Understanding the Atmosphere: Altitude vs Missile Performance
The atmosphere, in reality as in DCS, is not a monolithic, immutable, entity. Factors such as the altitude and weather affect, sometimes dramatically, aircraft and missiles alike. In this discussion, I will focus on the altitude, and try to show why it matters so much and how a missile can benefit, or suffer, from altitude changes.
“Stop Destroying Videogames” – European Parliament hearing
The Stop Destroying Videogames initiative finally landed at the European Parliament. This is the hearing held on 16/04/2026.
The “New” AIM-54 Phoenix VII: AIM-120C-5 Comparison
The last chapter of the study about the “new” AIM-54 compares the Phoenix to its de facto successor: the AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM.
The scenario used is the same dynamic mission used for chapter VI, and includes tests from 35,000ft against targets at 15,000ft.
The “New” AIM-54 Phoenix VI: Dynamic Scenarios
The penultimate video of this series, the “new” AIM-54 Phoenix is tested against manoeuvring targets with speeds changing from M.7 to M1.6, up to 9G pulled, and different altitudes. The results are surprising.
The “New” AIM-54 Phoenix V: Different Geometry (Zero-Cut / 180 HCA)
One of the issues with the chapters discussed so far is how static they are. Although they provide a good picture of the “new” AIM-54 Phoenix, this study would be relatively incomplete without testing more complex situations.
Here is the first scenario: “zero-cut” or 180 HCA / DTG.
The “New” AIM-54 Phoenix IV: A vs C & Mk47 vs Mk60
The updated AIM-54 “resets” the differences between different rocket motors. Since they were a means to differentiate the supply, and the Mk60 ceased production in the late 70s, this decision makes a lot of sense, in my opinion.