SU-27 & R-27 employment

G'day guys!

I'm loving all of the Russian aircraft in FC3 and the MiG-21 is my favorite module outside of it. I try and do plenty of learning and reading when I'm not flying about how best to utilize their systems.

As far as the R-27 (specifically the R version) I'm drawing a blank on where it excels. The R-73 and R-27ERs are brilliant and the R-77 seems to perform capably at longer ranges - but the SU-27 doesn't get them and I'd prefer to fly the SU27 as opposed to the J11.

The range seems slightly shorter than the AIM-120C if not about the same but the issue arises that the AIM-120C goes pitbull after a time and the R-27 remains SARH the entire time. This leads to a situation that if an F-15 and SU-27 fire at each other the SU-27 will always lose as their choice becomes whether to maintain lock and be hit by the oncoming missile or go defensive and lose lock. The F-15 can do both.

I'd love some tips on how to better use the R-27Rs that I might be missing - mainly because the SU-27 can carry so many of them! Or is it that most people don't bring as many as they can take to just save the weight? That being said the SU-27 is the 'Flanker' and perhaps these R-27Rs are just something to use when the F-15 is in no position to fire back whatsoever - like when flanking!

Any advice appreciated - and if the answer is just 'it ain't that good!' then so be it.

I’m sure Flanker is accidentally an accurate code name in this instance. Many beginners to the R-27 think it should be used head on, but not if your opponent has amraams or phoenixs since as you said, they go pit bull eventually.

Occasionally if you’re higher and faster than them, their launch range goes down and yours go ups you can fire well before they do, this happens with Hornets due to their lower thrust to weight. You can also initiate forced launch authorization. The missile will most likely not hit, but it may make the enemy sweat enough that they either launch their amraam very earlier or turn before firing. This can be exploited further with R-77s, in this case we only have STT so the enemy RWR has no idea if we launch a R-27 or 77. Yeah it’s a waste of a perfectly good missile but it still effective, you can also pack the non extended versions for this reason.

Against running/cold targets this missile had no equal until the Tomcat came out. It’s also amazing how many people expect you to only shoot ET’s silently and not paired with an ER as that was a tried and true soviet tactical shoot two kinds of guidance missiles at once. It’s immense speed is also good for striking high altitude targets from below.

I don’t know why you would be so averse to J-11A, IMO it’s biggest weakness is the liveries. I’m Just attached to my old school splinter flanker schemes.

Welcome to DCS. I know I sound negative but just take a look around Multiplayer and see the reality. RU fighters are full of bugs they are not receiving any fix and the people barely use them.

J-11 seem to be the best closest choice in good shape.

Welcome to the western simulator made by Russians. That sound kind of funny. Sorry guys jajaja

I don’t know why you would be so averse to J-11A, IMO it’s biggest weakness is the liveries. I’m Just attached to my old school splinter flanker schemes.

Thanks for the advice! I'll adjust my strategies and try the multi-missile technique.

And my reasons for liking the SU27 are exactly the same as yours - I just prefer the paint schemes!

Hello, I don't know if you have access to TacView, but there are couple of Head-on use of R-27r against the AI.

Ofc in MP you need to adjust the tactics toward the situation, dodging the AIM-120 is the first skill to learn, and for that just keep it in 600-800 kmh speed range... the biggest mistakes people do is rush in.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ImRIg6j9kanqwoLck9VFPGVx_-7fnVAP/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GqD3u5Y5PwfAYo-fnnkUOf4fbpgtr1MW/view?usp=sharing

Master this and lot of people will think their missiles are broken :D

You can defeat F 15 in headon situation even with R 27R. Fire it at max. range. Do barrel roll to defeat AMRAAM. Fire again. Fire Archer. Win. :) There is nice video on how to do, even though I do it little bit differently:

Hello, I don't know if you have access to TacView, but there are couple of Head-on use of R-27r against the AI.

 

Ofc in MP you need to adjust the tactics toward the situation, dodging the AIM-120 is the first skill to learn, and for that just keep it in 600-800 kmh speed range... the biggest mistakes people do is rush in.

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Gq...kUOf4fbpgtr1MW

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Im...VFPGVx_-7fnVAP

 

Master this and lot of people will think their missiles are broken :D

Can't see those google drive links until I get home but I very much appreciate the advice :D Can't wait to heave a read.

You can defeat F 15 in headon situation even with R 27R. Fire it at max. range. Do barrel roll to defeat AMRAAM. Fire again. Fire Archer. Win. :)

I'll need to work on my AMRAAM defense skills.

They are tacview files, you will need to download tacview. It’s a big help for debriefing, seeing everything that happened

Beaming missiles is an excellent tactic, especially in a 33 with half the countermeasures and the age of the spamraam

Updated the links, let me know if you guys can open them...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ImR...ew?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GqD...ew?usp=sharing

Just in case you're confused, both the Su-27 and J-11A can use the R-27R AND ER, as well as T/ET. The J-11A can use the R-77, but that's its only real advantage/difference.

To add to what others have mentioned, as a general rule of thumb, in a BVR duel, it’s best to launch from at least co-altitude if not higher. Once your missiles are in the air, however, you’ll increase the chances of maintaining lock, if you are below your target with your radar in a look-up orientation. Launching both an IR and SARH missile at the same target is often a good idea. If/when you are forced to turn away by his missile, he might not fully appreciate the situation, continue his pursuit, and eat an IR missile that’s guiding on him.

EDIT: Just got home from work and flew this as a quick example of what is being said. Track file attached. No fancy flying here. Just the basics.

Su-27 vs F-15C.trk