SA-7 / 9K32 Strela-2, making one out of SA-18 Ilga

[Richrach]

For those of you lamenting the lack of a representative for the SA-7, here is a temporary work around until DCS can make one.  I have tested this and it works for the most part against jets.  I am not a helo bubba so the jury will have to be out on that until someone else looks at it.

STARTING POINT:

MANPADS SA-18 Ilga "Grouse" (***NOTE: NOT the "Ilga-S"***)

 

Set Advanced (Waypoint Actions):  1. Interception range = 33%, 2. ALARM STATE = RED state

Create Trigger Zone = Circular, 6000 feet (for this example, called "Strela Zone") over threat

 

In Triggers:

4 MISSION START (Start condition) / [Conditions] ALL OF COALITION OUT OF ZONE (Side, Strela Zone, ALL) / [Actions] UNIT AI OFF (Ilga unit)

1 ONCE (Activate, NO EVENT) / [Conditions] UNIT INSIDE ZONE (Friendly unit, Strela zone), UNIT'S AGL ALTITUDE LOWER THAN (Friendly unit, 4000), UNIT'S SPEED LOWER THAN (Friendly unit, 154.166 {300 KTS), UNIT'S AGL ALTITUDE HIGHER THAN (Friendly unit, 500) / [Actions]  UNIT AI ON (Ilga unit)

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This should result in the following:

1. Forward hemisphere shots will still happen.  However, a) they will be later, and b) almost always be unguided (very wide shots)

2. Trailing aspect shots will be initiated later, giving the chance to use flares (which seem to work better with these parameters.  Why is unknown)

3. Overflight is possible above 4000 AGL (reality, especially for fast movers)

4. The delay time built into the AI OFF command replicates the time to get ready, acquire, and fire missile.  These missiles take time to prepare.  They just do not sit there, waiting to shoot.

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NOTES:

1. For rear aspect shots, the missile will still follow you out of the actual range of an SA-18.  I have no way to fix this other than to reduce the overall Trigger Zone.

2. Yes, 300 KTS is well lower than the SA-7's actual intercept capability.  This number was used to shape the envelope better.  Using the published intercept speeds results in an unrealistic threat, the whole reason for this exercise.  Why this number works and others do not?  I do not know.

3. Red state negates accurate forward quarter shots with the 6000 foot trigger zone.

3. There seems to be a sweet spot between 350-400 KIAS on the targeted aircraft.  Going faster or slower than this invites the SA-7 to shoot sooner and with more accuracy.  Above 430 KIAS you will be back into Ilga forward quarter shot parameters.

I have run this set-up in my missions now and it is pretty close.  Pre-emptive flares seem to work much better and often will keep the missile in the tube.  Your mileage may vary.

 

This is the best I can do given what we have to work with.  Perhaps another enterprising sim pilot can improve on my efforts?