Ed Rasimus wrote:

On Fri, 19 Mar 2004 18:56:02 GMT, Lynn in StLou
wrote:

Am I correct in saying that our aircraft do not have helmet
mounted sighting system ala the MiG-29? As I understand the
MiG system, if the pilot can see the enemy, he can launch
and be reasonably sure of a kill. AIUI, our system,
especially for I/R AAM, is more limited in off the nose
capability. Information appreciated....could not find what
I was looking for doing Google.

Actually, you ascribe too much capability to the helmet mounted sight
system. You might be surprised at how much a pilot can see and how far
a good one can twist around in the seat. I used to be able to see my
right wing-tip when twisted around to the left--IOW, all the way past
the vertical fin to the opposite side. There's no missile yet designed
that will make that kind of turn.

snip

Yes there are, Ed, and several of them are in or entering service,
credited with over the shoulder launch capability. There used to be an
mpeg circulating around the web showing a P4 being fired (from an F-15),
which immediately makes a controlled half loop (guesstimating a radius of
a couple hundred feet) and heads off towards the rear of the a/c. In
addition to an HMS (or 360 degree sensors), the missile needs a
programmable autopilot that allows it to make it around the corner until
the seeker can acquire the target. High off-boresight missile seekers now
start at about 60 deg. AoB, going out to 90 degrees or potentially more
(one of the seeker competitors for the AIM-9X went out to 120 deg. AoB).

Guy