Do DCS World aircraft (and MiG-29s in particular) carry chaff in real-life?

[Vyrtuoz]

Do DCS World aircraft (and MiG-29s in particular) carry chaff in real-life?

 

This general question is growing in my mind for a long time now...

 

To take one example: While reading the very interesting 1F-MIG29-1 flight manual, I came across several references to “FLARE dispenser” but I didn’t find any reference (yet) about CHAFF dispenser. The manual clearly also mention one FLARE DISPENSE BUTTON on the throttle, but nothing about CHAFF. While I have the feeling that is common to hear about FLARES in documentaries and real-life documentation, I rarely hear about chaff (talking about 3rd & 4th generation aircraft).

 

• Why is there CHAFFs and FLAREs available to the DCS World MiG-29s? Is it realistic?
  
• If DCS World is right about FLARE and CHAFF onboard of this aircraft, why is there only one gauge in the MiG-29?
  
• How does this system work? Are FLARE and CHAFF evenly distributed in the cartridges visible on the top on the aircraft?
  
• Is it realistic to have two distinct controls in DCS World to control them separately? (While the MiG-29G flight manual is mentioning only one FLARE DISPENSE BUTTON on the throttle)
  

Now obviously, the same question arise for other FC3 aircraft. I didn’t read their real-life manuals yet, but I can’t help to wonder: is there really chaff onboard of all other FC aircrafts?

 

I hope some specialists will give me nice explanations.

[PiedDroit]

I don't know if they carry it but they exist for sure:

http://www.ordtec.com/FlaresIR.html

Search "OMI-CHF-26"

[DarkFire]

I remember back in the day there was only one 'dispense countermeasures' command for the Su-27 which used to pop 2 x flares and 1 x chaff. I wonder if the MiG-29 has a simple 'dispense countermeasures' button rather than separate functions for chaff & flares.

 

Everything I've read about modern (1990's to present day) combat aircraft suggests that they carry both, in some cases with other forms of decoys like the towed decoys on some versions of the EF-2000.

[PiedDroit]

You can find videos of F/A-18, F-15 and F-16 popping chaffs, I suppose the russians are also carrying them on a regular basis.

[pepin1234]

https://www.google.com/search?q=mig-29+flares&biw=1302&bih=673&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIw5qOl8_NxwIVAosNCh1yRgvW#imgrc=_

[Solty]

Here is a video about F-16. He says that aircraft is told by the module what type of countermeasure is loaded

 

[pepin1234]

I think he is asking about Mig-29...

 

Vyrtuoz look at the manual and search for a switch to select the Flares/Chaffs cartridges container. Should be the option to fill container 1 or right and 2 or left with a different countermeasure and only selecting the dispenser you get the choice.

[Vyrtuoz]

Thanks for all the answers! Particularly from pepin1234 and PiedDroit.

 

I forgot about the switch related to the flare which is labelled [OUTER/INNER] close to the counter in the MiG-29 cockpit (page 1-119A). I can imagine that this is a way to select between two kinds of loads… I which I could put my hands on the weapon system manuals! :D

 

Now I understand that countermeasure cartridges are kind of universal and can be either loaded with flares or chaffs. So you can mix them the way you want depending on your mission (like in the F-16 video).

 

In that case I could realistically think that I would like a mixed load of 2/3 of chaffs and 1/3 of flares witch would be both released by the press of one button.

 

I know that some would release the appropriate type depending on the threat. As for me, I have to admit that in the heat of an heavily loaded battlefield, I don’t have the time to think about which button to press (especially in the real-life MiG-29 cockpit) and I’d rather spoil countermeasures that dying because of not spamming them enough :-P

[aap_flanker]

Thanks for all the answers! Particularly from pepin1234 and PiedDroit.

 

I forgot about the switch related to the flare which is labelled [OUTER/INNER] close to the counter in the MiG-29 cockpit (page 1-119A). I can imagine that this is a way to select between two kinds of loads… I which I could put my hands on the weapon system manuals! :D

 

Now I understand that countermeasure cartridges are kind of universal and can be either loaded with flares or chaffs. So you can mix them the way you want depending on your mission (like in the F-16 video).

 

In that case I could realistically think that I would like a mixed load of 2/3 of chaffs and 1/3 of flares witch would be both released by the press of one button.

 

I know that some would release the appropriate type depending on the threat. As for me, I have to admit that in the heat of an heavily loaded battlefield, I don’t have the time to think about which button to press (especially in the real-life MiG-29 cockpit) and I’d rather spoil countermeasures that dying because of not spamming them enough :-P

 

You don't have to think with button to press, there is a panel with only 1 button for deployment, but prior to this, you have to select how it will be deployed (chaff+flares, only flares, only chaff, qty deployed with each button press, etc)...

[Vyrtuoz]

I wish FC3 aircraft could be "customizable" to such extend :-P