I noticed when using the Sedjeel on the Iranian F-14 in both test flights and in actual matches. The normal pulse TRK mode is completely unusable with the Sedjeel. You MUST use the Pulse doppler modes, The Sedjeel will not have a lock if you are not in a pulse doppler mode. Is this accurate by any measure? The main issue with the Sedjeel when it comes to consistence performance is not the missile itself, but the radar automatically changing modes, affecting the guidance.
I testflied and,… yes and no?
At a very close distance you can guide Sedjeel using TRK, but it need to be really close (let’s say 3km, didnt consider ground background clutter) and with a very comfortable shooting angle (for rear-aspect)
(double red circle means the missile see the target)
However, this feature is literally useless because the condition is too strict to fit in actual match.
The late sparrows like AIM-7M (or R27ER), can be used as rear-aspect missiles because they have relatively more advanced seeker and some has DL+IOG which makes their launching range larger.
That was my experience too. The Sedjeels track with normal TRK at super close ranges. But for the most part its a doppler weapon only. Sucks honestly. Because when the missile works, no on really expects a sedjeel launched at their face. They usually expect to the missile indicator.