I know I need to research the missiles, I just got the r-73 modification.
Learn to use radar and radar missiles, and to use RWR to do basic defense.
Play another 8000 game before you use it :)
- Stay low. Like, really low, below 40m AGL. Or you will get slapped by AMRAAMs and Phoenixes.
- Don’t overcommit to the first combat. It’s tempting to be aggressive towards the first aircraft you encounter. But while you might get the kill, odds are multiple teammates are also engaging this first target. And popping up to engage leaves you vulnerable. Stay defensive and wait for a more opportune target.
- Don’t afterburn most of the time. During takeoff and combat is fine, but you can pack a lot less fuel if you cruise cold. Plus, doing so keeps you at a pretty optimal speed, as you lock up around Mach, and it makes you a harder target for IR missiles.
- Don’t neglect the R-27ET. It’s a somewhat niche missile but having decent range FnF option is generally more useful than another two R-27ERs.
- Cobra button+HMD+R-73 can perform miracles, it just requires some practice.
- Be careful not to launch out of envelope. It’s tempting to launch early especially with the R-27ER but doing so your missile is likely to be defeated and you can’t engage another target in the meantime. So like 20km max for ERs, and maybe 3km for R-73.
- Never bomb. You’re in probably the single best fighter at the BR, don’t laden yourself with bombs.