track-via-missile

military technology

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Track-via-missile is a guidance method used in military technology, specifically for guided missiles. It is a form of command guidance where the missile tracks the target and transmits this information back to the launch site. The launch site's fire-control system then computes the optimal trajectory and sends commands back to the missile to intercept the target. This system was notably used by the U.S. Patriot surface-to-air missile system. Guided missiles, in general, evolved significantly after World War II due to advancements in electronics, computers, and sensors, distinguishing them from ballistic weapons by their ability to make in-flight corrections to home in on a target.123

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rocket and missile system
Command
Patriot surface-to-air system was called track-via-missile. In this system a radar unit in the missile tracked the target and transmitted relative bearing and velocity information to the launch site, where control systems computed the optimal trajectory for intercepting the target and sent appropriate commands back to the missile.
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Patriot surface-to-air system was called track-via-missile. In this system a radar unit in the missile tracked the target and transmitted relative bearing and velocity information to the launch site, where control systems computed the optimal trajectory for intercepting the target and sent appropriate commands back to the missile.
Read More