F-20A Tigershark: BR reduction or AIM-120 implementation due to weak BVR arsenal

Machinery of War Discussion Aircraft
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F-20A Tigershark — BVR Loadout and Balance Concerns at 12.3

The F-20A in War Thunder currently features a very limited Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability compared to other aircraft at similar Battle Ratings.

While the aircraft is correctly modeled with 2× AIM-7F/M Sparrow missiles, historical documentation confirms that the F-20A was designed and tested as a BVR-capable platform, including successful AIM-7 Sparrow integration and live firing trials during its evaluation program.

Source:

Main issue:

  • At 12.3 BR, many aircraft carry 4–6 radar-guided missiles (AIM-7 / R-27 / similar systems)
  • The F-20A is limited to only 2× AIM-7, reducing its effectiveness in BVR engagements
  • This creates a noticeable imbalance in sustained missile combat scenarios

Suggestion:

  • Consider adding an expanded historically documented Sparrow loadout option (if supported by available documentation), or
  • Adjust BR / matchmaking context to reflect its limited BVR missile capacity compared to peers

This suggestion is intended to improve gameplay consistency rather than increase performance beyond historical capability.

1 Like
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no chat.

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Here we go again

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4-6 r27 ? didnt know the su27 is consider a 12.3 now…

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ok my bad but 2x r27 on mig 21 12.3 better than 2x aim 7 on f 20, and u always play 13.0-13.3 against aim-120 or r77

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cant say much as i dont i have the 12.3 mig21.

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The 7F is better than the R27R, except maybe in seeker performance (and maneuverability).

The 27R has very poor range and takes forever to hit a target, even at the abysmal ranges its useful at (sub 7km shots). Its not worth it in arb as you have to basically get within IR slinging ranges and have a lobotomised enemy to make it useful. You have to baby the missile alot for it to work.

As bad as the sparrow might be, its very versatile. It has alot of range compared to the 27R and is very useful in both WVR and BVR shots. As long as the launch is good, the 7F will definitely work.

Plus the 27R is on a Mig21 platform which the F20 moggs in both speed and flight performance, meaning your shots are already better than his just because of the launch platform. The 27R is only superior in the funny IOG radar off gimmick, but unlike the ER its speed doesnt allow for it to be broken.

tldr: Chad F20 + 7F mogs beta M21 + slow R27R

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F-20 has great flight performance though, so gun kills are still very achievable.