Balance Concern – FGR.2 Battle Rating Placement

[Hanz6]

I would like to report a balance issue regarding the F-4 Phantom FGR.2 in Air RB.

At the moment, the FGR.2 is placed at BR 12.0, which puts it into matches against much more modern aircraft such as F-16s, F/A-18 Hornets, MiG-29s, and other fourth-generation fighters. This creates a severely unbalanced environment, because the FGR.2 is fundamentally a 1970s third-generation aircraft without the avionics, missiles, maneuverability, or defensive systems needed to compete at that level.

For comparison, the American Phantom II starts at BR 10.0, which reflects its technological generation and relative performance much more accurately. The British FGR.2 is essentially on the same level in terms of era, avionics, and combat capability — yet it is currently forced to fight aircraft that significantly outclass it in every relevant category.

A much more appropriate placement for the FGR.2 would be BR 11.3.
This would still allow it to face advanced opponents, but without forcing it into matchups that it simply cannot compete in, such as constant uptiers into BR 12.0–13.0 where fourth-generation jets dominate instantly with superior missiles and radar systems.

Right now, the aircraft is practically unplayable in its current matchmaking bracket.

[AlvisWisla]

F-18s should move up.
All 12.0s equally “suffer” from under-BR’d jets above their BR.

And no, the American equivalent of the FGR2 is the F-4J. Worse flight performance and less countermeasures for better BVR radar missiles.

[markimash]

@Hanz6

1970s third-generation aircraft

Date of production is not a balance factor.

@Hanz6

For comparison, the American Phantom II starts at BR 10.0, which reflects its technological generation and relative performance much more accurately. The British FGR.2 is essentially on the same level in terms of era, avionics, and combat capability — yet it is currently forced to fight aircraft that significantly outclass it in every relevant category.

What? The f4c has aim7e and aim9e with no counter measures. Itis not even close to the f4 fgr2.

@Hanz6

A much more appropriate placement for the FGR.2 would be BR 11.3.

Way too low. You get PD radar, aim9g, counter measures, and skyflash.
11.3 has the f4e which doesnt get PD or longer range aim9s.

Issue is the heavy weight of the brs above it. Compressing the brs is not a good solution.

[Beeschurger]

@Hanz6

A much more appropriate placement for the FGR.2 would be BR 11.3.

Why exactly does PD radar phantom deserve to sit at same BR as non-PD radar one?