Currently, in War Thunder, the F-16 faces a critical design dilemma that directly affects its competitiveness at the top of the tech tree (BR 14.3). By opting to install the MAW (Missile Approach Warning) system, the aircraft’s offensive capability is reduced from 6 to just 4 air-to-air missiles.
Although the F-16 remains an excellent platform in terms of flight performance, this limitation is problematic for several reasons:
Armor Imbalance: In the current BR 14.3 “meta,” combat is dominated by “missile trucks” (such as the Su-27 and F-15) that carry a massive amount of missiles. Losing 33% of offensive capability to gain situational awareness puts the F-16 at an unfair tactical disadvantage.
Survival vs. Offensive: MAW is essential for survival in saturated combat environments. Forcing the player to choose between “seeing the missile” or “having ammunition to retaliate” undermines the aircraft’s versatility, especially when other fighters do not face such severe penalties.
Technical Suggestion: I propose that Gaijin allow the integration of missiles into the pylons that carry the MAW sensors (like Terma’s integrated systems). If there is a technical/historical basis for the coexistence of the sensor and the launch rail, this flexibility should be reflected in the Custom Loadouts system.
Conclusion: Allowing 6 missiles along with the MAW would not make the F-16 “invincible,” but it would bring the necessary balance so that it can compete on an equal footing with the other Tier IX powers.
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There is no technical/historical basis for using these pylons with the air to air missiles apparently.
https://community.gaijin.net/p/warthunder/i/1np0sC5riBhc?comment=eji8g4RvKoTXLHbptFXl12bt
Do you have to take two?
Can if be done IRL?
TERMA is massive CM pod, do you have the right MAWS system there?
IDK this is as much proof as the kh-38MT has for proof of existence
[https://ndia.dtic.mil/wp-content/uploads/2022/future/Tues_EGE_24762_Ross.pdf](Link to source)
If they really wanted to not implement it, they can add in the proximity APKWS II for the pobit with the MAWS system attached. That would increase close in lethality and make it unique for top tier.
