OnlyforDCS

I would be happy with just a weather system graphical upgrade, and ATC, GCI and multiplayer comm improvements.

I don't understand why the devs are adjusting the FM at the moment, was there some problem with how the Cat performed in previous patches? It seemed to be right on the money and I've heard no complaints or seen no particular irregularities with the flight model?

This is unfortunately not true. TWS Auto is not yet implemented or functional.

I believe that you can tell Jester to change the azimuth sweep range. (Not sure though, haven't tried it myself) However as lunaticfringe pointed out it won't really do you much good. The AWG9 has problems with holding tracks in TWS as you maneuver and the AUTO mode which should help some (but not much) isn't implemented yet. The TWS mode in the Tomcat is used for long range Phoenix launches. That's pretty much it.

I believe that the real missile does guide to the last predicted location using INS. The real missile however requires a terminal guidance activation command from the AWG9 to go active. Which means if you're not painting the target by the time it gets in range to do so, it will be trashed. In DCS however due to engine limitations the Phoenix will go active by itself when it reaches the last known bandit location.

Well what you want doesn't exist in the real AWG9 so it doesn't exist in the simulated one. Sorry. The AWG9 is capable of a +-20 degree 4-bar scan, or a +-40 degree 2-bar scan in TWS mode.

Why is this in the F14's bug subforum?

Yeah he is a bit unreliable with assigning targets if there are more than two and or friendlies in the mix. Sometimes he will even prioritise a friendly contact before a bandit. It's still very much WIP and quite fiddly. However in single player scenarios he should be quite good at assigning priorities to all enemy contacts in the radar cone. He does this automatically.

Ok this is really confusing. Can someone please explain this to me like Im a five year old? :) I need to bind two buttons to transmit?

Like the title says. Managed to get everything right up to the point where I actually need to transmit. When checking the comms tab in the control settings there are like 25 binds there. Which specific function do I need to bind to a key? Im looking for a push to talk for the AM radio. Thank you.

Ok just noticed something weird. In the Buddyspike Blue Flag missions you are not allowed to carry the AIM54. In those missions I have no problems with locking targets and keeping STT lock even from 50+ miles away. Maybe the bug is related to the Phoenix somehow?

Just to report back, turning off the Jester camera in the special options significantly reduced frame drops to where they are now almost non-existant! Thank you Baco!

Would really appreciate some feedback from the devs if they are having a look at this problem?

Yeah, Im having serious trouble using Jester in multiplayer scenarios. STT locks are dropped as soon as he gets them. (Target doesn't change aspect, Im below target at all times) Im forced to use TWS to launch AIM54s. (TWS auto is still not working) or the ACM modes to lock up a target for AIM7 shots.

Wilco. Will try that and report back.

Im having serious issues with frames being dropped when the Jester screen is opened. It seems to get worse in crowded multiplayer missions. It's not so much frames dropped as it is actually causing my FPS to drop to 1 or even 0 FPS for several seconds at a time. Issue started after the patch that fixed Jester callouts causing CTDs. Also happens during jester callouts in BFM, again only when there is a lot happening at the same time. 16 GB RAM, DCS on SSD and system managed page file on the same SSD.

From the latest April 1st patch: What does this mean exactly?

Tracks are broken currently in DCS and have been for a long time. It's a core engine bug that is not releated to the F14.

A few tips for those who (like me) have a hard time in BFM with the F14. Use the F14 to it's strengths. In DCS this currently means (if you're flying with Jester) stay low and don't be afraid to disengage. Use TWS only to find and identify the targets, switch to STT locks whenever possible and use the Jester wheel to select the "nearest enemy target" (it will show you the nautical miles). Bug out as soon as you get too close, or if you can't get a consistent lock. This last part is probably the most important one and is key to surviving in the F14 in a typical DCS multiplayer scenario. I think a lot of players make the push into the merge where they lose their SA and subsequently get killed. Don't be afraid to disengage and fly away using valleys and hills as cover, then turn back in get some SA and re-engage if possible. All of this can be condensed into don't BFM unless you know exactly what you are doing :) Stay in the BVR arena, play it safe and you will consistently make it back to base with a couple of kills under your belt :)

It could be some kind of deal or special dispensation. Also, the Mi24 has been on the backburner for a while now. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was quietly shelved to be released at some future "TBA" date and never heard from again.

Not sure if Im the only one experiencing this but try and turn on your control indicator window. (CTRL+ENTER): When starting up the aircraft my brakes are at 50%. Touching and releasing both toe brakes drops them to 0%. If I try and taxi without touching my toe brakes first, they will remain at 50% and cause terrible ground handling and performance issues.

Are you serious? This is just pure trolling at this point.

Currently there are issues with stability in the F14. It's causing a lot of crashes. When they sort that I imagine they will release for stable.

After the latest patch, Im not getting crashes but I am getting significant freezes (from 1 - 15 seconds) and stutters after which the game starts moving along again. This happens when Jester is about to say something. Needless to say this is extremely annoying. Could this be related?

When firing in ACM mode you need to be within 10 miles of the target and have the nose pointed directly at it. (Put the little cross on the HUD on the target). The Phoenix should then be able to lock on to it and track as soon as it's off the rail. Remember to flip the red ACM safe switch to UP, otherwise you will not be able to fire off the AIM54 without your own radar lock.