Definition

Noun: A system of equipment for automatically controlling the flight path or course of a vehicle, particularly a missile or spacecraft, without constant manual control.

Usage

The term "guidance system" refers to the integrated set of sensors, computers, and control mechanisms that direct a vehicle along a predetermined or dynamically calculated path. It is a core component in autonomous or semi-autonomous navigation.

Examples

• The missile's guidance system locked onto the target with precision.
• Modern aircraft rely on an inertial guidance system for navigation during long flights over featureless terrain.
• Engineers are testing the new spacecraft's guidance system before the launch.

Advanced Usage

• "to be under the guidance of a system": To be controlled or directed by an automated system.
  • The drone, under the guidance of its internal system, avoided the obstacle.
• "guidance system failure": A malfunction in the automated control equipment.
  • The mission was aborted due to a suspected guidance system failure.

Variants and Related Words

• Guidance (n): The act or process of guiding; direction or leadership. (e.g., )
• Inertial guidance system (n): A specific type of guidance system that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to calculate position without external references.
• Targeting system (n): A related system often used in conjunction with a guidance system to identify and track a target.

Synonyms

• Navigation system
• Autopilot system
• Control system

Related Phrases

• To guide: To direct or steer the course of.
  • The satellite signals guide the vehicle to its destination.
• Guidance and control: A common phrase referring to the combined functions of determining a path (guidance) and executing the maneuvers to follow it (control).

Noun

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