R-3S vs R-3R

[Smoked Turkey]

What one it better? trying to decide for my mig 21

[Jaes]

R-3S:

- Rear Aspect IR seeker missile

- Doesn't give target any RWR warnings when fired

- Vulnerable to flares/alternate heat sources

R-3R:

- All Aspect SARH missile

- Gives off RWR warning to target (if target has RWR available)

- Vulnerable to Chaff/launched from a platform that doesn't have a great radar system

Neither of these missiles are effective against maneuvering targets and are primarily only effective against slow targets that aren't paying much attention. R-3R potentially gives you more versatility than R-3S since it can achieve a front aspect lock, but that's only if you can achieve a reliable radar lock which isn't likely to occur if you're below 3000m (not impossible mind you, just harder).

You're basically choosing a Radar game (SARH) which is more technical and requires good knowledge on how to position your aircraft to achieve Radar locks or a Dogfight game (Rear aspect IR) which requires good energy management and maneuvering discipline with knowing when to best utilize your missiles.

[Smoked Turkey]

Originally posted by Jaes:

R-3S:

- Rear Aspect IR seeker missile

- Doesn't give target any RWR warnings when fired

- Vulnerable to flares/alternate heat sources

R-3R:

- All Aspect SARH missile

- Gives off RWR warning to target (if target has RWR available)

- Vulnerable to Chaff/launched from a platform that doesn't have a great radar system

Neither of these missiles are effective against maneuvering targets and are primarily only effective against slow targets that aren't paying much attention. R-3R potentially gives you more versatility than R-3S since it can achieve a front aspect lock, but that's only if you can achieve a reliable radar lock which isn't likely to occur if you're below 3000m (not impossible mind you, just harder).

You're basically choosing a Radar game (SARH) which is more technical and requires good knowledge on how to position your aircraft to achieve Radar locks or a Dogfight game (Rear aspect IR) which requires good energy management and maneuvering discipline with knowing when to best utilize your missiles.

Alright, I think ill use the R-3S given that I am decent at dogfighting, Thank you for the reply.

[Futuristic Hexagon]

I find R-3R at close distance head-ons. Especially considering how many people insist on it.

Otherwise, regular IR R-3S is the way to if you had to choose one of the Two.

I'm guessing this is for the MiG-21S?