The "All-Aspect" Evolution: High-Off-Boresight (HOBS) Combat Event

Suggestions Maps/Missions/Events
1
[Would you like to see this in-game?]
  • Yes
  • No
0 voters

Hello, I thought I’d present the close-range “cousin” of this event suggestion where instead of BVRAAM, it is based solely around “knife fights” with modern/next-gen IR/IIR missiles.

Disclaimer

This suggestion assumes War Thunder already features nations/aircraft capable of carrying next-generation Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) missiles. The aim is not to demand these weapons (and if applicable, aircraft) immediately, but to propose a public, weekend-only test event (similar to the SEAD event) where these systems can be trialled in a simplified environment. This allows players to experience next-gen IR/IIR missiles in a limited capacity before widespread addition to the game, while giving devs insight into how effective they are in close-range engagements and adjusting accordingly (if needed) for future implementation.

An Overview of the Event

  • Format: Normal non-EC RB match
  • Matchmaking: Standard RB mechanisms, with an optional “Blufor vs. Redfor” (NATO vs. Russia/China) matchmake.
  • Maps: High-intensity, smaller-scale maps. Suggested: City, Denmark, Dover Strait, Vietnam, and Golan Heights.
  • Spawning: Both teams will spawn in the air at normal altitude/speed as in normal Air Realistic Battles matches.
  • Rules: Only aircraft historically capable of carrying these missiles are permitted. Each aircraft spawns with its historical/technical maximum IR/IIR loadout. As this is “next-gen”, it would be restricted to 13.7+ aircraft only
  • Respawns: Enabled (up to 3 per player).

Aircraft / Armament

🇺🇸 USA

  • F-16C Block 50/52: Up to 6 AIM-9X Block II
  • F-15C MSIP II/Golden Eagle: Up to 4 AIM-9X Block II
  • F/A-18E Super Hornet: Up to 12 AIM-9X Block II

🇷🇺 Russia

  • Su-35S / Su-30SM2 / MiG-29SMT: Up to 6 R-74M2

Note: while the R-74M2 is indeed made for the Su-57 (not yet in-game), it is technically feasible for it to be mounted on existing aircraft

🇬🇧🇩🇪🇮🇹 UK / Germany / Italy

  • Eurofighter Typhoon: Up to 6 IRIS-T (GER/ITA) or 6 ASRAAM (GB)

🇫🇷 France

  • Rafale C/M: Up to 8 MICA IR
  • Mirage 2000-5F: Up to 6 MICA IR

🇸🇪 Sweden

  • JAS39C/E: Up to 6 IRIS-T

(Note: this is a low-balled figure due to compatibility with dual-rack launchers)

🇨🇳 China

  • J-10C / J-15T / J-16: Up to 4 PL-10

🇮🇱 Israel

  • F-16I Sufa / F-15I Ra’am: Up to 4-6 Python 5

🇯🇵 Japan

  • F-2A / F-15J(M): Up to 4 AAM-5B

Note: The list of aircraft here do not include sub-tree vehicles, however those too can use the missiles they are capable of carrying

Missile Information Table

Missile Seeker Type Lock Range (Rear) Maximum Speed Maximum Range All-Aspect Lock Range
AIM-9X Blk II IIR 18.5 km Mach 2.7 35 km 12.0 km
IRIS-T IIR 20.0 km Mach 3.0 25 km 15.0 km
ASRAAM IIR 25.0 km Mach 3.5 50 km 18.5 km
MICA IR IIR 30.0 km Mach 4.0 60 km 20.0 km
Python 5 IIR 18.0 km Mach 4.0 20 km 15.0 km
PL-10 IIR 20.0 km Mach 3.0 20 km 13.0 km
R-74M2 IIR 18.0 km Mach 2.5 40 km 12.0 km
AAM-5B IIR 20.0 km Mach 3.0 35 km 14.0 km

Note: if details here are incorrect, do not hesitate to provide up-to-date information

Future Iterations & Mechanics

I have opted to exclude Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) and Datalink (DL) updates in this initial proposal. The goal for “Phase 1” is to experience the raw seeker technology and the kinematic performance of these missiles (and if applicable, airframes). If the event is successful, subsequent iterations could incrementally introduce more complex features like LOAL and advanced HMD logic (e.g., being able to launch at someone over your shoulder, way beyond the gimbal limit of any missile).

Why this event?

This event allows players to experience next-gen missiles in a limited capacity before widespread addition to the game to experience how they play and how effective they are in close-range engagements. Likewise, devs can see how effective or not as effective they are and adjust accordingly in time for a potentially future implementation. Testing these weapons in a “controlled” environment such as this event ensures that when they eventually arrive, players are not caught too off guard at how effective they are.

As always, any and all feedback welcome.

1 Like