Advanced BVR Techniques

Background

These are sophisticated techniques and tricks that can be applied in BVR to improve chances of success. However before trying to apply these tricks, make sure you have learned the basics of BVR flying - managing energy and situational awareness, taking good shots, respecting MAR, cranking and defending.

Advanced BVR Techniques

Preventive defense during pre-launch phase

While it's tempting to fly head-on before shooting at a bandit in BVR, it is disadvantageous to do so. If the bandit has similar range and capability, you expose yourself to long-range TWS launches. It is advisable to approach a bandit with cranks. Generally, this only needs to be done within 60 NM from the bandit.

Adding S-turns in the vertical to a maneuver

Many BVR maneuvers can have a defensive characteristic added to them by performing S-turns in the vertical. For example, you can perform soft S-turns vertically while cranking after shooting. This further reduces closure speed, and works as a defense against incoming missiles.

Geometrically speaking, these added S-turns should be done in the normal of the threat direction. S-turns added to a level-flight beam maneuver will be in the vertical direction. But if you are beaming in a vertical or near-vertical dive, these added S-turns will technically be performed horizontally - sideways from the threat's perspective.

Constant/non-constant angle of missile warning in RWR

If a missile warning in your RWR is changing angle "downwards" (to your aft) while you maintain constant heading, the missile is defeated. If the angle of the missile warning is constant, the missile still has an intercept solution on you.

Locking targets at gimbal limit before turning in for shot

Before turning in completely for a shot, place the bandit at the edge of your radar screen. Lock the target in this phase, then turn in for an immediate shot. This saves precious seconds in the dangerous head-on phase when taking the shot.

Shooting Fox 3 off-boresight during crank

Sometimes it can be helpful to make an off-boresight shot during the crank, about 5-10 seconds after taking the proper shot. This puts additional pressure on the bandit. The shot will probably not have high probability of kill, but will be dangerous enough to force the bandit to maneuver defensively. When taking this shot you do not turn in significantly. Shoot off-boresight during the crank.

This technique should primarily be employed when you are at a max-speed disadvantage, as a way to push faster enemies away. Example: Hornet vs MiG-29.

Reversing crank without going head-on

It is sometimes beneficial to reverse the crank after a while. However, doing so in the plane - meaning you will be head-on with the bandit and enemy missiles for a brief period of time, can be dangerous unless you know exactly where airborne enemy missiles are located. A safer technique is to reverse the crank by "pointing your nose" in a circle around the threat direction. This is preferrably done in the lower semi-circle (in a dive), since doing so in a climb will bleed off significant amounts of velocity.