Quote:
Originally posted by javierib:
You really have to be very stupid...if an F16 shows up it's a matter of common sense to make a 180 degrees turn!!...
The other thing is, can a sidewider lock a cessna?...I think I wouldn't waste a sidewinder, much less an AMRAAM to shoot down a cessna...wouldn't be much cheaper half a second of the M61A1?
Later AIM-9's could in theory. These missiles are all aspect missiles. IE not just designed to be fired from a rear aspect position. Offcourse on jets the engine is a huge heat source so it does improve the chances of a hit but it could pick up the warmer airframe (due to friction etc.) against the colder background. Also the engine of a cessna still generates some heat so it would be reasonable target. I think best practice with small GA aircraft would indeed to try and use the M61A1 however above a city like DC I would be rather worried where my rounds that didnt impact went. I would be happier using an AIM-9 and limiting the damage footprint on the ground then spraying 20 mm AFPDS all over downtown DC.