Bowie

Supercarrier: S-3B Recovery Tanker Operations S-3B: - Allows for a division of A/C/flight (4). - Operates in Recovery Tanker mode. - Launches/Recovers, and is then parked, some in the hanger (origami). Problem: - Will only load as "Takeoff from Runway," on the initial CAT load/launch. - Will only service from #1 A/C in flight, the rest of the flight, w/ unique Tacan/Radio, fly formation dormant. Please advise EDIT: 2(Recovery Tanker).trk - A/C also appear to want to stay w/ the tanker after tanking, instead of proceeding on their route. Bowie

How would one switch to other than a different waypoint on the same track? One could skip someplace, say, to the secondary bombing target, due to cloud cover at the primary bombing target, which is cool. Guess one could lay a convoluted track, and assume that unless advanced to alter course/targets, they would not be utilized due to the previous waypoint engagements. ie. Run a track around one side of the mountain, then back it out and run it around the other side. One would just need engagements(combat) prepared on both sides, for both the true track and waypoint advance, mitigating the backout. Bowie

This is an ask... The long fields: Rota, Gurguan Point, Tinian, and Orote, Guam. The WWII heavies operate from the ramp, and obvious parking locations, just fine. But... it's 1967. Rota - makes a great Chu Lai SATS, just the right distance and direction from the Central Highlands (Guam). Gurguan Point - makes a great Da Nang Airbase, just the right distance and direction from Chu Lai to the South, and Dong Hoi/Vinh pan-handle(Saipan) to the North. And, of course, TF 77/CarDiv 2 USS Forrestal CVA 59 is on Yankee Station, 98 NM East, out in the Gulf, steaming ENE at 18 kts into a 15 kt wind, VA-106 and VA-46 A-4E's aboard, along w/ a detachment of VAQ-308 KA-3B(S-3B) Recovery Tankers. The 10th FCS "Skoshi Tiger" F-5E's are at Da Nang Airbase, as is a 22nd ARW from McConnell AFB detachment, consisting of a single KC-135MPRS, that will operate in and out w/ a 65% fuel load but has no parking available, so must start from the runway and then disappear after landing. The Marine A-4E's, VMA-121 and VMA-311, are on board Chu Lai SATS. And because it is truly a "Short Airfield for Tactical Support," CAS loaded A-4E's require a 45% fuel load to clear the trees w/ 3,000 lbs of ordnance. So, a VMGR-152 KC-130F is embarked as well, due to parking difficulties at Da Nang, but suffers the same accommodations as the KC-135MPRS there. It is a great utilization of the map for the time-frame, save the inability to access the existing heavy A/C accommodations. Yes, this was egregious, for a simple ask, but it has been a fun project, and wanted to share. At your(DevGru) convenience - could you please re-designate the existing heavy locations on Rota, Gurguan Point, and Orote airfields to accommodate the modern heavies, KC-130/135MPRS Tankers. Thanks. P.S. the Super Carrier won't accommodate the S-3B in a similar manner, as it will only load them from the runway (CAT loaded), although will Recover and stow them below deck, which is extremely cool, given the origami involved. But that would be another egregious thread in the Super Carrier forum. Bowie

RE: the Mike model w/ the augmented A-4E-C.lua file. (see above post) Would like to have it available as an A/C, for GWOT missions, with the least amount of redundancy. Basically a name change where necessary w/ the augmented .lua file, and any other renamed/copy-over files/folders. Like a skin. Please advise. EDIT: Just found that the DCS MiG-15bis/MiG-15bis_FC are set up this way, two unique .lua files in the same MiG-15bis A/C folder. Will investigate. Bowie

Community A-4E-C v2.3 (May 2025) - Punch List: Stall shudder: In the pattern, from a little high to on speed, is very good. From on speed to low? ... quickly goes to what amounts to re-entering the atmosphere in a space capsule. Literally shaking ones eye-balls loose. Will post a track. Just some more - is all that is needed. Great A/C. EDIT: Disregard. Special Settings - the head-shake slider was set to "200." Default "100" is much better. Bowie

This is Hawkeye60, and it looks very good. Along w/ the opaque black stack smoke. Bowie

Community A-4E-C v2.3 (May 2025) - Punch List: Internal Fuel Capacity: DCS: 5,440 lbs. [906 gal.] https://skyhawk.org/article/-technical-data [4,860 lbs.] (810 gal.) EDIT: Disregard. Was calculating [6.0 lb./gal AvGas], not ~6.8 lb./gal. JP-5 jet fuel. DCS: 5,440 lbs. (800 gal. JP-5) Bowie

Where are the ship .lua files located in DCS? Have located both "CV-59-Forrestal.lua" and "LHA_Tarawa.lua", disabled the "GT.exhaust", and they look 1000% better. A little full power A-4E-C jet exhaust would be about right, if you could work it. Check out Cat#3 Cat#3 Bug.trk Bowie

NTS: Community A-4E-C v2.3 (May 2025) bug report: On Super Carrier - Main Gear float well above the deck, maybe six(6") inches. Nose wheel is tight to the deck. This is a quick Cat launch track made yesterday, w/ the 2.2. Cat#3 Super.trk This is the same cut today, w/ the 2.3, that shows the issues. Cat#3 Super 2.3.trk Please advise. Bowie

The airstrip is named Agana on the current map. You are then referring to the town itself. Bowie

Been spending time over Guam for carrier ops, as the airfields will support legacy jets. Fantastic terrain architecture. Outstanding for the floor all bar-fights eventually end up on, or for NOE attack profiles. But it still chunks. Needs to be Lighter, like WWII Normandy. Bowie

One first trims yaw using the ball (turn and bank indicator) w/ rudder trim, and then trims the roll forces out of wings level stick w/ aileron trim. Then pitch using the VSI/altimeter w/ elevator trim. Bowie

While all y'all are in a good mood... How much trouble would it be to up-rate the flight dynamics to produce a Mike model, powered by a J52-P-408 with 11,200 lbf of thrust, everything else same/same? Fly the Scooter a lot, and while the traditional E model is great for the 60's-70's environment, an ACM version for the legacy F/A-18 era would be sweet, and take it into the millennium. Really enjoy the Scooter. EDIT: Upon further research, this Echo model appears to be upgraded to the Foxtrot spec., with its 9,300 lbf J52-P8A/8B engine, wing spoilers for landing role-out, and the capability to shoot AIM-9 Sidewinders. Good decision for a long-lived, multi-role A/C. As for the Mike model: now have a alternate A-4E-C.lua file, that reflects the J52-P-408's 11,200 lbf thrust and 17 lbs of additional weight, as well as an additional 100 rds. of 20x110mm ammo for the Colt Mk 12's, and its accompanying 119 lbs. (for the combat weight) Bowie

Just found this new update, looking for the answer to a question: How to get a keybind for "call the ball", like the F/A-18C. Already have the salute for launch, but the no grade/comms traps are weak. Really enjoy this Scooter. Bowie

Will CC this here, as this is the mothership. Problem: #3 Cat, on the USS Forrestal is dumping AI A-4E-C A/C, even w/o a payload, into the sea. Assume: Lack of Airspeed - as 3,000 lb loaded A-4E-C A/C from the other three Cat's struggle and sometimes even drag their gear. Situation: Steaming at 18 kn., because of the Replenishment ship, into a 15 kn. (@33 ft.) wind, 10° port, down the flight-deck. Combined Wind Over Deck: a calculated 32 kn. External View IAS: (On flight deck or Cat) Player: 36 kn. AI: 19 kn. AI appear to respond to Wind at airfields. EDIT: Did External View Launch Tests off the USS Forrestal. AI A-4E-C: Full Internal Fuel, 3,000 lb payload + 2xAIM-9M (4074 lb), 86% Max Gross Weight. Launch Speeds/Results: Consistent over program CAT.1, .2, .4: 153 kn. IAS - (fly off) CAT.3: 144 kn. IAS - (swim) Cat#3 Bug.trk EDIT#2: Reduced Wind to 5 kn, increased Speed to 28 kn., for the same Wind Over Deck. Repeated the Tests. Same A/C results. Launch Speeds/Results: Consistent over program CAT.1, .2, .4: 152 kn. IAS - (fly off) CAT.3: 141 kn. IAS - (swim) Please advise. EDIT: While all y'all are in a good mood... Ship Exhaust: not Steam Locomotive They burn fuel, not wood, and use a closed, high-pressure steam turbine propulsion system, not open piston. The Exhaust should resemble lean diesel smoke, or, better, F-4 Phantom II Jet exhaust, which is burning kerosene. USS Forrestal and LHA-1 Tarawa are the worst offenders, and use the same "ship".lua "GT.exhaust", except Tarawa uses twice as much (two stacks). None... looks better than OEM, as they have been disabled. The A-4E-C Exhaust, at full power, (please see attached track) would be about perfect all by itself. Please advise. This is a wonderful product, and much appreciated. Bowie

Actually, the A-4E-C Exhaust, at full power, would be about perfect all by itself. Cat#3 Super.trk Bowie

Yeah, am using Marianas II/Guam in Carrier based Vietcong/NorK/ChiCom scenarios. Nice piece of real estate to fight over, and Orote Airstrip will handle modern jets, and will even operate a KC135MPRS w/ 60% fuel if the wind is right. A-4E's and F/A-18C's... and MiG's Bungle in the Jungle. Bowie

Did the exact same mission profile, 3,000 lb payload, except w/ a carrier change to Super. Cat#3 Super.trk All flew off. So, the true offender - is USS Forrestal's low power #3 Cat. The original tests were w/ a 4,000 lb bomb-load, and both Carriers' #3 Cat failed to keep the planes dry. 3,000 lbs is reasonable for a carrier launch. But the USS Forrestal's #3 Diving Board still needs a fix. Bowie

As opposed to putting an A-4E-C on the USS Forrestal and shooting it off the #3 Cat? EDIT: IF you embark a Division, to "take-off from runway", it will be the second plane off... the wet one. Cat#3 Bug.trk Bowie

They burn fuel, not wood, and use a closed, high-pressure steam turbine propulsion system, not open piston. The Exhaust should resemble lean diesel smoke, or, better, F-4 Phantom II Jet exhaust, which is burning kerosene. USS Forrestal and LHA-1 Tarawa are the worst offenders, and use the same "ship".lua "GT.exhaust", except Tarawa uses twice as much (two stacks). None... looks better than OEM, as they have been disabled. Please advise. Bowie

AI Aircraft/Cat Launch: Wind Over Deck (IAS) Problem: #3 Cat, on both the USS Forrestal and Super Carrier, are dumping AI A-4E-C A/C, w/o payload, into the sea. Assume: Lack of Airspeed - as 3,000 lb loaded A-4E-C A/C from the other three Cat's struggle and sometimes even drag their gear. Situation: Steaming at 18 kn., because of the Replenishment ship, into a 15 kn. (@33 ft.) wind, 10° port, down the flight-deck. Combined Wind Over Deck: a calculated 32 kn. External View IAS: (On flight deck or Cat) Player: 36 kn. AI: 19 kn. AI appear to respond to Wind at airfields. EDIT: Did External View Launch Tests off the USS Forrestal. AI A-4E-C: Full Internal Fuel, 3,000 lb payload + 2xAIM-9M (4074 lb), 86% Max Gross Weight. Launch Speeds/Results: Consistent over program CAT.1, .2, .4: 153 kn. IAS - (fly off) CAT.3: 144 kn. IAS - (swim) EDIT#2: Reduced Wind to 5 kn, increased Speed to 28 kn., for the same Wind Over Deck. Repeated the Tests. Same A/C results. Launch Speeds/Results: Consistent over program CAT.1, .2, .4: 152 kn. IAS - (fly off) CAT.3: 141 kn. IAS - (swim) Please advise. Bowie

CFS2 - had a 'dice-roll' waypoint, with an 'A' or 'B' outcome. Unique routes were propagated for both from that point. eg: Route leads to a mountain. Variable Waypoint originates randomly selected 'A' and 'B' routes, say left or right around the mountain. Or, say, dive-bomb the airfield, or low-level attack the tank farm. Or, say, attack from the East, or attack from the Southwest. All possible with a Variable Waypoint. Bowie

"Airbrake, Toggle". Bowie

Add to the list: - No key-bindes to charge the guns. - No Starter Cover Toggle. - No Magneto Toggle. Thanks. Bowie

Meh. Ha! CFSII 1%(CFSIV) is reborn. Long live the PTO. Thank you all involved. (now, something to shoot at) Bowie