command-guidance system

A command-guidance system is a military technology that controls and operates weapons, primarily guided missiles. These systems emerged after World War II, benefiting from advancements in electronics and computers.12

In a command-guidance system, the missile is tracked from its launch point, and commands are sent via radio, radar, or laser signals. This tracking can be done from the ground using radar or optical instruments, or through imagery relayed from the missile itself. Early systems relied on manual control, but later versions incorporated computerized fire-control systems and television tracking, sometimes in the infrared spectrum.3

A key advantage of command guidance is that it requires minimal control apparatus within the missile itself, allowing it to follow computer-determined paths that are aerodynamically efficient. This method offers flexibility in dealing with evasive target maneuvers. However, accuracy can be challenging at longer ranges, as it depends heavily on the ground-tracking system's precision.4