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116 Air Combat Basics
nearly impenetrable cloud of metal between the target and the ship. Such 30mm
guns have an effective range of 5,000 m; however, range is less important than
rate and density of fire.
SAMs
Surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) form the backbone of the air defense network,
integrating each search-and-track sensor with every unit on that network. Shortranged,
Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) carried by infantry troops
fill any gaps.
The main elements of a SAM (airframe, guidance system, fuse, warhead, and
rocket motor) are similar in design and function to those of AAMs. In addition,
some SAMs utilize exhaust-deflector vanes for additional maneuverability.
The flight trajectory of a SAM, as well as the composition and principle of
operation of the autopilot, are governed by the guidance method employed. The
autopilot on its own or with the help of ground facilities continuously calculates
relative positions of the SAM and the target, and provides commands to the
control surfaces. Guidance for SAMs can be classified as one of the following:
command, semi-active beam-rider guidance, homing, and combined guidance.
Command Guidance
Command guidance may be compared to classic remote control. During the
SAM’s flight, the positions of both the target and the missile are monitored from
the ground or by the missile’s onboard equipment.
If a SAM is guided by the ground facilities (see the figure below), the latter are
responsible for detecting the target, measuring its coordinates and those of the
SAM. After processing the coordinates, the control post forms encoded guidance
instructions and transmits them to the missile by radio data link, which is
susceptible to jamming. After decoding by the missile’s onboard equipment, the
commands are sent to the autopilot. This type of command guidance is normally
employed in short-range and medium-range SAM systems (such as the SA-15 and
SA-8), since the guidance accuracy decreases as the range increases.
A Typical Defense Network
If the SAM itself can track the target, it measures and processes the parameters
of the target’s motion and sends them to the control post through radio data link.
The coordinates of the SAM itself are measured by a ground-based tracking radar.
Again, after comparing the coordinates of the SAM and of the target, the control