a/g weapon select

[fael097]

hi, is it possible to select the a/g weapon in a similar way that you select a/a weapons?

 

or you must select them using the DDI?

[Harker]

Only via the DDI. The idea is that the pilot has plenty of time to set up their AG weapons etc and thus a HOTAS shortcut isn't necessary. No one switches AG weapons from bombs to gun to rockets in the same attack IRL, even if a lot of people do it in DCS.

[QuiGon]

Only via the DDI. The idea is that the pilot has plenty of time to set up their AG weapons etc and thus a HOTAS shortcut isn't necessary. No one switches AG weapons from bombs to gun to rockets in the same attack IRL, even if a lot of people do it in DCS.

So what was the reason behind the A-10Cs HOTAS then, which allows you to switch A-G weapons?

[Deano87]

So what was the reason behind the A-10Cs HOTAS then, which allows you to switch A-G weapons?

 

Well I’d argue that CAS is a much more dynamic scenario regarding what weapons you might want to employ compared to a pre-planned precision strike like you’re more likely to be doing with the F-18.

[QuiGon]

Well I’d argue that CAS is a much more dynamic scenario regarding what weapons you might want to employ compared to a pre-planned precision strike like you’re more likely to be doing with the F-18.

The F/A-18 has a pretty big emphasis on CAS as well, ask the Marines that fly it ;)

[Hog_No32]

So what was the reason behind the A-10Cs HOTAS then, which allows you to switch A-G weapons?

 

Probably because you can only integrate so many switches and buttons into a HOTAS that you have to prioritize and tailor the outfit as best as possible to the mission(s) the platform is intended to perform. So the designers of the A-10C HOTAS obviously came to different conclusions than the guys working on the Hornet - of course, because the mission sets are different.

 

Unlike the Hornet, the Hog is not a multirole aircraft per se, Air-to-Air is not one of its missions and it is not a self-escort platform in that respect. On top of that the systems architecture and cockpit philosophy of the Hog is simply completely different from the Hornet so it‘s anyway a bit of an academic discussion.

[Harker]

Also stems from differences in the design doctrine between the USN and the USAF. It is my understanding that the USAF focuses a lot more on the HOTAS implementation, while the USN opts for simpler HOTAS schemes and relies more on the pilot's interaction with the glass cockpit.

Of course, that's likely changing now that all services utilizing fixed wing aircraft are sharing the F-35.

[QuiGon]

Probably because you can only integrate so many switches and buttons into a HOTAS that you have to prioritize and tailor the outfit as best as possible to the mission(s) the platform is intended to perform. So the designers of the A-10C HOTAS obviously came to different conclusions than the guys working on the Hornet - of course, because the mission sets are different.

 

Unlike the Hornet, the Hog is not a multirole aircraft per se, Air-to-Air is not one of its missions and it is not a self-escort platform in that respect. On top of that the systems architecture and cockpit philosophy of the Hog is simply completely different from the Hornet so it‘s anyway a bit of an academic discussion.

Sure, I just wanted to hint on Harker's comment that there is simply no need for switchign A-G weapons by HOTAS, which I would dispute. The Hornets HOTAS lacks in many more ways than just not being able to switch A-G weapons. It's a rather early modern HOTAS and when the A-10C got its HOTAS they put much more thought on it, asked the pilots and compared previous HOTAS systems from other aircraft to come up with something that works much better.

[maxTRX]

On a side note: What drives me nuts once in a while is how easy it is for my clumsy right thumb to nudge my Warthog's A/A weapon select switch and take me into AA mode... from a perfectly configured A/G setup, especially when all my JSOWs are ready. This four way switch is roughly in the same position as the Hornet's except... the real one is not that flimsy.

[derammo]

On a side note: What drives me nuts once in a while is how easy it is for my clumsy right thumb to nudge my Warthog's A/A weapon select switch and take me into AA mode... from a perfectly configured A/G setup, especially when all my JSOWs are ready. This four way switch is roughly in the same position as the Hornet's except... the real one is not that flimsy.

 

completely agree. Maybe give up some realism/accuracy and just add a safety to that switch. Just make it require a modifier (another HOTAS button) that must be held while using it.

[Hog_No32]

On a side note: What drives me nuts once in a while is how easy it is for my clumsy right thumb to nudge my Warthog's A/A weapon select switch and take me into AA mode... from a perfectly configured A/G setup, especially when all my JSOWs are ready. This four way switch is roughly in the same position as the Hornet's except... the real one is not that flimsy.

 

Absolutely the same here. I seem to accidentally hit that AA weapon select switch especially when I employ the gun. In the first split second when that happens I always think my gun is jammed - but the HUD symbology tells me the truth...:megalol: Since then I try to remind myself to put my thumb distinctively away from that button before I pull the trigger.

[Harker]

Sure, I just wanted to hint on Harker's comment that there is simply no need for switchign A-G weapons by HOTAS, which I would dispute. The Hornets HOTAS lacks in many more ways than just not being able to switch A-G weapons. It's a rather early modern HOTAS and when the A-10C got its HOTAS they put much more thought on it, asked the pilots and compared previous HOTAS systems from other aircraft to come up with something that works much better.

That's a good point as well. But like I say in my other comment, I think that the USN didn't invest in its HOTAS implementation as much as the USAF did, at least at the time. Which is a shame in my opinion. The F-16's HOTAS implementation is superior in almost every way, for example.

[QuiGon]

That's a good point as well. But like I say in my other comment, I think that the USN didn't invest in its HOTAS implementation as much as the USAF did, at least at the time. Which is a shame in my opinion. The F-16's HOTAS implementation is superior in almost every way, for example.

Indeed, the F-16 is much more on-pair with the A-10C in regards to HOTAS implementation. While the USN might not have such a big interest in regard to HOTAS integration for A-G operations, the USMC should have had this interest.

[Wiggo]

A/G Gun (CCIP mode gun) quickmode would be nice. In kinda any plane. (ofc I can use the "gun" and just use the reticle but ofc thats not as accurate as ccip)