this post was submitted on 01 Nov 2023
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[–] Aceticon@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But can those things not be adjusted to target a different part of the spectrum?!

I mean, in terms of just Electronics a band filter can be changed to have a different center frequency, although there probably are other considerations beyond merelly the frequencies being taken in by the missile controller when switching for targetting radars to targetting jammers.

I was just wondering if the Ukranians (who definitelly seem to have lots of knowhow when it comes to weapon manufaturing) haven't altered a missile to operate similarly to a HAARM but for other frequencies rather than just the ones used by radars or even if there isn't already an anti-jammer mode (with a selectable frequency) for existing missiles.

[–] circuscritic@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Warning: This is speculation based on my existing knowledge, mostly because I don't feel like Googling for 5-30min to confirm. But if anything is wrong, please show me a source so I can correct

The AGM-88 HARM isn't like a cc1111 or some infinite band SDR IC that you can just switch the frequencies on. It literally targets radiation.

SAM Radars pump out shitloads of specific radiation, like cook your steaks and go sterile levels, if you're too close.

Different radar bands are used for tracking vs targeting, and maybe the HARM has to be toggled between those, or maybe it always tracks both, I don't know.

Regardless, it's not designed to just "pick any RF and go boom". It's sensor track the high levels of radiation that are specifically emitted by SAM Radars, because it's designed for SEAD (Suppression Enemy Air Defense).

Maybe newer SEAD missiles have that flexibility, but the HARM is originally 70s era, and that's what Ukraine has been provided - at least publicly.

Edit: additionally, the HARM has to be mission programmed prior to launch because of the SU retrofits. Unlike on say, an F-16, where it's fully controllable from within the cockpit to run a variety of missions, make changes mid-sorty, etc.