Rockets & Missiles
The Ballistic Computer is a system found on some modern aircraft and helicopters used to aid the player in the delivery of unguided air-to-ground munitions. There are two key functions of the ballistic computer: Constantly Computed Impact Point (CCIP) and Constantly Computed Release Point (CCRP). CCIP continually calculates where munitions will land and gives the pilot an accurate impact point to aim with. CCRP allows the player to specify an impact point, the ballistic computer will then continually calculate at which point along the player’s flight path munitions will need to be released in order to hit the player’s designated impact point, and will only allow munitions to be released when that point is reached.
The iconic F-14 Tomcat made its mark in naval aviation for its cultural significance and popularity. However, the defining weapon that sets the Tomcat apart from its peers is the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missile. This weapon, intended to strike Soviet bombers from a long distance before they could fire deadly anti-ship cruise missiles, allowed the F-14 to perform its "Fleet Defense" role. Thus we will dive into the development behind this fascinating missile, the improvements it had, and how it would not be America writing the tomes on the AIM-54's combat usage, but instead Iran.
The AGM-12B, also known as the ASM-N-7A or more recognizably the Bullpup, was the world's first mass-produced precision guided Air-to-Ground munition. A fairly large warhead size and its MCLOS guidance give many U.S. vehicles the tools to engage SPAAs at range, at a BR where proximity fused shells and surface-to-air missiles start becoming increasingly lethal to aviation. While they may not be as advanced as Walleyes and Mavericks, which are autonomously guided, a good pilot can easily match them in accuracy with precise manual guidance against even the fastest moving targets.
The Spike-LR II (Long Range 2) is an advanced anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) that is part of the Spike family. Found on many IFVs, it is capable of engaging both non-line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight targets. Additionally, it can function as a surface-to-air missile (SAM), being particularly effective against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
The AS-20 Nord is a French guided Air-to-Surface missile, roughly analogous to the U.S. AGM-12 Bullpup in that both are early MCLOS missiles that you use your Alt + WASD keys to control on PC. Used to give aircraft like the G.91 their long-ranged 'teeth' but also giving them their notoriety as well, let’s dive into the intricacies of Nords and how to use them effectively!
The Republic of China was one of the many nations to use surplus F-86 Sabre jet-fighters. The aircraft would engage in air combat with Chinese MiGs during the Taiwan Strait Crisis of 1958. Additionally, ROCAF Sabres were among the first aircraft to be equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, which allowed them to compete against the superior performance of the Chinese MiG-17s. However, while the AIM-9's deployment was a considerable setback for the PLAAF, the situation changed when a Chinese MiG-17 returned to base with an unexploded AIM-9B lodged in its airframe. The missile was given to Soviet technicians, and subsequently reverse-engineered into the R-3 series of missiles.
The Fireflash is the first attempt the United Kingdom made at a guided air-to-air missile. Designed in 1949, it entered service in 1957 where it only remained for a year. Found on the British Swift F.7, it is the only beam-riding (SACLOS) AAM in-game, meaning it goes where your airplane's nose is pointing.
