February 11, 2001 at 6:40 am
Sorry to ask this seemingly easy question, but here it is:
One of the Rand’s papers on ROC vs PRC said the following:
“The MICA can be fitted with an active radar seeker that,
combined with an inertial navigation system, guides it
autonomously to targets at short ranges. However,
maximum-range launches – the kind preferred by fighter
pilots – require the missile to receive targeting updates
from the Mirage radar until the active radar can lock on
and track the bogey. So, while the MICA is the most
advanced AAM currently available to either side, it
does not completely fit the description of a true
“fire and forget” AAM”
Is this true?
Also, is Taiwan-made “Skysword II” active or semi-active?