A heavy loadoutĪ fun thing that Eagle Dynamics has added is the rack launcher for the AIM-120, a system that has been trialed and tested on the Hornet (but not operationally used to the best of our knowledge). Further comparisons between the AIM-9X and the R-73 (AA-11 “Archer”) and those missiles off-boresight abilities should make for considerable debate. Its fast, agile, resistant to flares, and right now offers a small but substantial upgrade over the earlier Lima version of the Sidewinder.Ĭoming later is the JHMCS helmet which will let you lock targets at off-boresight angles (supposedly approaching 90 degrees) which will make the Hornet an even more dangerous dogfighter. The AIM-9X is a fairly substantial upgrade over the AIM-9L that we’re so used to using. The AIM-9X is an interesting introduction as its the first new air-to-air missile introduced into the series in quite some time. Things get very interesting when using these abilities which will further enhance the F/A-18s BVR medium range missile capability. That’s a massive improvement in capability and it makes the Hornet much more dangerous in a fight.įuture sensor updates will add datalink (via LINK-16) and the ability to lock and fire on targets while using TWS (track-while-scan) mode. At closer ranges this is immediate and it means that you can currently (using STT) lock, fire, and lock a new target and fire at that too without worrying about the first missile. With the AIM-120 all you need to do is wait for the timer to count down until the radar goes active. The AIM-7 feels slow (even if its Mach 4 specs seem to roughly compare with the AIM-120) and a lot of that has to do with its semi-active nature – you need to keep your radar locked and pointed on target until impact. While flying the Hornet armed with AIM-7 Sparrows I feel like a capable but somewhat limited air-to-air platform with a missile that lacks flexibility. I tested them out and here are some reactions. DCS World 2.5 beta has massively updated the firepower on the F/A-18C with the introduction of the AIM-120B, AIM-120C, and AIM-9X air-to-air missiles.
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