Idk for me 9Ls feel very similar to R-60Ms, though they definitely have much better resistance. I think part of it is due to the 60M using a much larger seeker radius compared to the 9L. Also do forgive me, as I haven’t sat down and played the flogger in a while and the last time I did I mainly just abused 60Ms in headons
Really just multipathing helps a lot with that, but I know the constraints of that
99% of players use the F-104 to base bomb
the premium F104S yeah, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen an F104S.ASA, let alone an F104S.ASA bombing bases
Well, it’s certainly less practical than the TAF/TT F-104.
Considering the lack of RWR and Phenoixes.
That’s why no one plays them. Not good for fighting, nor good for bombing.
The few people you see are people who want a challenge.
ironically the lack of RWR is because it actually has an inbuilt ECM jamming pod instead of an RWR
It’s a little situational, you can lead R60s so they pull with the bore sight at the edge of the seeker limit so the flares fall out of the FOV, while the AIM9-Ls seem to be better at a strait up the exhaust launch. at least that’s been my experience, maybe AIM(-Ls just suit my play style better. And I haven’t used either in a while either so it could have been changed.
9Ls do do a lot better in that regard, but they are easily avoided with large cals.
Side note, I get more consistent kills with the R-60M than any other missile, not in the hitrate but in the damage output. It feels like every other missile just gives severe [for example R-24s usually give me crits (even though they’re missing a wing and on fire)] but the R-60M usually gives an immediate kill
R-60M usually gives an immediate kill
I wonder if this is related to the shorter proxy fuse range compared to other missiles?
That’s a good point, using R-60s you usually shoot at planes with the regular CMs, and things like the Harrier and F-14 have MASSIVE heat signatures, while the Aim-9L is often shot at planes with the large
Cal. countermeasures. which could make them seem similar.
Could be, but it also has a smaller warhead, 1.8kg on the R-60, 4.6kg on the Aim9-L
Skill issue
Phoenixes aren’t the worst thing you can face at 12.7, that reward goes to R-27ERs. Phoenixes are only good due to how air RB is designed, and that dodging them severely impacts your initial position, and can really harm the rest of your match.
The F-104S asa should be 11.3, considering that it’s worse than the Mig-23ML, and equal to the 11.: J-8B.
What does it matter what you face, when you just basebomb instead fight them :D
Ain’t just the 23ML that’s having a rough time.
Most 11.3s and 11.7 are in a world of pain when uptiered against the F-18s, especially the premium ones ( most are bad but are still a massive pain to deal with).
Decompression? Whuzzat?
oh no, how sad. you just described every power crept jet in existance since ever.
R-60Ms are significantly worse in most respects that matter. Going by your stats you’ve never actually flown any planes that carry them. Trust me, if you try them in a real match you can feel the wimpiness of the motor in comparison to the AIM-9L. They can be used in headons, and of course they work against anyone not paying attention (most missiles will, although longer ranged missiles are much better at it) but beyond those cases they lack significant killing power.
Because it’s hard to flare IRCCMs when you’re base bombing
Mate, no one wants to play the F104. I got the AMX premium specifically so I could avoid playing that thing.
That’s sad, I remember the time when the worst enemy I could meet in F-104S was MiG-21Bis…
I’d trade place with you lol. I want the TAF and I’ll buy it if it goes on sale
I enjoy dogfights. That thing cannot dogfight, unless you’re in arcade, to which that thing is somehow more manoeuvrable than a prop.
I don’t own anythimg from Russia on this account, (save for the Su-33) that reward goes to my PSN.
Really bad stats but check ElegantEggroll
That’s the key words here. What I say is not an end all be all. From my experiences it feels like the R-60M has a quicker immediate speed, lacking in the range and max speed department. It has poor flare resistance and cannot hold a chase, but past that it is still a really good missile from my experience