I wonder if someone can give a definite answer to this question. Probably it has already been answered, and it may well have been asked by me before, because it's the sort of thing I would ask, but I don't remember.

 

When a weapon is launched, does it head for where the target IS, or where the target IS GOING TO BE? Ditto for when the weapon is moving. May depend on the type of weapon.

I wonder if someone can give a definite answer to this question. Probably it has already been answered, and it may well have been asked by me before, because it's the sort of thing I would ask, but I don't remember. When a weapon is launched, does it head for where the target IS, or where the target IS GOING TO BE? Ditto for when the weapon is moving. May depend on the type of weapon.

 

HCE weapons are generally of the 'chase you down' flavour, based on your known or last known position.

 

Many modern missiles (especially air defense missiles) in real life employ proportional navigation, i.e. they head for where you're going to be, and cut you off at the pass.

 

Tony might be able to offer better technical details of the code (or lack thereof).

I remember clearly, when I used very long range and slow weapons, as anti-ship Tomahawk, the navigation was not proportional, but it was in Harpoon Gold

What Brad said, missiles that are mid-course guidable will do the chase and adjust (pure pursuit rather than the lag pursuit I've called it before ).