Mode: Air Arcade Battles
| Vehicle |
Current BR |
|
Proposed BR |
| Su-30MK2 AMV |
13.3 |
|
No change |
| Su-30MKK |
13.3 |
|
No change |
| MiG-29SMT |
13.3 |
|
13.7 |
| Su-34 |
13.3 |
|
No change |
| F-16ADF (USA) |
13.3 |
|
No change |
| F-16ADF (Italy) |
13.3 |
|
No change |
| F-14 IRIAF |
12.7 |
|
No change |
| JA-37DI / F21 |
13.0 |
|
No change |
Aircraft Analysis
Su-30MK2 AMV / Su-30MKK (Reference Point – BR 13.3)
The Su-30MK2 AMV and Su-30MKK are used as the reference point for this comparison. No BR change is proposed for these aircraft.
The Su-30 provides a very complete combat package:
- HMD,
- IIR missiles,
- up to 6 Fox-3 missiles,
- strong radar capability,
- excellent maximum speed,
- strong energy retention and recovery.
Its main advantage is the combination of modern systems and strong kinematics.
The high maximum speed allows:
- higher missile launch energy,
- extended effective missile range,
- more effective disengagement after an attack.
If the Su-30 were moved to BR 13.7 , the entire comparison would change. BR evaluation is relative, and a new reference point would require reassessing all aircraft in this bracket.
MiG-29SMT
Proposed change: 13.3 → 13.7
The MiG-29SMT is the only aircraft in this comparison where the combined capabilities justify a BR increase.
Important factors:
- HMD,
- IIR missiles,
- up to 6 Fox-3 missiles,
- excellent acceleration,
- very high thrust-to-weight ratio,
- strong radar performance.
The combination of sensors, weapons and flight performance provides very high combat effectiveness in both BVR and close-range engagements.
BR 13.7 would better reflect its overall capability.
Su-34
No change – 13.3
The Su-34 has excellent BVR potential and can carry up to 8 Fox-3 missiles.
However, missile quantity alone should not determine BR.
Its limitations:
- high weight,
- increased drag,
- weaker acceleration,
- lower manoeuvrability compared with dedicated fighters.
It is a strong missile platform, but not a superior air-superiority fighter.
F-16ADF (USA / Italy)
No change – 13.3
The F-16ADF remains one of the strongest aircraft in close-range manoeuvring combat.
However, top-tier Air Arcade combat depends not only on turning performance, but also on:
- sensors,
- missile technology,
- engagement control,
- kinematics.
Compared with the Su-30, the F-16ADF lacks:
- HMD,
- IIR missiles,
- similar missile capacity,
- comparable high-speed performance.
Its advantage in turning combat does not fully compensate for these disadvantages.
F-14 IRIAF
No change – 12.7
The F-14 IRIAF is highly effective in specific situations.
Its strengths:
- AWG-9 radar,
- Fakour-90 missiles,
- long-range BVR capability.
However, it is much more dependent on map size and opponent mistakes.
Limitations:
- no HMD,
- no IIR missiles,
- large airframe,
- weaker close-range capability.
The current BR reflects its actual effectiveness.
JA-37DI / JA-37DI F21
No change – 13.0
The Viggen remains competitive but has limitations:
- maximum 4 Fox-3 missiles,
- no HMD,
- no IIR missiles.
Its flight performance is good, but its overall combat package is below newer fighters equipped with modern helmet systems and IIR capability.
BR Evaluation Criteria
BR should represent overall combat effectiveness, not a single advantage.
The following factors should be considered together:
- HMD,
- IIR missiles,
- Fox-3 capability,
- radar,
- RWR,
- missile capacity,
- flight performance,
- energy retention,
- energy recovery.
A higher BR should represent a clear increase in total combat capability.
Player Statistics and Premium Aircraft
Player statistics are an important part of BR balancing, but they require context.
Su-30MK2 AMV and Su-30MKK are premium aircraft and are often used by players with limited top-tier experience.
This can reduce average statistics through:
- poor BVR decisions,
- ineffective missile usage,
- incorrect energy management,
- tactical mistakes.
Therefore, statistics alone may not always represent the full potential of an aircraft.
Matchmaking Impact
Moving several aircraft from BR 13.3 to BR 13.7 while leaving Su-30 at 13.3 may reduce matchmaking diversity.
Possible effects:
- more frequent Su-30 vs Su-30 matches,
- fewer comparable opponents,
- increased number of battles against lower BR aircraft.
BR changes should consider not only individual aircraft performance but also the effect on the entire matchmaking environment.
Personal Note
I am currently researching the Chinese aviation tree.
From a personal perspective, keeping the Su-30 at BR 13.3 while increasing the BR of competing aircraft would make my progression easier.
However, personal progression should remain separate from balance evaluation.
This proposal is based on aircraft capabilities and consistency of BR assessment, not personal advantage.
Personal Air Arcade K/D Results
These values are provided only as additional context:
| Aircraft |
K/D |
| Su-30MKK |
6.0 |
| Su-30MK2 AMV |
~5.0 |
| F-16ADF USA |
4.0 |
| JA-37DI |
4.0 |
| F-14 IRIAF |
2.5 |
Conclusion
Using Su-30MK2 AMV and Su-30MKK at BR 13.3 as the reference point, the available characteristics do not indicate a need to increase the BR of:
- Su-34,
- F-16ADF,
- F-14 IRIAF,
- JA-37DI variants.
The aircraft where the combination of sensors, weapons and flight performance provides sufficient justification for a BR increase is:
MiG-29SMT: 13.3 → 13.7
If the Su-30 itself were moved to BR 13.7, the entire comparison would require a new evaluation because the reference point for this BR range would change.
