Somewhere there was a really nice post with screenshots illustrating all this but I cannot find it. One reference I found had links to other posts which may have included this, but the old links didn't work with the new forum structure. Maybe Joe can dig them up. Maybe HOW DO I TARGET THE HARM could go in the FAQ as well.
Recluse
EDIT:
Here's another useful thread:
http://www.simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=344163&page=0&fpart=1I think those old posts were from our old pal JStar, who is now ANONYMOUS as I guess he is no longer registered (under that name, anyway)
The old link to his thread was:
http://www.simhq.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=73;t=004869#000001if someone can translate to the new structure.
In summary:
Red One: To summarize the thread: Max effective range is 38nm. The problem is that you don't have a range finder in TOO mode... so you'll have to look at what altitude you are one... and then look at how many degrees down from the horizon the targeting box is. If the targeting box is far enouh down the ladder, then you are in range.
Rules of thumb:
10 000ft -> 3 degrees down on the ladder.
15 000ft -> 4 degrees
20 000ft -> 5 degrees
25 000ft -> 6 degrees
If the targeting box is below the number of degrees shown above, then you are in range.
/J
In practice, I've found HARM range a bit less than 38 nm. Using PB launches, I think the system is very conservative too, waiting till about 25-28 nm before cueing an IN RANGE. I use 30 as a rule of thumb if I have a Range readout from another system (e.g. Radar, HUD pointer or FLIR lock and TARGET STEERING selected in HUD)