AAM targeting...

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.

What you have is a helmet mounted cueing system which slaves the
missile seeker to where the pilot is looking, but only out to the
gimbal limits of the missiles field of view. So, now rather than
having to manuever your entire airplane to place the enemy aircraft
within the boresight, you turn your head and the missile follows to a
limited degree, left/right and up/down. It reduces the amount of
maneuvering required for target acquistion, but it's a long way from
your "if he can see the enemy, he can kill."


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
Smithsonian Institution Press
ISBN #1-58834-103-8