Air-to-air weapons - Revision history

Neuro at 09:08, 15 July 2019

2019-07-15T09:08:32Z

Foxy: /* AIM 120 SMS settings */

2017-04-24T21:16:09Z

AIM 120 SMS settings

Foxy: /* AIM 120 SMS settings */

2017-04-24T21:15:35Z

AIM 120 SMS settings

Foxy at 21:13, 24 April 2017

2017-04-24T21:13:52Z

Neuro at 14:30, 4 April 2017

2017-04-04T14:30:18Z

Neuro: /* Learning files */

2017-04-04T14:14:17Z

Learning files

Neuro: /* ARH missiles */

2017-03-22T10:51:59Z

ARH missiles

Neuro: /* ARH missiles */

2017-03-22T10:51:09Z

ARH missiles

Neuro at 10:50, 22 March 2017

2017-03-22T10:50:11Z

Neuro at 10:47, 22 March 2017

2017-03-22T10:47:06Z

Show changes

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 =Learning objectives=
 #Understand the various systems involved in air to air engagements
 #Understand the three main types of guidance for air to air missiles (AAMs)
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 =Learning files=
 * [http://download.high-g.net/files/Falcon_4_Manuals/f4_AIM-120.pdf AIM-120 AMRAAM Manual]
-* [http://www.f16simulator.net/hotas/hotas.htm HOTAS controls quick reference]
+*[http://download.high-g.net/files/Falcon_4_Manuals/f4_AIM-120.pdf AIM-120 AMRAAM Manual]
-* (coming soon) Practice TE for basic A/A training
+*[http://www.f16simulator.net/hotas/hotas.htm HOTAS controls quick reference]
 ''This document aims at giving a basic overview of the systems you will operate in air to air missions, and is not meant to be a complete guide to combat or substitute in-depth study of manuals and tutorials!''
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 In order to intercept their targets, all modern AAMs track a source of energy, either in the infrared spectrum (heat) or in the higher frequencies used by RADAR. The three classes of missiles are:
-* Heat-seeking missiles (IR): also known as heaters, generally shorter range (with the exception of more modern variants that can sometimes exceed the range of older generation amraams!), higher maneuverability, fire-and-forget. Examples: Aim-9 (sidewinder) variants, Python, Magic. Good in a merge, can be spoofed by FLARES. Some modern models provide high angle-off launch and therefore give an advantage in turning fights. Brevity: Fox-2.
+*Heat-seeking missiles (IR): also known as heaters, generally shorter range (with the exception of more modern variants that can sometimes exceed the range of older generation amraams!), higher maneuverability, fire-and-forget. Examples: Aim-9 (sidewinder) variants, Python, Magic. Good in a merge, can be spoofed by FLARES. Some modern models provide high angle-off launch and therefore give an advantage in turning fights. Brevity: Fox-2.
-* Semi-active radar homing missiles (SARH): guide on radar energy emitted by the launching platform and reflected by the target. Generally longer range and intended for beyond visual range engagements, decent maneuverability, radar lock (single target track, or STT) needs to be maintained for the entire time of flight. Examples: Aim-7 sparrow, Super 530D. Can be defeated by CHAFF and notching, causing the launcher to lose lock. Brevity: Fox-1.
+*Semi-active radar homing missiles (SARH): guide on radar energy emitted by the launching platform and reflected by the target. Generally longer range and intended for beyond visual range engagements, decent maneuverability, radar lock (single target track, or STT) needs to be maintained for the entire time of flight. Examples: Aim-7 sparrow, Super 530D. Can be defeated by CHAFF and notching, causing the launcher to lose lock. Brevity: Fox-1.
-* Active-radar homing missiles (ARH): also known as long sticks, longest range (with exceptions), medium to high maneuverability, need to be guided to an intercept point after which the on-board radar can track the target on its own (go active, or "pitbull"). Can be defeated by CHAFF and notching if radar lock is dropped before the missile goes active. Brevity: Fox-3.
+*Active-radar homing missiles (ARH): also known as long sticks, longest range (with exceptions), medium to high maneuverability, need to be guided to an intercept point after which the on-board radar can track the target on its own (go active, or "pitbull"). Can be defeated by CHAFF and notching if radar lock is dropped before the missile goes active. Brevity: Fox-3.
 Generally speaking, the more modern Vipers can carry all three types, but it's very likely that throughout your career you will face theaters where one type or another are predominant due to the factions in play or the timeframe of the campaign. As a rule of thumb, heaters are employed in DGFT mode (and are preselected by default), and work well with ACM radar modes for quick acquisition and firing. However, nothing prevents you from targeting and launching heaters in A/A mode (and is actually preferable in some instances, such as when using the long-ranged Python). ARH and SARH missiles are generally employed in either A/A or MSL OVRD modes.
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 Typically, after acquiring a bandit visually or on radar, a short range engagement consists of the following steps:
 # Set up the intercept and sort targets if distance allows, or perform an appropriate maneuver for your element if at very close range to set up the dogfight
-# Bring up the DGFT mode by HOTAS commands
+#Set up the intercept and sort targets if distance allows, or perform an appropriate maneuver for your element if at very close range to set up the dogfight
-# Confirm IR missile is up by audio cue
+#Bring up the DGFT mode by HOTAS commands
-# If FCR operative and time allows, select an appropriate ACM submode (90% of the time it will be vertical scan, selected by pressing TMS down once), or use the HMCS to achieve an off-boresight lock (hold TMS up to show the circle and check the seeker head slews the target when releasing TMS up)
+#Confirm IR missile is up by audio cue
-# Maneuver to obtain a firing position, depending on the weapon (rear aspect or all aspect)
+#If FCR operative and time allows, select an appropriate ACM submode (90% of the time it will be vertical scan, selected by pressing TMS down once), or use the HMCS to achieve an off-boresight lock (hold TMS up to show the circle and check the seeker head slews the target when releasing TMS up)
-# If using radar, confirm lock and tracking and uncage; otherwise, maneuver to put the seeker head on target and uncage the seeker for a "manual" lock
+#Maneuver to obtain a firing position, depending on the weapon (rear aspect or all aspect)
-# CONFIRM YOU HAVE POSITIVE ID THAT THE TARGET IS, IN FACT, ENEMY, and that the seeker head is uncaged and tracking the correct target (heaters don't easily drift off their intended target but blue on blue have and will happen if you don't uncage or shoot in a very close furball)
+#If using radar, confirm lock and tracking and uncage; otherwise, maneuver to put the seeker head on target and uncage the seeker for a "manual" lock
-# Call out Fox-2 over flight comms; fire the weapon
+#CONFIRM YOU HAVE POSITIVE ID THAT THE TARGET IS, IN FACT, ENEMY, and that the seeker head is uncaged and tracking the correct target (heaters don't easily drift off their intended target but blue on blue have and will happen if you don't uncage or shoot in a very close furball)
 Of course, with all-aspect missiles it's very possible to splash your targets with a frontal shot on the merge and simply blow through, but never get complacent and always clear your six and your wingman's. It's also a good idea to preselect a flare-heavy program for the merge, to defeat a similar shot from your opponent. If you spot an enemy launch in the merge, immediately call it out and perform an appropriate defence.
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 For simplicity's sake we will focus on the AIM-7 Sparrow missile as it is the most common SARH missile you will employ in Falcon. Technically speaking, the sparrow is a capable missile, not to be underestimated; however, it suffers from one simple drawback: it relies on a valid lock throughout the entire intercept. This is easier said than done, as experience showed us that the radar, especially in older blocks that tend to use the sparrow, can be quite easily spoofed by exploiting the "doppler gate", or "notching".
-Scanning radars rely on doppler shift (the change in frequency between the emitted and received radio waves) to differentiate between targets and ground clutter, as well as determining their closure rate. A target flying on a 90° offset to the emitter will essentially show no doppler shift, rendering itself a lot more difficult to distinguish from ground or false returns. In short, this means that flying on a track perpendicular to the bandit's bearing can often force their radar to lose its lock on you, defeating any SARH missiles relying on that lock. This maneuver is also called beaming (from "putting the radar on the beam", or your 3 o'clock - 9 o'clock line). mIt's very important to note that to defeat a SARH missile, you need to beam the launching aircraft, not the missile itself! We will talk more about this difference in the ARH missile section.
+Scanning radars rely on doppler shift (the change in frequency between the emitted and received radio waves) to differentiate between targets and ground clutter, as well as determining their closure rate. A target flying on a 90° offset to the emitter will essentially show no doppler shift, rendering itself a lot more difficult to distinguish from ground or false returns. In short, this means that flying on a track perpendicular to the bandit's bearing can often force their radar to lose its lock on you, defeating any SARH missiles relying on that lock. This maneuver is also called beaming (from "putting the radar on the beam", or your 3 o'clock - 9 o'clock line). It's very important to note that to defeat a SARH missile, you need to beam the launching aircraft, not the missile itself! We will talk more about this difference in the ARH missile section.
 Besides the defensive considerations, this also has an important impact on employing SARH missiles offensively. Since your target will receive a launch warning as soon as the missile leaves the rail (and, if they are somewhat experienced, they will indeed be already expecting and preparing for it), they will often immediately beam you, dispensing a good serving of chaff to further confuse your radar. This very often results in a dropped lock and a wasted missile. However, if this happens, you still hold the advantage: the bandit is now beaming you, therefore is in no position to launch a missile of his own, and if he did launch one previously, it's most definitely defeated (unless it's an ARH and you don't change heading, but we'll talk more about this later).
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 A typical Sparrow engagement looks like this:
 # Acquire bandit on radar, in RWS or TWS mode
-# Sort targets within the flight
+#Acquire bandit on radar, in RWS or TWS mode
-# Soft lock (SAM mode) your assigned target, assess distance, closure rate, altitude, and aspect. Do not go in STT (double TMS up) yet! If you have range, there's no reason to start getting target fixated with single target tracking
+#Sort targets within the flight
-# Monitor your target and the rest of his flight as distance decreases, and keep scanning the instruments as well as outside the canopy
+#Soft lock (SAM mode) your assigned target, assess distance, closure rate, altitude, and aspect. Do not go in STT (double TMS up) yet! If you have range, there's no reason to start getting target fixated with single target tracking
-# As the target approaches the far end of the DLZ (launch distance bracket), you'll need to decide whether to launch at max range to put him on the defensive, or to wait for a higher PK shot
+#Monitor your target and the rest of his flight as distance decreases, and keep scanning the instruments as well as outside the canopy
-# A few seconds before the target falls in the desired range, switch to STT mode (TMS up again). The hud will remind you to do so with a "GO STT" mnemonic just under the TD (target designator) box
+#As the target approaches the far end of the DLZ (launch distance bracket), you'll need to decide whether to launch at max range to put him on the defensive, or to wait for a higher PK shot
-# Call out Fox-1 and target bullseye over Flight or Package comms if appropriate
+#A few seconds before the target falls in the desired range, switch to STT mode (TMS up again). The hud will remind you to do so with a "GO STT" mnemonic just under the TD (target designator) box
-# Fire the missile, and immediately crank left or right reducing power slightly if necessary
+#Call out Fox-1 and target bullseye over Flight or Package comms if appropriate
-# Keep the target on or close to the left or right edge of your radar scope, to maintain lock and reduce closure rate
+#Fire the missile, and immediately crank left or right reducing power slightly if necessary
-# Monitor target aspect and if he tries to notch, be prepared to turn back into him and scan his last known position
+#Keep the target on or close to the left or right edge of your radar scope, to maintain lock and reduce closure rate
-# Monitor the time to impact timer below the DLZ on hud, scan for impact
+#Monitor target aspect and if he tries to notch, be prepared to turn back into him and scan his last known position
 As we have seen above, a Fox-1 launch is often not the end of an engagement, but a very important phase of the BVR to WVR transition. Practice how your enemies typically react when fired upon and anticipate what's going to happen. Am I about to lose lock? Did I turn too much or too little? Did he fire back or not? Should I break away and let the other element press on?
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 Proper BVR tactics are a rather complex subject, but we'll take an example of a common engagement you can face in BMS: engaging a four ship in a two-ship escort or CAP flight.
 #Select A/A or MSL OVRD mode
 #Acquire bandits on radar in RWS or TWS mode
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 HPRF and MPRF activation are now entirely based on range to target (used to be time-to-run based). Ranges coded are educated guesses.<br /><br />
 The variables are:<br />
 :*AspectSelectorSize – HPRF requires target aspect to be within this many degrees of 180.
 :*HuskyMinClosure – HPRF will not activate unless range rate is higher than this threshold

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 ===AIM 120 SMS settings===
 The radar model for AMRAAMs now includes HPRF (Husky) mode for favorable target geometries.The missile will activate the seeker well before the normal MPRF (Pitbull) range and attempt to track.<br />
-HPRF is better at tracking high aspect targets with high closing range rate. Datalink guidance will continue up to MPRF unless the pilot commands a snip (drops the radar track) before that time. During HPRF with host DL guidance, the missile will use the best tracking solution available (either seeker or host DL guidance).<br />
+HPRF is better at tracking high aspect targets with high closing range rate. Datalink guidance will continue up to MPRF unless the pilot commands a snip (drops the radar track) before that time.<br />
 HPRF and MPRF activation are now entirely based on range to target (used to be time-to-run based). Ranges coded are educated guesses.<br /><br />
 The variables are:<br />

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 ===AIM 120 SMS settings===
-The radar model for AMRAAMs now includes HPRF (Husky) mode for favorable target geometries.<br />
+The radar model for AMRAAMs now includes HPRF (Husky) mode for favorable target geometries.The missile will activate the seeker well before the normal MPRF (Pitbull) range and attempt to track.<br />
-The missile will activate the seeker well before the normal MPRF (Pitbull) range and attempt to track. HPRF is better at tracking high aspect targets with high closing range rate. Datalink guidance will continue up to MPRF unless the pilot commands a snip (drops the radar track) before that time. During HPRF with host DL guidance, the missile will use the best tracking solution available (either seeker or host DL guidance).<br />
+HPRF is better at tracking high aspect targets with high closing range rate. Datalink guidance will continue up to MPRF unless the pilot commands a snip (drops the radar track) before that time. During HPRF with host DL guidance, the missile will use the best tracking solution available (either seeker or host DL guidance).<br />
 HPRF and MPRF activation are now entirely based on range to target (used to be time-to-run based). Ranges coded are educated guesses.<br /><br />
 The variables are:<br />

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 #Crank in the briefed direction to put the contacts on the edges of the radar scope, reduce power as necessary to reduce closure rate
 #When the last missile goes pitbull (counter below the DLZ - M05 means five seconds to pitbull, T03 means three seconds to impact), break away and regain separation to avoid merging into a dogfight
 <nowiki> </nowiki>{{Nav UOAF}}

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 =Managing inventory: SMS page and the MSL step button=
--In progress-
+The second crucial system involved in air combat is the Stores Management System (SMS). The SMS is primarily intended to give information about remaining weapons and stores, switching active weapon/pylon, powering up weapons, setting weapon parameters, and to access the selective jettison mode.
 =Air to air missiles and their guidance=

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 Active Radar missiles are the kings of modern BVR combat. They are big, fast, reasonably maneuverable; they can reach far out (sometimes VERY far... reference the AIM-54C with its 60+ nm range!) and since their introduction, have revolutionized air combat. Similarly to their SARH counterparts, they require a radar lock to guide on their targets, but with an important difference: they do not track the reflected radar energy, but are steered by datalink commands to an intercept point, where the smaller on-board radar takes over to conclude the engagement. This means that a radar track is not required all the way until the target is splashed, and can be dropped as soon as the missile reaches the so-called Pitbull point, approximately 5-8 miles from the target.
-As mentioned briefly above, you will NOT get a launch warning when fired on with an active radar missile, since the shooter's radar does not behave any different when guiding this kind of weapon. It's very important then to know your enemy, and know if there will be modern fighters equipped with this kind of missile; due to the ranges involved, spotting the launch can be very difficult, so you should be prepared to "read" the situation as it develops and defend preemptively, or on a hunch, if necessary. ARH missiles show up as a flashing, circled M on the RWR, so if you see one, it's time to break hard, as the missile is in terminal guidance, very close and coming in fast and from above.
+As mentioned briefly above, you will NOT get a launch warning when fired on with an active radar missile, since the shooter's radar does not behave any different when guiding this kind of weapon. It's very important then to know your enemy, and know if there will be modern fighters equipped with this kind of missile; due to the ranges involved, spotting the launch can be very difficult, so you should be prepared to "read" the situation as it develops and defend preemptively, or on a hunch, if necessary. When they go active, ARH missiles show up as a flashing, circled M on the RWR, so if you see one, it's time to break hard, as the missile is in terminal guidance, very close and coming in fast and from above.
 Remember that in this case, beaming the launching aircraft is perfectly useless. There's no notching an ARH seeker; the only defence is to either run and climb, hoping to outrun the missile if you have reason to believe it was a long range shot, or to beam the missile (again, not the launching bandit) and break hard into it to defeat it kinematically. This is often very difficult to do: in the terminal phase, the rocket motor will have already burned out, so there will be no visible smoke trail to help you see the incoming missile. Most of the time you will have to time the break turn manually, judging by the time elapsed since the missile went active, or by how close the RWR icon is to the center.

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 ==ARH missiles==
-Active Radar missiles are the kings of modern BVR combat. They are big, fast, reasonably maneuverable; they can reach far out (sometimes VERY far... reference the AIM-54C with its 60+ nm range!) and since their introduction, have revolutionized air combat. Similarly to their SARH counterparts, they require a radar lock to guide on their targets, but with an important difference: they do not track the reflected radar energy, but are steered by datalink commands to an intercept point, where the smaller on-board radar takes over to conclude the engagement. This means that a radar track is not required until the target is splashed, and can be dropped at the time the missile reaches the so-called Pitbull point, approximately 5-8 miles from the target.
+Active Radar missiles are the kings of modern BVR combat. They are big, fast, reasonably maneuverable; they can reach far out (sometimes VERY far... reference the AIM-54C with its 60+ nm range!) and since their introduction, have revolutionized air combat. Similarly to their SARH counterparts, they require a radar lock to guide on their targets, but with an important difference: they do not track the reflected radar energy, but are steered by datalink commands to an intercept point, where the smaller on-board radar takes over to conclude the engagement. This means that a radar track is not required all the way until the target is splashed, and can be dropped as soon as the missile reaches the so-called Pitbull point, approximately 5-8 miles from the target.
 As mentioned briefly above, you will NOT get a launch warning when fired on with an active radar missile, since the shooter's radar does not behave any different when guiding this kind of weapon. It's very important then to know your enemy, and know if there will be modern fighters equipped with this kind of missile; due to the ranges involved, spotting the launch can be very difficult, so you should be prepared to "read" the situation as it develops and defend preemptively, or on a hunch, if necessary. ARH missiles show up as a flashing, circled M on the RWR, so if you see one, it's time to break hard, as the missile is in terminal guidance, very close and coming in fast and from above.
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 #When the last missile goes pitbull (counter below the DLZ - M05 means five seconds to pitbull, T03 means three seconds to impact), break away and regain separation to avoid merging into a dogfight
- {{Nav UOAF}}
+<nowiki> </nowiki>{{Nav UOAF}}
 [[Category:UOAF]]
 [[Category:UOAF: BMS Codex]]