Accessing Threats, how?

What is the best way to access threats when entering hostile areas? Please keep it simple and basic and let me expand my knowledge from that. I'm assuming scanning with TGP ground is not the best method.

1. Enter hostile area ONLY after you have already identified threats and how you're going to deal with them.

2. BEFORE #1, use ALT HOLD (autopilot mode) and circle around at least 10-15 miles outside threat area.

3. use your tgp to look for threats. If you don't do #2, this is going to be real hard to do when you're on top of them.

4. Your mission waypoints should be set up so that at least one of the waypoints is in the general area of where you expect the threats to be. Use your steerpoints as SOI for slaving the tgp to, then start looking around.

5. JTAC and CDU: learn this system! No, really! Once you get how to enter mgrs/ll/offset co-ordinates, you'll wonder why you didn't learn it sooner.

If I were at home, I could provide specific examples of how to learn jtac/cdu stuff, but just search for jtac, cdu, or offset help/tutorials. Once you do it a couple times, it gets real easy.

First you're going to plan using the mission editor, if available. You'll identify what known (visible on the map) threats are in the area. You'll want to get some type of documentation that goes over AAA/SAM threat ranges and altitudes to help plan for your mission. There was a great guide posted in one of the threads, it was created by a virtual squadron if I remember correctly and it's pretty comprehensive.

If in-game, you'll want to watch your RWR for "spikes." This will help you to know what threats are out there that may cause you to have a bad day. Depending on what pops up, you need to reference that guide from above and adjust your flight altitude or target the threat if you can engage it safely. With some threats you need to stay safely out of range cause you have no chance. Dedicated SEAD support should be in missions where the SAM threats are that "great."

Obviously where it appears on your RWR will let you know the direction of the threat, you simply point your TGP in that area and look for it. If the mission was designed with SEAD support, use it. Other than that, you'll be using your TGP to find threats/targets and using your mark-one-eyeball to identify others.

Thanks Evil and Revelation sounds like I was on the right track but just needed some guidance. Agree that I really need to learn JTAC and CDU to help out.

What I generally do is:

Get to the IP - it should be at a safe point for orbit with Alt hold

Contact the JTAC and they will mention threats in the 9line.

Often there are a bunch of ZU-23's so just run in a good 7k feet agl, if they mention sams then find them and maverick them or call in SEAD.

If you get an indication of bandits then call in CAP.

There was a great guide posted in one of the threads, it was created by a virtual squadron if I remember correctly and it's pretty comprehensive.

You mean the one posted in #32 in this thread?

It is done by paulrkii and a great reference, but he discovered some inconsistencies (is described in the Thread). Still, I think it is a great guide.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=76856&page=2

Supersheep

When scanning for threats, never underestimate the usefulness of TMS right short to create markpoints. You can then use your UFC to select FUNC then MARK, and cycle through the markpoints, making finding the targets again when you set up for the run-in easy.

Forget what I said about the IP. Some missions have sams all over them. I just found out the hard way.

I've been struggling with SAMs (River Raider -mission). Even tried to climb to 30 000 ft. And still I was hit by the SAM... Nice view anyway from that altitude. :) However, searched for advice. Found this thread:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=74897

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1220258&postcount=26

I've been struggling with SAMs (River Raider -mission). Even tried to climb to 30 000 ft.

pff, rubbish. I've managed 39,199. :joystick::D

I've been struggling with SAMs (River Raider -mission). Even tried to climb to 30 000 ft. And still I was hit by the SAM... Nice view anyway from that altitude. :) However, searched for advice. Found this thread:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=74897

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=1220258&postcount=26

The only SAM you need to worry about is the big one up north. There are two ways that I've successfully completed the mission.

First, Stay SOUTH of the river, and high enough the AAA and MANPADS can't get you, at least 16-18K feet. Do all your targeting/setup while orbiting south, then go straight at your target when ready. Drop your ordnance and then turn back south. Keep your JMR active if you get a launch, and turn back south as soon as possible.

The 2nd way is WAY more fun and VERY tricky.Using the TGP, find and mark the radar site's radar antenna. Now, drop to water level (as in, you will be swimming if you take your eyes off the screen) Once you hit land, stick to the tree tops, but avoid the buildings. Now, to get the fastest, positive lock with a maverick (I'd HIGHLY suggest the IR model), you need to get a bit close to that radar. I won't say 5 miles, but certainly less than 10. Once you think your in range enough, pop up, lock the mav to radar and release weapon. Dive back down and turn, keeping as low as possible without hitting the ground. Once you take the radar out, the launchers will just sit there as they won't be able to do anything. Now, go back to the river and take out the targets at your leisure, but still stay high over the AAA and MANPADS.

There was a tutorial here someone posted of this exact technique, which is where I learned it. Before using these two techniques, I think I got the third bunker before getting shot down. My first completion was using the avoidance technique and staying south. Then tried it a 2nd time and took the radar out. It was exhilarating!

Evil.Bonsai, thanks! Nice hints.

You mentioned the jammer. I normally use the Semi Mode of countermeasures. But I'm not sure if I can use jammer pod properly. I can activate it OK with TM Hotas stick thumb push button, but I mean the timing etc. By the way, is there some kinda limits how much/often you can use it?

Evil.Bonsai, thanks! Nice hints.

 

You mentioned the jammer. I normally use the Semi Mode of countermeasures. But I'm not sure if I can use jammer pod properly. I can activate it OK with TM Hotas stick thumb push button, but I mean the timing etc. By the way, is there some kinda limits how much/often you can use it?

No limits on the jammer use. However, it does appear to have a timer of some sort. I've not looked into it too much, but it will shut off after a minute or so. It's not a SEAD implement, in that you turn it on and it stays on providing radar jamming the whole time. It's more last second "Holy s#$% SAM SAM SAM! OMFG Somebody help me!" sort of thing. :)

However, it does appear to have a timer of some sort. I've not looked into it too much, but it will shut off after a minute or so. It's not a SEAD implement, in that you turn it on and it stays on providing radar jamming the whole time.

I've noticed. Partly because of that I asked in the first place. I thought it may run hot or have some other limitations (like maverick eo) which I don't wanna exceed on purpose.

I completed the mission trying to stay away from the threats. Here is the track incase someone is interested.

River Raider.trk

... so what do you do when the ground guys tell you they need CAS like, right nao?

1. Enter hostile area ONLY after you have already identified threats and how you're going to deal with them.

2. BEFORE #1, use ALT HOLD (autopilot mode) and circle around at least 10-15 miles outside threat area.

3. use your tgp to look for threats. If you don't do #2, this is going to be real hard to do when you're on top of them.

4. Your mission waypoints should be set up so that at least one of the waypoints is in the general area of where you expect the threats to be. Use your steerpoints as SOI for slaving the tgp to, then start looking around.

5. JTAC and CDU: learn this system! No, really! Once you get how to enter mgrs/ll/offset co-ordinates, you'll wonder why you didn't learn it sooner.

... so what do you do when the ground guys tell you they need CAS like, right nao?

You remind them that they're merely a small part of a complex simulation you're running and that your need to take your sweet a$@ time to mark targets/grab a smoke/ take a leak trumps their wants and desires :D

Edit: single player only, of course