What type of guidance system does the Standard Missile employ?

The Standard Missile employs a semi-active guidance system. In this type of system, the missile relies on an external source for guidance during its flight. Specifically, the missile's seeker is designed to lock onto a reflected radar signal from a target illuminated by a guidance radar system, typically located on a ship or an aircraft. This allows for precise tracking and targeting.

The semi-active guidance approach provides a balance between flexibility and effectiveness, as it does not require onboard systems as complex as those needed for fully active homing guidance, which relies solely on the missile to detect and track the target independently. Additionally, semi-active guidance can be more reliable in various conditions because it utilizes real-time targeting information from radar systems that continuously update while the missile is in flight, enhancing accuracy against moving targets.