Is turning off external light useful in combat?

Hi,

I'd like to know if there is some simulated advantage to turning off external lights in a dogfight with the AI. Does the AI get an aiming or detection "bonus" if I'm lit like a Christmas tree?

Thanks.

OK, thanks!

Hi,

 

I'd like to know if there is some simulated advantage to turning off external lights in a dogfight with the AI. Does the AI get an aiming or detection "bonus" if I'm lit like a Christmas tree?

 

Thanks.

In real life, MANPADS LOOOOVE lights. We got to play with several different US and foreign MANPADS that were inert except for the seekers. Landing lights, underbody Loghts, you name it...inside of a couple of miles it was easy to get a lock on things other than the engine.

Now that being said, I don't know how the missiles are modeled in the game and I don't know how different the seekers are on AA Missles vs MANPADS but I'd guess there is a possibility it would made a difference..

In real life, MANPADS LOOOOVE lights. We got to play with several different US and foreign MANPADS that were inert except for the seekers. Landing lights, underbody Loghts, you name it...inside of a couple of miles it was easy to get a lock on things other than the engine.

 

Interesting, I had never thought about aircraft lights under the infrared angle! Thanks.

Can anyone confirm if this is modeled in the game?

Airframe heating and earthshine(especially at low altitude) are more likely to provide the main source of IR radiation, especially in the 8-12um band.

In fact Aluminium gallium Arsenide and Mercury Cadmium Telluride detectors are inherently immune to point sources.

Airframe heating and earthshine(especially at low altitude) are more likely to provide the main source of IR radiation, especially in the 8-12um band.

 

In fact Aluminium gallium Arsenide and Mercury Cadmium Telluride detectors are inherently immune to point sources.

I guess the Stinger, SA-7, SA-14 and SA-18 we were using never got that memo...they bit off on lights every time.

Now after the plane passed, they bit off on the Air Conditioning Pack exhausts over the engine exhausts...

I guess the Stinger, SA-7, SA-14 and SA-18 we were using never got that memo...they bit off on lights every time.

 

Now after the plane passed, they bit off on the Air Conditioning Pack exhausts over the engine exhausts...

You know what I think you are probably right, especially landing lights, they would make a pretty good IR source( and probably heat the surrounding airframe too).

I think the initial question was related to dogfighting AI. I think AI's awareness is not affected by whether your external lights are on or off, it knows your position all the time and will only disengage if it runs low on fuel.