What is a disadvantage when utilizing an active seeker?

The choice indicating "less control after launch" highlights a key characteristic of active seekers, which rely on their onboard guidance systems to track and engage a target after being launched. Once an active seeker is deployed and begins its tracking sequence, it operates independently, using its own radar or other sensors to engage the target. This autonomy can lead to a reduction in the operator's ability to make adjustments or commands after the missile is in flight.

This contrasts with missile systems utilizing guidance methods that allow for constant operator input, which maintain a window for adjustments based on changing combat scenarios. Active seekers can sometimes become less adaptable in dynamic environments, as they may not respond to new instructions from the launch platform once they are deployed.

In terms of other options, some may involve different disadvantages. For instance, being vulnerable to electromagnetic silence refers to issues faced by active seekers when targets or environments suppress radar signals. The requirement for target illumination signifies that certain active systems need a continuous radar signal to guide them, which can be a tactical limitation. Higher costs associated with active seekers compared to passive ones typically involve the complexity of their systems but does not directly relate to control after launch in the same way. Understanding this context aids in grasping why less control after launch is regarded as