SAM Evasion

[kraszus]

I get shot down all the time by SAMs in the F-16 so I made a mission to practice with an SA-2 about 20 miles from me. I chose the SA-2 as I thought it would be an easy one to evade (Vietnam era missile). Watched a few youtube videos on SAM Evasion and tried to implement their tactics by notching, beaming, diving and chaff use. Still get hit by this SA-2 every time no matter what I do. 

So, I did a little research on the forums and hoggit. It would appear, according to some, that the SA-2 simulated in DCS is a lethal variant and very difficult to evade. So what SAM system would be a good one to practice with? SA-6?

Also, any pointers for SAM evasion appreciated.

[razo+r]

Different SAMs have different capabilities. If you just want to train to notch, get an old system, something like a SA-8 or similar. If you want a more ressistant one, get a newer one. What you can also do is set yourself to immortal and set up multiple SAMs a bit spread out, so you can check what works with which one the best.

And a few tips to evading SAM missiles:

1) Make sure your RWR is on and working. 

2) It may be a controversial tip, but don't get shot at in the first place. It doesn't matter how maneuverable your aircraft is or how good of a pilot you are. If you don't get shot at, the risk to die is significantly lower. Depending on what your focus is, trying to fly realistic / stay alive at all costs or having as many lights on and warning sounds playing, this tip may or may not be for you.

3) Dive behind cover. Solid ground between you and the radar makes up for good cover.

4) Place the enemy radar on your 3/9 line, dump chaff and dive to the ground. If enough chaff is dumped, your chances of survival rise. If the missile is not too maneuverable, you can also pull into the missile. Some missiles also can be avoided by simply flying fast (SA-19).

5) This is a very big DCSism but if you fly below like 10m, SAM systems cannot and will not engage you and missiles in the air will self destruct.

[Mike_Romeo]

15 hours ago, kraszus said:

I get shot down all the time by SAMs in the F-16 so I made a mission to practice with an SA-2 about 20 miles from me. I chose the SA-2 as I thought it would be an easy one to evade (Vietnam era missile). Watched a few youtube videos on SAM Evasion and tried to implement their tactics by notching, beaming, diving and chaff use. Still get hit by this SA-2 every time no matter what I do. 

So, I did a little research on the forums and hoggit. It would appear, according to some, that the SA-2 simulated in DCS is a lethal variant and very difficult to evade. So what SAM system would be a good one to practice with? SA-6?

Also, any pointers for SAM evasion appreciated.

I recommend you to get Tacview so you can watch what went wrong (its free) https://www.tacview.net/
 

What Helped me with SAM evasion was also watching Growling Sidewinders guides:
 

 

 

[poochies]

great videos it's odd with beaming and chaff that the missiles would select another target ( chaff) and not stay locked to the first contact.....never understood that

[Vettecor]

You should watch the AI aircraft in multiplayer. They simply just pop chaff/flare and 99% of the time they don't hit. Sometimes its impossible to take off from a FARP in a helo with enemy fighters flying right over it. I just wait and watch the F10 map/F2 view the enemies. Every damn missile misses. Maybe you could fly as an AI.

Edited February 20, 2024 by Vettecor

[Gunfreak]

Shouldn't really be a problem. Even the SA-6 can generally notched easily enough.