What phase of missile flight does the CMWS track UV radiation?

The correct answer indicates that the CMWS, or the Countermeasure Warning System, tracks UV radiation during the launch phase of a missile's flight. This is significant because during the launch phase, the missile generates intense heat and emissions that can be detected by sensors designed to observe ultraviolet radiation. The CMWS typically uses these readings to identify and assess potential threats from incoming missiles, allowing for timely defensive actions.

Tracking during this phase is crucial as it involves the initial moments where the missile is actively in ascent, and the heat signature is particularly pronounced. The use of UV tracking during this stage enhances situational awareness and enables quicker responses to potential danger from adversarial missile systems.

In the context of the other flight phases, the conditions for detecting UV radiation change significantly. For example, during the descent or boost phases, the thermal and emission characteristics differ, making the data less reliable for initial threat assessment. This distinction underlines the importance of the launch phase for effective monitoring and response.