Question about expected target range

[ScEBlack1]

On the russian planes su/mig at the bottom of the hud there is the 'expected target range' number. I read about it in the manual, but, im still confused a little. Is this mainly used to input range that is given by say AWACS? How is this best used when online without an AWACS support. I usually never mess with it and it is usually on 10 or so. Could someone elaborate more on the purpose and functionality of it, thanks.

[GGTharos]

The 'expected target range' functions together with the antenna elevation.

 

Specifically, when you command the antenna (up or down) say, 1km, then it's going to tilt down to look what's 1km below your alttiude AT THE EXPECTED RANGE.

 

As you can imagine, the angle when the range is set so close will be pretty big, so there can be gaps in your scan zone especilly at long range - I suggest drawing yourself what this actually looks like to better undestand it.

[ScEBlack1]

Ok so say my radar scan distance is 50km and i scan up 1km what would i need to put into the 'expected scan range' to cover the proper area, sorry im still a little confused:doh: is there a preffered setting say 30 or 50 that you could leave it at or is it necissary to constantly adjust?

[Kenan]

^^ Follow your RWR paint readings. If the paint is weak, say 1/3 of a strenght, set the antenna to say, some 100km range..if the paint is strong ie. enemy is pretty close, then you should reduce the antenna scan range to cover the area enemy plane is most likely in..

[ScEBlack1]

I understand that Kenan, but, im a little confused about the 'expected target range'. This has to do with radar elevation up or down. Im trying to get an idea of how this works in my head, thanks though, if you understand it well give me a picture as to how to understand it better.

[GGTharos]

Stop trying to get how it works in yours head. I told you to draw it. ;)

 

So draw it.

 

Draw a stick plane, draw a target at some range and a different altitude form your plane, then draw another, at the same altitude but closer to your plane.

 

Draw a line from your plane to each target, and assume that the closest target is at say, 10km, the farthest at 50, and both are exactly 1 km above your plane.

 

See how you might miss the far one if your expected range is set to the close one? ;)