The guidance section of the AGM-88 uses which tracker?

• A. Imaging infrared seeker
• B. Active radar homing
• C. Passive broadband RF tracker
• D. Semi-active laser tracker

Answer: (C)

Think about how this missile finds its target. The AGM-88 is designed to suppress or destroy enemy radar defenses by homing in on the radar emissions themselves, not by seeing heat or by using its own radar or a laser designator. That means its guidance needs a sensor that listens for radar signals without transmitting anything of its own. A passive broadband RF tracker does exactly that: it receives and tracks a wide range of radar frequencies, following the source of the emissions to the radar site. This allows the missile to home in on different radars without giving away its presence.

Imaging infrared would rely on heat signatures and isn’t tuned for radar targeting. An active radar seeker would emit signals to locate targets, which defeats the purpose of a stealthier, radar-emitting target approach. A semi-active laser tracker needs a laser designation from an external source and isn’t used for tracking radar emitters.