This test seems to originate from around 2009
It eludes to DL but in that same sentence it eludes to the R-73 having DL so I suspect that wasn’t quite the intention. At later points it only refers to being able to “cue” the missile instead of actually giving guidance commands.
It also doesn’t say behind, only that the target was “behind the wing line” (escort shot?) At 5km. Very achievable shot with IOG only I imagine.
Yep, they switched to Aim-9X with the F-18C or when they upgraded to their F-18As or something. Either way, they havent used ASRAAM for a while.
Yeah, not the best source and certainly wouldnt be good for reporting it. But certainly the case that ASRAAM can be used outside of its seekers FoV
Yes, seems like this test will at least be able to give it Maddog or whatever its called that one SAM can use iirc ?
Yep, which should be enough, just need to watch out for potential TKs. Though anything is better than the Dud-9M
2 Likes
R-74m2 (2023) is the only 73 variant with iog+ datalink, any other r-73 variant does not have do or iog. So if there’s any allusions to the r73 having dl then it’s either false or talking about something else
Well, maneuverability wise, the 9M is definitely lacking. The IRCCM is pretty good tho (i don’t think I’ve still gotten proficient at flaring it, it’s always hit or miss, especially side on). Not that IIR type IRCCM isn’t insane or anything
My point exactly.
Sidenote, this is a good read.
https://www.ausairpower.net/API-ASRAAM-Analysis.html
Not a primary source by any means but has some interesting details, like the fact that the Germans may finally get that IRST they’ve been looking for.
The thing with the 9M is that sometimes the IRCCM works amazingly, and then sometimes it just doesnt work at all. Likewise, even with its pretty poor kinematics, a clean shot, fired inside the LSZ will sometimes just miss the target. And thats if you actually get it to lock which can sometimes be a battle in-itself.
Id say 20%, maybe 25% of the times I fire an Aim-9M, they are decent. The other 75%. Im left questioning whether they are really that major of an upgrade over 9Ls. Especially in front aspect where their IRCCM just straight up doesnt do anything and the missiles just go for the flares instead of the seeker shutting off
My biggest issue with 9Ms came up when the eurofighter (actually the gripen, but mostly the eurofighter) happened, where for whatever reason the IRCCM is fully functional while still on the rail, so if I lock someone and they drop a flare, and I make the horrific mistake of launching the missile will just go full tilt 30G turn on IOG into a random direction and self destruct. If I want to avoid this I have to shut off the seeker, lock the target with my own sensors or wave my mouse around until it returns to normal. Can be incredibly annoying while trying to quickly engage targets.
1 Like
Yeah… definetly a finnicky missile
It was Asraam on the 18A/B, 9X on the 18F/G
Mostly just integration costs, the US wanted an arm and a leg to integrate it.
2 Likes
Probably also some political arm twisting to get another Aim-9X Export
If that’s your argument then remove Brimstone from the German EFT until its delivered…
I personally, do not care either way. You can A. Give everyone everything, or B. Make it historical and Germany loses the most. As someone who has both Germany and Britain at top tier, I know which I prefer…
Yeah… Just like IRIS-T, are you intentionally trying to win this argument for me?
Okay to be entirely fair brimstone is a capability gap while ASRAAM/IRIS is a dynamic. If the Ger/IT EFs don’t get brimstone that slashes their strike capability (rather significantly at that) but ASRAAM and IRIS-T are two very capable missiles in their own right, just in different range bands. Having only one does not cause a huge disparity in air to air capacity.
I would love to have IRIS-T on my FGR.4 though….
Its just a tad annoying thats all. Especially as it feels really one sided.
Like Britain’s Phantoms cant get Napalm despite being found on other Phantoms at the exact same BR because “britain didnt operate napalm on them” but F-5C gets Flares, German Typhoon gets most of its loadout, the gripens, etc etc all get things from other countries. Even the Rafales 8x MICA fit is from the Indian Rafale.
Even on the Typhoon. Still miffed that the devs went out of their way to give Britain the Mk18 1000lb Laser only GBU instead of just making the loadout 100% C&P and giving Britian the GBU-48 for a 1000lb GPS+laser GBU. Is it a big thing? No, but it took conscious effort to make that change. Sure, give us the ePaveway II instead, same capability just a different skin (which is in the files) but the Mk18? Extremely annoying.
Now my personal playstyle suits ASRAAM, so I dont mind only having ASRAAM, but if German and more likely Italian Typhoons get access to the both. Then all 3 nations should get access to both, otherwise it would be extremely unbalanced.
3 Likes
Agreed with this.
they spent a good amount of money making a super hornet specific 9M so its more than that
Well they spent that money so that they have to spend less money by reusing their stockpile of 9m motors, which are inadequate for a HOBS missile imo