Line of sight (missile)

In missile guidance, a line of sight refers to a straight line directly to a target. The line may originate from either a missile or a tracking station, depending on context. In homing guidance, when a missile tracks the target using its own sensors, LOS refers to the line from the missile to the target. In command to line-of-sight, which does not require a seeker onboard the missile, LOS refers to a line from a tracking radar to the target.

Literature

Tactical and Strategic Missile Guidance, Paul Zarchan, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.