Aim correctly with the RADUGA SH

[kotor633]

Hi@all,
I am currently working as a CPG in the Mi-24P with the Raduga SH. And I'm having a bit of a hard time finding the right way to aim. The only source of information so far is Chuck's Guide (pages 257 & 258) but I can't handle that either... Basic question: How do I use the symbolism of the Raduga SH effectively? How do I correctly determine the distance to the target? Yes, there are 2 Refence Marks 10 & 50. But how do I interpret the Range Finder Marks correctly?

null

Edited November 8, 2023 by kotor633

[admiki]

Well, it says it all on that photo. Most of the targets are around 2,5 m height mark, so when it fals between those line you have your range. Or to make it easier, once usual DCS target fills that vertical space between aiming prongs you are within range. Another way is to know width or length of certain targets and use other markings. For example, truck at 5000m mark should be the same width as that horizontal line on your sight. One thing to consider is that range can be up to 8000m if you fire at high speed, it's dependant more on the battery within missile itself(18 seconds) than the energy of the missile. You do not have to fire at exact 5000m to hit your target.

Honestly, I find the best to use pilot to judge distance and tell you when to fire. With any experience, pilot should be able to judge distance within few hundred meters. You can also switch between  magnifications to give you more perspective on range. If I have enough time, I would get off the sight to judge distance myself.

Edited November 8, 2023 by admiki

[AeriaGloria]

   Also, if you notice, the gap in the central crosshairs (where missile is guided) is 0.5 mils, same distance as the height marker for a 2.5m tall target 5 km. So you can use the gap also for 5 km range ID on a 2.5m talk target 

  Also. The plus signs (“+”) around the sight are 0.10 mils high and wide. So if the 2.5m talk target covers the top half or bottom half (0.5 mils), it is at 5 km. And if the 2.5m target covers the whole cross, it is at the half the distance, 2.5 km, which is your optimum range for accuracy and avoiding gun fire. 

  Yes, sometimes you will have to move the sight around to get an accurate range finding. This is also why I like to use the crosses below it, it is closer to center crosshairs, and at long range you often want the missile to fly slightly above the target to make sure it’s smoke doesn’t obscure your view, then lower the crosshairs on target after 2-4 seconds. 
 

   The sight display and the controller you used is basically taken from an IFV/APC, has about similar zoom as a good tank sight and has equal stabilization as pre modernized T-72. So seeing how people aim in tank games like steel beasts might help, but as Miki said, no need to be exact. Your Shturm/Ataka will fly okay from low height and speed up to about 6-7 km. Use it enough, and you will be able to “feel by eye” without needing the height markers so much. 

[bingbean]

The 10 and 50 reference marks are same size for both zoom level. So for what zoom level it is supposed to be used?

[randomTOTEN]

Narrow FOV

Edited November 9, 2023 by randomTOTEN

[AeriaGloria]

11 hours ago, bingbean said:

The 10 and 50 reference marks are same size for both zoom level. So for what zoom level it is supposed to be used?

It’s meant to be used zoomed in, but as you figured out can be used either way. Just not ideal, it’s meant for ranging while targeting for ATGM attack, which you do in narrow FOV (7 degrees) 

11 hours ago, randomTOTEN said:

Wide FOV

why you say that? At 22 degrees? 

[randomTOTEN]

My bad, it's Narrow.