[Blueflag]

*technically* if the MISSILE locked on (while still on the rail) then the object had a strong enough heat signature in the right wavelengths. (Sidewinder)

If the plane’s RADAR locked on then the object had enough effective surface area to return an RF echo. (AIM 7)

But yes. If one of the various weapons systems locked on, the object existed.

[PIF]

*technically* if the MISSILE locked on (while still on the rail) then the object had a strong enough heat signature in the right wavelengths. (Sidewinder)

---

in one report an AIM-9X locked on.

[Hulka]

Please see Post 11 and 31.