R-23T vs R-23R

[Smoked Turkey]

Trying to figure out what one I should use, if someone could tell me the pros and cons of these missiles that'd be great.

[FrogZ]

i use R rockets but r24

[Jaes]

R-23R relies on maintaining a Radar lock on a target using an aircraft that does not have a good radar system and can be fooled quite easily by chaff.

R-23T uses IR tracking similar to other IR missiles. While it also requires you to maintain a lock using IRST, it does not trigger a potential target's RWR sensor so they get no advanced warning they've been shot at. They can be defeated by flares, but they're more flare resistant that your standard IR missiles.

The primary benefit of the R-23R over the R-23T is range. If you can achieve the radar lock, the R-23R can engage a target from further away in all aspect than the R-23T can, while the R-23T needs you to be within 2-3km of the target in front aspect in order to achieve a lock and fire, but can engage a target up to around 10km away in rear aspect.

The MiG-23's radar is not good, and that's putting it politely so getting to take advantage of the R-23R's range benefit is a struggle in itself.

With that in mind, hopefully this gives you some insight on what kind of situations you should bring the R or T over, this will also apply to the R-24s as well.

[JacK_Qc]

Personally I prefer the T version :
Mig23's fighting style is mostly stay low, undetected and hit unaware targets. R23T or R24T does perfectly that job.
The problem with the R version is that you are showing your opponent your position by locking him.
Also radar missle fights ususally goes in favor of nato planes because their radar is usually a lot better and their missle have better range..
Even using a mix or R and T change your playstyle. And an aggresive playstyle doesnt fit the mig23's flight performances.