Definition

Noun: A guidance device is a system of equipment designed to automatically control and direct the path of a vehicle, particularly a missile, ensuring it reaches its intended target.

Usage

The term is used to describe the integrated electronic, mechanical, or computational systems that provide navigational control without constant human intervention. - The missile's guidance device locked onto the target with precision. - Modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated guidance devices for autonomous flight.

Advanced Usage

• Inertial guidance device: A specific type that uses sensors to calculate position based on measured acceleration, without external references.
  • The submarine's course was plotted by its inertial guidance device.

Variants and Related Words

• Guidance system (n): A more common synonym for the entire apparatus providing directional control.
  • The rocket's guidance system failed, causing it to veer off course.
• Guider (n): A less common term for a component or mechanism that provides direction.
• Homing device (n): A type of guidance device that steers a vehicle toward a specific signal or target.

Synonyms

• Navigational system
• Steering system
• Autopilot (for aircraft)

Related Phrases

• Terminal guidance: The final phase of a missile's flight where the guidance device makes precise adjustments for impact.
  • The guidance device switched to terminal guidance mode in the last few seconds.

Noun

1. a system of equipment for automatically guiding the path of a vehicle (especially a missile)