Aim120 gets first shot over R27RE/TE?

[Steinhoff]

Hi!

Actually I got this "problem" in my previous LO-install (1.01). Tried to reproduce it, but now I actually get the first shot with the RE´s. Don´t understand why, I will do some more tests . Only difference was I had my previous install on another partition.

I understand that the maximum range (LO-specs) 170km for the R27RE is at high alt against a lowflying target with a big RCS. And headon off course. But since the AIM120 is said to have a max range of ~50km you just should get the first shot against a F15 on the same alt as you! The F15 is quite a big target too. The whole idea of using a SARH missile against a ARH is that you get the first shot (have greater range). Without this advantage it´s suicide. You know the F-pole manouver.

I read in an aviation magazine this quote from a swedish airforce officer. He was comparing the AIM120-B (which currently equippes JA37 Viggen and JAS 39 Gripen) with the Alamo-C (R27RE). "A good missile, almost as good as the Alamo-C" he said. Meaning of course that the advantage of the active aim120 was somewhat offset by the greater range of the R27RE.

I understand ECM comes into play too, but as it is now in 1.01 the ai F15 can lock you up at 100km. I can detect him at 80km. I can lock him up and launch between 35-40km (R27RE). Again headon and on the same alt (3000m). Meaning, he has more than 100% greater lock ability.

In Flanker you always got LA (or NP) with the RE,AE, EM, TE and R77 before the F-15 could shoot. Many of us come from Flanker. It would be good if you developers wrote down the important changes that has been done to BVR, radar and missiles in a readme.txt . Would help alot.

BTW - compared to other "middle range missiles" like the AIM7 and AIM120, wouldn´t you agree that the R27RE, EM and maybe ET is quite... long range?