G.J.S

Beautiful. Just . . . Beautiful.

I apologise

Haven’t been at the editor for a while, but pretty sure Distance = fore and aft of centreline of whatever it is following, negative values are behind, otherwise ahead. Interval = left or right of centreline of whatever it is following, again a negative value will be to starboard, otherwise to port. Elevation is self explanatory.

Depends what you are using the set for. At very very low altitudes then the beam “grazing angle” will be unreliable to adequately break out a ground return at ranges greater than maybe 5NM, for instance finding an offset. Weather should have not really a too great effect, but heavy weather of the monsoon type would certainly degrade however (non existent in DCS). Chaff, if used correctly by an adversary should do what chaff was designed to do. The F-4 is not a beast that you only have to hold on a leash lest it swipe all others from the sky. You as systems manager will have to find out how to get the best out of your aircraft, through proper management, proper placement (of your aircraft to maximise your weapon), proper understanding of your weapon limitations, and just a little cunning. Once you can utilise your aircraft well, you should be able to surprise even younger aircraft types.

Welcome to all that is DCS! Its good to see that you are enjoying yourself, and adopting a “crawl-walk-run” approach which in my eyes is the best way to go. It doesn’t have to be all about flinging ordnance down range. And personally, the F-5 is a very good lead-in aircraft. Keep it going.

The horn of shame!!

You and your team are doing sterling work - this is truly one that everyone is going to have in their hangar. Outstanding - without question.

Finally, an accurate depiction of the fallible nature of older systems, requiring an “artist” to interpret and get the best out of. No more ‘point, click and BOOM!’. Nicely done guys.

Ahhh, that green and gold label that is usually seen just before a period of forgetfulness! Had to join in on a round once, and all I could think as I swallowed it was “f#ck me!!?!”. Strong stuff. Now a lot more widely available . . . . For research purposes of course.

That’s a VERY long lead time on the Hornet . . . (read it again . . . !)

Expect nothing. That way you cannot be disappointed, and anything that does pitch up can only be a pleasant bonus. She IS coming . . .

Yes! Yes, and just in case - yes! Very much needed, and can be seen at a lot of other non UK Mil airfields too.

The ‘D’ ended up with a mod that sprouted unsightly lumps in strategic locations over the airframe, majority being around the ‘chute door and all over the RHAWS chin, giving it the “Herpes riddled” moniker. But, you are doing gods work there chap, she’s a stunner for sure.

Originally equipped with the Bendix RHAWS, pre-herpes if I’m not mistaken. Sure is a nice frame you and your compadres have there.

Fin recesses in the stations are sized for AIM-7, the Shrike is a shorter missile. Shorter fin distance front to rear, also the Shrike forward fins have a larger span.

Prefer a clean nose, but for the “E”, it would have to be the Midas 4 gun fairing, not the original - just looked wrong.

He has time in the F-14. His forum name should give you a hint at his Sqn.

Lots of these needed around here.

It used to be a valid tactic. A formation of F-4 could, as was done with Tornado, launch a barrage of ARM’s from one or two in your attacking formation - be it Shrike (F-4), or ALARM or HARM (Tonka), the follow up would be iron bombing either direct or lobbed in. The axiom was “poke ‘em in the eye before you knee ‘em in the balls”. Blind then batter. The ARM’s would not severely damage the ship target, but would shred the emitters, effectively blinding or severely degrading their ability to track, thereby allowing the follow up to close and bomb (with limited ship defences).

Could that be a switchable option? If there may be performance degradation then could there be a selection that inhibits the movement, thereby not having a performance hit? Dont know if it indeed would cause a drop in performance, but if so . . . Every little helps.

You check the form 700 when signing for the aircraft, it details any maintenance issues, snags that are outstanding and yet to be fixed that may have an influence on your flight. For instance it may just say about an acceptable error that doesn’t preclude a flight. Maybe a spurious (unrelated) warning that flashes up when landing gear is cycled for instance - 700 will detail that it is known about but thus far has eluded discovery, and has no effect. Also shows the history of the particular airframe you are signing out.

That is the MA-31 (or MH-31), a handful were purchased by the USN as target drones for ship bourne defence trials (all since expended I believe?). The F-4 has only a limited anti-ship capability, utilising Maverick as stated, or dumb bombs. Only really useable against very lightly armed vessels, or civvy craft.

Very true.

For those who come from a background of airframes that in effect have no vices and aid the pilot, it can indeed be frustrating trying to utilise an older aircraft in a manner to which your muscle memory and expectations are accustomed to. The F-16 & F-18 are both types that have a multitude of computer assistance to enable safe and effective flight. The F-14 and especially the F-4 are from an age where if you are ham fisted or subscribe to the “bang-bang” method of flying (stick stirring) then you have an airframe that will actively take part in your demise. It WILL try to kill you. That’s not to say that newer flight crews could not handle an older lady, they will just need a few more “get to know you” hours to learn its idiosyncrasies before handling it, and learning that there is no brain to stop you from killing yourself. Dont take Movers performance as an indicator of older being just “too damn hard”, it is just something that those used to “flying laptops” will have to realise that you are now in a situation that demands finesse and forethought.

You could go “old Skool” and do it the way it was actually done? Piece of paper and a pen. Or go with Heatblur’s own - scribble relevant must need things on your canopy. The tools are there - some in sim - some real world.