Rocket motors

[Topgun505]

From the manual, it says some rockets give you options of different rocket motors to use (M4 vs M66). What are the differences/advantages of these (if any)?

[ChickenSim]

The pilot has to tell the aircraft which rocket motors the loaded rockets are equipped with so that the CCIP symbology adjusts itself properly.

 

There are two theories right now about what M4 and M66 mean. M66 is obviously the Mk66 motor.

 

M4 could be referring to the really ****ing old Mk4/40 rockets. Mk4s were the first FFARs, referred to as Mighty Mouse, and entered service in the 40s. These evolved into the more modern Mk40s used in Korea and Vietnam. Manuals in the 90s and early 2000s still reference these rockets, but usually just to explain how old they are and that modern jets and their standard LAUs can't fire them.

 

M4 could also be referring to the Mk66 Mod 4s. The Mod 2s used by the Navy, Marines, and Air Force were the standard for a long time but put out a lot of smoke. Mod 4 upgrades increased the average thrust from 1,335 lbs. to 1,415 lbs. and incorporated a salt rod that reduced the amount of smoke they generated. This thrust increase means that CCIP symbology for the older Mod 2s (which would have just been referred to as "Mk66s" in the absence of other variants) would be incorrect so you'd need the aircraft computers to adjust the pipper.

 

All the 2.75" rockets in the Hornet use Mk66 motors, leading me to believe it's the latter option, but I'm not sure if there is an in-game distinction between the two motors or which one (Mod 2 or Mod 4) they actually have. Side note, I'm also not sure what the in-game "Mk5" type of rocket even is - I've never heard of that warhead before and can't find any reference to it.

 

Would need ED or someone who's actually flown the Hornet to confirm what the settings refer to.