Radar Detection and Missile Warnings

Know your aircraft’s RWR

The radar warning receiver picks up radar emissions. Which ones it detects, how accurately it shows their direction and whether it warns of a track or launch depend on the receiver fitted to your aircraft.

Check the equipment on the aircraft you’re flying. Don’t expect the same warnings you get in another jet. An infrared missile’s passive seeker doesn’t send out a radar signal for your RWR to detect.

What should you do with a warning?

• Search warning: look toward the bearing and check what’s near it. Is there a known SAM site, an objective or an aircraft along your route?
• Track or launch warning, if your receiver supports it: stop aiming, find the threat and defend. Don’t stay on the bomb run just to finish the release.
• Missile in sight but no RWR warning: react to the missile. The receiver may not be able to detect that threat.
• Warning disappears: keep looking. The radar could have switched off, dropped behind terrain or moved outside your receiver’s coverage.

Don’t get stuck in the targeting view

Check the sky and your escape direction before opening the camera. Look back outside regularly while you aim. The depot may still be in the same place, but the fighter approaching you won’t be.

Your radar and RWR do different jobs. Use your radar to search for targets your equipment can detect, and choose a scan area that covers where you expect them. Keep checking warnings and the sky while you work it.

When a warning interrupts the attack

1. Find the threat

   Look for the bearing, missile or attacker, then check where you can go for cover.

2. Break off and defend

   Put the attack aside and deal with the missile or aircraft threatening you.

3. Look for another threat

   Check for a second missile or fighter before turning back.

4. Decide whether to continue

   If you’re slow, short of countermeasures or out of room, leave the attack for another flight.