AIM-7E-2 Launch Delay

[MBot]

I admit this is a bit difficult to test because I do not know exactly from when a lock "counts". But so far I have the impression that when locking a target in boresight mode, the AIM-7E-2 correctly needs a 4 second delay launch in order to track. But when locking a target with CAA, it seems only a 2 second delay is required to get a tracking shot. Not sure if that is intended.

[AdrianL]

See https://f4.manuals.heatblur.se/stores/air_to_air/aim_7.html 

 

[MBot]

The manual is in no way addressing a difference with a CAA lock.

Since I am in Heat when doing the CAA lock (to have the radar scan centered) and immediately switch to Sparrow to shoot, perhaps that action is perceived the same by the Sparrow as a switch of the Master Arm?

[JNelson]

1 hour ago, MBot said:

I admit this is a bit difficult to test because I do not know exactly from when a lock "counts". But so far I have the impression that when locking a target in boresight mode, the AIM-7E-2 correctly needs a 4 second delay launch in order to track. But when locking a target with CAA, it seems only a 2 second delay is required to get a tracking shot. Not sure if that is intended.

This depends on a few things it's the guaranteed time for the doppler gate to settle. You can sometimes get away with launching it earlier but it largely depends on the doppler gate setting and the closure velocity. 

[MBot]

8 minutes ago, JNelson said:

This depends on a few things it's the guaranteed time for the doppler gate to settle. You can sometimes get away with launching it earlier but it largely depends on the doppler gate setting and the closure velocity. 

Is settling of the doppler gate of the missile concurent with settling of the launch escape zone and closure velocity on the radar display?

I will test this more, but I had the impression that a 2 second delay works consistently with the CAA Lock->Heat->Radar methode.

[JNelson]

Just now, MBot said:

Is settling of the doppler gate of the missile concurent with settling of the launch escape zone and closure velocity on the radar display?

I will test this more, but I had the impression that a 2 second delay works consistently with the CAA Lock->Heat->Radar methode.

The doppler gate is being set to what the radar is currently outputting so it will not correctly settle until the radar has.