What is considered the "heart" of a missile guidance system?

The "heart" of a missile guidance system is widely recognized as the navigation computer. This component is critical because it processes data from various sensors to determine the missile's position, speed, and trajectory. The navigation computer integrates information from the inertial system and possibly external inputs, enabling real-time adjustments to guide the missile accurately toward its target.

While other components like the inertial system, control surfaces, and radar system play essential roles in the overall missile guidance process, they do not serve as the central processing unit that directs missile behavior. The inertial system provides position and movement data, the control surfaces adjust flight maneuvers, and the radar system can assist in target identification and tracking, but it is the navigation computer that synthesizes all of this information to ensure successful guidance.