Harrier air combat training?

Public Digital Combat Simulator (DCS)
1

Hi all,
I’ve started to think that maybe we should look at practicing some air-air engagements in the Harrier. We seem to be getting caught out by the AI, I think mostly because we’re just not used to them being there.

I’ve got a couple of aircraft that I could fly against the Harrier for some air to air scenarios. I’m happy to fly the F-5E, L-39ZA and, at a push, the Mig-21. The last one I know very little about and I have barely touched it. I’ve ruled out the Miage/F-15/Mig-29/Su-27 as they’re pretty much a foregone conclusion without number on your side.

I’m thinking about a mission over the mountains that make up the border with Russia. It can be air-start with some triggers to keep things interesting, maybe SAMs in some areas or AI support or attackers coming in. Should keep us on our toes.

I’ll see if I can put something together this evening. The Harrier can be armed with four AIM-9s and cannon to give it the best chance of getting kills. All missiles will be for close range, there will be no AMRAAMS, AIM-7s or Russian equivalents.

What do people think?

OD

2

The mission I hosted last night had Mig-21’s and Su-17’s (2 of each) coming in over the target area at mission start. I made the mission primarily to see what the Viggen can do against opposition. I was meant to have Mig-15’s coming in behind the other planes, but due to me setting them as playable they don’t show.

I could also fly the Viggen as opposition. Armed with 6 AIM-9’s (mixed old and new) it’s pretty even with AI Mig-21’s at unknown skill level armed with IR missiles and could possibly provide some useful A2A training for our Harrier pilots.
I can also fly Spitfire, Mustang, F-86 or even Bf-109K or FW-190D as opposition. :tongue2: :laugh:

3

I did half wonder about asking 54 Squadron if they would like to fly their Viggens against us in Harriers!

4

Sent a PM to Phil to see if they’d be interested in doing something with Viggens and Harriers. It wouldn’t be for some time, but it could be fun.

5

Best form of defence for the Harrier in A2A is to hit the deck and I mean feet above the ground and try and use it to mask any incoming missiles… and then try and use your Aim9s in a snapshot… you can’t outrun 90% of the fighters… try and stay low and fast and get the hell out of Dodge and hope he loses lock or sight of you…

I’m up for any training in the Harrier… also the SAMs we have been flying against have been fairly easy… time to ramp them up to SA10s or 11s

6

Interesting Red, I’ve also heard to use the nozzles in a turn fight.

Have you seen this cool mission -

//youtu.be/fFU-T8Iad1Y

7

I am up for some DF practice so your mission ideas sound interesting! How did it go yesterday with Harrier vs F-5?

8

I flew the Harrier with OD in the F5… suffice to say the Harrier is no dogfighter doesn’t turn well unless you over 300 knts… even tried a bit of viffing with no real success, you bleed even more speed, as the Harrier can carry 4 sidewinders it’s pretty pointless, the only way to get a kill is being in the right place at the right time, then run
If your flying the Harrier stay out of dogfights unless you see a clear advantage, remember the Harrier only carries these missiles in self defence not to go hunting Migs

Stevie

9

Doh!! Is that the aircraft I’ve decided to put all my effort into!? :eek: :wink:

10

The RAF did alright in them in the Falklands, maybe because the enemy were going for the ships?