Beyond-visual-range missile

An air-to-air missile designed to engage targets beyond the launching pilot’s visual range, typically using radar or other sensors to guide it toward the target.

Active radar homing: A guidance method in which a missile uses its own radar transmitter and receiver to track a target. Many modern BVR missiles use onboard radar for the final part of an engagement.
Air superiority: A degree of control over the air that permits operations without prohibitive interference from opposing forces. BVR missiles help fighters contest and maintain control of the air.
AIM-120 AMRAAM: A U.S.-developed family of medium-range air-to-air missiles with active radar guidance. It is a widely used example of an active-radar BVR missile.
Within-visual-range missile: An air-to-air missile intended for engagements in which the target is within the launching pilot's visual range. Its engagement context differs from the defining beyond-visual-range use.
Semi-active radar homing: A guidance method in which a missile tracks radar energy reflected from a target and transmitted by another platform. It contrasts with missiles that carry their own target-illuminating radar.
Beyond-visual-range combat: Air combat in which opposing aircraft engage one another before pilots can visually identify each other. It is the combat setting in which these missiles are designed to operate.
MBDA Meteor: A European beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile powered by a variable-flow ducted rocket. Its propulsion is designed to preserve speed and maneuvering energy late in flight.
Infrared homing: A guidance method that tracks infrared radiation, often heat emitted by an aircraft or its engine. It is a common alternative to radar guidance, especially at shorter ranges.
Inertial navigation system: A navigation system that estimates position and motion from onboard accelerometers and gyroscopes. It guides the missile during midcourse flight before terminal target tracking.
Air interception: The use of aircraft to locate, identify, and engage or escort other aircraft. BVR missiles let interceptors threaten targets before closing to visual range.

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