Su-27SM: Ferocious Flanker!

You need to slot in behind an enemy or headon and fire last second to make use of the R-73 in an efficient manor, meanwhile the Aim-9M is extremely capable side aspect, has better range (and still efficient at those ranges) and is still… moderately capable in rear aspect shots. Only thing it can’t do is head on shots because the proxy takes half a second to arm first (unless the missile impacts, in that case it will destroy the target)

1 Like

You know better than that my friend. They’ll give you a 12.7 Idaho spud before they give fair footing. I knew that Fox 3 was just going to be more advanced missile busses for Russia.

Yeah… But heres hoping “not any time soon” means within the next 6-12 months and not 2 to 3 years now they have a missile truck with equal performance (in BVR)

The AIM-9M is not working that effectively these days. Meanwhile HOBS on the Russian Terminator missile lets you fire basically at 180 degrees, and there are videos of it doing so.

When I get back from vacation I’ll show you some cool single flare AIM-9M evasions lol…

6-12 years does sound about right. 😂

1 Like

Yeah probably… Well… Heres just hoping the Sea Harrier FA2 isnt the same BR as this thing

That’s if you get close enough to use it. But yeah if it ain’t doing that good “these days” then I have not noticed since I haven’t played top tier Air RB in ages bc of the hellhole it is. I’ll give it another try when ARH comes out tho haha

All they need to do to fix the Aim-9Ms immediate issues is the fix the lock ranges

https://community.gaijin.net/issues/p/warthunder/i/PX7CKrwWNGdr

There are other issues, like the fact the IRCCM barely works imo. But that would at least mean you could use it in headons

Yeah, I’ve found myself more and more in sim when I have the time to dedicate. RB in general is a shit show.

1 Like

Yeah, no when it came out IRCCM was amazing! Then everyone bitched and moaned and then it got nerfed to hell. Now I’ll rear aspect an F-14 of all things and they just drop a flare and evade it.

1 Like

Yeah, finding the same with the Magic IIs. Even a hot target on reheat in rear or side aspect. 1 tap flare is all that is needed to defeat them these days. I think Aim-9Ls pre-nerf (end of 2022 ish) were better than the Aim-9Ms have ever been.

real shame. Aircraft like the harrier Gr7 got gimped (especially in SB) for a capability that barely makes a difference

Probably because that one YouTuber showed you could go high and take out a team with a Harrier using just IR lol. That set of their red flags and engaged nerf mode.

yeah… My big hope these days is a total overhaul of IR signatures. I think half the problem is that most targets, especially those on reheat are WAY too cold. But that is also unlikely to ever happen.

Just dreading ASRAAM being defeated with 1 flare in a few years

Oh god :D

haha

Will not argue or discuss I see your opinion but personally 9M is unreliable and arguably that is user error but I prefer archer playstyle and it is more fun and the dogfight capability beats every pro of the 9M.

Also the archer is good at long range shots too undoubtedly.

2 Likes

Yeah, Aim-9M is good for ambushes and hit and run attacks. But in a fight, youd want R-73 or Magic II. Aim-9M just doesnt compare in a close range dogfight

3 Likes

Yeah the AIM-9M is subbed to r/whoosh when it comes to close range.

1 Like

Neither the 9M or the R-73 are bad, im really tired of seeing players pretend they are.

The 9M is great for medium range shots, pre-merge shots, and ambushes. The reduced smoke motor is best used minimizing your opponents ability to know theyre withing the WEZ, and the pushahead IRCCM is ideal for shots against players that are already maneuveuring hard, limiting their ability to actually change directions to avoid the inertial relock.

The R-73 on the other hand is ideal for very close range and high off boresight shots. If your opponent isnt pre-flaring before the merge, a super short range pre-merge shot can be deadly, and the missile excels in very aggressive 1C dogfight maneuvers, which mitigates the russian jets energy management issues. The large WEZ also helps pressure players in 2 circles.

The 9M’s claim to fame is its ability to ruthlessly slaughter players with poor planning skills and spatial awareness. Those who havent yet or are unable to grasp the concept of pre-flaring the WEZ, which gets it called OP by noobs and clickbaiters.

The R-73’s claim to fame is its increasing lethality with shortening range and large WEZ, making it deadly in dogfights in a way no other missile in WT quite matches.

They have their own unique use cases an excel in their own specialities. They also notably enhance the pro’s of their respectige launch aircrafts and help shore up their downsides.

5 Likes

Very valid post but I am biased and these missiles are short range missiles so I will always prefer a missile capable of being used in a dogfight therefore personally I think the 9M is completely outclassed.

Also I am a sim only player and find it extremely easy to flare the 9M so theres that to add onto my personal experience.

I rarely ever die to it so that is my take.

1 Like

This is great. Only one problem. You’re missing an extra seat and an enlarged cockpit! Where’s the Su-30M!?!?!?!?!?!?! Otherwise great job gaijin. I will finally put down the samurai game and get back into the thunder dome.

1 Like