ABSTRACT
For an aircraft to be able to launch a missile against an opposing aircraft or missile, without even seeing its target and from a position well below it, is a considerable advantage. If long range air-to-air missiles come into general use, it will change the whole concept of air-to-air combat, which might develop into an electronic warfare problem only. The earlier air-to-air missiles homed on to the heat from exhaust gases from the engines and were thus only of use if launched astern of the target—in other words, they were pursuit missiles. Air-to-air missiles can be used by heavy aircraft in self-defence or by fighter interceptors as offensive weapons with which to attack enemy bombers. Close-combat missiles are designed to be as small and light as possible. At the opposite end of missile technology is the really long-range air-to-air missile, which if it proves a success might revolutionise aerial combat.
