How does the KA-50 identify an missile launch?

[v2tec]

I like the feature in BS3, but I wonder, how this feature is working in real life.

Whenever a missile launch is detected (by friendly, by enemy) the missile warning system goes active. How does the system detect a missile launch?

If it would be a laser lock, ok. But if we are not locked, e.g. a friendly aircraft fires a rocket / missile, what are the indicators? The BS3 doesn't have a radar. Is it the radar signal from radar controlled missiles? But this shouldn't detected by the KA-50, if a friendly aircraft is firing in a different direction.

 

 

[razo+r]

The emission of the rocket engine is what trigger the MWS.