Interesting Factoid - Discovery F-16C

[SUNTSAG]

I have been making another mission for the F-16C (Owned Module), I then port the same mission to other modules. In this particular instance I am in the process of porting to both the AV8B (Owned Module) and the F/A18C Lot 20 (Not Owned). I have test flown both the F-16C and AV8B versions, with very different results from a redfor AAA engagement perspective.

 

I have noticed that Shilkas more readily and persistently engage the AV8B as opposed to the F-16C. I have tested this with similar altitudes and speeds on ingress and the results are the same. It's as if the F-16C is impervious to detection until almost on top of a Shilka.

 

Whilst I am aware aircraft types have different radar cross sections, is there such a significant difference between the two? If not, is this simply a DCS early access situation? If it is EA related, are ED aware and working on it?

 

Any responses would be appreciated, as these elements can have a significant impact on mission builders. Many thanks for your time.

[unknown]

I have been making another mission for the F-16C (Owned Module), I then port the same mission to other modules. In this particular instance I am in the process of porting to both the AV8B (Owned Module) and the F/A18C Lot 20 (Not Owned). I have test flown both the F-16C and AV8B versions, with very different results from a redfor AAA engagement perspective.

 

I have noticed that Shilkas more readily and persistently engage the AV8B as opposed to the F-16C. I have tested this with similar altitudes and speeds on ingress and the results are the same. It's as if the F-16C is impervious to detection until almost on top of a Shilka.

 

Whilst I am aware aircraft types have different radar cross sections, is there such a significant difference between the two? If not, is this simply a DCS early access situation? If it is EA related, are ED aware and working on it?

 

Any responses would be appreciated, as these elements can have a significant impact on mission builders. Many thanks for your time.

Interesting, i noticed this in the F-14 a couple of weeks ago. I didn't care enough to investigate further but i could circle the convoy and none of the 3 shilka would start to shoot, only point there guns at me, only tanks and BTR's would fire there MG. But i got a little bold after the third pass and got a shilka right in my face :bye_3: :laugh:

[Syndrome]

Interesting, i noticed this in the F-14 a couple of weeks ago. I didn't care enough to investigate further but i could circle the convoy and none of the 3 shilka would start to shoot, only point there guns at me, only tanks and BTR's would fire there MG. But i got a little bold after the third pass and got a shilka right in my face :bye_3: :laugh:

 

If it can't track the F-14 then it's definitely not a radar cross section issue. I was doing the JF-17 BVR mission that spawns random bandit types at around 65nm and noticed that some jets seemed harder to detect, wasn't sure if it was a radar cross section issue or just the narrow scan bug or both. Maybe there is something irregular about the types of jets. As for the AAA it's possible that REDFOR sees the F-14 and doesn't know for sure if it's BLUFOR?

[Harker]

As for the AAA it's possible that REDFOR sees the F-14 and doesn't know for sure if it's BLUFOR?

Not a thing in DCS, the AI always knows who's who.

Interesting discovery though. Maybe different jets are engaged differently but AAA, depending on an attribute. Maybe the fact that the AV-8B is an attack aircraft (marked by A in the ME) and both the F-16 and the F-14 are fighters (marked by F) has something to do with it. Such as AAA units engaging attack aircraft more readily or from further away than fighters.

[schurem]

Huh. Were I a shilka commander I'd at least as scared if not more of a hornet or viper as I'd be of a harrier.

[unknown]

Very interesting, i did a little test in the F-16. Shilka was Skill average, Alarmstate RED, Weapons FREE. If i pass fast and low the Shilka is only tracking me(Radar/Turret) but is not shooting at me, every tank/BMP/BTR is shooting at me. It seems that for the F-16 it's @ ~350ish kn and below that the Shilka will open fire. Attached is a Track in the F-16, quick and dirty so don't judge my flying skills :P

If i do the same in the F-14 the "trigger speed" seems to be 450ish kn.

F-16_Shilka.trk

[Eldur]

Try the Harrier in an old version (1.5 or early 2.5) where it hasn't been significantly dragged down and you'll get the same result. It's simply a matter of speed. If you're approaching them at .9ish, they simply have too little time to react and won't shoot. By the time they would, they already have to turn around and when they've done that, you're already too far away. Same goes for literally any short ranged IR missiles that might be shot at you. Just be fast and don't crank too much inside their bubble and you're safe.

[BlacleyCole]

What is the size difference in the two ac if I’m correct without checking I would put the viper at about half the size of the av-8 Andy he cross sectional view of the viper would be seriously less that the bulky av-8 and those would make detecting the viper so much harder than the harrier.

[unknown]

....they simply have too little time to react and won't shoot.....

 

I understand the logic behind that statement, but they are tracking me, the turret/guns follow me, all they have to do is to pull the trigger....but nothing above 350ish kn in the Viper or 450ish kn in the F-14. I literally stare down there gun barrals and nothing happens while all the MBT/BMP/BTR in the same column shoot at me with there MG's.