05/08/2025
Testing My Student’s Rafale C F3-R – Demonstrating IRST Camera Usage and HOBS BVR Jousting in SIM
In the first clip, I demonstrate how to effectively hunt using the Rafale’s IRST (Infrared Search and Track) camera, where I engaged and shot down an enemy MiG-29. It’s very simple to use: first, disable sight stabilization, then either IRST-lock or TWS-track the target. The camera will automatically lock onto it.
Under normal conditions, I’d operate like a stealth fighter—avoiding radar emissions altogether. However, since the Rafale can’t fire Fox-3 missiles via IRST, I’m still forced to use radar. If I had access to MICA IR missiles, I’d rely on IRST more often, especially in stealth scenarios. But in matches like this—aggressively full of players and set on a terrain-heavy map like Spain—accidental merges are likely, and I can’t afford to lower my guard. That’s why I kept the radar active to ensure survivability.
That said, I got a little too carried away with the IRST camera and ended up wing-ripping my student’s Rafale. My apologies for that. Just a heads-up: be cautious when overspeeding or making aggressive maneuvers in the Rafale—its wings are quite fragile at high speeds.
In the second clip, while I was jousting, a Su-30SM managed to sneak behind me and fire a Fox-3. Fortunately, I had both altitude and speed in my favor, taking advantage of the Rafale’s excellent acceleration. I went cold, dispensed a few chaff, and outran the missile. The R-77-1 is energetic and has a lower drag coefficient than the standard R-77, but since the Su-30SM fired from low altitude, the missile had to cut through dense air—reducing its energy in the process. Always stay calm in these situations and don’t panic—trust the process of your BVR defense.
In the third clip, once I defeated the Su-30SM’s missiles, I noticed through my HMD that my teammates were keeping it occupied. I re-engaged and showcased how to perform HOBS (High Off-Boresight) BVR jousting. I slewed my radar to the left and narrowed the scan zone for a faster refresh rate, then fired a Fox-3 and shot down the Su-30SM that had attacked me earlier.
