Describe the data flow from the Longbow FCR to a fired Hellfire missile.

Describe the data flow from the Longbow FCR to a fired Hellfire missile.

• A. FCR detects/locks a target; the data is displayed to the pilot.
• B. FCR detects/locks a target; data is sent to the fire-control computer, which cues and designates the missile, and the missile seeker homes to the designated target.
• C. FCR uses target data to autonomously launch without designation.
• D. FCR data is used only for post-mission analysis.

Answer: (B)

Data flow starts with the Longbow FCR detecting and locking the target. That locked target data is then sent to the fire-control computer, which uses it to cue and designate the Hellfire missile. Once cued, the missile’s seeker homes in on the designated target during flight. This sequence—FCR detection and lock, FCC cue/designation, and the missile seeker guiding to the target—provides guided delivery rather than just displaying information or relying on post-mission analysis.

Data flow starts with the Longbow FCR detecting and locking the target. That locked target data is then sent to the fire-control computer, which uses it to cue and designate the Hellfire missile. Once cued, the missile’s seeker homes in on the designated target during flight. This sequence—FCR detection and lock, FCC cue/designation, and the missile seeker guiding to the target—provides guided delivery rather than just displaying information or relying on post-mission analysis.