If we are talking about in-game F-16ADF with limited weapons, there can actually be an alternative for most likely similar BR in a form of F-104S.ASA-M.
Basically the same ASA, but with up to 4 AIM-9L/I-1 instead of original AIM-9L and no cannon.
Although as many players I’m absolutely fine with vehicles like Italian F-16, but still waiting for its capabilities to be upgraded (AIM-120 and AIM-9L/I-1 or M).
R-27ER feels better because it has a more efficient design for BVR. The R-77 doesn’t have a seeker problem, it has a parabolic death curve of energy in the terminal phase due to ridiculous drag problem.
R-27EA would be an infinitely better missile for BVR specifically. R-77 might still have the edge in WVR combat, especially within 7km.
I think the R-27EA might be a good introduction but like beyond 25km I feel like the larger issue Ive seen and felt is that not only do R-77s suck but soviet radars do too.
I would honestly be completely fine with just the R-77 or even R-27ERs if they added better radars (like the ability of PESA and AESA to fire multiple SARH I think would be a cool introduction as a different way to counter ARH missiles)
it’s the biggest problem for Flanker. R-77’s effective range is about 5km less than AIM-120 in head-on situation, not that big, but the radar is much worse. When I get a stable lock on TWS and ready to fire, AIM-120 is already 20km and locked
soo… what you are saying is that the update is going to come after christmas because we have a month left before reaching 2025, ok got it. well bois pack it up, no devblog, no teaser, no devstream and devserver this week, maybe just maybeee… next week if we are lucky.
My only real complaint with the Soviet radars is the scan/refresh. The acquire targets fairly well. I know I certainly would have more kills with the R-77 if the missile performed better kinematically.
Would a radar upgrade be nice? Yes. Is it as big of a deal as the R-77-1, in my opinion, no.
I’ll be entirely honest. I’m hoping for both the Swiss F/A-18C and the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 Block 5 come to the game this patch so Germany can MAYBE have a shot at getting:
Viable top tier aircraft (guaranteed with either plane)
Viable top tier CAS (not so guaranteed + copium)
The main reason for me is the 2nd point - better CAS.
At the very least the EFT T1 Block 5 would get access to LGBUs and not be an entirely useless platform (unlike the Tornado).
The question is whether the Swiss Hornet will come with AG munitions. I am well aware the Swiss did not buy AG munitions from the USA, but we have the MiG-29G with R-73s and R-27ERs. So, I think the F/A-18C would be Germany’s best chance at getting semi-competent CAS.
I also highly doubt the AG capabilities of the Swiss F/A-18C were removed. The AG capabilities of the Finnish F-18C were removed and it was explicitly called the “F-18C” instead of the “F/A-18C” to reflect that fact. I’m in the copium camp that subscribes to the idea that Switzerland just didn’t buy munitions and that the Swiss Hornet could get AG munitions. (Let me cope, okay).
If anyone has any info on the Swiss Hornet’s AG capabilities please let me know. I do know they never used AG munitions, but whether the electronics within them were removed is what I am curious about.
