LITENING POD

[Ironwulf]

Yeah I will probably get shouted down as everyone's about the AT FLIR :)

 

... but thought it might be relatively easy to implement given the A-10C implementation (its also carried by the Harrier and Viggen operationally - not sure about in game as I haven't got those modules yet). Of course I say that having no idea how easy it is to take code from one module and put it in another - but I figured I can ask, ED can only say no, and I am no worse off! :)

 

Background:

RAAF F/A-18A/B (may as well call it a C/D its had so many upgrades) and Finland's F/A-18C/D have them.

 

Forgive me, I'm new :)

Edited November 25, 2018 by Ironwulf

[Deano87]

The aircraft being simulated is a US Navy Lot 20 FA-18C, unfortunatly they don’t use the LITENING pod so you won’t see it on this aircraft. It’s also somewhat more complex then a simple copy/paste job to bring the LITENING across from the A-10C and integrate it with the Hornets systems, so you can actually use it.

 

Have patience, the ATFLIR will be worth it ;)

[Ironwulf]

The aircraft being simulated is a US Navy Lot 20 FA-18C, unfortunatly they don’t use the LITENING pod so you won’t see it on this aircraft. It’s also somewhat more complex then a simple copy/paste job to bring the LITENING across from the A-10C and integrate it with the Hornets systems, so you can actually use it.

 

Have patience, the ATFLIR will be worth it ;)

 

I also just found the USMC used it too, on F/A-18Cs. But, I hear what you're saying, I was just 'thinking out loud'.... and well its a wish list, I don't expect every one to come true.

[czart13]

We are waiting for messages about the ATFLIR. I hope that the project will be implemented quickly.

[Jetguy06]

I read somewhere (I can't remember where, but if I manage to dig it up, I'll link it to my post) that the Navy and Marines used a kind of "host rules" thing, for commonality of systems and maintenance.

 

 

I.e., The Navy used ATFLIR by default, and the Marines used the LITENING II, but if a Marine squadron was deployed to a carrier, then they used the Navy's ATFLIR pods. Consequently, if the Navy jets were deployed to a Marine base in combat or contingency, then the Navy would use the Marines' LITENING II pods.

 

 

I can't verify if this was/is true, because I don't know the credibility of whoever said it, and hopefully someone with real experience like Lex or Mover can chime in with what they know, but if it is true, then yes, I would like to have the LITENING II pod as an option.

 

 

If it's not true, then I'm fine with just the ATFLIR.

[Deano87]

I thought that the LITENING required different wiring/software for the USMC aircraft? I could totally be wrong though.

[Kev2go]

I thought that the LITENING required different wiring/software for the USMC aircraft? I could totally be wrong though.

 

 

LItening is wired for the Centerline Pylon compared to the ATFLIR which takes up one of the mounts normally used for AIm7s or Aim120's.

 

 

Thats the Only real difference in capability, And i think Otherwise ED would certainly do at least in the form of a DLC< as they have had addon features for l39 and mi8 in the form of NS430 avigiation

 

 

The question is this, can anyone verify via BUENO number that any of the F/A18C's in USMC operation at any point were LOT 20's?

 

 

If no then that is probably why ED wouldn't want to simulate a USN and USMC hornet at the same time, as they would have then model the very minuscule difference in earlier lot 18 or 19 for eg requring ED to have 2 seperate Hornets from the Aircraft dropdown menu . I say miniscule because it seems all Hornets received the seems sort of Post production upgrades as a Lot 20 we have in DCS.

 

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2919850&postcount=761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For eg You can find images of a Hornet and without the BUENO # you can tell its otherwise a Lot 16, because its using the older ALE39 CM suite ( analog control panel) , but otherwise has AMCPD, and JHMCS integration ( HMD knob) and presumably id bet on it having GPS, AN/APG 73 phase 2 etc. from cockpit images alone it would probably be impossible to tell a Lot 18 and Lot 19 from a Lot 20.

 

an F/A18C lot 16.

 

 

 

 

which makes for quite interesting as if anyone followed Hornet development up until just before EA earlier Hornet screens and early videos ( up until video 3 at least) of Matt intro videos it showed it older ale39 CM system

 

 

 

 

Only then did ED upon finding more information remodel the F/A18C for a proper Lot 20, by replacing CM suite for the ALE47. ( which was actually introduced since lot 18)

 

A quote from one matts Hornet mini updates

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3350852&postcount=26

 

 

Now finally A proper Lot 20 cockpit, what we have since EA launched

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A site that has the known recorded BUNO. ( note i say known, which may not account for all) but for now it seems the USMC would not have operated any Lot 20 F/A18C's

 

 

http://fa-18.wikia.com/wiki/FA-18_BUNOs_Wiki

Edited December 2, 2018 by Kev2go

[Ironwulf]

I am not sure if the recent update announcement is because of this thread or just coincidence, but thanks!

 

RAAF F/A-18s mount the litening on the inlet AIM-7/120 mounts, so it is possible to mount them there - I guess that is dependant on how it is wired, in the USMC models, of course.

[Ironwulf]

[Sn8ke]

LItening is wired for the Centerline Pylon compared to the ATFLIR which takes up one of the mounts normally used for AIm7s or Aim120's.

 

 

Thats the Only real difference in capability, And i think Otherwise ED would certainly do at least in the form of a DLC< as they have had addon features for l39 and mi8 in the form of NS430 avigiation

 

 

The question is this, can anyone verify via BUENO number that any of the F/A18C's in USMC operation at any point were LOT 20's?

 

 

If no then that is probably why ED wouldn't want to simulate a USN and USMC hornet at the same time, as they would have then model the very minuscule difference in earlier lot 18 or 19 for eg requring ED to have 2 seperate Hornets from the Aircraft dropdown menu . I say miniscule because it seems all Hornets received the seems sort of Post production upgrades as a Lot 20 we have in DCS.

 

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=2919850&postcount=761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For eg You can find images of a Hornet and without the BUENO # you can tell its otherwise a Lot 16, because its using the older ALE39 CM suite ( analog control panel) , but otherwise has AMCPD, and JHMCS integration ( HMD knob) and presumably id bet on it having GPS, AN/APG 73 phase 2 etc. from cockpit images alone it would probably be impossible to tell a Lot 18 and Lot 19 from a Lot 20.

 

an F/A18C lot 16.

 

 

 

 

which makes for quite interesting as if anyone followed Hornet development up until just before EA earlier Hornet screens and early videos ( up until video 3 at least) of Matt intro videos it showed it older ale39 CM system

 

 

 

 

Only then did ED upon finding more information remodel the F/A18C for a proper Lot 20, by replacing CM suite for the ALE47. ( which was actually introduced since lot 18)

 

A quote from one matts Hornet mini updates

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=3350852&postcount=26

 

 

Now finally A proper Lot 20 cockpit, what we have since EA launched

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A site that has the known recorded BUNO. ( note i say known, which may not account for all) but for now it seems the USMC would not have operated any Lot 20 F/A18C's

 

 

http://fa-18.wikia.com/wiki/FA-18_BUNOs_Wiki

 

At least two USMC squadrons (VMFA-232 and 323) have taken ownership of former Navy lot 20’s from squadrons who have since transitioned to super hornets.

[kaoqumba]

Your wish has been fulfilled. In the latest Mini update, they acknowledge that the F/A18 will be equipped with LITENING pods at the naval airport. They're going to let us have LITENING before we have ATFLIR.

[Kev2go]

At least two USMC squadrons (VMFA-232 and 323) have taken ownership of former Navy lot 20’s from squadrons who have since transitioned to super hornets.

 

 

Yes and the last operational squadron to use lot 20's was VMA 34, which retired from that specific USN squadron only recently in late 2018. Second last USN squadron to use Lot 20, was the VMA 131 ( exact BUNO # 165407 as we have F/A18 hornet in game was assigned to that specific SQN) which flew them until September 2017

 

 

the Hornet in DCS is aimed to be a "mid 2000s" Hornet. Back then all LOT20's were still being used only by the USN based on the BUNO #'s. and allotted time frame, therefore this Lot 20 would not be in USMC hand me down service plane until 12-13 years later

Edited January 3, 2019 by Kev2go

[Ironwulf]

Well done to all the ED guys that got LITENING happening. Not sure if it was because of this suggestion or it was already in the works, but its great to finally get some autonomy in precision munition delivery! :)