Re: [FT] Fire Control sensors

Thomas Barclay schrieb:

> 1) gross detection - there's something out 
> there, even if it is too far away to tell what or 
> how many
> 2) fine detection - we can tell how many, 
> perhaps what thrust, what mass, are any 
> emitting
> 3) lock-on - we  have a fire control solution
> 
> I assume passive sensors will generally take you 
> through phase 1 and maybe phase 2, but you 
> definitely need to "go active" 
> (sensors/firecontrol) to get 3. 

This will mainly depend on your weaponry. The direction to the target 
should be easy to ascertain with passive sensors. The distance will be 
more problematic. A reasonable estimate is possible with passive 
sensors (by measuring the apparent size or through stereoscopic 
range-finders).  

If you need precise distances to the target you need active sensors. 
You might need this, for example, to focus beams or to guide missiles 
by remote control. 

Thus, for many weapons, passive sensors will give you a fire-control 
solution. 

Greetings