Welcome to this War Thunder – How to Use F4S Radar guide. Whether you prefer to watch a video tutorial or read the instructions, this guide will help you utilize the sparrows on your F4s to the fullest. With my vast knowledge and expertise (I am a single man who spends a lot of time on this game), I will provide you with the information you need to succeed.
Radar
There are three radar modes available for the F4s: SRC, SRC PVD HDN, and ACM. However, we will focus only on ACM and SRC. The ACM mode automatically locks onto an opponent when they are inside your square, but keep in mind that it has a range of only 10km. The radar will only lock onto targets as far as your scope is set, so I suggest using 46kms.
When you lock onto an enemy, you will receive an enclosed box that contains useful information. The circle represents the enemy, and the line shows the direction in which they are heading. The top number is the distance they have traveled, and the m/s is how fast they are relative to your speed. Start firing when they are coming towards you and when you see that line.
Remember that your radar is CW (continuous wave), which means that even if you have locked onto one person, that does not mean your radar can only see that particular person. Your missile can still hit even if your radar is locked onto chaff, even after it has been fired.
Keep your eyes and radar focused on the enemy, and your missile may hit even when it locks onto chaff following the launch. Keep in mind that friendly fire is possible. If you launch a missile at someone who is close to you and a friendly is between you, there is a possibility that the missile could cause the victim’s death.
Missiles
The F4s carries 4 AIM-7F Sparrows (Fox 1, Semi-Active Homing Radar SAHR) and 4 AIM-9H Sidewinders (Fox 2 heat-seekers). Sparrows have a very long range of up to 40kms. They shoot in relation to where the enemy is and if they are headed towards you, then they are moving towards your missile, which means you can fire from a longer range.
You can launch a missile from high altitudes by turning your eyes towards the sky. This can increase the range, speed, and time to guide, and is called increasing the missile’s PK (potential killing). Sparrows are quick, great for ACM head-ons, and can track well.
AIM-9Hs are decent, with a range of 2.5kms, but they have a low G-overload, meaning they do not turn as fast as an R60. However, they are more flare-resistant than Russian missiles. You can also pair them with your helmet-mounted sight. Keep in mind that they can’t perform crazy pulls, but they are still an option.
Defending against Missiles
Defending against missiles can be difficult for many people. Here are some suggestions to remember:
- Your speed
- When to begin defending
- What missile you are defending against?
Radar missiles can be challenging to fight. You can notch, drop a bit of chaff, or reduce the altitude and still get hit. Notching means putting your aircraft at a 90-degree perpendicular to the enemy’s radar.
Fox 1s track through something known as lead pursuit, which means they determine where you are likely to be ahead of time and try to get in front of you. You can use this against them by decreasing altitude, embracing the ground, notching, and dipping down last minute, all of which increase the chances of survival.
