The AN-ALE-50 towed decoy is designed to defeat which type of missiles?

The AN-ALE-50 towed decoy is specifically engineered to counter radar-guided missiles. This system works by creating a false target that generates radar reflections, misleading approaching radar systems. When an enemy missile seeks its intended target using radar guidance, the decoy effectively mimics the radar signature of the aircraft, diverting the missile away from the true target.

Radar-guided missiles generally rely on continuous radar wave reflection to home in on their targets, making them susceptible to deception techniques like those employed by the AN-ALE-50. By deploying this decoy, aircraft can enhance their survivability against such threats, as the decoy draws the missile's attention away from the actual aircraft.

Other types of missiles, such as infrared-guided, ballistic, or smart munitions, typically employ different targeting methods and do not rely on radar signals in the same way. Thus, the AN-ALE-50 is particularly effective against radar-guided missiles, reinforcing the choice of this option as correct.