AAM vs MSL mode

[Viciam1]

Hello guys

what is the difference between air to air mode and missile mode in the f16? 

At first use they seem to do the same thing or am I missing something? Are there any advantages or disadvantages of using one over the other? 

[Exorcet]

They are basically copies of each other. However, each will store their own radar settings. You can set them up in such a way that will allow you to quickly change radar settings like range, scan mode, etc.

[itn]

Like Exorcet said. Functionally I would say no difference, you can set them up the same way.

However, if you can spare the buttons (like the 3-way switch in TM Warthog throttle),  I would recommend to always use MSL mode for A-A. You can pre-set radar and displays for Air-to-Air in MSL mode, while keeping the normal mode setup for NAV. 

And on an Air-to-Ground mission it's even more useful. Setup normal mode for A-G (or NAV enroute, to A-G at fence in or whatnot). Then you can just use use MSL OVRD to check the airspace for friendly formations, enemy fighters etc. before going back to AG in one simple switch, and continuing with your e.g. strike mission with all the displays setup. And if you get a threat call about hostiles nearby, again your a2a mode is just one MSL OVRD away. Very useful.

After trying out MSL override mode, I pretty much never use normal "A-A mode", my normal mode is always in NAV or A-G and MSL is what I use for A-A.

Of course, each to their own and this is just my two cents.

Edited August 4, 2022 by itn

[Dragon1-1]

AFAIK, that's what real Viper pilots do, too. They use MRM override for AA, while the proper AA master mode goes unused.