Multiple A2A targets - how to get off missiles

I've been playing around with A2A quite a bit and have been struggling with 1 v 2 (or more)engagements where I have to engage multiple targets.

So my question - how do I get multiple shots off on the first engagement? I've primarily been working on this with AIM120Cs since I don't think multiple shots is really possible with AIM7 (missile support required until impact).

Right now, I setup one target, STT that target, take the shot at ~16-20nm, notch supporting missile, until TTG, then work to find the other target after the first missile is active - which usually turns into a merge and me getting shot down because I can't find the other guy before he starts lobbing IRs at me :).

Just looking for some ideas on how to get better. I'm starting to wonder if I am missing something... Any thoughts are appreciated.

inb4 fanboys defending EA

Not currently supported unfortunately due to early access.

This requires that the radar's Track While Scan (TWS) mode be implemented. Currently NYI.

You're doing about the best you can with the Hornet as it's currently implemented. You have to rely on the AMRAMM going activate to engage more than one target.

Tracking other targets while you're supporting your missile will be a problem as you've found out. The only ways around this are either shooting at closer range to reduce the time you're not able to use your radar, or use some other means to track targets. For example if you're shooting at two planes and one is contrailing, attack that one last since you have a good visual indicator of its position.

You can also try to use your RWR to get a rough idea of position. Take note of altitudes and speeds all any aircraft nearby before you go SST and try to estimate where they will be when you come out of radar lock.

Just shoot all your missiles like a anime robot.

Did you try the F-Pole maneuver?

As soon as the missile goes pitbull, brake the lock and it will be easy to find the other guy because most probably he still in the radar gimbal limits.

Notching will certainly give the chance for the other guy to be on your six.

If you are unable to splash the first guy, then turn and run away. Unless if you have a wingman.

Make sure you kill the first guy and then run like hell. Get distance and then come back and engage 2nd plane.

VR HMD+JHMCS is the answer before TWS comes out...

I can engage up to 4 targets. Quite risky of course...... lol

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Don't do anything you wouldn't do in real life.

Ideally you shouldn't even bother entering a 2v1 engagement without TWS. While TWS would be ideal, the missing ability to direct the azimuth when the scan width is reduced also hampers the hornets effectiveness. Azimuth control is huge factor in trying to engage 2 fighters solo. What you should be able to do even without TWS and even using AIM-7s is fire early and F(A)-pole, to force the first one defensive. The first shot should be at a range that still threatens, but you need to drop that lock if/when the bandit beams or turns cold (even before pitbull). The missing azimuth control is important for the next step, because you want to point your radar back at where is wingman should be before pointing your nose. The decreased scan width would give you a much faster update to acquire and fire on the likely closing wingman and force him defensive. At that point you should be within critical range of the first bandit that you might be able to engage during his turn to recommit. If you catch him near the start of his turn fire and immediately break across him, so he has to turn further to get his shot off.

@blkspade - that makes sense. I know the 2v1 isn't realistic, but I also can't say it won't happen from time to time.

I guess I'll have to stretch the first shot out a bit - maybe 20nm to get bandit 1 defensive then turn on bandit 2 before I get within 15nm to aquire and get the second shot off. Not sure if the first missle will be pitbull in that time... I'll try it out and see how it goes...

Thanks all for the comments. I had a feeling that TWS would likely be the best answer. I hope that releases soon.

Don't do anything you wouldn't do in real life.

I'll try that, but I am having some difficulty getting my desk chair to go fast enough for the F-pole.

I'll try that, but I am having some difficulty getting my desk chair to go fast enough for the F-pole.

Gotta grease up the axles on the wheels.

I'll try that, but I am having some difficulty getting my desk chair to go fast enough for the F-pole.

I'm sure you know what I mean but i'll give you a point for humor.