Universal Laser Code Implementation

[tech_op2000]

I saw for the a-10C II a discussion about setting laser codes for weapons. It brought to mind the fact that the implementation is non standard across modules. They also pointed out that it is not possible to change the weapon codes inflight IRL.

 

Here is a possible way to implement it that could be standard across all modules and intuitive for new users. It would also give a mechanism for preventing inflight reassignment of codes (or allow it if you want to appease fans) without making the modules' avionics unrealistic.

 

 

The idea is simple. If you select a laser guided weapon during rearm, it would pop up a box beneath it to enter in the laser code. You may need to also implement some message that pops up as error or defaults back to 1688 if an invalid code is entered. If a player wanted to review their codes inflight they could just pull up the rearm screen again. If you wanted to be nice to players who like changing their codes inflight maybe put a button in there to update codes. (this button could also be the way to trigger the "Invalid Code" message if a code entered was outside of acceptable ranges.

[marcoscosta]

Good idea, much better than kneeboard.

[Bimbac]

That's exactly what I proposed couple of months ago.

 

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[sirrah]

+1

 

Very good idea indeed!

 

This way, there's also no more need for unrealistic code changing from inside the cockpit

[Qiou87]

+1

 

Very good idea indeed!

 

This way, there's also no more need for unrealistic code changing from inside the cockpit

 

Just curious, is the F/A-18 implementation realistic? That's the only module I own that can change codes inflight. Super practical, I am just wondering if that is the case IRL.

The kneeboard thing is a real hassle for me in VR (when I fly the Viper). This new idea is really good, I support it wholeheartedly.

[drPhibes]

+1

 

Very good idea indeed!

 

This way, there's also no more need for unrealistic code changing from inside the cockpit

 

 

Except when dealing with AI JTACs. Currently, there is no way of telling the JTAC which code to use. Fixing that issue is a prerequisite before removing the in-flight code change workaround.

[RED]

Just curious, is the F/A-18 implementation realistic? That's the only module I own that can change codes inflight. Super practical, I am just wondering if that is the case IRL.

The kneeboard thing is a real hassle for me in VR (when I fly the Viper). This new idea is really good, I support it wholeheartedly.

 

It's only realistic for the Maverick. It's made up for the other weapons.

[Northstar98]

+1 awesome idea! :thumbup:

[QuiGon]

This has been proposed several times over the past few months/years. Having to set the laser code on the rearming window as shown above is the best possible solution!

[BarTzi]

Just keep in mind that this there are two parts to this. The first is the great idea you suggested, and the second is making the AI JTAC capable of changing laser codes when communicating with a plane.

 

I always thought making those changes is low priority since making an overhaul to the JTAC system is probably low priority as well. After the F16 came out with a more true to life way ot changing the code, I don't know what's their take on this anymore.

[stormrider]

Great!

[QuiGon]

Just keep in mind that this there are two parts to this. The first is the great idea you suggested, and the second is making the AI JTAC capable of changing laser codes when communicating with a plane.

 

I always thought making those changes is low priority since making an overhaul to the JTAC system is probably low priority as well. After the F16 came out with a more true to life way ot changing the code, I don't know what's their take on this anymore.

I don't really understand why changing the laser code implementation would also require changing the laser code handling by the JTAC? You could still use the 1688 code regardless, even with the proposed new laser code implementation.

 

Of course it would be nice, if we could ask the JTAC to change it's code, but I don't see a dependency.

[tech_op2000]

I don't really understand why changing the laser code implementation would also require changing the laser code handling by the JTAC? You could still use the 1688 code regardless, even with the proposed new laser code implementation.

 

Of course it would be nice, if we could ask the JTAC to change it's code, but I don't see a dependency.

 

I think it is because in a multi location Mission. You don't have the freedom to engage targets with multiple jtacs without either you changing codes inflight or the jtac changing codes to match your stores.

 

I would not be opposed to having a mission preset to allow or deny inflight code changing.

 

I could see how allowing players to tell the JTAC what code to lase could be very useful for pilots or could be hell for multiplayer servers.

 

In any case, standardizing it across modules would be a step in the right direction

[Flagrum]

May I suggest an improvement over OPs solution? How about a button instead of the input field for the laser code. Pressing the button opens a new window that allows to configure the settings of the weapon(s!) on the respective pylon: laser codes, pre-planned JDAM coordinates, and in general all kind of fuze settings (--> CBUs!).

 

 

A separate window is probably easier to implement for the devs as the implact of such a change on existing code should be minimal and also allows for far more flexibility.

[Aarnoman]

I'm in full support for this, so long as AI JTAC gets the ability to change laser code. This has bugged me for a long time, and a consistent (and realistic) implementation of this system should be undertaken, where laser codes are not changable in flight.

[QuiGon]

I think it is because in a multi location Mission. You don't have the freedom to engage targets with multiple jtacs without either you changing codes inflight or the jtac changing codes to match your stores.

 

I would not be opposed to having a mission preset to allow or deny inflight code changing.

 

I could see how allowing players to tell the JTAC what code to lase could be very useful for pilots or could be hell for multiplayer servers.

 

In any case, standardizing it across modules would be a step in the right direction

You can't change the code inflight on the F-16, F-5, F-14 and M2000 already. The proposed implementation wouldn't change anything in this regard.

 

But yeah, the ability for the JTAC to be able to change laser designator code on request is needed anyways.

[FoxOne007]

Yes +1000, this should really be the only way to adjust it as it is the closest thing as changing the actual dials!!

They should also do a similar thing for the dials on the GBU-24 to set it’s delivery mode! The Arming menu is 100% the best place to do these kinds of things

[Jarlerus]

+1

All knee-board (and non-kneeboard) settings should be put in an updated loadout/ream page.

 

Big project, but a Rearm Page API for all module makers would be a huge improvement.