Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

What distance away from a bandit would a viper pilot change from using an Aim-9 to an Aim-120 (or Vice Versa)? Is there a standard distance when a viperdriver would switch from one to the next depending on where he/she is (distance from the bandit)? Does the AIM-9X change this up at all?

I'm assuming that in a WVR you'd select an AIM-9, and for BVR you'd want to use an AIM-120. All and all, I figure this would be done on what the pilot's instincts are at the time, And Assuming that they have two different types of missles (ex. AIM-9 and an AIM-120)

Thanks in advance.

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Attack envelopes and missile performance. I think I could take a pretty good shot at this but Ill let a pilot answer instead.

-Aaron

AIM-120s are still effective WVR. Many variables, for example are we talking a tail shot or a face shot? Assuming heart of the envelope, I beleive a radar guided -120 is a better choice than an IR guided -9 anytime, but angles, closure rates, ranges, background (IR or radar clutter) all play a factor.

Ideally, right after you've dogfought to a draw and your opponent tries to extend and escape. -120 right up the tail.

The vice versa would be after your initial long range head on shot missed and you've merged. Crank it around as hard as you can and shoot a -9x, hopefully before your opponent does the same with his HOBS missle.

It is kinda difficult to flare off a radar guided missile. Wink

Rexxxx wrote:

It is kinda difficult to flare off a radar guided missile. Wink

This is what chaff and ECM is for.

True, but the question was (basically) when to use the AIM-9 vs AIM-120, or gun, I guess. In that case, it's really hard to flare off or tron a 20mm shell. (Yes, I know that's what jinking is for).

With a positive hostile ID, shoot him with the most effective weapon for the WEZ that you're in. If he's flaring, shoot him with a AIM-120. If he's jammimg, with an AIM-9 or maybe both. Even if it doesn't kill him it'll really be bad for his nerves. At the same time don't forget to do good BFM. The answer is It Depends...

It depends is a favourite saying isn't it? Guess it is true though Razz

Lisafer wrote:

It depends is a favourite saying isn't it? Guess it is true though Razz

What did you expect? For the real answer, ask the pilots.
There is also an opinion, that for close-in combat, radar guided missiles are not as effective as IR guided, because radial velocity of evading aircraft may be faster at these distances, then radar tracking ability. Unless, of course, you have a PAR.

Rexxxx and Roscoe are both pilots.

-Aaron

I am a pilot.

For radar missiles, if it's an older SAR missile (AIM-7) it'll require continuous radar illumination until impact. If you're BFMing that guy, guess what? You'll be pulling in his plane of motion to bring him to the HUD for another weapons employment opportunity until you see a fireball, so your relative radial velocity should be pretty easy for your radar to handle. For an Aim-120, you only need initial data for launch, then it's radar is doing the work, not yours. The biggest advantage of IR missiles in close is they tend to have a shorter minimum range and the newer ones are optimized for short range maneuvering engagements. The 120 is a medium range weapon, but it works very nicely in a visual engagement at times.

Velvet, thanks for the answers.

aim-9 with the acm mode outboard, aim-120 acm mode center position...technique only, best of both worlds

Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

When to select a different weapon in dog fight