Improved FLIR Simulation

[Top Jockey]

There is IR modelling, even though it's probably not as good as we'd all like it to be.

 

I believe it was once announced that proper/reworked IR modelling would be part of the new TGP developed for the F/A-18C. Just recently, it was announced that the Hornet would get the Litening II TGP as known from the A-10C as an interim solution, so I guess until the ATFLIR is released, we'll be stuck with what we have.

 

Then again, there were times when the IR image in the TGP was so incredibly useless that I gave up on it. Even MBTs and APCs were entirely invisible against ground clutter. This was definitely remedied and what we have right now is a fairly workable solution IMO.

 

Hello everyone,

 

What solution is that ?

 

I would like to be able to use the LGBs on the Hornet, but it seems it isn't possible without some TGP / FLIR /ATFLIR / etc.

 

Anyone knows when will such of these systems be available for the Hornet ?

 

Thank you.

[Yurgon]

What solution is that ?

 

I would like to be able to use the LGBs on the Hornet, but it seems it isn't possible without some TGP / FLIR /ATFLIR / etc.

 

By "solution" I was referring to the availability of FLIR imagery, after a member complained that that was entirely absent from all of DCS, as I understood it.

 

You're correct, for LGBs it's necessary to guide them with a laser target designator. Targeting pods like the Litening II and ATFLIR contain such a designator. In the current iteration, the F/A-18 does not yet have any TGP, so you will need an outside source for terminal LGB guidance (could be an AI FAC/JTAC, a human player in a Combined Arms slot acting as JTAC, or a human A-10C pilot with TGP).

 

I don't know the exact schedule, but it sounded like the integration of the Litening II could be achieved fairly quickly. Whether that means two weeks (pun intended :D) or several months is anyone's guess. ;)

[Top Jockey]

By "solution" I was referring to the availability of FLIR imagery, after a member complained that that was entirely absent from all of DCS, as I understood it.

 

You're correct, for LGBs it's necessary to guide them with a laser target designator. Targeting pods like the Litening II and ATFLIR contain such a designator. In the current iteration, the F/A-18 does not yet have any TGP, so you will need an outside source for terminal LGB guidance (could be an AI FAC/JTAC, a human player in a Combined Arms slot acting as JTAC, or a human A-10C pilot with TGP).

 

I don't know the exact schedule, but it sounded like the integration of the Litening II could be achieved fairly quickly. Whether that means two weeks (pun intended :D) or several months is anyone's guess. ;)

 

Hello Yurgon, thank you for your attention.

 

Ok then... so it isn't developed yet.

 

Indeed I remember reading somewhere, that it was possible to use outside source for terminal LGB guidance, like you mention.

But the fun factor isn't the same as controlling all the targeting processes, via the cockpit's MDIs by the pilot.

 

I hope the devs don't take much time, because for me the LGBs and their employment really are a key feature in the Hornet...

[Harlikwin]

There is IR modelling, even though it's probably not as good as we'd all like it to be.

 

Then again, there were times when the IR image in the TGP was so incredibly useless that I gave up on it. Even MBTs and APCs were entirely invisible against ground clutter. This was definitely remedied and what we have right now is a fairly workable solution IMO.

 

Actually your example isn't necessarily unrealistic. Often finding objects using thermal imagers IRL can be difficult due to resolution issues, background issues (which varies on time of day, and atmospheric parameters), lots of other technical issues. I think most people don't have anywhere near enough experience looking through thermal IRL to have much of an opinion. It ain't magic predator vision that alot of people expect it to be.

 

That being said, from what I've seen of thermal "modeling" in DCS, its not very good.

Edited January 24, 2019 by Harlikwin

[primus_TR]

Actually your example isn't necessarily unrealistic. Often finding objects using thermal imagers IRL can be difficult due to resolution issues, background issues (which varies on time of day, and atmospheric parameters), lots of other technical issues. I think most people don't have anywhere near enough experience looking through thermal IRL to have much of an opinion. It ain't magic predator vision that alot of people expect it to be.

 

That being said, from what I've seen of thermal "modeling" in DCS, its not very good.

 

I have experience using thermal imaging cameras and I understand the limitations of the technology. It does not change the fact that FLIR modeling is completely absent in DCS, not even remotely. Looking through the TGP, you see the same textures in black and white, which is why it is impossible to see targets hiding inside forests, or even in plain view. This is a shortcoming that ED has acknowledged and had long promised to fix in the new engine (a promise yet to be kept), but feel free to argue that FLIR is modeled in DCS, but people can't tell the difference :doh:

[Ranma13]

FLIR in DCS is faked by taking a viewport, making it monochrome, and increasing the contrast. It is in no way similar to how FLIR works in real life because contrast adjustment is in no way similar to detecting IR light.

[Worrazen]

So when hornet's FLIR comes then the rendering will also be improved? Makes sense.

 

I agree delaying the hornet FLIR in favor of fist having Litening on the Hornet, as you know, you want something smaller first before the main dinner, and gives more time so it would be great if proper FLIR rendering support for the whole DCS comes at the same time that Hornet's FLIR comes.

 

So the FLIR rendering upgrade should also benefit backward the Litening AND the Litening on the A-10C, gosh I really hope so, don't let the hog down!!!

Edited March 5, 2019 by Worrazen