Why is Radar Illuminator text in red?

[Temple]

Sorry to be a pest again [:)], but I have another one of those questions...

I'm playing a scenario and my target is displaying the following, "Radar Illuminator, Medium-Range", in red




And when I click the Contact Report it indeed says that the emission I'm getting from the contact is indeed the Radar Illuminator:



My question is, what is the reason why the "Radar Illuminator, Medium-Range" text is in red? All the other emissions text I seen before, like Radar Surface Search, have been in white. I'm sure there is a good reason, but rather than guess I thought I would consult the folks who might know more.

[RoryAndersonCDT]

Radar Illuminators are really dangerous radars! They can be used with semi active radar homing missiles. Most long AA missiles are SARH, where the missiles just fly towards the illuminated target, rather than have active emitting radars in the missiles themselves.

If you see the orange consider it as though you are getting radio reports that enemy SAM sites have achieved a 'radar lock'.

[Temple]

ORIGINAL: Baloogan

Radar Illuminators are really dangerous radars! They can be used with semi active radar homing missiles. Most long AA missiles are SARH, where the missiles just fly towards the illuminated target, rather than have active emitting radars in the missiles themselves.

If you see the orange consider it as though you are getting radio reports that enemy SAM sites have achieved a 'radar lock'.

Ah, that makes a lot more sense than what I was thinking. And I guess that color could be orange, my monitor/eyes might be a little off. Thanks for providing that info! [&o]

[snowburn]

maybe is because "Radar Illuminator, Medium-Range" is an offensive system (used to guide missiles against you)

EDIT: ninja'd

[jomni]

Ok now I think understand.
Red / Orange radar guides weapons.
White radar just for detection?

[Dimitris]

Yes, it's the difference between "just letting you know this guy is doing a radar search of the area" and "OMG HE'S SHOOTING MISSILES AT YOU DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW!!!"

[smudge56]

Lol sunburn