Mig-29UB vs F-16A

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Member for

19 years 1 month

Posts: 545

Year is 1990

Can a R-60M equipped Mig-29UB ( 4 missiles) defeat a F-16A equipped with 2 x AIM-9P only ?

Assume no other support AWACs or otherwise

what tactics can the Mig use to minimize its disadvantage of having shorter range AAM ?

which fighter has the better cannon GSH-301 vs M61A1

which fighter has better chance of winning ?

Original post

Member for

5 years 8 months

Posts: 2

In this computer game type scenario it is still the one that sees the other first that has the advantage.

As you have put GSH-301 will assume you mean MiG-29UB and not MiG-23UB.

The MiG-29UB didn't have a radar that I know of but did have an IRST...however this totally negates the problem both face in only having forward facing sensors in that it will still be by chance that either will detect one another.
If both are on the deck the heat from the desert could significantly degrade IRST and IR missile performance.

If the F-16 detects the MiG first via radar then assuming the MiG has a RWR (SPO) that can detect the signal they could go head on.......but this of course leads to the next problem that neither can ID the other jet properly without a head on pass so there might be no chance of a head on shot anyway.

If they both turn it is down to the pilot skill because on flight manual data they are fairly comparable at typical dogfight speeds.

Different ways of thinking not better as such...........a 30mm cannon with 150 rounds vs a 20mm Cannon with 512 rounds.........basically the M61A1 has a much higher rate of fire so should in theory have a higher chance of hitting something however a single 30mm round can do more damage.

Member for

19 years 1 month

Posts: 545

yes I meant mig-29UB sorry

a 30mm cannon with 150 rounds vs a 20mm Cannon with 512 rounds.........basically the M61A1 has a much higher rate of fire so should in theory have a higher chance of hitting something however a single 30mm round can do more damage.

what was the effective range of either cannon ?

AIM-9P is all aspect weapon ? used for head on encounters ?

in real life were the Mig-29UB expected fulfill any combat roles ? even as point defence interceptor ?

Member for

5 years 8 months

Posts: 2

Not really such thing as an effective range.........depends on the target aspect angle and speed........and probably irrelevant for the pilots because in close combat they will just fire when they can whether its a snap shot or what in X m/s. The UB driver has to estimate whereas the F-16 pilot can lock the MiG and get the dynamic range on the HUD....or may not bother.

AIM-9P-1, -2, -3 = rear aspect IR
AIM-9P-4, -5 = all aspect IR

Pass user dependent I expect