[Discussion] KAB-500Kr In-Game vs. IRL: A Significant Discrepancy in Lock Range

Machinery of War Discussion Aircraft
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Hello everyone, Hope Everything Good.

I’d like to open a detailed discussion regarding the Accuracy KAB-500Kr TV-guided bomb , specifically focusing on its lock-on range , which appears to be modeled significantly shorter in War Thunder than its documented real-world capability, since there is multiple versions, i would like to focus on the maximum lock range of KAB-500Kr.

1. The Core Discrepancy

  • In-Game Performance: Currently, the bomb has a practical lock and launch range of approximately 2 to 6 km in clear weather. This forces aircraft very close to heavily defended areas.
  • Documented Real-World Capability: Multiple technical sources and manuals indicate the KAB-500Kr’s electro-optical seeker has a maximum lock-on range of 15 to 17 kilometers under good daylight conditions against a typical target. Its fire-and-forget capability is a key feature, which it seems is not well detailed in war thunder.

2. Technical Data Comparison

Feature Real-World KAB-500Kr Current War Thunder Implementation
Guidance Type Electro-optical TV, Scene-Matching Area Correlation (SMAC) TV Guidance (simplified)
Typical Lock Range Up to 15-17 km (pilot visibility/TV seeker dependent) ~2-6 km (clear weather)
Key Advantage True “fire-and-forget” : pilot can maneuver immediately after launch. Requires maintaining a loose line-of-sight, negating the core advantage.
Primary Limitation Daylight and clear weather only. Cannot be used at night or through clouds. Performance degraded in rain/clouds (correctly modeled).

3. Why This Matters for Gameplay & Balance

While balance is crucial, the current implementation nullifies the weapon’s historical tactical use:

  • Historical Role: It was designed for high-precision strikes from a relatively safe stand-off distance , outside the range of many tactical air defenses.
  • Current In-Game Role: The short range forces players into the heart of SPAA and SAM coverage, making it a high-risk weapon. This arguably makes it less effective than simpler, unguided bombs in many scenarios.
  • Comparative Balance: Other nations’ stand-off weapons (like certain laser-guided munitions or long-range ATGMs) can engage from similar or greater ranges without requiring the launch platform to be directly over the target area.

4. Conclusion & Suggested Discussion Points

The current ~6km lock cap feels like an arbitrary gameplay restriction that severely undercuts the weapon’s identity. Adjusting the lock-on range closer to its real-world capability (even if staged or limited to certain maps/conditions) would:

  • Provide a unique and historically accurate niche for Soviet/Russian strike aircraft.
  • Introduce more meaningful stand-off attack options for top-tier ground RB.
  • Create more dynamic gameplay between attackers and defenders.

What are your thoughts?

  • Should the lock-on range be increased?
  • How could it be balanced (e.g., longer lock time, more sensitivity to weather)?
  • Are there other historical sources that confirm or contradict this data?

I’ve attached sourced technical references below. Let’s keep the discussion factual and constructive.
( Tell me if there is something i did not mention. )

Sources:

  • Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons
  • Technical manuals and analyses of the KAB-500 series
  • Performance comparisons in other combat flight simulators

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Thanks For reading mates!

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Ai

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I remembered to mention, There is also some versions of it with Extended range, tho i haven`t find any pics currently.

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well if you see, there is something called Search.

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this told me its 100% AI

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and how exactly making a detailed specification in-game and comparing it to real life performances is AI?

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KAB500Kr is fire and forget

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Did you even read correctly?

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that means it needs a line of sight, you can pull away immediately after launch in game

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After Locking on, Launch, then retreat, Keeping a continuous Line of Sight to the target at that range is dangerous, When you make a statement, make it factual, Read the post fully, understand its statement, and then judge with Good reasons, Thanks at least for reading mate.

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and you dont need a continous line of sight post launch for kab500??? tf are you smoking

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AI slop

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That what i literally mentioned in the post, I made it detailed, Since i did not mention the Post launch time, Its not important Since the primary Focus is on the Lock range of the KAB-500Kr.

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lol, even if you put a lines from any book it will tell you its AI.

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it wont say 72% ai still

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My Based Information relies on Part from Books, Wikipedia sometimes, And Sites that focus primary on such subjects, depends on what we talk about.

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Oh okay, Do I look Like AI? maybe an Alien?

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Dropping False statement on others Post is Not Okay, Specially When we speak about Suggestions or gathering information for specific Subjects, I respect your care, But that is Not Acceptable When you Throw it without Good Reasons.

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Firstly, Janes is not taken as source by gaijin, Secondly, share those documents, Thridly, other simulation games are not used as source either.

if you have issues, report it to the bug forums.

plus no one uses kab500kr that much anyways