Buddy lase for Tomcat

[bonesvf103]

Ok, so the Tomcat can buddy lase for others, but can others bUddy lase for the Tomcat? I see where I can input a code into the LANTIRN, but that is for the LANTIRN laser...where do you input a code for the bomb itself? Does the LANTIRN feed the code to the bomb? If so, then if someone is buddy lasing for you, do you put the code he is using into your LANTIRN and the bomb is good to go? It didn’t

IT didn’t seem to work when we tried it last night. Plus in the Hornet you have to put the code into the bomb, cnot just the LITENING, so how do you put the code into the bomb (NOT INTO LANTIRN)in the Tomcat ?

 

v6,

boNes

[near_blind]

In reality the laser code for a Paveway is a physically set by the ground crew before takeoff. There is no communication between the targeting pod or the bomb, it's up to the crew to remember what the code for each bomb is.

 

In DCS, for the F-14B you can either set the bomb's laser code in the mission editor, or you can set it via key commands in the kneeboard while sitting on the ground before takeoff (I don't remember if the engines have to be off). Once released the bombs will guide on any laser with the proper code, be it your laser, a buddy's laser, or a laser from a ground unit, it doesn't care.

 

ED allows player to set their bomb codes during flight via the SMS page. In reality this wouldn't actually effect the bomb, but they've made it like that as a convenience to the player.

[QuiGon]

ED allows player to set their bomb codes during flight via the SMS page. In reality this wouldn't actually effect the bomb, but they've made it like that as a convenience to the player.

This is for the A-10C and the F/A-18C, not for the F-14. Just wanted to clearify that to avoid misunderstandings :)

[bonesvf103]

This is for the A-10C and the F/A-18C, not for the F-14. Just wanted to clearify that to avoid misunderstandings :)

 

 

Yup, got it!

 

Thanks guys!

 

 

So, IRL, they really don't punch in the code via the UFC or SMS page (A-10 and F/A-18?) What about the data cartridge? Is it in it?

 

 

v6,

boNes

[QuiGon]

Yup, got it!

 

Thanks guys!

 

So, IRL, they really don't punch in the code via the UFC or SMS page (A-10 and F/A-18?) What about the data cartridge? Is it in it?

 

v6,

boNes

Usually not even there. The aircraft just doesn't know about the bomb codes. They are being dialed in by the ground crew on the seeker head of the bomb and doesn't get communicated to the aircraft. The pilot will be briefed with the codes of his LGBs and has it in his notes.

 

That's for older generations of LGBs (Paveway I + II) and aircraft, like the ones we use in DCS. More modern aircraft and LGBs do offer the option to interface the bomb code from the cockpit.

Edited July 29, 2020 by QuiGon

[shagrat]

Yup, got it!

 

Thanks guys!

 

 

So, IRL, they really don't punch in the code via the UFC or SMS page (A-10 and F/A-18?) What about the data cartridge? Is it in it?

 

 

v6,

boNes

Depends on the aircraft. In general a lot of the "settings" you see on the MFCDs, are set by the ground crew (ordnance guys).

From what I've read and heard it's mostly information during mission planning, when loading mission data into the cartridge, modern aircraft get information about the fuzing, HoF, Lasercodes, etc. that are set on the bombs themselves, so the MC knows these details for programming release parameters. Older aircraft had/have access panels on the fuselage, where the ground crew sets dials and switchboards to codes that tell the MC/Avionics about the ordnance loaded.

Some DCS modules use "mock up" MFD pages to "program" these parameters in mid flight. The problem with that concept is, actually you would need to tell the JTAC, AI wingmen YOUR LGBs set Lasercodes and they would adjust their laserdesignator to it. As long as this isn't changed, we need a way to "switch" LGBs to 1688 for AI or leave all LGBs on 1688 by default... It was already requested in the Mission Editor wishlist query a while ago, but I guess this requires a pretty complex rework of the whole JTAC / LGB / TGP logic.

Hopefully in the (near) future, we get a more true to life implementation, together with the option to direct AI to lase targets or drop LGBs on targets we designate.