[CANNOT REPRODUCE] LPOD doesnt communicate properly when spawned from Stennis

[Bonz]

The Problem: Trying to drop GBU-12 LGBs from the F-18C using self designate... The TDC Depress function to designate the Target doesn't work... No Diamond or ASL on the HUD... This happens when I spawn on the Stennis, However, if I spawn to Al Dhafra the TDC Depress function does designate the Target... I get the Diamond and the ASL on the HUD. Loadout used: 2 GBU-12s on Stations 2&8, 1 GBU-12 on Stations 3&7), I used Hot and Cold Starts and Pre-Spawn weapon load and post-spawn weapon load scenarios. Here is my switchology... Once Airborne... with normal checklists complete. 1. FLIR-ON, 2. A2G Mode selected, 3. Weapon Selected, 4. Auto Mode Selected, 5. MFUZ - OFF, 6. EFUZ - Inst, 7. Weapon CODE - Entered (I tried 1688 and 1747 at different times), 8. FLIR on Right DDI - Selected (usually not yet cooled down), 9. Quantity and Spacing selected (6-2-100 feet), 10. Once the POD cooled and operational - Sensor Selected to Right DDI, 11. Using TDC, FOV, and Zoom I pointed POD at Target. 12. On Sensor Panel right console I ARMED the Laser... L-ARM indicated on Right DDI, 13. Laser code for POD - Matched to Weapon. 14. TDC - Depress... this is where the problem occurs... If I spawned from Al Dhafra the Diamond and ASL (Azimuth Steering Line) would be visible on the HUD, I could then select TRIG and MASTER ARM and watch the countdown to release on the HUD... with 4 seconds to go the release cue started marching down and I would hold the Weapons Release Button to get the drop. Post release I pulled the trigger and got the Laser fire indication on the DDI. If I spawned from Stennis I got nothing... No Diamond, No ASL, and so couldn't go further with the drop. Help.

Edited December 1, 2019 by Bonz

[RED]

Hey there, Bonz.

 

I am unable to reproduce. I took off from the Stennis and dropped a GBU-12 and designated with the TPOD. Maybe have a look at the track below if it replays correctly for you.

 

The Problem: Trying to drop GBU-12 LGBs from the F-18C using self designate... The TDC Depress function to designate the Target doesn't work... No Diamond or ASL on the HUD... This happens when I spawn on the Stennis, However, if I spawn to Al Dhafra the TDC Depress function does designate the Target... I get the Diamond and the ASL on the HUD. Loadout used: 2 GBU-12s on Stations 2&8, 1 GBU-12 on Stations 3&7), I used Hot and Cold Starts and Pre-Spawn weapon load and post-spawn weapon load scenarios. Here is my switchology... Once Airborne... with normal checklists complete. 1. FLIR-ON, 2. A2G Mode selected, 3. Weapon Selected, 4. Auto Mode Selected, 5. MFUZ - OFF, 6. EFUZ - Inst, 7. Weapon CODE - Entered (I tried 1688 and 1747 at different times), 8. FLIR on Right DDI - Selected (usually not yet cooled down), 9. Quantity and Spacing selected (6-2-100 feet), 10. Once the POD cooled and operational - Sensor Selected to Right DDI, 11. Using TDC, FOV, and Zoom I pointed POD at Target. 12. On Sensor Panel right console I ARMED the Laser... L-ARM indicated on Right DDI, 13. Laser code for POD - Matched to Weapon. 14. TDC - Depress... this is where the problem occurs... If I spawned from Al Dhafra the Diamond and ASL (Azimuth Steering Line) would be visible on the HUD, I could then select TRIG and MASTER ARM and watch the countdown to release on the HUD... with 4 seconds to go the release cue started marching down and I would hold the Weapons Release Button to get the drop. Post release I pulled the trigger and got the Laser fire indication on the DDI. If I spawned from Stennis I got nothing... No Diamond, No ASL, and so couldn't go further with the drop. Help.

DesignateAfterCV_TO.trk

[Bonz]

I should mention that it's not just for the GBU-12... I tested the Laser Maverick and GPS and IR guided weapons... the POD is not designating the Target when I spawn from Stennis... but does do so when spawning from Al Dhafra...

[Bonz]

OK... progress. RED I noticed in your miz you turned the POD on prior to launch... I was always waiting until after launch... So I tried your method and it worked... the POD is now designating the Target. Not sure why that is, but you should refly your mission only turn the POD switch ON only after you launch... see what that does?

[RED]

OK... progress. RED I noticed in your miz you turned the POD on prior to launch... I was always waiting until after launch... So I tried your method and it worked... the POD is now designating the Target. Not sure why that is, but you should refly your mission only turn the POD switch ON only after you launch... see what that does?

 

I'll give it a try

[Ziptie]

Is the Litening Pod mounted to the aircraft prior to startup? If not, I have seen and experienced, that sometimes there is a need to move the FLIR switch aft to the OFF position, then back to STBY, along with moving the LTD/R switch aft (to the off position), then cycle it forward again to safe (or all the way up to arm if both master arm and A/G mode selected). Then you are able to “box” the trig option via the OSB push button with FLIR displayed, and depressing the trigger gets the LTD/R indication of the laser firing. Obviously the FLIR needs to be SOI when designating a target via TDC depress, but again you’ve disclosed this step is being performed appropriately, which is correct.

 

Your steps seem to be appropriate, so wonder if it is the “issue” when the tpod is not on the aircraft and the aircraft has been started with the FLIR and LTD/R switches being in the STBY and SAFE mode...?

 

 

Cheers,

 

Don (callsign Ziptie)