SV: FT in a Fluid

Derek Fulton wrote:

>Actually the rotating missile mounts wouldn't be required because the 
>latest close range air to air missiles (eg; israeli made 'Python' AAM)
>are extremely agile and when coupled with a helmet mounted sight >can
engage any aircraft (target) within the pilot's field of view. (I think
>the term is WVR; within visual range).

Yes.

>I believe west got it's first practical experience with this new
>generation of AAM was a test with the luftwaffe's MiG-29s (gained
>after re-unification), the MiG-29s proved to be a big eye opener,
armed >with the latest generation soviet AAM and using helmet mounted
>sights allowed the MiG-29 pilots to engage a target anywhere within
>their field of vision regardless of in what direction the aircraft
(and it's >missiles) were pointing. This was an advantage the 'western'
pilots >lacked still having to manoeuvre to point their missiles at the
target. 
>
>BUT beyond close quarters things were different (the term is BVR;
>beyond visual range, I think) 'western' doctrine and tactics tipped
the >balance against the MiG-29s.

<chuckle> Interesting. The version I've read was that the MiG-29s held
their own at long range as well, but not by nearly the same margin as
up close :-)

Later,

Oerjan Ohlson
oerjan.ohlson@telia.com

"Life is like a sewer.
  What you get out of it, depends on what you put into it."