The IR sensor can not be used for tracking.
It is a fixed imaging sensor that uses a wide field of field of view, low fidelity, low refresh rate processor to compare IR images with uploaded satellite/map/targeting pod data to validate the target grid coordinates prior to impact.
Similar to a cruise misisle, if the target is not validated, the weapon aborts itself.
Edit: actually not 100% sure about this one.
It does not have the ability to track moving targets and is only accurate to within 10 meters.
The guidance computer is usually pre programmed on the ground, but suposedly the Rafael can update this data using a targeting pod.
Even then, it still would be better than nothing burger.
Especially when the GPS/laser dual mode allows for initial GPS guidance and quick laser switch a few seconds before impact, thus allowing the plane to only show itself for a limited period.
The funny thing is that the AASM even shows on the radar screen as if it was a regular missile (same interface as fox3), meaning that the game definitely does have all the informations but just does not display them to the user
Also the rafale does carry basic paveways that would definitely benefit from this
Primary source is explicit that the AASM IR is capable of re-finding its target even if the target had moved, in fact the primary source is a press release after testing had been done to see if the AASM IR would still have found the target after it had moved (which the press release confirmed it did).
Given that it is vehicles that move, and not buildings/roads that should answer your question.
Also primary sources assert recognition/identification capabilities.
From reviewing all the primary materials, the AASM-IR should be capable of being launched at any distance towards a target after the Rafale downloaded images from targeting pod to the AASM-IR, for it to travel until it is 1.5km above the given coordinates (total distance may be greater as the 1.5km is just the vertical distance).
From there, the AASM-IR is able to lock onto vehicles that have moved and even discriminate against vehicles. For instance if it was told to target a Russian tank but the original tank had its turret blown off, then it would no longer be recognizable as a tank and instead an intact tank (usually an operating one) should be targeted if in the same area.
Simce there have been cases now where sources have been misused and information has been deliberatly misused like the IR only starting to work from a 1.5km rannge.
Besides that about the databank in general and it avoiding blown off turrets i would fully understand. But thats likely spaghetti code issues where it would still go to intact wreckages. Since most kills in war thunder are over exagerated the image stuff cant realy be used
It should be stated again that the IR seeker will only turn on 1.5km ABOVE the target once it has reached the “basket”, likely meaning the seeker range is somewhere around 2.5km
What’s really going to matter is what is the FoV of the seeker head and thus, how far the missile can see?. After that, If the target is still within the FoV of the AGM, is it able to adjust onto the target fully, even at the out edges of its FoV?
If the target has moved too far from its previous position, then the seeker simply wont find it.
