Numerous aircraft (mostly but not exclusively from the jet era) are missing confirmed and compatible air-to-air weaponry or capabilities.
Some of these decisions, such as omitting AIM-9P from the F-100F, were supposedly made for balance reasons. Others, such as omitting the Rb 27 & Rb 28 from the J 35XS, were likely made simply because modeling the new missiles was not considered a priority.
Furthermore, Gaijin have revised the armament of numerous planes over the last few years to make them more competitive, such as adding AIM-9J to the T-2/F-1 series and increasing the number of R-60-family missiles carried by the Su-17/22s.
I am working to compile a list of missing air-to-air weaponry across all nations. If there are particularly glaring A2G omissions, I will consider adding those as well. I have included some potentially controversial options to generate discussion.
Mirage IIIS C.70 - add Flz Lwf 63/80 (AIM-9P) Would also require fixing the Flz Lwf 63/80 to have radar slaving since it’s currently incorrectly an AIM-9J clone.
F-4EJ - add AIM-4D, which wouldn’t be good but would be historically accurate Would require modeling a new missile.
ITA
MiG-29 Sniper - add Python 3 & Magic 2 (and possibly Derby), which were theoretically compatible with its Israeli electronics, raise BR to 13.7 (if Derby included)
CHN
F-100F - add AIM-9P, raise BR to 9.7 With the precedent set by the new F-6C (9.3 airframe), the prohibition against this armament for ‘balance reasons’ no longer exists.
I like the idea of adding a late version of the F-4E better than changing the current one… or even an F-4G (which I realize plays a different role and sacrifices the gun).
I think it would struggle at a higher BR with a mediocre radar, even with better missiles.
also almost every US plane with 9J should get 9P too idk why gaijin doesnt give any US planes 9p and gives them only 9j which doesnt have radar slaving
iirc its radar was improved and likely could get significantly better ground clutter reduction
and TISEO should be able to guide all of its weapons even in a full look down situation
but overall it depends on the BR, because if they put it at ~12.0 its a sidegrade to the F4J with better IR missiles and flight model in exchange for PD radar and HMS
With the FGR2 and FG1 for all intent and purposes Identical, it does present options for seperating their loadouts. In this I think the FG1 should remain as is, getting an appropriate BR seperation. The FGR2 though should get an upgraded A2A weapons fit, the question is, what?
There is actually 2 options, the first is Aim-9Ls as you have stated, but Gaijin heavily overestimates the performance of the Aim-9L when it comes to balance and it would probably end up worse for it.
But there is another option. Skyflash SuperTEMPs. Which would bring the FGR2 cleanly in-line with the US phantoms in-terms of SARH performance at the same BR.
F4JUNK… could either go down in BR or get the same buff. Thats a debate to be had seperately.
Other A2A weapon options to consider for British aircraft could also include.
Aim-9M for the [SQV] Sea Harrier FRS1. Limiting it to only 2 would mitigate this addition, but would potentially give it a reason to ever be flown over the TT version which is a lot more comfortable at the lower BR.
SRAAMs were also marketed and shown alongside various aircraft at airshows. Whilst not strictly fitted, I think these wouldnt be anyway unfair on these given airframes and could be a lot of fun. The main ones to consider would be the Hawks and Jaguars.
Jaguar GR1A should also have Aim-9Ls. Whilst I would prefer a BR reduction, if that is not fourthcoming, then a pair of Aim-9Ls would work too.
Dechirped Aim-9Ls are also a unique British Modification that has been added yet. This modification significantly increases the lock range of Aim-9Ls (only lock range, not kinematic performance) for aircraft such as the Tornado F3 & GR1 as well as the Harriers. I think Jaguars too
Increased Aim-9 capacity for the Harrier IIs. Currently they only have 4x Aim-9L/Ms respectively on the T.10 and GR.7. They should have a maximum of 6, this increase isnt totally necessary for the T.10, but would go a long way to helping the GR.7. Though I do feel like this is a “modification” planned for the GR.9A.
Tornado F3 Late is also able to recieve Aim-120C5s, whilst for now I think this should be held off until after a decompression, I do think it might be necessary some day to help it cleanly fall into a better BR overall.
