READ DESCRIPTION FOR MY PERSONAL OPINION!
___

Compared to the MiG-29, I did not enjoy the F-16. The F-16A-20 - built to Mid-Life Upgrade standards - mainly differs from the other F-16 models by its extra countermeasures and a drogue chute which makes it one of the best variants but, in my experience, it still pales in comparison to the MiG-29. While it does some things better, I mostly felt the features it lacked. The most noticeable downsides (way more than listed) are the lack of HMD, the inability to seamlessly switch between radar modes, and the 9G limiter at high speeds. The limiter especially makes the F-16A-20 feel sluggish and dodging head-on radar missiles is more difficult than on the MiG. I would take the MiG-29 ten times out of ten over the F-16, no contest.

Fuel efficiency is one of the few things the F-16 has over the MiG. On full afterburner, the F-16 drains 1 minute of fuel in ~12 seconds and on stage one afterburner, the 1 minute drain will decrease to ~29 seconds. The roll rate is also more responsive and the G-limiter lends itself to energy retention at high speeds, though that's about all the upsides it has compared to MiG. The 9G limiter is the most detrimental feature as above ~700 km/h, the aircraft feels much more sluggish than the 12G limiter on the MiG-29. This makes airbrakes and throttle control essential when dogfighting as you'll overshoot on most jets from your lack of high speed turn rate. The acceleration and top speed are also second to the MiG, with its red line speed occurring at ~1480 km/h. Against other jets, the F-16 is more than capable with proper control of speed but against a good MiG-29 pilot, you'll be outclassed.

At least the F-16A-20's armament isn't a total loss, though it's outclassed at BVR by the R-27ER. With two radar missile hardpoints for AIM-7Ms, four IR missile hardpoints for AIM-9Ls, and a 20mm Vulcan with 512 rounds, it's still more than capable against other lesser adversaries. The Vulcan owes most of its damage to the high RoF of 6000 RPM as its HEFI shell only has 16 g of filler; even then, the damage is as bipolar as on the GSh-301. However, the high velocity of 1030 m/s helps with applying lead, especially when using radar gunsight. The combination of a high RoF and high velocity makes it much more reliable and consistent to use than on the MiG-29.

The AIM-9Ls have been improved since the last time I used them (~10 months ago damn) and are a welcome refreshment from R-60Ms. They now consistently track well and the 30G overload means they can pull hard against quick maneuvering enemies. Their 5 second burn time gives them spectacular range compared to other missiles and they work best when diving on unsuspecting enemies. The max ranges I've found to be viable for AIM-9Ls are 6 km head-on, 4.5 km side-aspect, and 3 km rear-aspect, depending on conditions of course. They also seem to be quite flare resistant at close range rear-aspect launches or when the enemy neglects to shut off afterburner.

As of Update Sky Guardians, AIM-7Ms are literally copypaste AIM-7Fs with a different visual model. They were an excellent missile when I first used them over a year ago and are still decent, though R-27ERs simply outclass them. The long burn time of the sustainer still allows ~20 km kills though if a MiG-29 jousts you, you're pretty much done for. Against other missiles, the AIM-7M will usually outrange or match them and in close quarters, it's still a very maneuverable missile that can hit most targets. My main gripe with them nowadays is that if the enemy breaks your radar lock, the missile can't regain lock once radar lock is regained due to its short break lock time. It's still a usable missile but R-27ERs have really spoiled me.

Avionics, as expected from a Western 4th-gen, are pretty good, though still lacking some features over the MiG-29. The RWR is pinpoint and the AN/APG-66(V)3 radar is simple but serviceable, with only PD, SRC, and three ACM modes. It has a lock-on range of 74 km that is achievable though enemies won't show up on the screen until ~45 km or so. The PD mode is all-aspect though, like all PD modes, it's prone to getting accidentally notched so I would recommend just using SRC at high altitude as unlike the MiG-29, you cannot seamlessly switch between SRC and PD once locked. The ACM mode ranges out to 19 km and also has a vertical dogfight mode and a large boresight mode, with the vertical dogfight mode being very useful when turning. Overall, standard affair and workable, though lacking features I enjoy like TWS and IRST.

Coming from the MiG-29, the F-16A-20 is just a downgrade in most areas. It's not as quick, can't turn at high speeds, lacks useful avionic features such as seamless switching and HMD, and the Sparrows are outmatched by R-27ERs. While the AIM-9Ls and RWR are nice, they aren't enough for me to enjoy the F-16. The MiG's features and R-27ERs are simply too good to pass up. I'd take the MiG over the F-16 any day.

свернуть