Question: Smoke Pods Positions on the Hornet

[WytchCrypt]

I wanted to add smoke pods on the 2 outside pylons of the Hornet - as I do when I fly the Su33. It appears I can only add a smoke pod on the left outside pylon. Is that correct and is due to a real-life restriction? If so, could someone please explain the limitation?

 

 

 

Thanks :smilewink:

[razo+r]

What's the limitation? Real life. Look at the blue angels.

[WytchCrypt]

I realize the Blue Angels have a single smoke source, but it's not a pod on the far left pylon, it comes from shooting oil into the exhaust. Anyway, my point about it being a limitation is other planes like the Su33 allow a smoke pod on both outside pylons, so why does the Hornet only allow one on the far left?

[Deano87]

Are you sure it’s the far left pylon and not just the exhaust smoke box which is the far left box on the rearming window?

[WytchCrypt]

Are you sure it’s the far left pylon and not just the exhaust smoke box which is the far left box on the rearming window?

 

 

You're absolutely correct :smilewink:

 

 

 

It's only available on the SMK column and the smoke comes directly from the left engine exhaust just like the Blue Angels.

 

 

 

I guess I was just surprised after being able to put a smoke pod on every position under the Su33 except the upper center pylon that I didn't have the same option on the Hornet. Is there an actual mechanical reason a smoke pod couldn't be put on the other Hornet pylons?

[Deano87]

No real reason, no. The “Smokewinders” used at airshows can pretty much fit anywhere a Sidewinder can and they are roughly the same weight. But, I’ve never seen an F-18 with smokewinders fitted to the wingtips for airshow purposes and the only photo I can find of it online was ones fitted for aerodynamics research.

 

 

I don’t see why it wouldn’t be possible for ED to allow them on the wingtips, but that’s just me.