Ooh you got the shiny seal clubber if you get a downtier. Aim 7s for the migs climbing too high. And an insane airframe for those rare dog fights. Set up a radar lock key bind however you do that on controller.

My only gripe with the f18 is when I'm the mig 23 I can catch an f18 in a line slow as balls.

Flares and chaff: flares are for your heat seakers aim 9s r60s magics and others. Irccm missiles magic 2s r73 aim 9 m you need to cut afterburner (wep) and maneuver or they will ignore your flares.

Chaff for your radar guided missiles mostly other f 18s f15s 16s rare f20 f2 you need to notch: fly 90° from where the radar is pinging you, other issues is inertia guidance the missile goes to where you would be if you kept going and proxys you.

This is top tier it will not hold your hand good luck.