’s clear that radar technology will continue to play a pivotal role in missile guidance. Advancements in computing and electronic technologies promise more efficient, reliable, and precise radar systems, translating into ever-more formidable radar-guided missiles.

In conclusion, modern warfare is continually evolving, with radar-guided missiles forming an integral part of its complex structure.

Read More: Convair XC-99 – The One-of-a-kind Giant

They illustrate a fascinating interplay between radio wave physics, electronic engineering, and computational technology, reminding us of the astounding lengths human innovation can reach when driven by necessity.

Undeniably, radar-guided missiles symbolize a resounding triumph of technology over the traditional constraints of warfare, forging a path toward an increasingly sophisticated battlefield.

If you like this article, then please follow us on Facebook and Instagram.