How Big of a Gap is there Between PL12 and RVV-AE (R-77)

Machinery of War Discussion Aircraft
,
1

Hey everyone,

So, I just had a small brain moment and ended up buying the Su-30MK2AMV instead of the Su-30MKK. Yes… I know. Don’t ask. 😅

Now I’m trying to figure out how much this actually matters in practice.

From what I understand, the main difference missile-wise is:

  • MKK → PL-12
  • MK2AMV → RVV-AE

I know on paper the PL-12 tends to have better range/energy retention, but I’m more interested in how it feels in actual Air RB matches.

To ask more bluntly, is the gap:

  • Minor and mostly theoretical?
  • Noticeable but manageable?
  • Or actually significant in current top-tier BVR meta?

Basically, should I genuinely regret this or is the RVV-AE still competitive enough that it’s not worth being upset over?

Would really appreciate input from people who’ve played both.

Thanks!

2

actually mkk can take both pl-12 and rvv-ae.
But anyways…

rvv-ae is noticably better within like off-bore 2 - 5 km due to better turning. Outside of that, pl-12 is just straight up better because it has better aceleration and range.

So essentially, if you like bvr more, people take the pl-12. But, if you like shot gunning people from super close range, rvv-ae is better.

OFC since you got the su-30mk2 Venezuelan one, you can’t use pl-12s. But overall, for most people pl-12 would be better.

For me though, I like rvv-ae better cause of the shot gunning

yeah, you’re still in probably the second best 13.3 in the entire game, so no need to worry with rvv-ae. either su-30 is worth it

1 Like
3

Thank you! From your comment I understand that R-77 only has an advantage at ranges that could be considered more optimal for IR missiles anyways. How superior is the PL12 in terms of effectiveness in medium range? Is it actually noticeable?

1 Like
4

The best way I can explain it is the PL-12 is basically a prenerf AMRAAM with about ~10km worse range (From 45km shot) so it pulls decently well and has better range than the R-77.

The R-77 is its own thing. Much better pull but using it beyond 20km isn’t very smart.

Use majority R-77s and 2 PL-12s. Use them for BVR or for kills where extreme HOB isn’t needed.

Just remember any shot you need to take that requires a PL-12 can also be taken by a R-27ER and probably to a more effective rate.

1 Like
5

The gap will be noticeable in the early stage of the game if you’re trying to contest at long range, where the R-77 will be easier to defeat via it’s speed bleed whereas the PL-12 might force you to notch, but as the game devolves into a furball it’ll even out.
The MKK is better by virtue of having the option of mounting both missile, but it’s not to a point where it’ll significantly impact the performance.

6

MKK has both russian and chinese domestic missiles.

as well as PL-8B

That highly depends on how you play it.

Ive tried all the missile combos MKK offers.

Id say R-77s arent bad, but PL-12s are better by the grace of being the middle ground between AIM-120A/B and R-77.

Over AMRAAM they have much better pull at the cost of worse range.

Over R-77 they have much better range at the cost of worse pull.

Optimally you would carry both but I already carry 4x PL-12s, 4x PL-8Bs and 2x R27ETs, and I dont know if I can be bothered with another missile option.

The thing is, current top tier isnt BVR meta.

The best performing plane by far for quite a long time now has been the french Rafale, and MICAs are much closer in performance to R-77 than they are to AMRAAMs.

1 Like