R-13M

Description

The R-13M missile (scale is approximate)

The R-13M is a Soviet infrared homing air-to-air missile, it was introduced in Update 1.87 "Locked On". It was removed from its only user, the MiG-19PT, in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind", but was re-introduced in Update "New Power" with the MiG-21bis. It was later removed again in Update "Red Skies".

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

• MiG23M

General info

Comparison with analogues

As in real life, the R-13M is broadly comparable to the AIM-9D and AIM-9G Sidewinders, with only slightly lower G-tolerance and maximum range. Players who exclusively used the R-60 on the MiG-21SMT will be disappointed with the R-13M's lacklustre capabilities in short-range combat.

Usage in battles

The R-13M should not be used against tightly-manoeuvring targets. Instead, use them against fleeing enemies from 2-3 km away. This makes use of the R-13M's greater maximum range over the R-60; if the enemy turns, they may come into R-60 range. If they don't, the missile will likely catch them.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Higher maximum G-load than the R-3S and R-3R
• Longer maximum range than the R-60
• High rocket motor thrust means the missile reaches its top speed quickly
• Effective warhead
• Uncaged seeker allows target leading

Cons:

• Ineffective in close-combat situations
• Lacks radar-slaving
• Easily distracted by flares

History

Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

• reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
• references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

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• topic on the official game forum;
• encyclopedia page on the weapon;
• other literature.