Proper way to fight WVR

[Galwran]

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

[Espéce De salaud]

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

 

shoot him?

[Deathbane]

If you merge and lose visual, you are already in deep trouble. In such a situation I either put on height and try to establish a visual on the target through a bank if I want to get into a turn fight, or try and disengage from merge to come back in later and hope he has lost me also. Both can be risky once you lose Situational Awareness.

 

I dont know what the Mirages RWR is like as I have very little flight time in it. But from Mig-21 experiences ive learnt not to rely on it over Mk1 eyeball..

[Pikey]

You will be flying your merge gameplan and will be flying to where he is anticipated to be. If he isn't there you are defending. If you cannot regain visual, extend at maximum performance, check six and monitor for spikes.

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

[Pikey]

More definitive answer from

CNATRA P-1289 (Rev. 10-12) Basic Fighter maneuvring & SEM:

Chapter 6 Defensive BFM

If you have an idea of where the bandit was, max perform the jet in that direction. As you max perform, it will make a valid weapons solution for the bandit more difficult. If on the deck, reorient your lift vector to remain unpredictable and defeat the POM of a potential gunshot. You should move out-of-plane approximately every 3-5 seconds, while attempting to regain sight by looking at your 5-7 o’clock position from high to level.If you have excess altitude above the deck, stay in the direction that you were turning when you lost sight and max perform nose-low to the deck. This is usually a good bet as reversing your turn typically helps the bandit gain a weapons solution. Scan for the bandit, looking inside the turn from your aft visibility limit forward to your wing line. If lost sight while on the bug, you must check turn at least one clock code,or 30°, in order to flush the bandit out from your 6 o’clock. If still no joy, break back into the fight.

[Oldguy]

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

 

You could try the free version of Tacview to see what is happening to you and him.

[Azrayen]

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

 

Prepare to eject or die? :D

 

"No visual"...

[SUBS17]

As a learning tool the dogfight view is a good way to get an idea of whats happening when you lose sight of the bandit. ( F5 ) This view shows your position in relation to the other aircraft and then you can get an idea of what to do next and how to avoid the same next time. :thumbup:

[Galwran]

You could try the free version of Tacview to see what is happening to you and him.

 

I have the paid version :)

 

Thanks for help guys, but I was also looking for help on the specific radar modes or close combat modes to use.

 

For example, with close combat modes and constant locking attempts you *might* get a proper lock and then locate him visually.

[mattebubben]

If you merge and lose visual, you are already in deep trouble. In such a situation I either put on height and try to establish a visual on the target through a bank if I want to get into a turn fight, or try and disengage from merge to come back in later and hope he has lost me also. Both can be risky once you lose Situational Awareness.

 

I dont know what the Mirages RWR is like as I have very little flight time in it. But from Mig-21 experiences ive learnt not to rely on it over Mk1 eyeball..

 

The RWR is actually well good.

 

Its the same style of RWR as is used by western aircraft like the F-15 and A-10.

 

So its very good for telling direction and threat type.

 

There is currently no Launch warning (You get Pitbull warning from Active missiles but no launch warning from semi active missiles) only a lock warning.

 

But all in all i think the RWR is good.

[mattebubben]

I have the paid version :)

 

Thanks for help guys, but I was also looking for help on the specific radar modes or close combat modes to use.

 

For example, with close combat modes and constant locking attempts you *might* get a proper lock and then locate him visually.

 

Well it would depend on range.

 

For close range the Close combat mode with auto lock would work well.

 

But it has a narrower search then the "normal" search mode but that mode is not as effective at very short ranges and also requires you to go heads down.

[Svend_Dellepude]

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

 

Practice!

If you are WVR but don't have visual you should consider yourself dead.

It can be a difficult thing to master but it's very important if you want to win. Make sure you know where in the sky he is before you get WVR that will make it easier to spot him, and make sure you never loose him after the merge.

If you can't see him you can't position yourself for a shot.

If you loose him it's better to run all you can on the deck and look over your shoulder for a heater heading your way.

AI always knows where you are but down low missiles has less range so that should increase your chances to survive.

[Sweep]

So, I'm merged with a single MiG-23, but have no visual. What to do next?

 

Unload and extend...

 

Turn back in after about 10-12 miles and try to merge again.

[Galwran]

Unload and extend...

 

Turn back in after about 10-12 miles and try to merge again.

 

Thanks, this is good idea.

 

To make things clear, I'm not a completely incompetent fighter. But there are situation in WVR when you just do not know where the enemy is, for example after evasive manoveurs. With some airframes, you could use a FLOOD mode of sorts to help spotting enemies.

[mattebubben]

Thanks, this is good idea.

 

To make things clear, I'm not a completely incompetent fighter. But there are situation in WVR when you just do not know where the enemy is, for example after evasive manoveurs. With some airframes, you could use a FLOOD mode of sorts to help spotting enemies.

The mirage have a Close combat mode (last patch messed it up a bit)

 

When it works as it should it will auto lock targeting at close range that pass into youre radars search area.

 

Its comparable to the Vertical scan mode of a F-15 etc (IIRC)

[VTJS17_Fire]

From "no joy" to "splash one" ... :D

 

[SNAFU]

Pikey`s #5 just provided the best tool and answer to your question. The options are limited, but in the standard situation, sticking with the "Lost sight gameplan" ist the best you can do.