Skill issue.
But no really, the radar is absolutely worth raving over. I got a track on a Mig-29 at around 150 miles in 2TWSH. And yes, it dropped relatively quickly, but the fact that this is possible is amazing.
I've had it happen in the hornet as well prior to the patch. Its the sound effect of going into afterburner, only it bugs out and loops ad infinitum, rip your ears.