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Thats the other major advantage of BOL. You can only see them at night.
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Ok?
Conclusion: The FA-18C Early requires integration of BOL countermeasure dispensers. Its future niche aligns with existing premium packs like the A-10A Thunderbolt II and AV-8B (NA) Harrier – offering limited tech-tree progression (with diminishing efficiency over time) while serving as a ground-attack platform in Ground Realistic Battles (GRB). Consequently, enhanced survivability is essential.
Key Reasoning:
- Upcoming Competition: Next update introduces the German F/A-18 pack and Italian MiG-29 pack. While specifics of the German variant are beyond this discussion (ideally both should have unique strengths, e.g., potential German advantages vs. superior US countermeasures for balanced satisfaction), their core role overlaps with the US F/A-18C Early.
- The MiG-29 Threat:This new top-tier premium (BR 12.7) will directly contest the F/A-18C Early. Its superior speed allows faster base-striking with napalm for Research Points (RP). No F/A-18 variant (US, German, or future) can compete with the MiG-29 in this role.
- Compromised Air-to-Air (A2A) Capability:
While carrying A2A missiles (AIM-7P performance noted), the F/A-18C Early’s maximum speed (~Mach 1.03 at low altitude) severely limits engagement flexibility.
It lacks the initiative to pursue targets, functioning primarily in a defensive/reactive capacity – similar to the A-10’s tactical limitation. - Evolving Niche Definition:
The MiG-29 pack mirrors the historical role of the MiG-23ML: RP grinding via A2A and base bombing.
The F/A-18C Early, however, now fits the A-10A/AV-8B(NA)/F-20A niche: primarily GRB attack with secondary A2A capability (F-20A being analogous to the F-5C).
The F-4S occupies a distinct position. A future, faster US high-tier premium is likely inevitable, potentially further marginalizing the F/A-18C Early.
The Case for BOL:
Given its deliberate placement in the A-10/AV-8B GRB-attack niche, the F/A-18C Early requires improved defensive capabilities. Adding BOL dispensers is critical to:
- Fulfill its intended GRB role effectively against evolving SAM threats (longer ranges, AIM-120/AIM-9 mixes).
- Address player concerns regarding value perception (e.g., short pre-order exclusivity, perceived advantages of the German variant).
Recommendation:
Ideal: Full BOL integration (optimal player satisfaction).
- Minimum Viable:Provision of at least two BOL pods.
- Unacceptable: No countermeasure enhancement.
(Translated & logically structured by AI for clarity)
Both of them get AIM-7P. The F/A-18C early gets one more pylon.
12.3 one doesnt get Aim-7P
Spoiler
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Thank you everyone, we’re now at over 800 votes! With 94% wanting BOL fixed.
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Truth
So this IR cloud should disappear almost instantly and basically useless against normal IR missiles without IIR seeker, bacause of Different wave freq, especially with active afterburner.
No, they are still just as effective as regular flares against normal IR missiles. They are at the end of the day an intense source of IR radiation which pulls the seeker’s lock away from the aircraft, just like a regular flare.
As far as I know BOL IR countermeasures are not spectrally matched to the aircraft, however, neither are the vast majority of flares. And Gaijin have not given spectrally matched flares to any of the aircraft which could use them in the game so discussing spectrally matched flares is not really relevant.
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