Need some help with MiG-29 weapons systems.

I was able to use the downloaded version of the manual for most everything else, but it only lists the weapons it can use, not how to use them.

By looking at the controls in the options menu I know what I'm switching to, but I don't have any clue how to use them, for example:

(2) Beyond Visual Range Mode

(3) Close Air Combat Vertical Scan Mode

(4) Close Air Combat Bore Mode

(5) Close Air Combat HMD Helmet Mode

etc etc...

How would I go about using these and in what situations? I've honestly only played the A-10 extensively so I don't even have much air-to-air experience to begin with. Thanks for any clarification on the subject.

You can download the video tutorial from ED's official webpage... And then watch them.

There is no video tutorial for the MiG-29. Only the downloadable manual, which has nothing on combat.

Some info and videos here

http://flankertraining.com/ironhand/news.html

http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/video/

There is no video tutorial for the MiG-29. Only the downloadable manual, which has nothing on combat.

As far as I know, Mig-29 is pretty similar to Su-27 in many respects, including the weapon and control system. So you can simply watch the Su-27 tutorial.

Please see replies below, note that all modes can be operated the same way using the radar, EOS system or both:

I was able to use the downloaded version of the manual for most everything else, but it only lists the weapons it can use, not how to use them.

 

By looking at the controls in the options menu I know what I'm switching to, but I don't have any clue how to use them, for example:

 

(2) Beyond Visual Range Mode--->Look at your MFD screen on the top right side of the cockpit. It actually gives you a top view of what the cone of your radar is seeing. You have to set the right parameters according to your needs in a given situation (best it to assign these key commands to your joystick/ HOTAS system):

 

• Radar mode: Use RWS (default mode) until you get the hang of it, then start experimenting with TWS mode - supposed to let you track and fire on 2 multiple targets at the same time -
  
• Pulse frequency : set it to 'HI' for incoming threats, to "ILV" if not sure about their aspect, to 'MED' if your chasing somebody.
  
• Display Range: Set to 64km, 128km is pointless in a MiG as the radar wont see much from far away, unless it's a large target.
  
• Control the elevation and azimuth of the radar while scanning for targets - remember it's like using a torch in the dark - you'll cover much more space further away the light source. Also use BRAA calls from AWACS if available.
  

(3) Close Air Combat Vertical Scan Mode---->You'll see 2 vertical lines coming down your HUD. Maneuver your aircraft so that you end up putting visually the target between those lines - keep in mind that the antenna will actually scan well above your head so you can lock up a target even if it's outside of the HUD providing it's on the same axis - this mode is very handy during horizontal turning fights or when you can't get a tally on someone flying somewhere ahead of you and overhead.

(4) Close Air Combat Bore Mode: Same as the vertical scan mode but the scanning cone will have a wider azimuth and shorter vertical coverage - refer to the manual for exact numbers. This mode is useful when you want to scan wider ahead of you to pick the closest - most dangerous- target.

 

(5) Close Air Combat HMD Helmet Mode: Coolest mode and designed specifically for the R-73 off-bore missile. All you need to do it so turn you head, look at your target by putting it inside the circle, lock it up and fire your R-73. The more you reduce the off-bore angle, the better will be your chances specially against agile fighters.

 

How would I go about using these and in what situations? I've honestly only played the A-10 extensively so I don't even have much air-to-air experience to begin with. Thanks for any clarification on the subject.

Hope that helps.

Thank you very much for the assistance. All the info has helped vastly. Now I've managed to get up in the air on an easy AI mission consisting of 2 A-10s as my opposition...Using only my R-27Rs to practice with the BVR I can't quite take even these 2 on. First of all, the encyclopedia in the game claims the R-27R has a range of 50 km. When I went up against the A-10s, the BVR didn't give me permission to fire until roughly 11 km away (6.3 nm). Now I can understand maybe the info given in the encyclopedia would be a tiny bit exaggerated, but it's saying I can't fire until they're about to fire AIM-9s at me...

I imagine there are factors in this: things like altitude, the fact that the A-10s are somehow able to jam me etc. But could someone help me make some sense out of this extremely short range of what is supposed to be a much longer range weapon?

The R-27R has a maximum range of 35km at 10000m with shooter at 1100kph and target at 900kph, IIRC. That's head-on range.

As you can probably imagine, the range is much shorter at low altitude, down to a third of that range or less.

AIM-9's are going to have even shorter range.

This is the R-27R1 range table from the operator's manual.

Thank you very much for the assistance. All the info has helped vastly. Now I've managed to get up in the air on an easy AI mission consisting of 2 A-10s as my opposition...Using only my R-27Rs to practice with the BVR I can't quite take even these 2 on. First of all, the encyclopedia in the game claims the R-27R has a range of 50 km. When I went up against the A-10s, the BVR didn't give me permission to fire until roughly 11 km away (6.3 nm). Now I can understand maybe the info given in the encyclopedia would be a tiny bit exaggerated, but it's saying I can't fire until they're about to fire AIM-9s at me...

 

I imagine there are factors in this: things like altitude, the fact that the A-10s are somehow able to jam me etc. But could someone help me make some sense out of this extremely short range of what is supposed to be a much longer range weapon?

Thank you very much for the assistance. All the info has helped vastly. Now I've managed to get up in the air on an easy AI mission consisting of 2 A-10s as my opposition...Using only my R-27Rs to practice with the BVR I can't quite take even these 2 on. First of all, the encyclopedia in the game claims the R-27R has a range of 50 km. When I went up against the A-10s, the BVR didn't give me permission to fire until roughly 11 km away (6.3 nm). Now I can understand maybe the info given in the encyclopedia would be a tiny bit exaggerated, but it's saying I can't fire until they're about to fire AIM-9s at me...

 

I imagine there are factors in this: things like altitude, the fact that the A-10s are somehow able to jam me etc. But could someone help me make some sense out of this extremely short range of what is supposed to be a much longer range weapon?

Glad you found it useful. As for the R-27R, range is all relative to many factors as GG said, though I wouldn't pick that missile for my first BVR steps. Try at least the R-27ER, that will give you much more room to play with the radar settings I've mentioned above. As you get more confident, you can move to less forgiving missiles like AIM-7 and R-27R. If you want to stick to that missile, then make sure to start with a significant altitude and speed advantage, that will give a much earlier LA. Don't forget to dive below your target once you launch as it's a semi active radar homing missile thus needs your own radar support all the way through.

 

Radar mode: Use RWS (default mode) until you get the hang of it, then start experimenting with TWS mode - supposed to let you track and fire on 2 multiple targets at the same time

Mind you he did say "MiG-29" and if this is the specific version(9-12) that he is referring to, then the above mentioned TWS functionality isn't available(only for MiG-29S) and...

As for the R-27R, range is all relative to many factors as GG said, though I wouldn't pick that missile for my first BVR steps. Try at least the R-27ER, that will give you much more room to play with the radar settings I've mentioned above.

...the R-27R is the only BVR missile option - i.e. no R-27ER and no R-77 :)

I think they added the ER to the 9.12 in-game now :)

Yes Alfa is right, engaging 2 targets simultaneously is available on the S version only. Same goes for the R-27ER and the R-77.

Though Pajeezy mentioned 'MiG-29" so to me, it means regardless of the version, so I recommended the S version which appears to be the most suitable for a new comer.

I think they added the ER to the 9.12 in-game now :)

What?! - thats sacrilege! :D

Yes Alfa is right, engaging 2 targets simultaneously is available on the S version only. Same goes for the R-27ER and the R-77.

Though Pajeezy mentioned 'MiG-29" so to me, it means regardless of the version, so I recommended the S version which appears to be the most suitable for a new comer.

Yeah I realise that mate - just thought I would mention it in case Pajeezy was tackling the 9-12 and got confused about not finding the -ER in the payload options :) .

Yeah I realise that mate - just thought I would mention it in case Pajeezy was tackling the 9-12 and got confused about not finding the -ER in the payload options :) .

Good call Alfa :thumbup:

Thanks a bunch guys! All have been very helpful and not a single "noob" comment :D