I understand the use of the "TAB" (Lock Enemy) key in BVR combat in the F-15. Turn on the Radar, move the double parallel lines over the target, and press "Tab" to lock up one (STT) or more (TWS) targets.
Here is my question - is it necessary to use the "Tab" key when using the 120/7/9M missiles in WVR mode? If so, do you need the Radar on?
As I mentioned in another post, I have been using the "Auto-Acquisition" modes (4) in WVR, and I dont think you need to use the TAB key in these situations.
The F-15 WVR modes use auto-aquisition and the radar will lockon to the first radar signature it detects (verify target is friendly). No need to use the Tab key. You can use the tab key in the WVR modes however to unlock a target to try and auto-lock a second target. The radar needs to be on!
7's need radar. 120 launch with radar on or if fired with radar off will use own missile seeker to lockon to nearest target (maddog). 9's can be fired with radar on or radar off using the 9's own missile thermal seeker in caged or un-caged mode. All this is in the lockon manual as well.
i never could make the 9 switch between caged and uncaged. is there a difference in missle performance, or just the FOV of the seeker head while it's on the rail?
Originally posted by AD-Klaus: yeah i press that and nothing changes. at least in the a10, i can't remember the last time i used a sidewinder in the f-15.
That is becasue the A10 has no radar. Tab works for the radar only. When you go A2A mode in the A10 it strictly uses the AIM9's seeker only.
Posts: 30 | Location: Cambridge | Registered: Sun December 02 2007
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