Trigger doesn't launch a missile from time to time

[Viking 1-1]

Hey guys,

while practicing A2A I ran into the issue that after I launched the first two missiles my trigger doesn't work anymore.

Even switching to heaters does not release a missile.

After a while (couple of minutes) the trigger works as intended, but it is very strange.

Can somebody tell me what (if) I'm doing wrong or if this is somehow intended.

 

Cheers.

[Ramstein]

I often find you cannot give a long squeeze, you have to give it a quick push and release. But I also suspect it depends on the stick you use. Not sure if I can change the time of the push release on my Warthog, used to do that on my old Saitek, down to .01 seconds.

[Grundar]

It can also be dependent on various factors and parameters; this can include; the type and variant of missile, the radar mode in use, the hardpoint location of the missiles and your switchology assignment. 

- If you have a two stage trigger it can seemingly bug out sometimes. You could try and bind an additional button and use that instead to see if it is simply a physical trigger/button issue.

- Also double check you aren't accidentally deactivating the missiles selected - ie accidentally switching from Radar to HEAT or Guns by accidentally moving a switch on the throttle/stick or have accidentally something double bound.

- Depending on the AIM-7 type you may find you have to adjust your standard missile attack, for example the AIM-7E has a relatively poor seeker and is poor in close in encounters. Where as an AIM7-E2 has reduced energy retention, a poor seeker, but is more effective in dogfighting.

- Radar missiles, regardless of the variant of the AIM-7 for the F-4E, requires 3 parameters to be able to launch: 

1. The Target needs to be in the range of the missile
2. The Target aim dot needs to be within the Allowable Steering Error (ASE) circle on the radar display.
3. The Radar should be in A-A mode and out of visual intercept (VI) mode and not in air to ground mode

- If these parameters are met you will see the corresponding warning lights illuminate and the Shoot illumination begin flashing indicating you are in the correct parameters to launch.  If they are not flashing there is an issue with Step 1 - 3 usually, though it could also be due to something like a Centre line tank or MERS preventing launch from Forward Stations 1 and 2.

- You can also turn the Interlocks out which will allow you to shoot the missile regardless of parameters set in steps 1 - 3.

Relevant link; https://f4.manuals.heatblur.se/stores/air_to_air/aim_7.html