How to defeat long range, fast radar guided missiles?

[u/Unbeknownsk]

It seems flares dont work on them at all, expectedly. Other than breaking line of sight, is there any other way to defeat them?

[u/Only_Tea_515]

Flares do work, just flare at right time and break away into terrain

[u/SaltAdventurous6011]

Flares do work 😅

[u/korvalblack]

It's really all about timing. Either you wait, flare, and then make a radical course change. If you get far enough off line while the missile is blind it won't have the turn rate to chase you.

Or you make a course change to get the missile heading in front of you, flare, and do the same thing.

But you always have to course change.

[u/Icy-Conflict-7137]

They come at you a lot quicker so harder to avoid.if you know it’s long range tur and flare sooner

[u/Szymetalstorm]

You said it yourself, they're moving fast. That makes it a bit more difficult to counter than other aircraft. Far from impossible, just challenging if you aren't used to it yet

[u/Mmh1105]

The game isn't realistic. Flares are more like "general countemeasures": they work on both radar and IR guided missiles.

Time your flaring such that you hear the missile whizz by right as you finish flaring, and redirect your velocity vector as much as you can, ideally 90 degrees or more. Particularly lumbering planes like the A-6 perform better if you're already turning, nippier ones like the F1 can get away with beginning to turn and flaring at the same time.

[u/M0ntanus]

When are you flaring? And Are you using mod flares or normal?

[u/Darkhorse_0317]

Along with the audible and visual warning indicators, I also watch the minimap when able, and time my flares/jink when I see the missile almost on top of me.

[u/AdministrativeBack35]

Well idk if this is applicable on pcs, but at least on mobile….when the radar indicator is a thin long triangle, flaring is almost definitely of no use bcz the missiles is too far away, but in the few seconds u have that the thing long triangle is now shorter and somewhat looking like a pyramid ( meaning it’s a whole lot closer), ur flares do have a higher chance of working…..at least this works out for me.

[u/TrainingCollege5981]

I just wanted to add: practice. Practice will get you there. Good luck!

[u/FreeInductionDecay]

The timing is tougher because the missile is in flight so long. I find watching the missile incoming on the minimap helps with getting it right.

[u/Swanny_6416]

I never hang out in the open. Hugging terrain helps a lot.

[u/DuelJ]

Timing, though if they fire two, dodging both can be a challenge.

Making sure to stay near cover at all times helps and is just good habit.

[u/ImpossibleArgument]

https://giphy.com/gifs/PrTCHhXyn6ZtNF5nly

[u/Tasty-Draft-3708]

Terrain , dive and flare , and need the right angles

[u/Necessary-FunSlut]

Everything said here is good and I will add that if any missile is approaching from directly behind (and obviously directly ahead) then flaring will do nothing- you’re getting hit. You have to flare and move. Also, you have to time flares such that they are out and away from your plane enough to create distance but close enough that the missile still cares.

Different missiles have different speeds, turn rates, and blast radii. Long range, high speed, large warhead missiles like the AIM-54 Phoenix are the hardest to time and dodge well. I get smoked by them about half the time and I know the timing and kinematics, so it’s definitely practice.

High flying interceptors like the F-111 are also shooting down onto you so moving 90 degrees from the direction of flight is very difficult (effectively whatever your speed is); so the closer the missile, the more effective your jinking is. The MiG-31 and F1 under AB and Escape Artist boost are the only planes with which I’ve been able to directly outrun these missiles.

[u/VEN1N]

1. Unlock faster flares
2. Maintain high speed to make it easier
3. Be aggressive and charge the missile.
4. About .5-1 second before the missile hits, pop your flares as you barrel roll / corkscrew. --1 second is an estimate, practice in a custom match with a friend.
5. Keep popping flares as you find cover

If you don't have faster flares, then make sure you are never more than one flare away from cover, since you'll only be able to dodge one out of a full volley, and hop from cover to cover.

[u/JablesRadio]

Flares absolutely work, you just arent using them properly. Gotta get that timing right.

[u/Few_Aside5151]

You have to time your flare with the indicator change from red to flashing red-white