Silly noob question about tanks

[Mr. Big.Biggs]

Can someone please tell me how to tell when external tanks on the f18 are empty and how to drop them? I see the jettison button on the left front console but it looks like it only drops weapons and regardless doesn’t seen to do anything. Admirals doorbell works but only want to ditch empty tanks.

Thanks!!!

[Harker]

The easiest way to tell is by comparing the two fuel levels on the IFEI, located below the left DDI. The top level is your total fuel (denoted with a T) and the second one is your internal fuel (denoted with an I). When the two are the same, it means your tanks are empty.

Alternatively, you can cycle what the IFEI displays and you'll get info on the various tanks. XR, XL, XC (I think these are the symbols) stands for external right, left, center. Or go to the FUEL page from the SUPT menu on the DDI, it'll give you the best picture of all the tanks.

As for selective jettison, you need to select the corresponding stations with the buttons above the S-J button (RI for Right Inner, for the right fuel tank, for example), turn the S-J rotary to Rack (or Stores?) and press the button.

Do read the manual though or Chuck's guide. They're good and should help you with any questions you might have. If you don't understand something, feel free to ask for help, of course.

Edited December 22, 2019 by Harker

[noisy_lightning]

Fuel page on the DDI is the easiest way in a hurry.

 

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Ziptie]

Can someone please tell me how to tell when external tanks on the f18 are empty and how to drop them? I see the jettison button on the left front console but it looks like it only drops weapons and regardless doesn’t seen to do anything. Admirals doorbell works but only want to ditch empty tanks.

Thanks!!!

 

Verifying fuel bags are empty:

 

Easiest, is to compare the top right line on the IFEI to the line directly below it.

Second easiest, is to display the FUEL page on either DDI or the AMPCD.

 

 

Selective jettison:

 

Master Arm ON.

Select desired station to jettison (bags are on CTR, LI, RI) - this is located to the left of the IFEI.

Rotate selective jettison method to stores - this is located to the left, of pilots left knee.

Depress JETT button (red button located inside the selective jettison rotary selector).

 

Tip:

 

Verify correct stations are selected to jettison by comparing the STORES page and station jettison illumination.

 

 

Cheers,

 

Don (callsign Ziptie)

[Mr. Big.Biggs]

Thanks gents! Will also get on that manual! Finally able to get out of they system config mode and actually start flying!!! Been a chore but steady at 45fps on my index which I’m happy with sans some magic fix.