Which statement correctly describes LOAL and LOB usage?

• A. LOAL means Lock-On Before Launch; LOB means Lock-On After Launch.
• B. LOAL designation occurs before launch; LOB designation occurs after launch.
• C. LOAL is Lock-On After Launch; LOB is Lock-On Before Launch; LOAL designation occurs after launch, LOB before.
• D. LOAL and LOB timing is unrelated to designation.

Answer: (C)

Understanding LOAL and LOB is about when the weapon locks onto its target. Lock-On Before Launch means the weapon is wired to the target and locked prior to leaving the launcher, so designation and the lock occur before launch. Lock-On After Launch means the weapon doesn’t lock until after it has left the launcher; the onboard seeker acquires and locks onto the target after launch, with designation typically occurring after launch if used.

So the correct idea is that LOAL is Lock-On After Launch and LOB is Lock-On Before Launch, with LOAL designation occurring after launch and LOB designation occurring before. This aligns with how each mode handles the lock and cueing of the seeker.