Heads-Up Display Modes 35 - Metaboli

90 Air-to-Air Missiles
6.103 AIM-9 Sidewinder
The heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinder has been NATO’s workhorse missile for
decades, but has begun to show its age. Although a potent all-aspect missile, it
lacks the high off-boresight capability and maneuverability of the Russian R-73
(AA-11 Archer).
The AIM-9 locks targets through two methods. First, an F-15C can fire AIM-9
missiles at radar-locked targets in STT mode. Secondly, either an A-10A or an F-
15C can use the missile’s onboard seeker to track targets prior to firing the
missile. In boresight mode, the missile seeker monitors a narrow area directly
ahead. Uncaging the seeker lets the missile seeker head move in a search
pattern, giving the missile a wider view of the airspace ahead. In either case,
when the missile detects a heat source, it emits a tone. The tone increases in
pitch as the missile gains a stronger track.
Heat-seeking missiles do not emit any signals and are therefore very difficult to
detect. Unlike radar-guided missiles, enemy aircraft generally receive no warning
of approaching heat-seeking missiles.
See Chapter 3 for details on targeting and firing the AIM-9.
AIM-9
Type: Short-range, infrared, air-to-air missile
Weight, kg: 85.5
Length, m: 2.87
Body Diameter, m: 0.127
TNT Equivalent, kg: 10
Guidance: Infrared
G Limit: 22
Maximum Mach Number: 2.5
Range, km: 8
Aircraft Types
1. A-10A
2. F-15C
Target Acquisition Modes
1. F-15C STT mode with a locked target
2. F-15C / A-10A seeker boresight (no radar)
3. F-15C / A-10A seeker uncaged (no radar)
6.2. Russian Air-to-Air Weapons
The GSh-301 Cannon
The gun is the most basic of air combat weapons. Although many believed the
advent of air-to-air guided missiles would make the gun obsolete, repeated
experience has shown that the gun remains an integral part of an aircraft’s
weapons package. The Flanker carries 150 rounds of 30mm ammunition capable
of inflicting serious damage on an enemy aircraft. Activate the cannon mode by