Well, was thinking about it. Here is the thought:
AH-64 Apache uses Laser guided missiles to fire on Ground Targets. Several Fighter Attack Aircraft such as the F-16, F-18 also use Laser guided munitions to attack ground targets.
What I was thinking is that Laser guidance has primarily been used in Ground attack munitions only. I can't think of any A2A weapon being deployed with laser guidance.
The point is laser guidance can be used to attack fighter aircraft such as the Raptor in WVR engagements. Since JHMCS is already available, the only thing the pilot needs to do, is lock up the laser on the airborne missile through his HMS and fire the missile. Even though this is strictly WVR, but still would give other aircrafts some hope of surviving in a WVR engagement against a stealthier aircraft, which cannot be locked at even when within sight.
Of course for all this to happen, the aircraft needs to survive BVR against the Raptor.
I've heard this point that how hard it can be against the Raptor in the BVR engagement as well. Now the point is, Raptor uses the AIM120, which is an ARH missile. Now AFAIK, AIM120 after being launched will go Active after sometime, which means it will switch on it's own Radar to track the target. Now with the RWRs available on an aircraft any decent fighter aircraft like the F-16 would be able detect this "Active Missile". And if it can be detected, then there are always chances that it can be evaded.
Any comments?
