Air To Air Missiles In War Thunder : The Complete Guide (Outdated)

This complete guide to air to air missiles in War Thunder goes over basic missile concepts, guidance types, keybinds, and how to use them in the game. The idea is to take an absolute beginner and get them a basic level of competence in operating these weapons. Information and UI is current as of the "Danger Zone" update in June 2022 which added the F-14 and Active Radar missiles.
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I'm all over the place!
Twitter : / timsvariety
Facebook : / timsvarietygaming
Twitch : / timsvariety
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Mig-25 line art by Kaboldy, Used under Creative Commons
Uncaged IR Seeker clip by M. Begenat, Used under Creative Commons
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro And Keybinds
01:39 Types Of Missiles
03:29 Reading A Missile Stat Card
05:03 Range And Energy
06:57 MCLOS Manual Command Line Of Sight Missiles
08:20 SACLOS Beam Riding Missiles
09:47 Caged-Seeker IR Guided Missiles
11:32 Uncaged-Seeker IR Guided Missiles
14:06 SARH Semi Active Radar Homing Missiles
17:04 ARH Active Radar Homing (Plus IOG and DL)
22:18 Weapon Selection And Cycling
22:56 Missing Advanced Features, Closing Minutia

[@TimsVariety]

Updated version of this guide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laW0Z32whbx4fLc

[@colinrickatson6320]

You know your guide is top tier when the snail 🐌 copies your OG one pretty much point for point. *Slow clap Good Sir

[@TimsVariety]

Yeah ...."no comment" .... I half expect they'll publish a missile guide within the next few weeks ...

[@colonelkurtz5397]

I didnt see gaijin's guide, may i get a link? i'd like to see myself how copied it is lel

[@harrymack3565]

@@colonelkurtz5397 Just search war thunder radar bootcamp

[@harrymack3565]

they posted it on their youtube channel

[@colonelkurtz5397]

@@harrymack3565 Alright, thanks!

[@xx360pwnagexx3]

TLDR: The missile knows where it is, because it knows where it isn't. Great video Tim, keep it up!

[@quarreneverett4767]

Because it knows where it needs to be

[@johnroscoe2406]

By subtracting where it is, from where it isn't.

[@davidh5858]

@@johnroscoe2406 it uses deviation to drive to missile to where it’s suppose to be

[@ThaiLitzki]

I fucking love the missile meme! Never fails to make me chuckle when a missile missbehaves or hits a target who I thought it wouldn't. "Your missile really knew where it is" was my favorit reply when a F14 was hit by a BVR 24R

[@federicoottaviani5164]

What the fuck did you just say about the missile? I'll let you know the missile knows where it is at all time

[@enterchannelname8981]

It was a smart move to use the Shafrir for the caged seeker example instead of the Aim-9, because that way a new player can remember the difference instead of getting Aim-9b and AIm-9p confused because those sound really similar, despite their vast performance differences

[@TimsVariety]

My thoughts exactly.

[@0Ploxx]

@@TimsVarietyI was wondering what you think about anti radiation missiles I want to see my thunderchief firing shrikes and gaijin still has yet to add them

[@TimsVariety]

@@0Ploxx Supposedly there was a 3d model of an ARM in a recent datamine, so ... "soon" maybe? .. we'll see.

[@finleybodle6360]

What’s the difference?

[@stuffiuploaded5473]

​@finleybodle6360 The AIM-9P is a short-range missile with a good G-Overload The AIM-9B is the first missile most players get and is regarded as one of the worst misses in the game

[@mab2187]

9:35 fun fact, the Swift F7 can use its radar gun sight to guide the beam missile, when in range the sight will auto-lock the first proper target (be careful with allies in the sight), i.e. the Firestreak will auto-track the target thats in the locked cone.

[@TimsVariety]

So - funny you mention that. Its a longer topic, but I have confirmation there are multiple open bug reports regarding the behavior of the Firestreak. Sometimes having the radar range-finder on will count as a "lock" on the missile itself, and send it flying off in a random direction, sometimes it seems to do nothing, and sometimes it behaves as you mentioned and makes aiming almost trivial. Since the in-game functionality doesn't seem to be consistent, and I didn't want to sit on this vid for a month or two while the devs sort it out, I decided to mention the **intended** functionality.

[@davispeterson1876]

It's worth noting that even air to ground ARMs have occasionally been used as air to air weapons (although the first example that comes to mind was actually an accident/blue on blue incident)

[@jameson1239]

The F-15 killing a helicopter with a laser guided bomb comes to mind

[@davispeterson1876]

@@jameson1239 pretty sure you can already do that in ground RB. The incident I was thinking of was the time a group of Hornets were flying SEAD for some B-52s, and one of their HARMs decided to go after the radar rangefinder on one of the BUFF's tailguns.

[@hyperball01]

I've been playing this game for 2 years, and this has got to be the best missle guide I've ever seen! I'll definitely recommend this video to friends!

[@MrDeterminedkilla]

I just recently started playing Warthunder and had just now gotten a jet with missiles. I must say I had not a single clue how to use them, and I hated it like a lot... After watching this im 1000% comfortable using missiles! Thanks this helped a ton!

[@junyutan2172]

I had a game in the swift f7 where i got back to back head on kills with the fire flash. Definitely one of the most satisfying yet frustrating weapons to use

[@TimsVariety]

When it works - its awesome. When it flops ... it flops ...

[@milkyplays5566]

I’ve been playing the game for years and have top tier in many factions, yet I always come back to these videos out of pure interest and the fact that I can always learn new information

[@antonmancia2096]

Absolutely Well thought out guide mate, appreciate the absolute quality you put in these videos. Even as an experienced player is nice having this amount of information easily delivered. Automatic Like as always.

[@Flopsgamer]

I agree

[@crazo9994]

This is perhaps the best most comprehensive tutorial on war thunder I’ve ever watched, i love how he gives live gameplay examples to demonstrate how things would work in a real game

[@nathzul2894]

Ty for the video Tim I was waiting for this video since last year .

[@plug-intypeasacoco]

My man even explained to us how the missile knows where it is

[@MrChikoku]

Had all the info I needed and more thanks for the great explanation of all the system types

[@streetlampoil8762]

im not sure if you know this tim but you kindof have a legacy starting in the wt community because ive seen alot of people starting yt channels and making content that is even by their own words heavilly inspired by your videos and takes the same kind of format. ive mever seen a smsller channel have as big of an impact as yours. nice job man!

[@TimsVariety]

Love to hear it :-)

[@hahan00b]

@@TimsVariety actually seeing you recommended on reddit as an excellent guide maker more often as well. Love to see it

[@GenFalcon]

I have loads of time in Wt. really like that someone is putting in the effort instead of the 30 second tiktok clips. Thanks so much man, subbed.

[@mikkelstergaardjensen6324]

Amazing guide, you really put a lot of effort into these videos.

[@Evans7274]

Keep it up! These guides are unbelievably helpful.

[@MausOfTheHouse]

I admire your dedication to the WT community

[@TimsVariety]

o7 Gotta deliver for my subscribers.

[@koakt3357]

Perfect, greatly usefull guide for newbies and veterans, thank you for the great work!

[@SpaceNavy90]

13:40 best part of the entire video, I can't believe I didn't know this Tim once again you prove your channel to be the GOAT

[@neddycz]

This is by far the best WT tutorials channel, keep up the good work!

[@danthrives]

Been loking foward to this video!

[@whitennnerdy]

Been waiting for this one!

[@BlackHawkBallistic]

Great video as always, I've seen the OG before but this is still a treat to watch

[@marchamill]

Thank you again Tims. You do a great job with you videos. Can't wait the Air To Ground one. Especially the keybing. Take care.

[@T-10M]

Thanks man, I needed this tutorial you deserve another subscriber!

[@WorldEditor31]

Love your content. Keep it up much love. Been having a great time with missiles

[@abdulmalikal-zahrani1536]

i will remember this videos for my entire life which helps me alot thanks tim's for the tips !

[@Anarcho-harambeism]

heck yeah, I'm loving your content man, great job!

[@TheSigelo]

Fantastic video, thank you very much.

[@MidnightSilv]

Very very helpful guide!!! Especially for me who played only ground vehicles for more than a year since started

[@_Joob]

Tim putting in the WORK

[@joshuawinebrinner3113]

Spectacular guide. Subbed

[@darkstar_sierra1588]

For the 2nd flight phase of a ARH missile i have heard it has been referred as "Pitbull" that is when the missile turns on it's internal radar and hunts down it's prey that way, so it no longer needs the aircraft radar to guide it.

[@L0RD28]

Your time and dedication will pay off, Love the Vids.

[@travismartin336]

Thanks Tim i find this extremely useful i needed someone to walk me thru this

[@johnroscoe2406]

Very helpful dude thanks for posting, appreciate the time you put in to these.

[@6SSURVIVAL]

Thanks man I was really having trouble with my fireflash missiles until now u got my sub 👌

[@poulhenrikchristensen4804]

Awesome work ! And im happy im not the only one with green lines from the radar all over the screen. You have a new sub. and now on to the radar guide, there is a lot to know to win in this game! Well done again and thanx for upload.

[@BlackAssBilly]

This actually helps a lot thank you very much 👑

[@TheXlig]

Amazing guide, really helpful! keep up the good work!

[@Craig-xw9jq]

Tim - these are very useful guides - thank you for taking the time to make them

[@lewisbenzie845]

This is super useful. Thank you so much Perma Subbed :D

[@TheKaratejesus]

Thanks! I randomly bought the F-5C on a whim and I went into a game having absolutely no idea what was happening. Now I'm getting some kills!

[@TimsVariety]

Glad to help! o7

[@Peterd0e]

Very profesional made guide, thx man

[@Veehawk]

I'm mad that I've never stumbled upon your channel sooner! Thank you for the amazing breakdowns of informative knowledge on subjects most others don't cover. Good stuff! o7

[@streetfightinmanrs]

Thank you for this. I was totally lost trying to figure this out.

[@Suzutsuki44]

Once again a great tutorial your pretty much the best KZbinr for tutorials thank you

[@Skullman4780]

Bro thank you I’ve been trying to figure this out for almost a week now. Thanks bro.

[@Lxcx333]

i already now almost everything about radars and missiles in WT but i still lvoe your videos and they are very easy to understand :D

[@plsmawarthunder]

these guides are rly helpful especially because i just got my first missile carrying plane, tysm tim!

[@Neosid88]

Very helpful even playing this game over the year's.

[@richardgaldos6901]

And Ill leave a comment on this video also. Thanks for the video. It helped me understand why I wasnt getting my missiles to fire and which of my options would be better.

[@thatonelonelydude689]

This was extremely helpful

[@ja37d-34]

Handy video, well done.

[@frostyskittles2465]

Thank you so much for this

[@kingdesktogoosegoosetime1259]

Great video, thank you.

[@Chu2byouBoy]

That's some high quality guide over there

[@nilswalther8801]

nice guides from you thanks

[@sadfrog5787]

great video!

[@Bum489]

The fact you managed to hit a MiG-17 with a manual guided missile is insane.

[@TimsVariety]

... it took me some time to get footage of a dogfight kill with the nord (as opposed to a head-on unguided shot) .. I'll just leave it at that.

[@jannikheidemann3805]

@@TimsVariety Did you have help from a friend to steer the missile while you fly?

[@aaeerr1234]

Great video. No bullshit. Just information. Directly subscribed!

[@diffsmasher4824]

very nice. thank you good sir!

[@jordithefox2786]

My man is a legend 👍

[@FM-hw8yv]

Well thanks, i will study this and hopefully work my issues out

[@MrTheCardboardhouse]

Not gunna lie, don't need to be here but i love watching your guides. The cadence of speech and how you articulate and explain things makes me very happy, And kinda relaxed?

[@rigby250]

Great video Tim! I was wondering if you could perhaps make a video series covering all the missiles in each respective country (all the different missiles in USA, USSR, GER, etc.) I feel like this would be good since there's some missiles that are pretty different but the stat cards don't make them obvious, and it would be nice to hear your input on each missile individually. I know this would be a pretty long series, but it if you ever run out of ideas for content or just need to put out some videos it could be a decent move. Keep making the great content!

[@folkstep5378]

Amazing guide. Didn't know that Phoenix Missiles work this way

[@thalesribeiro8343]

i like your videos, i learning about wt and english with you, thanks from brazil

[@carlosszr]

great guide ty

[@Response1980]

Thank you 🖤

[@TheUnseenWaffle]

I found it simple for me to bind any secondary weapons to the "SPACE" bar. It works for me with no issues. Give it a shot. And BTW this video is very well done. Kudos!

[@TimsVariety]

I do the same thing - I use spacebar as my secondary weapon keybind. It means I have to pay attention to what weapon I have selected, but it makes weapon use under pressure FAR easier.

[@TheUnseenWaffle]

@@TimsVariety yes sir!

[@elementalsheep2672]

I've got 2400 hours in WT and have always been too intimidated by the complexity of jets past 8.0. This video gave me what I needed to give it a go. Turns out I've been missing out on a lot!

[@TokeRec]

New sub here! I appreciate your tutorial video! Very understanding and very well explained for new and old player.

[@BilbosOtherFriend]

Thank you very useful from a new player :D

[@0GTXR]

Nice video. Tips on how to dodge each type of missile could help too, whether with countermeasures or not.

[@Boris_The_Turtle]

Great guide!

[@stellaygreta]

That was very helpful

[@thecowboyfromcali]

MCLOS missiles like the AA-20 Nord are some of the best lower-BR helicopter/drone killers out there. It also is really easy to use something like the G91 to take out a large amount of predator drones, in the event of an uptier, as the base AIM-9B don't track drones well. Harder to use, but MUCH easier to target those specific scenarios. It's also a head-on monster in air RB, for anyone who gets a little greedy on initial contact. You can pretty effectively shoot this 3km+ out if you see someone turn towards you. This specific missile doesn't leave a super big trail either, as it's a slow burning cruiser style missile, making it almost impossible to spot unless you visually see the launch off the aircraft

[@sparkleybitz]

Thank you.

[@therealdohos2607]

spot on !

[@WarDog276]

I am so freakin stoked for Weasel gameplay

[@TimsVariety]

I have a WT Pairings vid up with the W1A2

[@thewewefox2267]

Good guide

[@theScottishKoala]

Worth mentioning. You do not need a "fire air to air missile" keybind if you just use the "fire secondary weapons" keybind instead. Helps consolidate controls when you only need a single key to drop bombs, fire rockets, or launch different types of air to air and/or air to ground missiles, just depending on which you have selected at any one time. The controls menu will still warn you that you don't have a firing key bound though, so I just set it to something obscure like Alt + Num7 or something and JUST use the fire secondary weapons key

[@theScottishKoala]

Slight correction - none of our current all-aspect IR missiles can see a target coming DIRECTLY at you, so you can't use them in fully front-aspect shots like you could a radar guided missile for example. They can see targets at much closer to frontal angles, but not directly nose-on. Also worth mentioning - uncaged seekers allow you to LEAD missiles in the same way you'd lead guns, giving the missile a much shallower curve it has to follow to hit a turning target. Point the missile as far in the direction the enemy is flying as you can before firing Other than that, fantastic guide as always!

[@TeufelHunden55]

thank you!

[@drierwhisper729]

Great guide, hits every point I could think of. Great job as usual!

[@manmeh4r]

bros got an xbox pfp

[@drierwhisper729]

@@manmeh4r and

[@drierwhisper729]

@@manmeh4r lol

[@manmeh4r]

@@drierwhisper729 no hate just saying

[@drierwhisper729]

I know

[@TeufelHunden55]

you are absolutely a saint!

[@TeufelHunden55]

lol i keep coming back to these videos after taking long break from gaming

[@TimsVariety]

o7

[@afmo500]

Liked and subscribed.

[@hungryhedgehog4201]

I wish they'd add missile callouts, preferably automatic ones. Like automatic callouts in general would be nice like if a tank spots an enemy it will automatically call out type, heading and rough distance. Same with missiles to warn friendlies. A few games have this now, its pretty much the only interesting feature in bf 2042 which also mentions if an enemy is near a landmark.

[@julianviefers6703]

You can avoid friendly fire with Phoenix missiles by hard locking your desired target it usually helps the Phoenix lock that specific and none else. Not fool proof but minimizes risks

[@281cu6]

You would normally only keep the lock at the edge of your radar's gimbal limit so you can defensively crank. Then you would break lock when the active radar missile goes pitbull.

[@cringepog2758]

Passive radar homing and anti radiation missiles work on different methods. Passive radar relies on radar reflections of other radar systems to get a lock. The advantages to this is a firing aircraft does not need to illuminate the target with the radar but must use the signals of others. Anti radiation directly locks a radar emitter. Unlike passive radar, it will only lock the emitter effectively, not the reflections

[@2milk867]

Congrats (and my condolences) on your new bot comments, your channel is finally getting the recognition it deserves

[@avishansiew1759]

Quality content

[@TimsVariety]

Thank you so much!

[@omegazeta]

Missed the fact that SACLOS missiles track on things like gun radar as-well, very useful functional for headons because it allows for turning off target slightly

[@julianviefers6703]

The Phoenix missiles go pitbull (it's own radar takes over) at 16km (the lock range is the stat card indicator for this) or less to the target at this point its independent from your datalink you can turn tail and run. That being said if it isn't a furball you can run if it's 20km and it has a good chance to find the target unless it made drastic changes of direction

[@The2flame]

For anyone starting to get the aim-9b in the usa tech tree, my biggest advice for you is to fire them at planes that are out of "energy" as in they just made a big turn and they're flying really really slow. The reason i say that is because the IR tracker in the aim-9b can be lost by simply turning fast enough so if a jet is going under 600km/h ish, they can't just turn away from your missiles.

[@tdkyt46]

Technically you do not need two binds for ir missles as they have to "spool/warmup" press fire a2a once to spool up then lock and a second time while locked to fire but you will not be able to unlock/change target unless you physically move out of lock circle. Its recommended to have both binds but not necessarily needed