AIM-7 tactics

[DeltaMike]

There's a lot about AIM-120 tactics out there but not as much about the AIM-7. Here's what I'm currently noodling, looking for critique and comments.

 

In this scenario, I didn't lock him up until he locked me up. Soon as he did, I cranked right until he fired. Cranked all the way to the other side, firing when the nose passed over the target. Held that line, counted to four, let off some chaff and then turned back into the target, switching to sidewinder. Took that shot, which turns out was unnecessary. Then I skeedaddled.

 

Should have held my line a little longer in the first turn. I did force the missile into an S curve but could have done more with it in the first few seconds if I'd a been patient. That said, as sloppy as I am, I don't usually get hit with the first missile.

 

My idea was, keep my eye on the little bugger, maintain altitude, keep him busy, set up a second shot while he's all defensive. Doesn't always work; one MIG broke contact, took off at high speed. I chased him until he turned around and shot me in the face. Probably not smart in a Hornet; I think spiraling in from up high is the way to do it. Otherwise probably best to make like a tree and GTFO.

 

I guess. I dunno. What do you think? Am I even close to barking up the right tree?

tacview.zip.zip

[Tiramisu]

You have done some sort of F-Pole. That is a maneuver that the AI is currently not able to do, so humans can have a significant advantage. Basically you have bleeded out the energy of the enemy missile, because it always tries to get a lead on you, i.e. it tries to aim in front of you. So when you change your direction then the missile has to make an even harder turn, which slows it down considerably.

 

 

Btw. I have noticed that you used your first load of chaff a bit too early. You could have waited a bit longer. Also you can keep your opponent locked up, as long as you do not exceed the 70° limit of your radar, i.e. you can keep your enemy at the edge of your radar.

But you do not even necessarily have to approach your enemy in an almost 90° angle. You can simply approach him heads on and only break to the side when he fires his radar guided missile, in which case your RWR will warn you as long as it is turned on.

[Cik]

shoot at range where you can theoretically hit the enemy

crank

wait a little while

reverse crank

fire while nose on again

if target still not dead, start throwing sidewinders out like candy

flare aggressively going into merge

dogfight

 

 

^salt to taste with bursts of chaff and flares

 

 

 

if target is killed at any point, stop and pat yourself on back.

 

 

really, BVR strategy is very simple. much simpler generally than dogfighting i think.

[DeltaMike]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah I see now how the chaff is supposed to work

 

Part of why I let him shoot first is I want to catch him turning into me. I give up some energy this way but it puts the mig into a pickle. Best way to avoid is to go for the deck, which sets me up for the second shot.

 

The AI always shoots too soon, I imagine this might not work against a human. Gotta break soon enough to cross in front of him, if we fire at the same time Im probably in trouble

Edited January 19, 2019 by DeltaMike