Stormworks currently allows for FOX 1 and FOX 3 class missiles (radar guided), but not Fox 2 (IR guided) missiles. In dogfights high of bore sight and close range are areas IR missiles (like AIM9X) excel in, so how would they easily be implemented into Stormworks without implementing thermal maps...?

The already existing laser mechanic of laser points and lasers, if the jet exhausts got a Laser point in the glowing part that only was on when the engine is on, the missile could track that, and we would have a temporary implementation of IR seekers.

For counter measures, the same could be implemented into flares, so that they could distract from the jet exhaust

If you would like to take it to another level maybe you guys could implement variable levels of brightness, so that the seeker prioritized the brightest level over the closest to the center, maybe having 3 levels, the highest being 3 and only for lit afterburner and rocket motors, 2 could be laser points and maybe the flares, and 1 normal jet exhaust and potentially diesel exhaust.

This more complex system would make PvP combat much more engaging with silent but deadly short range IR missiles, heat seeking ground attack and maybe even manpads and anti-tank weapons such as Javelin, NLAW and Stinger, (assuming the targeted vehicles & AI vehicles had hot exhausts)

Outside of the weapons DLC I can't really figure out a use for such a system, if not full thermal imaging was implemented :(

Thanks For Reading, Have a Great Day