'AA-S' - Meteor

'AA-S' - Meteor
Low-speed, 360˚ lock-on, high-maneuverability air-to-air missile that will track its target to the ends of the earth -- provided that is roughly within its 500-700m attack range. Despite being a semi-active missile, it cannot lose its tracking once fired.

Usage
The Meteor is a reliable, albeit expensive and short-ranged missile with the distinction of being able to fire at targets from a full 360º around its launch aero. Sitting at 100 base damage, it two shots carrier engines and will knock down most enemy aeros (barring the GRYPHON) within 1-3 hits. While it can easily nab pursuing targets -- allowing for some overlap with the ALMM "Scorpion" missile-- and can be fired in from any position, it is not always recommended to do so. Its low speed means that it has trouble catching up to faster and more nimble targets, especially those in the middle of a turn.

When a Meteor misses a target, it has a high chance of spiralling around until either self-destructing or hitting its target on the second pass.

Interceptors are the main class suited to and capable of using it. The RAIJU and ORCA benefit from it the most, due to their lower turn rates leaving them vulnerable to fighters. Used at the right moment, it can be an excellent addition to an Avionics-based arsenal, albeit somewhat redundant when used by Fighters.

Evasion
While the ORCA-Ace and VECTOR-Ace enemies have no doubt been the source of many an unexpected death, the missile can be easily evaded with careful timing.

The easiest maneuver to employ against them, even (and especially) when flying a bomber, is to dodge-roll, as if it were a normal missile. Typically, dodging the missile on the first approach will prevent it from hitting, though you must still take care not to fly into the spiralling missile — make sure to continue dodging as much as possible. Frequent ducking, weaving and bobbing will help tremendously.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that a faster plane can outrun and or bank around the missile; the fewer aggressive sharp turns made when being pursued, the more likely the missile will turn around and hit you.