What does TERCOM stand for?

TERCOM stands for Terrain Contour Matching. This system is designed to enhance the accuracy of guided missiles and other aircraft by comparing the actual terrain over which the vehicle is traveling to pre-stored data about the terrain. By using radar or other sensing technologies, the system can match the contours of the terrain to identify the vehicle's position, allowing for more precise navigation and targeting. This capability is particularly valuable for low-level flight missions, where terrain-following can help avoid detection and enhance the effectiveness of strike operations. The integration of TERCOM not only improves the mission success rates but also contributes to the overall safety of the aircraft during flight.