Predicted line of sight (PLOS) is a method of missile targeting. In PLOS, the operator tracks the target with the missile launcher's onboard sights for a short period of time (3-5 seconds). Software on the launcher extrapolates from the data gathered, producing a prediction of the route required to intercept the moving target. When fired the missile uses inertial navigation to fly this course and hopefully engage the target either by direct contact or via proximity fuse detonating the warhead.
The method is used by the
NLAW
The Saab Bofors Dynamics NLAW (pronounced: ''"N-LAW"'', ), also known as the MBT LAW or RB 57, is a fire-and-forget, lightweight shoulder-fired, and disposable (single-use) line of sight (LOS) missile system, designed for infantry use. The mi ...
anti-tank weapon.
For a moving vehicle, the course will be a curve, the greater the angular velocity of the target from the launcher the smaller the radius of the curve. The curve is such that if the launcher had kept tracking the target after launch the missile would always be on the line between the launcher and target. This is what is attempted by ''
command to line of sight'' (CLOS) but in the case of PLOS, no commands are issued post-launch and the target is not tracked by either the missile or the launcher. It is a
fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget is a type of missile guidance which does not require further external intervention after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance, and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the targe ...
technique.
See also
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Command guidance
Command guidance is a type of missile guidance in which a ground station or aircraft relay signals to a guided missile via radio control or through a wire connecting the missile to the launcher and tell the missile where to steer to intercept its ...
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Manual command to line of sight (MCLOS)
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Fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget is a type of missile guidance which does not require further external intervention after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance, and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the targe ...
References
Missile guidance
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