Define bearing rate and its role in predicting a maneuvering target's future position.

• A. The rate of change of distance to the target over time; used to forecast closure.
• B. The rate of change of bearing over time; used to infer target turn rate and forecast future location.
• C. The angle between own ship's bow and target.
• D. The rate of change of speed of the target.

Answer: (B)

Bearing rate is the rate at which the relative bearing to the target changes over time. This tells you how quickly the target’s line of sight is turning, which reflects how the target is maneuvering, particularly its turn rate. By estimating the target’s turn rate from the bearing rate, you can project the target’s future position for a short interval and adjust your course or intercept plan accordingly. For example, a steadily increasing bearing indicates the target is turning in that direction, and applying that turn rate helps you forecast where the target will be soon. The other options describe different quantities: the rate of change of distance is range rate (how fast you’re closing or separating), the angle between your bow and the target is the current relative bearing, and the rate of change of speed is acceleration. Bearing rate specifically connects how the target is turning to where it will be next.