Weapon's envelope

The weapons envelope is the area around the bandit where a missile or gun would connect. The envelope is defined by range, aspect angle, and angle-off; the dimensions and position are dictated by the type of weapons you are carrying. If your fighter is loaded with all-aspect Concussion Missiles or Proton Torpedoes, the weapons envelope around the bandit looks like a doughnut with the inside edge being minimum range /Rmin/ and the outside line being maximum range /Rmax/. If you are carrying a normal concussion missile or proton torpedo that targets the stern and is thus called a stern aspect missile, then the vulnerable area is shaped like a cone. These two missile envelopes are different because their seeker hears are based on different technologies. A normal missile will usually target heat signatures, that's why it’s important to be close enough to the target, otherwise the heat signature can't even be read and the missile might randomly choose one of its own- this is known as target confusion. Target confusion can also occur when 'jamming' is used.

Jamming is the use of a pod or larger device to scramble frequencies or signatures in order to protect ones self from missile locks, missile fire or the conversation of the enemy. You see, jamming also effects the com units and other electrical devices sending signals on certain pathways, so some intercoms or comlinks may not work if they are in range of the jamming. Some small fighters are equipped with this as are most larger ships, or at least they should.

Either way- the weapon's envelope is used to consider when and when not to attack a target depending on what type of missile or gun the person is using and the factors o range, aspect angle and angle-off.