Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
AV-8B Plus
Italy · Rank VIII · Strike aircraft
- Acquisition Type
- Tech Tree
- Air RB battle rating
- 13.0Observed October 8, 2026
Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
AV-8B Plus rewards choosing the job before takeoff. For Air RB, decide whether you are supporting the fighters or making a ground-attack run, then carry for that job. Do not arrive at the merge with a strike load and no plan for the enemy fighters.
How to fly it
Set up the first engagement
Accelerate into a useful position beside teammates. Vertical takeoff or slow flight is not a substitute for arriving with speed.
Make the attack count
Take a short attack and keep checking the way out. Use thrust-vectoring controls only with a clear purpose; staying slow gives another enemy time to aim.
Know when to break off
Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the original plan. Slowing down for a trick in the middle of a fight that several enemies can reach.
- Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
Make them defend before closing
AIM-120A AMRAAM gives you an active-radar option. Use the launch to disrupt an opponent’s approach rather than treating the missile’s maximum reach as a promise of a hit.
Plan the guided-weapon attack
AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missiles lets you plan a guided strike. Identify the target and the way out before starting the attack; searching through the weapon sight is a poor time to notice an interceptor.
Limitations
The strike load changes the fight
Extra ordnance costs weight and drag. If fighters reach you before the release, defend immediately instead of trying to finish the original run first.
A launch does not remove the shooter
A pressured opponent may still have a missile coming toward you. Keep checking the RWR and the sky after firing rather than assuming the exchange is finished.
Recommended Air RB loadouts
AIM-120A AMRAAM
Use this active-radar option for the opening exchange when fitted. Support the shot while it is safe to do so, and make room to defend rather than continuing straight toward the enemy.
AIM-9M Sidewinder
Take the AIM-9M once it is unlocked. Its flare rejection and low-smoke motor make it a better choice than the AIM-9L on an aircraft offering both. Still choose a useful angle; a target already defending can defeat the shot.
Radar & defenses
React to warnings in time
A radar warning matters even when you nearly have your own shot. Make room to defend, and keep looking for infrared launches that the RWR cannot announce.
Check the countermeasure fit
Fit the available countermeasures for the threats you expect. For an infrared attack, cut afterburner if in use, flare and change the missile’s view of the aircraft. For radar threats, combine the appropriate defensive turn with chaff where fitted.
Ground attack & CAS
AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missiles
Set up AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missiles before entering the target area. Get the target and guidance ready early; if the approach falls apart, break away rather than searching through the sight while flying at an SPAA.
Choose the target before diving
For 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.
Set the sight before the run
Select the fitted weapon and its supported impact or release cue before entering the target area. Make the correction on the approach; do not circle over the target trying to work out the controls.
Handling & fuel
Keep speed for the next decision
Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.
Plan the return
Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.
Battle Rating History
| Observation | Battle rating |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 · Archive | 13.0 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 13.0.