I propose the introduction of a more realistic multipath radar interference mechanic for both FOX-1 (semi-active radar) and FOX-3 (active radar) missiles in War Thunder, where the missile’s effectiveness against low-flying targets is dynamically affected by its generation and radar quality.
🎯 Justification:
Currently, War Thunder simulates the multipath effect partially—missiles tend to lose lock or track the ground when the target flies under ~50 meters. However, this effect is applied uniformly across all radar-guided missiles, ignoring the real-world technological differences between early-generation missiles (e.g., AIM-7E, R-27R, AIM-120A) and modern missiles (e.g., AIM-120C-5, R-77-1, MICA RF).
In reality, modern air-to-air missiles are equipped with advanced signal processing, monopulse seekers, and filtering algorithms that significantly reduce multipath interference, allowing them to track targets flying as low as 10–20 meters above the surface.
⚙️ Proposed Mechanic:
- Dynamic multipath tracking failure based on missile generation.
- Missiles would lose lock when the target is below a certain altitude threshold, representing their radar’s capability to distinguish targets near the ground or sea surface.
📊 Suggested Multipath Altitude Threshold Table
Missile | Type | Generation | Proposed Multipath Threshold | Technical & Gameplay Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
AIM-7E | FOX-1 | 2nd | 60 m | Very sensitive to notch and terrain reflections; lacks true look-down capability. |
AIM-7F | FOX-1 | 3rd | 50 m | Improved range and tracking, still weak against low-flying targets. |
AIM-7M | FOX-1 | 4th | 40 m | Monopulse radar; moderately capable in complex environments. |
R-27R | FOX-1 | 3rd | 50 m | Comparable to AIM-7F; struggles with low-level tracking. |
R-27ER | FOX-1 | 4th | 40 m | Longer range; marginally better radar discrimination. |
AIM-120A | FOX-3 | 1st | 55 m | Early active radar; low multipath resistance. |
AIM-120B | FOX-3 | 2nd | 45 m | Improved electronics, better signal processing, and reprogrammable. |
AIM-120C-5 | FOX-3 | 4th | 20 m | Advanced radar seeker with strong notch/multipath resistance. |
R-77 (RVV-AE) | FOX-3 | 2nd | 50 m | Comparable to AIM-120B; good maneuverability, weak ground filtering. |
R-77-1 | FOX-3 | 4th | 25 m | Improved radar processor and signal filtering; solid low-altitude performance. |
MICA RF | FOX-3 | 4th | 25 m | Highly refined active radar, strong against countermeasures and low-level targets. |
PL-12 | FOX-3 | 3rd | 35 m | Based on AIM-120B; moderate performance under low-altitude conditions. |
AIM-54A | FOX-3 | 1st | 60 m | Extremely long-range, but very vulnerable to chaff and ground reflections. |
AIM-54C | FOX-3 | 2nd | 45 m | Improved electronics over A; still lacks close-range finesse. |
✅ Gameplay Benefits:
- Realism: Adds depth and authenticity to BVR missile performance without overcomplicating gameplay.
- Balance: Ensures newer missiles maintain superiority within a 30% advantage cap, preserving fairness.
- Tactical Variety: Encourages low-level evasion, terrain masking, and altitude management.
- Scalability: Allows future inclusion of newer FOX-3 missiles like AIM-120D, R-77M, or Meteor without destabilizing gameplay.
- Yes
- No
hank you for considering this proposal.
I believe this system would greatly enhance both realism and fairness in War Thunder’s missile engagement model, especially as BVR combat expands with modern jets.