So Missile Prep should be on 2 min prior to shooting, the hardpoints will have no checkerboard pattern on the pilots up front ACM panel when the missiles are done prepping.
RIO should have activated Liquid Cooling Control Panel switch at startup, right click it. (not sure if this matters)
Master arm to on (an x over the PH in the hud when selected indicates this is not done)
HUD to A/A mode (not sure if required but why not)
Make sure ACM cover is closed or the 54’s will go active off the rail. Good for under 10nm fight however.
Make sure PH selected for active weapon in HUD (fun fact: make sure NO AA weapon is selected to be able to drop bombs)
RIO needs to have some sort of lock or valid track.
*I have in the past as a RIO forgoten to put WCS to ON and left it in STBY, if recieving datalink this can make it appear that the radar is on. always double check the WCS switch is on for the rio*
A TWS track with a number to the right of the track indicates its first in priority to be shot, You can shoot. There is a method to change the priority, read manual for more on that.
If icon in TWS mode is blinking the computer thinks you have a good shot. Double check IFF and TV to make sure its hostile depending on the server or mission as required. When you launch, TWS will goto AUTO and a time to impact counter appears beside the track, keep the target in the azimuth or the missile may lose track during its lofting phase. It’s also somewhat unclear when it goes autonomous, when it gets to 10nm from target it definitely should be.
Or you need to have an STT track and you can shoot that way. I am not so familiar with STT symbology regarding PH54 launches as I prefer to TWS launch a whole bunch!
If all that is good, RIO should have a LIT A/A fire button available. Click and hold … FOX 3 LONG.