plusnine

Hello, A-4E-C Pilots! This new version adds some exciting features like new damage effects, ADF, improved radios and new nosewheel castering simulation. This version of the A-4E-C requires DCS version 2.9, which as of release, is only available on the OpenBeta branch of DCS World. If you're still playing DCS World version 2.8, you'll want to stick with the version 2.1.1 for now. You can download older versions from the A-4E-C Releases page. Remember that in multiplayer, server and client versions of the A-4E-C must match, so be sure you are in sync with your favorite server's configuration when playing online! https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/releases/tag/v2.2 Version 2.2 - 27 Oct 2023 Added A new NWS (that's Nosewheel Simulation, mind you) makes correcting turns on the ground much easier, and eliminating the "stuck wheel" feeling due to over-braking in taxi. Amaze your friends with your drifting skill! AN/ARC-51 UHF Radio supports DCS VOIP radios. In addition to Radio Microphone Push-to-Talk (PTT) Transmit binding for sending to VOIP radio, a second Radio Microphone Push-to-Talk (PTT) Guard bindings allows the pilot to transmit to the guard frequency when the radio is in TR+G mode. These two bindings function identically to the DCS default "cockpit r.1 VoIP PTT" and "cockpit r.2 VoIP PTT" bindings, respectively, and you can use them instead if you wish. See the Updated AN/ARC-51 UHF Radio guidance on page 1-2 in the Kneeboard Manual for additional details. AN/ARN-25 Automated Direction Finder (ADF) system is now modeled for use with the AN/ARC-51 UHF Radio. Information on using the equipment is detailed in the Kneeboard Manual on page 1-3. Weapons: AIM-9J and AIM-9P3 are available on inboard and outboard stations. AGM-45B Shrike is available loadout options on inboard and outboard stations. 2.75" Hydra rockets are available loadout options with LAU-3 (19 rocket) and LAU-68 (7 rocket) launchers, including white phosphorous, HE, HEAT, as well as Mk1, Mk61, and WRU-1/B practice munitions to the loadout options. LAU-68 launchers also allow loadouts with Para Illum and Practice Smoke Hydra rockets. Outboard stations support 1 launcher, inboard stations up to 2, and up to 3 can be added on the centerline station. AN/ASQ-T50 TCTS ACMI pod is available on inboard and outboard stations. Enhanced damage modeling: In addition to Reduced effect of transient forces to prevent wake breaking wings, and improved engine damage. The following system failures can be triggered by damage, or selected as a failure in mission editor: Radar Receiver Gear Jamming Gear Actuator Pitot Tube Static Port Boost Pump Wing Pump Aileron Actuators Elevator Actuator Rudder Actuator Wing Tank Leak Fuselage Tank Leak Engine and Inlet Cold Start, Taxi, Takeoff, and Free Flight missions for the Sinai map are available in the Instant Action. Input bindings: Else option for the Chaff Dispenser Select added (for a 3-position switch). Radar Altitude Warning - Slew axis. Changed Standardized naming conventions for loadouts with multiple ejector racks, and provided additional detail for weapon payloads original to the A-4E-C. Recalculated the weight of rocket launcher pod payloads. Kneeboard Manual: Updated AN/ARN-52 TACAN guidance on page 1-3. Updated Airfield Radio and ILS data on page 1-4, which can now accomodate up to 30 entries, making it compatible with the contents of the Sinai map. Updated Shrike and Sidewinder delivery guidance on page 3-5. Updated AN/APR-25 Radar Homing and Warning System guidance on page 3-6. Compressed images for smaller file size and faster loading. Fixed TACAN and MCL system crashes. The AN/ARC-51 UHF Radio volume knob now adjusts radio and VOIP radio volume. The AN/APG-53A Radar OBST tone and AN/APR-25 RHWR audio properly route to the Helmet sound channel. Black lines along center and around the nose cones of fuel tanks have been removed. Malaysia TUDM livery uses the provided custom fuel tanks. Station arming switches no longer produce a debug printout with the weapon selector in the BOMBS & GM ARM position. Loadout option inaccuracies in the Kneeboard Manual on page 1-6 are corrected. Eliminated Kneeboard Manual typos in page reference annotations.

A-4E-C and DCS OpenBeta 2.9 Update Good afternoon, A-4E-C pilots. If you're updating to DCS 2.9, be advised the A-4E-C's radios are not compatible with this update, and using their functions will probably result in the client crashing. This can include using the communication radio, VOIP radios, TACAN and MCL (ILS) systems. We'll be working on a fix to issue along with some other changes as soon as it is feasible to do so, so hang tight and have patience. The issue is on the tracker here: https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/issues/614

NVG availability is set by the mission designer. the option is disabled by default. to enable it, open the mission in the mission editor, select an A-4E-C unit, then select the right-most option tab - this is a part of the same suite of tabs where you select the livery and loadout settings). There you can enable NVG equipment for the unit, and/or remove the ECM panel if you wish. Note this same set of tabs also allows you to preset the radio frequencies used by the radio presets.

resolved, user had not deleted old control bindings from a pre-2.0 release of the module.

Howdy, y'all, there's a quick bugfix release out download: Version 2.1.1 - 27 Apr 2023 Fixed: Sounder interfering with ground units sounds. Nav Systems breaking in some missions Debug line being printed to the screen during sidewinder launch. You can download the upgrade from: https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/releases/tag/v2.1.1

This is a strange an unusual, but pernicious bug. It happens only very rarely and we don't have a good explanation as t why. My best guess is it has something to do with video cards or drivers interacting with DCS and the module's cockpit construction, but since it's so difficult to replicate, we've never been able to identify the source and attempt to address it.

DCS updates to 2.8.1.34667.2 DCS World has updated to version 2.8 on its stable branch, so if you have been waiting to update to the A-4E-C v.2.1, now is the time to do so. Failure to update can cause crashes, and other additional errors when using radios, TACAN, and the ground radar systems. Please do what you can to help spread to word to other users and server operators that feature the A-4E-C, as the best results are achieved in multiplayer when the server and client are both running the same version of the module. We hope those of you who waited enjoy and appreciate the additions from the latest release! Thanks for flying, and download the latest version here: https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/releases/latest

Hello, A-4E-C pilots! We hope you are well. We'd like to highlight a few important items about this update, and salute the newest group of contributors to the A-4E-C project, whose names appear in the changelog below: This update, A-4E-C 2.1.0, and all subsequent updates will not be compatible with DCS versions before 2.8.0.32066. Our last update, A-4E-C 2.0.1, is not compatible with DCS versions after 2.7.18.30765. The most common effects of these incompatibilities are client-side crashes. Always ensure servers, clients, and DCS versions employed are the most compatible options available! If you enjoy suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) in the A-4E-C, we've provided new functionality and depth to the audio environment of the AN/APR-25 Radar Homing and Warning System. New sounds specific to radar types and individual units in the DCS World theatre make getting locked up a whole new ballgame. Additionally, ECM is modelled when the AN/APR-25 function selector is in the RPT position. Additional documentation is provided in the changelog below and in the kneeboard manual. We've added new audio feedback for braking. This feedback is extremely useful for understanding ground handling response: If you hear a tire skidding, you are locking up the nosewheel by over-braking, and you should take this as a cue to release the brake, before tapping the brake toward your desired turn (and add a little throttle if you need to). This update also includes efforts to make piloting more accessible. Dozens of new input bindings for keyboard, mouse, and joystick inputs offer a wealth of opportunities for custom controller builders. Users with extensive input bindings might need to do a bit of housekeeping, but we hope the new additions make up any efforts you have to undertake! If you are interested in adding to the module's accessibility options, please reach out on Discord! Thank you for flying the A-4E-C! Download A-4E-C Version 2.1.0 - 30 Oct 2022 Added Systems: AN/APR-25 RHWS (ECM) With the AN/APR-25 Function Selector Switch set to REC and the APR-25 Switch in the ON position, a baseline system hum and response audio from a wide variety of radar-equipped units is produced at a volume determined by the the (inner) AN/APR-25 PRF Volume knob. When the APR-27 Switch is in the ON position, detected missile launches from SA-2 S-75 "Fan Song" will produce an oscillating alert tone at a volume determined by the (outer) AN/APR-25 Missile Alert Volume knob. The system's bit test is available to perform. With the AN/APR-25 Function Selector Switch set to REC, press the APR-27 Test button to initiate the bit test. With the system in AN/APR-25 Function Selector Switch set to RPT, ECM will attempt to jam incoming radar signals. The green RPT light will enable when the system transmits. Liveries: Community A-4E V: Blue Team, 2022 (Fictional) Community A-4E V: Red Team, 2022 (Fictional) USN VX-5 Vampires, 1986 (Fictional) USMC Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility, 1974 Operational-era USN and USMC liveries now have a customized, well-worn LAU-10 launcher. Quality of Life: Input accessibility options: Added two UI Override inputs, which allow joysticks, gamepads, and other input devices to utilize mouse functions, or to use as modifiers in input layouts. Input options previously available only on keyboards or joystick devices can now be bound to mouse button inputs. Throttle - Slew axis. Dual-axis rudder inputs (Rudder Left and Rudder Right). Zoom axis inputs for fine zoom control across devices: Zoom View In, Zoom View Out, Zoom View - Slew, Zoom View In - Slew, and Zoom Out - Slew. Throttle Increment slider in the special menu is available to adjust throttle rate for Throttle Increment/Decrement inputs. A Custom Throttle Rate slider in the special menu allows you to adjust the acceleration rate for the new Custom Throttle Rate inputs. The keyboard defaults for these are RCTRL+PageUp and RCTRL+PageDown, respectively. A Wheelbrake Differential axis is useful for mapping a single axis to the opposing left and right wheelbrakes. Trim Speeds in the special menu are now adjustable by individually for elevator (pitch), aileron (roll), and rudder (yaw), with percentage sliders. These settings also affect the Trim Reset (Hold) speed. (thanks Drofseh) A pair of comprehensive gamepad input presets for Xbox and PS4 controllers are included, which utilize many of the above functions. Once you are up and running in the pit, you can enjoy flying the A-4E-C with nothing but a humble gamepad and no additional software needed. (Thanks, Tuuvas) Single inputs for the Canopy Lever. You can close the canopy with LSHIFT+C, and open it LSHIFT+LCTRL+C. (thanks Tanuki44) Single and else inputs for Throttle Position Lock. Input option for cycling the Bomb Arm Switch between the OFF, NOSE & TAIL and TAIL positions. The keyboard default for this input is 6. Single inputs for the AWRS Quantity Selector Switch, AWRS Drop Interval Knob, and AWRS Mode Selector Switch. Single inputs for AN/ARN-52 TACAN Mode switch. Absolute and slew axis inputs for AN/APR-53A Radar Indicator Brilliance, Detail, Gain, Reticule, and Storage knobs. Radar Antenna Tilt Continuous CW and Radar Antenna Tilt Continuous CCW have been assigned a keyboard default (- and =, respectively). Inputs for APR-27 Test, APR-27 Light buttons. Absolute and slew axis inputs for AN/APR-25 Missile Alert Volume, AWRS Drop Interval Knob, Gunsight Elevation Control, Gunsight Light Control, Instrument Lights Control, Shrike/Sidewinder Volume Knob, TACAN Volume Knob, and White Floodlights Control. Some non-axis inputs associated with these have been renamed. Users with extensive control schemes should adjust their controls to resolve any conflicts. (thanks gcask) Input for Chaff Dispenser Select - Toggle 1/2. Inputs for common communications, including A/A refuelling - "Ready for precontact" radio call, and Ask AWACS available tanker. (thanks gcask) When the aircraft has power, the Seat Adjustment Switch can be used to move the baseline pilot head position up and down in the cockpit. (thanks nima3333) Kneeboard Manual: A a chart of weapon stations and their associated loadout options (page 3-7) in the kneeboard manual. An overview of the included Xbox1 and PS4 gamepad layouts are available at the end of the kneeboard manual (pages 6-6 and 6-7). Sounds: AN/APR-25 RHWS (ECM): AAA: New sounds are produced in response to the Fire Can SON-9 fire director radar. Aircraft: New sounds are produced in response to aircraft search and tracking radars. EWRs and Ships: Unique sound sets are produced in response to ground and ship EWRs. A new sound is also produced in response to ship tracking radars. SAMs: New sounds are produced in response to the P19 "Flat Face" and S-200 ST-68U "Tin Shield" and SA-2 S-75 "Fan Song" sarch and tracking radars. Some Fan Song units will sound different, simulating the sound of different radar bands used in the field. New sounds are also produced in response to the SA-3 S-125 "Low Blow", SA-5 S-200 "Square Pair", and SA-6 Kub "Straight Flush" units. The number of different sounds a each radar produces varies by unit, so pilots will need to learn what their ears are telling them about what type SAM is targeting them, and how much launch warning that SAM provides from its PRF audio. SPAAA Vehicles: New sounds are produced in response to the Gepard, Vulcan M163, and ZSU-23-4 Shilka "Gun Dish" radars. Sounds are produced if the left or right wheels are skidding. Use this feedback to help you learn to taxi (as a sound you don't generally want to hear), and to avoid damaging the wheels or locking up the brakes by keeping them depressed for too long. Seat adjustment hydraulic motor. Fixed Systems: Setting the AN/ARN-52 TACAN mode to REC no longer crashes the client. Addressing this issue means that A-4E-C 2.0.1 is not compatible with DCS versions after 2.7.18.30765, and A-4E-C 2.1.0 and later is not be compatible with DCS versions before 2.8.0.32066. AN/APG-53A Radar Terrain Clearance - PROFILE/PLAN switch input binding functions properly. Input from non-axis throttle inputs now cause the APC system to disengage properly. Liveries: Community A-4E III: Forever Free livery displays two digits on the flaps, matching the nose and tail. Weapons and Loadouts: CBU-2B/A pod weights are calculated correctly. Weapon release and spread cause fewer collision-based self-destructs when the weapon is released. Quality of Life: Throttle Increment and Throttle Decrement inputs function properly. The trim reset input now properly adjusts the position of the Rudder Trim Switch. Kneeboard Manual: Waypoints on the navigation page enumerate 11 waypoints, and can't overrun the instructions on the page. Placing a 300 gallon tank on the centre pylon enumerates properly on the kneeboard loadout page. Corrected erroneously listed procedures for ground radar. Corrected erroneous procedures for air refuelling. VR hand positions: Users are encouraged to enable Use Hand Controllers, Hand controllers use Cockpit Stick, and Hand Controllers use Cockpit Throttle, and Hand Interaction Only When Palm Grip is Obtained. Be aware that it is easy to accidently power down the engine if you touch it with your virtual index finger while holding the grip button. Always approach the throttle with your finger above it. Changed Missions: Changed a few liveries in the included mission sets to better reflect available livery sets. Liveries: Unmarked and Community liveries are now available to a wider selection of countries. Updated USN VC-1 Challengers. Updated a few knob textures. Weapons and Loadouts: In multiplayer, the serve, and any connected clients must all use this version of the module (or later) in order to prevent weapon conflicts arising from custom weapons. Quality of Life: Default inputs for Throttle Position Lock are set to RCTRL+HOME (Step Up) and RCTRL+END (Step Down). Emergency Stores Release Handle default input changed to LCTRL+J. (think J for jettison!) Differential wheelbrake inputs default inputs are changed to LCTRL+W (left) and LALT+W (right). The controls indicator's nosewheel caster indicator now displays logarithmically, making it easier to see those early changes in castering and better reflect nosewheel sensitivity to turn rate. (thanks, Drofseh). Refactored the special menu for easier editing in the future. Kneeboard Manual: Added additional guidance and notes on AN/APR-25 RHWS (ECM) operation. Sounds: Improved input response and dynamic range of AN/APR-25 PRF Volume, AN/APR-25 Missile Alert Volume, Shrike/Sidewinder Volume, and TACAN Volume knobs. Reduced the relative volume of the AN/APR-25 operational "hum".

ensure you are using the actual Radio Microphone Push-to-Talk binding, not the generic comms binding. You can find the binding in the communications subsection or the throttle grip subsection of the control bindings. The binding and its physical location on the throttle handle are provided in detail on pages 1-2 and 6-1 of the current release's kneeboard (RADIO and STICK & THROTTLE, respectively).

User Soyouz2000 has created a HELIOS profile for the A-4E-C, for anyone who uses that app: http://www.captzeen.com/helios/A4.asp

unless you've done super-extensive bindings, you shouldn't need to do much. a few switches were inverted or behavior changed; the main things that had alterations that would affect most people's bindings are the fuel system switch default hotkeys.

the A-4E-C modifies and overwrites no original game files. There is an occasional bug (which we believe to be a DCS bug) where the integrity check is tripped by the mission briefing screen (usually after playing multiplayer and then going back into multiplayer), but this is resolved with a quick DCS restart (or you can delete this file if you don't want it anymore, it won't hurt anything to just remove it).

Hello, everyone. This first update since the 2.0.0 release is primarily aimed at fixing bugs, although a few other nice new features have been added as well. Download: https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/releases/tag/v2.0.1 If you are finding this page later, visit the project page at for the latest download at https://08jne01.github.io/community-a4e-c/ As always, please submit any bugs or issues on the issue tracker here: https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/issues Without further ado, let's get to the changelog! Version 2.0.1 - 6 Mar 2022 Added Missions: Option to disable the use of Night Vision Goggles equipment (NVG) in the mission editor. Liveries: USN VC-10 Challengers, 1988. Quality of Life: The A-4E-C can now be operated by many new countries. Liveries have been edited to match, Malaysia to the TUDM livery, for example. Several new single input (momentary) bindings, and continuous inputs for AFCS Heading Select Pull-to-Set Knob. Waypoint names specified in the Mission Editor are displayed on the kneeboard. Included missions have been updated to make use of this. Fuel and aircraft loadout information are displayed in the kneeboard. This page automatically updates if the aircraft is rearmed or refueled. Fixed Features: Ground handling improved for greater control using differential braking (cleaned the oil out of the brake drums). Improved pitch stability and more correct low speed/high aoa handling. Systems: Altimeter updated to use more realistic realistic barometric calculations. AN/APG-53A Radar AoA Compensation Switch now properly affects returns from ships. A/G mode uses the same monte carlo sampling for beam shape, taking a weighted average of intensities to determine the range. APC light now turns off once the system engages (thanks pohlinkzei). Fuel system getting no longer gets stuck in flight refuel mode. 3-position fuel system switches default keybinds now cycle between available positions. Fixed IN RANGE lamp no longer flickers when MASTER TEST pressed (thanks nima3333). Weapons and Loadouts: CBU-1/A, CBU-2/A and CBU-2B/A Cluster Dispensers now dispense an accurate number of bomblets with a minim amount of performance impact. Missions: A-4E-C now properly represented by an A aircraft icon representative of the aircraft's role. Unlimited fuel support in the mission editor works (thanks nima3333) Quality of Life: Up/down mouse click behavior for 3-position switches that were inverted so that all such switches behave identically. Hemisphere information on waypoint coordinates on the kneeboard now display properly on Nevada and Normandy maps. Corrected documentation URL files. Changed Systems: AN/ARN-52 TACAN volume provides a better response across available knob position range. CP-741/A steady gunsight position must be established to receive accurate raging information. The computer now accounts for ejection velocity improving accuracy in some regimes. Weapons and Loadouts: Changed MK-77 napalm canisters to have a cluster effect which is much closer to actual napalm. More realistic MK12 guns charging and clearance: Guns can be armed and safed a total of 3 times before available charging nitrogen is depleted. The gun arming and safing when these charges are dispensed is audible. The ground crew performing a rearm will replenish nitrogen charges. More realistic MK4 HIPEG Gun Pods charging: Gunpods will now respond to charges only when their station is readied before engaging the gunpod switch to the CHARGE position. Setting this switch to CLEAR clears all gunpods on the aircraft, until the ground crew rearms the aircraft. Fixed wheel brake default keybinds to a more comfortable LCTRL+W and LALT+W, to make differential braking easier for keyboard users and to be in accordance with more DCS modules. As a result, the Emergency Stores Release Handle (Jettison) has been reassigned to LCTRL+J. Quality of Life: 4k- and VR-friendly asset for the loading screen. (thanks Tuuvas) New mission briefing screen. Kneeboard manual updated. Unified kneeboard font sizing across in-game dynamically generated kneeboard pages.

AH! The PODS, not the internal cannons! This behavior, while not intuitive, is correct: Gun pods are charged and readied on on the gun pod panel instead - unlike other weapons, the station selection on the armament panel has no effect on the gun pods (the documentation in the kneeboard is misleading, which I've corrected for next time). Similarly, the guns ready/safe switch on the armament panel has no effect on gunpods (other than that it is unwise to fire internal guns and gunpods at the same time if you want to hit your target). You can, as others have indicated above, set the weapon selector to GM UNARM to set rockets to pickle to keep their firing input separate from the gun pods.

i did some extensive testing this weekend and am unable to replicate your issue with the guns firing in the rocket position while not armed. if you would like to file an issue with some relevant video, we can look into it. i made a pretty thorough review of the gun code and do not see how such firing is even possible unless you modified your own weapon_system.lua.

You want the switch in the FLIGHT REFUEL position to fill the tanks, but moving the switch again will disable refueling altogether - this is a bug with the refueling system in 2.0, which we've fixed for next time: https://github.com/heclak/community-a4e-c/issues/506

DCS' ground handling has proved a challenge to work with. We're testing some changes to our end of the ground handling code in the hopes that some users who are struggling with the current braking setup will have an easier time in the next release. In the meantime, the most important is not overdoing *anything* and giving yourself less to correct: If you slam the brakes, they will get their revenge by over turning. Several small inputs with fine throttle control are the way to do it - remember that throttle, too is a lagging indicator, so it's easy to put more in than you need and cascade into a series of too-large inputs.

hey, nice one. don't hesitate to reach out to the team with your thoughts, we love to hear from pilots who dealt with the real mccoy.

if anyone knows a ground crew for the A-4 who maintained the Mk4 HIPEG gun pods, i would love to talk to them about wiring specifics.

i reset my user configuration to whatever DCS' defaults are once i started on sound design and haven't touched them since. i have no trouble hearing ejected weapons over the weapon release tone.

i get best results with the computer in steeper dives closer to 40 or 45 degrees. a stable and steady steady traversal on the gunsight is key to getting a good target lock. you want to be walking the target up the central ladder of the gunsight at a controlled rate as you target then once you press and hold the bomb button until after release completion. then begin to pull up, the smoother the better. as is noted in the kneeboard manual, the computer cannot account for wind or yaw, so if there is wind to compensate for you'll want to note that using the navigation computer console before you dive or note weather conditions at takeoff. you want to be as rudderless as possible on your dive and pull-out to avoid pulling to one side or the other. this is my preferred video tutorial for the bombing computer from youtube:

page 3-2, if you read it, specifically denotes CCRP after the bombing computer header. there's no volume control over vital alarm tones in the aircraft, and the tone is not overwhelming the release noise for me. i would check the levels you have set DCS at for your cockpit headphones vs. environmental audio. if you're desperate, you can edit the gain value on bombtone.sdef for that specific sound.

Re-read the manual for detail on clearance tones (in version 2.0.0, this is page 3-2 of the manual) - they release differently depending on what exact AWRS modes you use. If you're not getting reliable releases, focus on trimming perfectly to the wind before you roll in on your target, and flying that even, no-yaw line over the target. It takes a little practice, but you'll get it!

update your game to DCS 2.7.9.18080.

you're probably using the communications menu binding, instead of the Radio Microphone Push to Talk (PTT) binding. See 1-2 and 6-1 in the kneeboard.