AA missiles... Seeker/Launch range Guidance...

[Snailman]

I tried but failed to figure out the relation between launch range and seeker range... In most cases these values are equal in stock data files, except one or two soviet missiles (originally intended for AI use)... But in most custom add ons, the seeker range is set to smaller values than launch range - as I notices soviet missiles only.

Might I ask, what is the point in this? Is there a game feature or AI skill that needs such values? For a players it causes problems, because all missiles launched ourside seeker range are automatic miss...

An here comes the thought, what is the difference in game terms, between beam riding and SAHM missile guidances...?

both need the target locked, both cases the missile fails if the lock breaks. In both cases, and also for IR missiles, missiles launched outside seeker range will fail.

As a conclusion, I can't say SAHM is a working concept here... please correct me if I'm wrong..

 

This come to my attention first when looking at long range IRMs, which were set up with huge launch range and small seeker range. basically useless in game term, since there is no slave funtion for initial radar or IRST guidance for the missile to reach the target with its own seeker head ((( Had to set them up with 50km+ seeker ranges which are irreal, there is no seeker head which can see that far (especially head on).

[+SupGen]

Snailman, you might want to take a look at those missles with the Weapons Editor; radar guided missles with a launch range exceeding seeker range usually (and should, I think) have the Mid-course Correction box checked. This and a few other things (like Home-on-Jam) aren't indicated in the weapons' Data ini., so the only way to know is to use the Editor. Beam riders, at least in real life, fly a pure persuit course (I think) whereas SAHM flies lead persuit (toward the targets' predicted position at intercept). The IR missles I'm not sure about, don't know if they use Mid-course Correction or not. Put that Weapons Editor to use, I guess, and check 'em out. You'll probably find out lots of other useful tidbits as well. Good luck!

 

A little update: I just checked with the Weapons Editor and the AA-6F (R-40TD, IR guided) does use Mid-course Correction.

Edited March 28, 2013 by SupGen

[Snailman]

Yes, I looked the stock weapons in the Editor... Mid course works as the missile with it flies in a lead pursuit... thats fine. With IR missiles it does not work, because there is no lock outside seeker range. However IF there is a lock, the IRM also flies in a nice lead pursuit, moreover, it can use lofted profile too.

 

AA-6F I don't have... which addon is that from?

[Fubar512]

Mid-course correction is meant for SAMs, not AAMs (with the possible exception of AIM-54s and other long range AAMs). IRMs do not require any additional form of correction, as they constantly follow (and compensate for the apparent movement of) the heat source of their intended target.

 

Beam riders follow the narrow guidance beam of their launch platform, or SAM radar (SA-2s, for example, were beam riders) to their targets. That simply means that it's up to the pilot of the launch platform to maintain a very tight lock of his intended target, as opposed to the "looser" tracking demands afforded to SAHMs, due to the aforementioned pursuit profile.

[Snailman]

I know the basic concepts, I just wanted to know how they work... or why not in game terms... and why such missiles are being set up like that

[jeanba]

Mid-course correction is meant for SAMs, not AAMs (with the possible exception of AIM-54s and other long range AAMs). IRMs do not require any additional form of correction, as they constantly follow (and compensate for the apparent movement of) the heat source of their intended target.

 

Except the Mica IR

[Fubar512]

Except the Mica IR

 

LOAL is not mid-course correction.

[+SupGen]

Snailman, the AA-6F is from Silverbolts' High Definition Russian Missles pack here: http://combatace.com/files/file/9250-hd-russiansoviet-aams-for-sf2/ .A must for those who fly the Red side. Have you tried getting a radar lock on the target with the long-ranged IR missles? I don't know for sure if that'll work, but it may be worth a try. Fubar?

[EricJ]

Using a radar to cue an IR missile IMHO is good for selecting a proper target, not so much guiding the missile.

[Snailman]

Snailman, the AA-6F is from Silverbolts' High Definition Russian Missles pack here: http://combatace.com...t-aams-for-sf2/ .A must for those who fly the Red side. Have you tried getting a radar lock on the target with the long-ranged IR missles? I don't know for sure if that'll work, but it may be worth a try. Fubar?

 

OH... I have that pack... I just did not use AA-6F yet ))) Thanks...

 

Radar does not guide the missile at all... If you have launch range, and a lock you can fire it. if it has seeker range it will home. As far as I noticed aircraft radar lock is just a requirement for the missile's own seeker to work. Even SAHM outside seeker will miss(( An IRM only locks if you hear the growl... otherwise it is unguided.

[+SupGen]

No, I know radar won't guide an IR missile...just thought maybe (because AA-6F does have the Mid-course box checked) that Silverbolt might be taking advantage of a game code "cheat" or something.