AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles. Whats the dealio?

[MacGyver_]

So far as i can remember, the AIM-120 missile has been in PR. It's found in the majority of fighter jets, with the russian mig having a similarly functioning counterpart. My question is, how the HELL do they even work?

I've tried using them before, in co-op and real matches. They lock onto enemy jets, although they seem to be affected by flares. When i play on co-op, i do notice that the bot jets will pop flares when they are locked with an AIM-120. Does that mean the pilot receives a tone when they are locked on? Also, whenever I actually fire the missile just flies straight out and continues forward, as if there was no lock on at all. I've met with several other pilots more experienced than me and even say they have no idea what the heck those missiles are for.

Anyone got any idea how they work?

[saXoni]

The missiles are heat-seeking. This means you'll have to lock onto a heat-source before you can fire it (you may still fire it, but it won't hit your target). You'll receive a message saying something like "shoot-shoot" when you're locked on your target. When you hear it, simply fire. If the enemy jet/helicopter pops flares, the chances of missing is greater.

[Stealthgato]

Actually they're radar guided missiles, but it appears in-game they have no difference from the Sidewinders/equivalents other than a longer lock range and I think less agility aswell. The other jet does get a lock-on tone from them and they are affected by flares.

Here's what happened in the times I used it (all of the times with a lock on enemy jet obviously):
50%- missile flies straight;
25%- missile follows jet but misses;
15%- missile hits jet but doesn't kill it;
10%- missile hits jet and kills it.

The best use for this missile is from long range.

[saXoni]

Here's what happened in the times I used it (all of the times with a lock on enemy jet obviously):
50%- missile flies straight;
25%- missile follows jet but misses;
15%- missile hits jet but doesn't kill it;
10%- missile hits jet and kills it.

Really? I've never had any problems with them.

[Pvt.LHeureux]

My experiences with this kind of rockets :

90% - Hit enemy jet, kill
10% - Miss.

[Mikemonster]

They shouldn't really be in it because the jets are all in Attack configuration, meaning general self-defence Heat-Seekers should be used. In real life they would have a fighter sweep above them (as well as a SEAD package to surpress the enemy nasties firing at them from the ground).

Essentially I think the game simulates an enemy attack jet managing [somehow] to evade the fighter protection by chance and blunder onto the same section of the battlefield as the friendly jet.. It's a bit silly really.

[Stealthgato]

Hmm, just used it on a MiG and got it on first try. I dunno.

[=HCM= Shwedor]

I don't notice much of a difference between them and the sidewinder other than the AIM-120 having a longer range and possibly a longer lock time (which is why I stick with the AIM-9, quick lock).

[Jafar Ironclad]

AIM-120 is great for killing helicopters due to having more time to lock the target on approach. (thanks to longer range).

[MacGyver_]

Interesting guys, thanks for the help. I thought there would be some trick to using them, but clearly its just he old lock on and shoot. I'm hopping on co-op now, just to see if what Saxoni said actually works too. I've never heard a "lock lock" message, i think you may be referring to the AGM missiles on the A-10 and SU-25.

[Jolly]

AIM120, Mostly I use it's radar to find enemy when he's far away from me(Even i dont have anymore AIM120 missile.) Radar can display very far away target, It's very effective when you are in around 1000m attitude, in where you can't see the enemy but radar does.

When you contact enemy in mid-range and lock on him and before he awares you, you've got 90% chance to kill him, if you fire the missile quick.(both of missile) He is surely a dead man.

In PR:BF2, all missiles are supposed to be heat-seeking. POP flares will be useful, except the missile is too close to you and explode near you, your jet would badly damaged and explode itself(Sorry i do not know when your engine will be cut off, ask DEVs.)

[LieutenantNessie]

Interesting guys, thanks for the help. I thought there would be some trick to using them, but clearly its just he old lock on and shoot. I'm hopping on co-op now, just to see if what Saxoni said actually works too. I've never heard a "lock lock" message, i think you may be referring to the AGM missiles on the A-10 and SU-25.

Yes they do have a "lock lock" or "shoot shoot" sounds, can't remember which one