Fire-and-Forget
A weapon guidance mode where the missile autonomously tracks and engages the target after launch, allowing the operator to immediately take cover or engage another target.
Fire-and-forget describes a class of guided weapons that require no further input from the operator after launch. Once the weapon's seeker has locked onto the target and the missile is fired, it autonomously tracks and guides itself to impact. This contrasts with command-guided weapons that require the operator to maintain line-of-sight and steer the missile throughout its flight, or semi-active weapons that need a designator to illuminate the target continuously.
The FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile is the most well-known fire-and-forget weapon. The operator uses the missile's imaging infrared seeker to identify and lock onto a tank, then fires and immediately moves to cover. The missile autonomously executes a top-attack trajectory, striking the target's thin roof armor. This capability is tactically transformative because it eliminates the vulnerability of the launch crew during the missile's flight time.
Fire-and-forget capability has expanded to air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM, anti-ship missiles with autonomous terminal guidance, and precision-guided bombs with GPS/INS guidance. The common thread is freeing the launch platform from the engagement after weapon release, enabling faster tempo and greater survivability in combat.
Related Terms
ATGM(Anti-Tank Guided Missile)
An Anti-Tank Guided Missile is a precision weapon designed to destroy armored vehicles, using wire, laser, infrared, or radio guidance to reach its target.
PGM(Precision-Guided Munition)
Precision-Guided Munition is any weapon that uses a guidance system to steer itself to a specific target, achieving dramatically greater accuracy than unguided weapons.
AAM(Air-to-Air Missile)
An Air-to-Air Missile is a guided weapon launched from an aircraft to destroy another aircraft in flight.
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