It is crazy to think that this plane got its’ flight model butchered, its’ competition unversally dropped a 0.3 BR on it, modern planes with Fox-3s have been piled on top of it and it still has to fight planes with 90+ flares wtih R-60M’s on top of it all.
Let me remind you of the initial reasoning not to give it the R-73’s:
First — technical one: to provide the correct operation of the missile in all game modes it is necessary to improve code (implementation of the angle of attack sensor in the missile) without which the missile will behave unstably in some situations, such as launching at low speeds with a large target sighting angle or at high launch overloads. We expected to solve this issue by missile configuration but now we realized that we need additional coding.
Second — balance. The combination of the R-73 and the HMS (helmet mounted sight) gives the aircraft unique capabilities in close combat which in our opinion can make the aircraft too effective - with all the ensuing consequences (repair cost, increased BR). At the same time the other armament - R-27R missile and especially R-27T + R-60M - are already quite a formidable force in combination with excellent aircraft characteristics.
We will analyze performance statistics and possibly add the R-73 in the future if necessary or if more aircraft with similar combinations of flight characteristics and weapons appear in the game. In the meantime we will fine-tune the missile’s functionality to be completely correct.
First reasoning was dealt with right after release back in late 2022.
Second? Is there some hidden statistics that MiG-29 players dominate games with >60% win rates?
How long this injustice is going to continue? MiG-29 without R-73 is like Tomcat without Phoenixes.
Take away the ahistorical R-27ER in exchange and introduce a foldered 1987+ version with 27ER and better air-to-ground capabilities at 13.0 inbetween 9-13 and SMT.