Of course, which is why we will need to make reports on it.
This article, while it is not a valid source, highlights some key differences between Fakour-90 and Phoenix. It provides us an insight with which to look for in other sources.
In 2013 a never before seen yet familiar air to air missile, the Fakour-90, was displayed and bore a strong resemblance to the AIM-54. The new missile boasted several improvements over the original Phoenix missile which it was clearly based on including a superior guidance system, new electronic warfare countermeasures and an enhanced range. The new guidance system was approximately 30% smaller, and based on the reduced weight of the more modern systems and potential for added propellants the missile’s range was estimated at 220-300km. The Fakour’s guidance system was reportedly similar to that used on the Mersad surface to air missile.
What we can expect here is better guidance system, better range, reduced weight. But this is speculation for now.
I can provide them pictures of alert aircrafts on multiple occasions years later, but they will just use the picture from the physical pylon and say it was compatible …
Boost-sustain motor for the initial Fakour-90 with 25-32 second total burn time. Source
From the MIM-23B the missile had M112 type dual-thrust rocket engine; after 5 seconds of initial very high thrust in the traveling phase for 21 seconds provided smaller thrust but the total impulse of the engine became higher. Source
~5 seconds boost- ~21 second sustain rocket motor. Source 1 Source 2
Source 2 states the total motor mass as 416kg. Confirms total propellant mass as ~290kg. Source 3
The initial HAWK rocket motor “M22E8” has 281kg of propellant as opposed to the AIM-54’s 170.55kg.
The M112 improved hawk rocket motor (used on the Fakour-90) has even more at 294.835kg. Source
Although this source also states the AIM-54A to have a total propulsion section explosive net weight of 208.199kg. This is still a 41.6% increase in propellant quantity over the AIM-54A according to the explosive’s book.
The grain pattern and cross section of the M-112 HAWK missile motor. Source
It can be assumed that since the Mk56 used on the AIM-7F is manufactured at the same facility and with similar tooling as the M112 that they use the same or similar propellant and have similar ISP. Source
I have not read into this source much yet as the quality of the scan is poor but it seems to have propellant properties and composition. @DirectSupport
Assessment:
The Fakour-90 has a higher weight than the Phoenix at 1,405 pounds (637.3kg) vs 443.6kg for the AIM-54A. This is a 43.6% increase in weight but this is all mostly additional propellant. There is 41.6% more propellant than the AIM-54A.
That is not even up for debate, the exact propellant mass is known thanks to the Fuji marines site. That should be considered a primary source for propellant weights. 294.835kg total explosive mass. That is probably 290kg of propellant and 4.835kg for the detonator / igniter.
Reminder that the AIM-54 theyd be basing this on is the old analogue AIM-54A, and last i checked, you’ve argued heavily against fixing the AIM-54C’s guidance despite it ALSO having a completely new guidance system
Also, as per the bug report, the F90 is almost 50% heavier than the AIM-54A/C, and almost every source I’ve seen gives it LESS range than an AIM-54A, never mind a 54C with its improved guidance and optimized lofting which aren’t even present in-game. Its more of a Hawk with AIM-54 control surfaces than an actual AIM-54 analogue.
