
f-16adf wrote:Granted there is no available Rafale performance manual out. And going by the F-16CJ -1. A load-out of 4 aams only gives it a DI of about 22. The 2 tip missiles are zero, and the 2 aim-9's + pylons are 22. If you look at the Mil and Max AB acceleration charts, and even the turn charts, a (and using some interpolation) DI of 22 is not going to impact a Block 50 F-16 all that much. I would expect the same for Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon. In fact, Rafale and EF may even have a smaller DI because of the fuselage mounted aams.
Even when the Block 50CJ (mid 1990's manual- years before HAF abridgment) use to mount wing tip aim-9's; DI on tips was still counted as zero.
F-16CJ drag index chart.jpg
One must also remember even the F-35 has to carry its Aim-9X's on external pylons. Anybody care to guess DI on those (since we don't have a manual)? Zero? 10-25?
I'll say 15-20. They're underwing as opposed to wingtip, and canted outward so.... going to be a lot more drag than wingtip I'd imagine. I'm more concerned with how they affect RCS. 2 more IR homing missiles is really going to help, especially if they're near BVR block 2's...
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the F-35 can only (currently) carry 4 AMRAAM's internal. Believe they're fast tracking the six option, but those 2 9x's are big either way IMO. Anyone lucky enough to detect it is in for a NASTY surprise in the event they can merge and jump it.
It just takes away any supposed advantage Russia's/China's "supermaneuverable" Flankers theoretically have in the WVR arena..