Your assumption is correct and, without reviewing the film - if it exists - there's no way of telling. One thing to be aware of is the differences between the Golf and the Lima aren't just aspect limits. The L has a much more sensitive seeker head and better tracking and guidance and is less susceptible to background IR and glint. Also the aerodynamics are better so it will handle target manoeuvre better, especially at longer ranges. Different flare rejection too, but that all gets a bit complicated and probably isn't relevant. The Lima has a much better fusing system too, using active laser.
So there are situations when Lima is better even in the Golf's engagement zone.
The Argentineans had no real tactics against an all aspect IR threat. If they knew we had them, it would certainly have made them much more cautious of presenting themselves, especially as the tested Pk of the Lima is really good - probably well over 80%, but that's debatable.
Last edited by Courtney Mil; 23rd Mar 2012 at 11:39.