AIM-7M chaff sensitivity/AI ability to notch SARH

[Noctrach]

I'm not sure if this is pure chaff simulation in singleplayer or the AI's ungodly ability to notch SARH missiles, but the AIM-7M has abysmal performance against chaffing AI when launched outside of 4-5 miles.

Missiles launched at high mach, medium altitude, at ranges between 7 and 11 miles against MiG-29s and F-5s have a Pk that is very close to 0%. Attached are 24 such launches. Missiles were launched low to high to prevent aircraft radar being notched at any point.

Disabling chaff on AI brings these same shots up to a kill probability of nearly 100%.

I think a root cause of the issue here is that AI has perfect awareness of the exact angle it needs to fly to notch a SARH (non-emitting) missile. Where it should only have accurate knowledge of the launch platform radar. This negates any BVR tactics like diving down to prevent look-down notching, as the large amount of dropped chaff coupled with a guaranteed split-second missile notch leads to immediate and permanent decoying.

AIM7Chaff5.trk AIM7Chaff3.trk AIM7Chaff4.trk AIM7Chaff.trk AIM7Chaff2.trk AIM7Chaff6.trk

Edited November 18, 2022 by Noctrach

[Exorcet]

Yes, I agree that there is a problem here. I think it comes down to over effectiveness of chaff in DCS for the most part.

[Northstar98]

3 hours ago, Exorcet said:

Yes, I agree that there is a problem here. I think it comes down to over effectiveness of chaff in DCS for the most part.

Or maybe the whole modelling of it, i.e (as I'm sure you're aware) like flares but for radar guided missiles, just using a dice roll.