IR data (Read 652 times)

The IR info was displayed on the 080, RADAR Display CRT. The IR was a back up to the MA-1 Radar system and could operate in a separate mode but once locked on to target, the Radar was also pointed at same target and could be switched over to manual lock on to same target.
IR Reciever was retractable in flight if pilot didn't want to use it.
IR Reciever was originally operated with a Nitrogen charge prior to mission and was not very reliable. They modded system in late 60's to an onboard refrigeration system and system was much more reliable after that.
The IR has always been a passive detection system and was better when in CCM environment although it was affected by flares. The Radar was affected by chaff and electronic jamming.
To help against electronic jamming the MA-1 system was modded with a hydraulic driven modulator (Tranmitter-reciever) unit to scan through Radar frequencies in various different scan speeds, In Fast-Max mode it cycled through total frequency band in nanoseconds which defeated most opposing ECM Gear. In fact, we MA-1 troops were dispatched to disable some of the higher modes when we were involved with SAC Bombers so they could get some good ECM Training. With fully operatable MA-1, our F-106 jocks could defeat the B-52's at will with Fast-Max mode.

We used to call it the fingers of video. Imagine shooting someone the "bird". The video was a horizonal line with video fingers rising from line. Best target return was higher levels from line. The pilot then got a sound in headphones when sufficient return for "Lock".
The IR Missle Head would "slave" to IR Reciever as well.

Remember while working MA-1 at Dover locking on to a departing C-141 heading directly away with IR . The screen would light up with the finger and would track those hot engine for many miles. After finally loosing IR lock. the radar slaved would track out to 30 miles. :us_flag