Lofting is a
trajectory optimization
Trajectory optimization is the process of designing a trajectory that minimizes (or maximizes) some measure of performance while satisfying a set of constraints. Generally speaking, trajectory optimization is a technique for computing an open-loop ...
technique used in some
missile
A missile is an airborne ranged weapon capable of self-propelled flight aided usually by a propellant, jet engine or rocket motor.
Historically, 'missile' referred to any projectile that is thrown, shot or propelled towards a target; this ...
systems to extend range and improve target engagement effectiveness, usually in
beyond-visual range scenarios.
Method
Lofting involves a missile ascending to a higher
altitude
Altitude is a distance measurement, usually in the vertical or "up" direction, between a reference datum (geodesy), datum and a point or object. The exact definition and reference datum varies according to the context (e.g., aviation, geometr ...
after launch, creating a
parabolic arc
Parabolic usually refers to something in a shape of a parabola, but may also refer to a parable.
Parabolic may refer to:
*In mathematics:
**In elementary mathematics, especially elementary geometry:
**Parabolic coordinates
**Parabolic cylindrical ...
similar to
Ballistic Missiles
A ballistic missile is a type of missile that uses projectile motion to deliver warheads on a target. These weapons are powered only during relatively brief periods—most of the flight is unpowered. Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) typica ...
, before descending toward its target. This elevated flight path allows the missile to capitalize on reduced
air resistance
In fluid dynamics, drag, sometimes referred to as fluid resistance, is a force acting opposite to the direction of motion of any object moving with respect to a surrounding fluid. This can exist between two fluid layers, two solid surfaces, or b ...
at higher altitudes, increasing both the missile's
potential energy
In physics, potential energy is the energy of an object or system due to the body's position relative to other objects, or the configuration of its particles. The energy is equal to the work done against any restoring forces, such as gravity ...
and the
kinetic energy
In physics, the kinetic energy of an object is the form of energy that it possesses due to its motion.
In classical mechanics, the kinetic energy of a non-rotating object of mass ''m'' traveling at a speed ''v'' is \fracmv^2.Resnick, Rober ...
during
terminal guidance
In the field of weaponry, terminal guidance refers to any guidance system that is primarily or solely active during the "terminal phase", just before the weapon impacts its target. The term is generally used in reference to missile guidance syst ...
, thus enabling greater range and
Probability of kill {{No footnotes, date=July 2024
Computer games, simulations, mathematical model, models, and operations research programs often require a mechanism to determine statistically how likely the engagement between a weapon and a target will result in a sa ...
.
[AIM-120C-5 Performance Assessment for Digital Combat Simulation Enhancement Revision 2 September 2014 Thomas Tyrell, United Kingdom Christian Funk, United States of America Nagy Marton, Hungary]
Lofting typically occurs at altitudes ranging from 20,000 to 50,000ft,
[Karon (2019-08-29). "AIM-54 and AWG-9 WCS: Observations about Lofted Trajectory and Range". ''FlyAndWire''. Retrieved 2024-12-25.] but can range up to 400km when used as a ballistic trajectory.
Advantages
Lofting offers several distinct advantages compared to sea-skimming and direct-intercept trajectories, particularly in beyond-visual-range engagements.
Unlike sea-skimming, which prioritizes low-altitude flight to avoid
radar detection
A radar detector is an electronic device used by motorists to detect if their speed is being monitored by police or law enforcement using a radar gun. Most radar detectors are used so the driver can reduce the car's speed before being ticketed ...
but suffers from increased drag and limited range, lofting allows the missile to ascend to higher altitudes where air resistance is lower. This reduced drag enables greater range and energy efficiency, allowing the missile to retain more kinetic energy for terminal guidance and target interception.
Compared to direct-intercept trajectories, lofting also improves engagement flexibility by providing a steeper attack angle, which is particularly effective against maneuvering or high-altitude targets.
Disadvantages
In comparison to sea-skimming trajectories, lofting lacks radar-avoidance characteristics, making it susceptible to detection by its target and potential interceptors.
Lofting is also more mathematically and technologically complex in comparison to direct-interception, and is only viable in long-range engagements.
Additionally, the thinner air which lofting utilizes to reduce drag and increase range carries the downside of impeding the ability for
control surfaces to maneuver the missile. This can reduce a missile's ability to adjust for fast-moving or maneuvering targets, however can be circumvented with the use of
thrust vectoring
Thrust vectoring, also known as thrust vector control (TVC), is the ability of an aircraft, rocket or other vehicle to manipulate the direction of the thrust from its engine(s) or motor(s) to Aircraft flight control system, control the Spacecra ...
- at the downside of added cost and complexity.
Use in Missiles
A number of missiles are known or speculated to utilize lofting techniques, such as:
*
AIM-120 AMRAAM
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) ( ) is an American Beyond-visual-range missile, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. It uses active transmit-receive radar guidance ...
- United States
*
AIM-54 Phoenix
The AIM-54 Phoenix is an American active radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (AAM), carried in clusters of up to six missiles on the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, its only operational launch platform.
The AIM-54 Phoenix was the United S ...
- United States
*
AIM-260 JATM
The AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) is an American beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) being developed and produced by Lockheed Martin. Designed to address advanced threats, the missile is expected to replace or suppl ...
- United States
*
Meteor
A meteor, known colloquially as a shooting star, is a glowing streak of a small body (usually meteoroid) going through Earth's atmosphere, after being heated to incandescence by collisions with air molecules in the upper atmosphere,
creating a ...
- France, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany
*
R-77
The Vympel NPO R-77 missile (NATO reporting name: AA-12 Adder) is a Russian active radar homing beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It is also known by its export designation RVV-AE. It is the Russian counterpart to the American AIM-120 AMR ...
- Russia
*
PL-15
The PL-15 ( zh, s=霹雳-15, p=Pī Lì-Yāo Wǔ, l=Thunderbolt-15, NATO reporting name: CH-AA-10 Abaddon) is an active radar homing, active radar-guided long-range beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by the People's Republic of Chi ...
- China
See also
*
Sea-Skimming
*
Ballistic Missile
A ballistic missile is a type of missile that uses projectile motion to deliver warheads on a target. These weapons are powered only during relatively brief periods—most of the flight is unpowered. Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) typic ...
*
Air-to-Air Missile
An air-to-air missile (AAM) is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft (including unmanned aircraft such as cruise missiles). AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid-fuel roc ...
References
{{reflist
Missile guidance
Missile operation
Missile technology
Tracking
Targeting (warfare)
Physics