10 Breakthrough Missile Guidance Systems: How the 8th Changed Combat Rules

5. Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM)

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Tercom marked a major improvement in low-altitude missile navigation. This system uses stored terrain elevation data in conjunction with radar altimeter readings to ascertain the position of the missile and guide corrections. The technology lets missiles follow terrain contours to evade hostile radar systems and fly at very low altitudes. Modern TERCOM systems achieve accuracy levels before unattainable by including digital terrain elevation data and sophisticated pattern matching algorithms.