Benjdragon
Airman
- 13
- Sep 18, 2015
Would a modern imaging infra-red seeker head be able to lock onto a piston engine WW2 type aircraft, like a Japanese Zero or a ME-109.
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Would a modern imaging infra-red seeker head be able to lock onto a piston engine WW2 type aircraft, like a Japanese Zero or a ME-109.
That's a good question, but it seems to me that unless the pilot saw the inbound missile at a distance, the rate of closure would be too great for them to react in time.But, once locked on target, could an AIM-9X or AIM-120 follow an A6M in a tight turn?
Biff, the AIM-9G was able to "see" even the heat generated from a propeller, but did you have any experience with the AIM-120?
The combination of radar and infra-red sounds like it would be nearly impossible to beat.
But, once locked on target, could an AIM-9X or AIM-120 follow an A6M in a tight turn?
Elmas,
The AIM9X would not have a problem turning with a Zero. However to complete the intercept the missiles are usually very much supersonic and turn radius is not much of a factor in its success or failure.
Counter measures and maneuvering prior to intercept are the biggest factors to success or failure.
Cheers,
Biff
For some reason this thread reminds me of a cartoon series or books where there was a massive EMP detonation and countries were scrambling to get ww2 and later prop planes to work to do battle again. Some were adapting newer weapons to older platforms. for the life of me I can't remember the name of it.
Would a modern imaging infra-red seeker head be able to lock onto a piston engine WW2 type aircraft, like a Japanese Zero or a ME-109.
Gents,
I've not uncaged (heat seeker self track phraseology) on a WW2 aircraft, I would think it would have no problem with it. The AIM-9X was the last version I flew with and it was awesome compared to the version that preceded it by light years! Good missile.
Cheers,
Biff
Yup that was it, thanks for the reminder...I have those books from when I was a kid...
The Seventh Carrier was the name of the series...