R-4 (missile)
Videos
The Bisnovat R-4 was an early Soviet long-range air-to-air missile. It was used primarily as the sole weapon of the Tupolev Tu-128 interceptor, matching its RP-S Smerch radar.
R-4 missile under wing of Tupolev Tu-128
Infrared homing
Videos
Infrared homing is a passive weapon guidance system which uses the infrared light emission from a target to track and follow it seamlessly. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as
A modern German Air Force IRIS-T infrared homing air-to-air missile
The Vampir nightscope used a photomultiplier as the sighting system and provided illumination with an IR lamp mounted above the scope.
The Madrid seeker was being developed for the Enzian surface-to-air missile.
The AIM-4 Falcon was the first IR guided missile to enter service. The translucent dome allows the IR radiation to reach the sensor.