F-16

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

The Super Hornets Wingtip LAU is capable of utilizing AIM-120, but the weight of the AIM-120 exceeds the limit of the Wing Folding mechanism, so for operational purposes they are restricted from use on the Wingtips.

Then why does DCS allow such a load-out?

 

[Vitormouraa]

Because its AI :)

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

Because its AI :)

 

And AI doesn't have to be realistic?

[razo+r]

And AI doesn't have to be realistic?

 

It should be realistic but it isn't

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

Well, let's wait and see how the actual F/A-18C module will handle it: you should be able to load them onto the wingtips, but the wing folding mechanism should fail.

Of course this is not an issue for land-based Hornets.

 

Back on-topic: "that other sim" doesn't support VR last time I checked, and since I don't want to go back to using a monitor for flight-sims, I'll be looking forward to a "DCS: F-16C" :thumbup:

[Vitormouraa]

For those that are waiting for a F-16 in DCS will have to fly the Hornet until that happens. Happening or not, I will be very happy flying Hornet :)

 

Why the land based Hornets dont have that problem though?

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

Why the land based Hornets dont have that problem though?

They have no reason to fold their wings?

[Vampyre]

They have no reason to fold their wings?

 

The wings are exactly the same on all F/A-18C Hornets regardless of where they are operated.

[mvsgas]

The wings are exactly the same on all F/A-18C Hornets regardless of where they are operated.

 

Question, is that launcher rail on the wing tip capable of carrying the -120? I know we have to use the LAU-129, not sure what you guys use.

[Vampyre]

No, The LAU-7 can't fire the weapon.

 

The LAU-127 of the Super Hornet could technically fire a AIM-120 but cannot carry them on the wingtips due to weight restrictions of the wingfold.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

The wings are exactly the same on all F/A-18C Hornets regardless of where they are operated.

Yes of course, but land-based Hornets are not restricted as much when it comes to space. They can park inside hangars. As far as I know, wing-folding was invented specifically to limit the space the aircraft takes up on a carrier...

 

Question, is that launcher rail on the wing tip capable of carrying the -120? I know we have to use the LAU-129, not sure what you guys use.

Yes, all pylons capable of carrying Sidewinders can also carry AMRAAMS. It was specifically designed that way.

[mvsgas]

Yes of course, but land-based Hornets are not restricted as much when it comes to space. They can park inside hangars. As far as I know, wing-folding was invented specifically to limit the space the aircraft takes up on a carrier...

 

 

Yes, all pylons capable of carrying Sidewinders can also carry AMRAAMS. It was specifically designed that way.

 

Please read the post before you. You are answering without knowing.

 

Vampyre,

Thanks, that is what I thought. I knew about the weight restrictions, it is refreshing to hear it from "the Horses mouth"

Edited July 14, 2017 by mvsgas

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

Please read the post before you. You are answering without knowing.

- I started typing before that post was made.

- There is a difference between carrying a weapon and actually being able to launch it. Some aircraft would carry certain loadouts on airshows for example, that they wouldn't be able to use in combat, just because of the visual effect.

[mvsgas]

- I started typing before that post was made.

- There is a difference between carrying a weapon and actually being able to launch it. Some aircraft would carry certain loadouts on airshows for example, that they wouldn't be able to use in combat, just because of the visual effect.

 

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

Sure mvsgas :) If my sources were wrong, I apologise for making that post. No bad intentions there: I'm always happy to learn more!

I just wanted to say that both statements are not mutually exclusive by definition.

[mvsgas]

Well, on the F-16, the 16s210 (commonly known as the AIM-9 launcher) was the main and only missile rail for several year and it can only carry the AIM-9. When the AIM-120 was introduce, the missile rail got change to the LAU-129. So the LAU-129 and the 16s210 are carried, but the 16s210 is seldom used. We also use the ALE-50 (instead of the rail adapter) on station2 and 8.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

Well, on the F-16, the 16s210 (commonly known as the AIM-9 launcher) was the main and only missile rail for several year and it can only carry the AIM-9. When the AIM-120 was introduce, the missile rail got change to the LAU-129. So the LAU-129 and the 16s210 are carried, but the 16s210 is seldom used. We also use the ALE-50 (instead of the rail adapter) on station2 and 8.

Yup I looked it up, and found that same info on F-16.net, even with pictures :)

[Vitormouraa]

Regarding the Hornet, its not about space, its about the wing folding mechanism not being able to support the weight of the 120. So being operated on the boat or land doesnt change anything... :)

[mvsgas]

I have posted this before. Here is some general info on many weapons, rails and pylons

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://csef.ru/media/articles/4361/4361.pdf

[mvsgas]

Well, on the F-16, the 16s210 (commonly known as the AIM-9 launcher) was the main and only missile rail for several year and it can only carry the AIM-9. When the AIM-120 was introduce, the missile rail got change to the LAU-129. So the LAU-129 and the 16s210 are carried, but the 16s210 is seldom used. We also use the ALE-50 (instead of the rail adapter) on station2 and 8.

 

I should also point out, I have only seen ALE-50 on USAF F-16 block 40 and above after ~2001. Not sure what blocks and countries and form what date can carry them.

[Raven (Elysian Angel)]

I have posted this before. Here is some general info on many weapons, rails and pylons

https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://csef.ru/media/articles/4361/4361.pdf

I just made a local copy of that file. Thanks! :)

[mvsgas]

But aside from the Fighting Falcon (not Viper) being iconic with lots of operators worldwide blah blah blah, what does it do that the Hornet doesn't?

 

In all seriousness no; in my head, many things. :D :smartass:

- Fly an entire missions on one engine

- Fly supersonic on one engine

- In-flight refuel from a boom.

- Land in a cross wind without correcting with rudder.

- Flaring on landing

- Find more overseas costumers

- Carry AN/AAQ-13/14, AN/ASQ-213A, AN/ALQ-184 etc.

- Many more aerial victories

- First US AIM-120 kill

- 9G turns

- Fly into thunderstorms

- Automatic terrain following

- Better accelerations

- Longer range

- Assigned to USAF Demonstrations team

- Assigned to USAF Aggressor Squadrons

- Unobstructed Forward view, No canopy bow in the way.

- Fly entire mission by just moving your wrist

- Using arm rest while flying

- Used by Both the USAF and USN.

- Carry AIM-120 on the wing tips

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2679813&postcount=33

 

- Use drag chute on landing

- Seat in a recline position

- Still have electrical power and hydraulic power in the air with no engine running (for around 10 minutes)

- Carry liquid rocket fuel.

- Raise main landing gear forward

- Raise Nose landing gear backwards

- Maintain a 13 degree nose high attitude down the runway after landing, as long it is aerodynamically possible.

- Fly with only one vertical tail

- Fly operationally with 6 different engines.

:P

-Get blown over by B-1Bs and Storm Winds...

-Nose Dive in soft ground after nose gear collapses

-Had Chafing problems

-Continued to be failed centerpiece in 4 Iron Eagle Movies.

 

Thanks, forgot about those. Lets see, what else...

- First air refueling from a KC-46

- Built outside of CONUS

 

:smartass::P

- Carry the AN/ALE-50 towed decoy

- Use different HUDs with only one reflective glass

- Turn nose landing gear sideways on retraction

- Use the M61A1 cannon from the side like this

Gansta!

Edited July 15, 2017 by mvsgas

[ChasingNeedles]

"What are those Falcons doing there??"

[Buzzles]

What's going to be really interesting is when someone finally announces an F-16, just how many will be voicing off about it not being the one they want.

 

It's almost a poisoned chalice with that and the comparisons to another well known sim.

[probad]

i shudder to imagine the outcry if it's not a block52 with all the dressings because falconites could not stand the thought of the hornet having one over them, because for them winning the pissing contest is most important.

Edited July 15, 2017 by probad