The AMRAAM can be launched in a fully active mode, and in this case the missile searches for and attack the first target it locks on to. This is useful in those circumstances where you can see a target but don’t have time to set up the radar for a normal AMRAAM shot. Be careful when launching the AMRAAM in active mode when friendly aircraft are nearby, as the missile has no IFF system and can lock on to a friendly just as easily as an enemy!
Like the AMRAAM, the Sparrow also has a visual launch mode that doesn’t require a previous radar lock on a target. This mode is known as “Flood”, since the radar “floods” the area immediately in front of your aircraft with radar energy. Obviously, for this mode to have a chance of success, you need to keep your aircraft’s nose pointed at the target until the missile reaches it.
Like the AMRAAM, the Sparrow also has a visual launch mode that doesn’t require a previous radar lock on a target. This mode is known as “Flood”, since the radar “floods” the area immediately in front of your aircraft with radar energy. Obviously, for this mode to have a chance of success, you need to keep your aircraft’s nose pointed at the target until the missile reaches it.