Originally Posted by
Pontius Navigator
GR, why?
As the proximity fuse must initiate the explosive train before the missile reaches the target it follows that it must be in the nose.
Impact fuzing is more problematical.
It will function as a result of a sudden deceleration. It could be behind the warhead but that risks breakup of the warhead before detonation. It follows that it will behind the proximity fuse system but close to it. Best position is as far forward as possible.
Every missile I have known [OK not that many] has the proximity fuse placed to trigger the warhead in the most effective way, usually close to the warhead position itself.
I was asking because of the thermal damage to the cockpit area remains.
The explosion must have been very close indeed.