If it only ends up with a little extra range then given the F3 has very poor performance at altitude it would help equalise it with airframes like the F15C partially at 13.7
Though not all should get it only a few could get it.
Only reason it has “more range” is due to longer guidance time, not missile itself having actually improved flight model, unlike R-77-1.
To capitalize that “extra range” provided by 40s longer guidance time you need godlike launch conditions and by that I mean mach 2 at 10km+. And with such conditions, A/B twins already outrange tracking capability of F-15E/I or Eurofighters, let alone “C5”.
With worse launch conditions, lets say mach 1 at the deck, you gain nothing as both missiles falls out of the sky before their guidance time is up.
The F.3 is 13.0 because of its performance and it is fine at that BR without getting better missiles.
If you give the F.3 C-5s people will argue that other planes below 14.0 should get them as well, resulting in even more compression for the 12.0-13.0 bracket.
If BOL get fixed and it recieves its Phimat pod. (2 changes that need to happen regardless) It would then move back up to13.3. Moving then to 13.7 with full strength C5s I think could be reasonable.
That hasnt worked for getting anyting else R-77-1s.
The C5 has an engine upgrade. The rocket motor burns longer and provides more energy than the motor and sustainer of the A/B combined.
The R-77-1 doesn’t have an improved flight model either, just better propulsion.
Is it really an “upgrade” when engine produces less than 5% extra energy/delta v? And no, supposed “reduced air drag” is yet to manifest itself as B and C5 are flying in lockstep whenever I test them.
IRL. The C5 should physically burn for 5 seconds longer, pull 5 more G, have 0 guidance delay and have a much better guidance system to make it far more energy effecient.
It should have both increased range (about 40% more ish) and more importantly should be more potent in WVR combat
BOL fixes alone wouldn’t push any of the F.3s up in BR, it still is an objectively bad plane for the current WT gameplay.
Also, if BOL fixes were a justification for the F.3 to move up, what about the Gripen, Harriers, strike Tornados and whatever else planes that carry BOL?
Keep the current F.3 late the way it is then. It’s fine at 13.0 as is, especially compared to the Sea Harrier FA.2.
Sure, though where the F3 can also get 432 large calibre chaff to help it in addition to its 320 BOL flares. The ICE can’t. So may struggle far more at 13.7