Not quite getting RTFM on JSOW programming. ERASE function

[DmitriKozlowsky]

Kind of confused and dazed on JSOW. Loaded both A & C on all 4 stations. A on inboards and C on outboards. Set mode to TOO on each station and EFUZE to INST. Then pressed JSOW ERASE by error, and things went to krappper. JSOW would not accept any new programming options, or respect FLIR marked targets. ERASE appeared where STBY or READY would be. No reset function , that I can see.

Edited May 16, 2020 by DmitriKozlowsky

[Harker]

The ERASE function wipes the crypto keys from the weapons' internal memory and essentially turns them into expensive bricks. They can no longer receive any GPS guidance, since the keys are wiped. That's why the ERASE function has Accept or Cancel as a second step.

This is done in case that you need to jettison them or eject (in a controlled ejection), so in case the weapons fall into enemy hands, they won't contain any encrypted information etc. I think you can enter new keys manually, but it's a complicated process and anyway, we don't have that option in DCS right now.

Edited May 23, 2020 by Harker
Crypto keys

[DmitriKozlowsky]

The ERASE function wipes the crypto keys from the weapons' internal memory and essentially turns them into expensive bricks. They can no longer receive any GPS guidance, since the keys are wiped. That's why the ERASE function has Accept or Cancel as a second step.

This is done in case that you need to jettison them or eject (in a controlled ejection), so in case the weapons fall into enemy hands, they won't contain any encrypted information etc. You can't reverse the action from the cockpit.

 

I don't recall pressing ACCEPT, as my initial JSW ERASE press was in error. But OK.

So if I opress JSOW ERASE again, how do I back out, as there is no RTN (return) function on that sub-page,

[Harker]

I haven't touched that in a long time, but if you press ERASE, two options should appear, one saying Accept and one saying Cancel. Both words are abbreviated though and I don't remember how. I've only pressed ERASE from the main STORES page, I don't know if it's the same if you press it from the JSOW page.

[maxTRX]

I don't recall pressing ACCEPT, as my initial JSW ERASE press was in error. But OK.

So if I opress JSOW ERASE again, how do I back out, as there is no RTN (return) function on that sub-page,

 

Press 'CNX'. and you're good to go. If you press ACPT (? - the option below CNX) - might as well jettison as it works currently. Perhaps that's the way will be.

[Harker]

Press 'CNX'. and you're good to go. If you press ACPT (? - the option below CNX) - might as well jettison as it works currently. Perhaps that's the way will be.

Is there a way IRL to get new keys while airborne? It's the first time I hear about this.

[maxTRX]

Is there a way IRL to get new keys while airborne? It's the first time I hear about this.

I have no idea. Well, I'm not gonna worry about erasing it here. It's good that there is an option to confirm or cancel at least.

Edited May 16, 2020 by Gripes323

[Tholozor]

There is no way to download GPS keys while airborne, is must be done via a Windows-based workstation with special software (according to the documentation I have).

[DmitriKozlowsky]

I doubt it would be Windows OS. DOD version of Unix perhaps. Software is coded using ADA and COBOL.

[maxTRX]

I doubt it would be Windows OS. DOD version of Unix perhaps. Software is coded using ADA and COBOL.

 

Linux based ISP from... AWACS, straight to my android phone :D

[drPhibes]

I doubt it would be Windows OS. DOD version of Unix perhaps. Software is coded using ADA and COBOL.

 

 

Noope... https://www.army.mil/article/225257/aces_fielding_upgrades_to_army_command_units

[Harker]

There is no way to download GPS keys while airborne, is must be done via a Windows-based workstation with special software (according to the documentation I have).

I actually found a document that describes the process of loading keys from within the cockpit and sending them to all powered GPS weapons, but I don't recall if you have to be connected to a terminal on the ground as well. It's a complicated process though and the recommended way is to go through the data cartridge.

[Tholozor]

Correct, it is possible to manually input keys, but not automatically download them. Highly doubt we'd ever see something like that modeled in DCS, but if I'm ever proven wrong, I'll take it.

[Pikey]

Noope... https://www.army.mil/article/225257/aces_fielding_upgrades_to_army_command_units

 

 

Seen much worse.... Windows XP out there. Love how folks think that the forces always have the latest and greatest or run Unix. However cryptography doesn't a rats arse about the OS, standards are standards, a key is a key. Although I think the idea of a Pilot writing a reasonable length key from scratch is ludicrous, on the ground, in the air. Call it bricked!