If the seeker loses track during engagement, what two options are appropriate per SOP?

• A. Attempt reacquire with the sight or abort per SOP
• B. Continue firing and question orders
• C. Switch to a different missile
• D. Ignore and proceed

Answer: (A)

When the seeker loses track during engagement, the proper actions are to try to regain lock with the sight or abort the engagement per the established SOP. Reacquiring with the sight uses the weapon’s guidance to reestablish a tracking cue on the target, allowing the engagement to continue if a valid lock can be restored safely. Aborting per SOP terminates the engagement to prevent wasted ammunition and potential safety risks, following the approved procedure for loss of guidance. Other options don’t address the loss of tracking: continuing to fire without a reliable signal risks an unguided or misdirected shot; switching to a different missile mid-engagement isn’t typically feasible without reinitializing targeting; and ignoring the loss and proceeding bypasses the required safety and procedural steps.