Unable to launch M71 bombs with trigger unsafe after switching from ANF to NAV

[Flappie]

Three situations:

1. NAV, Trigger UNSAFE, ANF, Release weapon > Bombs are released.
2. ANF, Trigger UNSAFE, NAV, Release weapon > Bombs are NOT released.
3. ANF, Trigger UNSAFE, NAV, ANF, Release weapon > Bombs are NOT released.

 

To get out of the issue encountered in the last two situations, one has to do the following: ANF, Trigger SAFE.

 

Is this a bug or a feature? I'm taking it's a bug.

Tracks attached, and here's a video.

AJS37_nav_unsafe-anf_bomb_OK.trk AJS37_anf_unsafe-nav_bomb_NOT OK.trk

Edited December 2, 2020 by Flappie

[TLTeo]

Going trigger unsafe in most bomb modes designates a target for the calculations. I think it's very unlikely that the designation would be supported and continued in NAV mode, so it kinda sounds like a feature to me?

[Flappie]

Oh, I haven't mentioned it but I'm considering only CCIP modes here, and especially PLAN bomb mode.

 

If you're right, situation 1 shouldn't allow release, should it?

[QuiGon]

I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to switch the master mode (NAV/ANF) when trigger is unsafe. Making the trigger unsafe initiates the weapon employment procedure and changing the master mode in the middle of that doesn't make any sense and confuses the systems.

[TLTeo]

40 minutes ago, Flappie said:

Oh, I haven't mentioned it but I'm considering only CCIP modes here, and especially PLAN bomb mode.

 

If you're right, situation 1 shouldn't allow release, should it?

 

What bombs are you using exactly? Low or high drag?

 

PLAN with high drag bombs is the CCIP mode and has nothing to do with target designation, it's one of the modes that uses QFE to calculate the impact point rather than radar ranging. In that case, switching from NAV to ANF shouldn't change anything, because no designation is happening. There's no reason to switch master modes either.

PLAN with low drag bombs depends on whether you are in ANF or NAV master modes. In NAV mode it's basically a quick release mode which I think is used for formation/carpet bombing. In ANF it's one of the modes that requires a target designation, which is accomplished by going trigger UNSAFE - when you go trigger unsafe, wherever the pipper is, becomes the target for calculations, and the system guides you on it. Nothing CCIP about it. In this case I guess if you're already in unsafe, I guess either a) the system designates the first spot that the pipper is on when you switch master modes or b) it just treats your weapon release as a quick release. I haven't tried either it, but either way you're just confusing the system probably.

 

Also, every other mode (including all low drag modes) isn't really a CCIP mode, it's more akin to CCRP/toss/dive toss with different designations/calculations.

Edited December 3, 2020 by TLTeo

[Flappie]

5 hours ago, TLTeo said:

What bombs are you using exactly? Low or high drag?

 

PLAN with high drag bombs is the CCIP mode and has nothing to do with target designation, it's one of the modes that uses QFE to calculate the impact point rather than radar ranging. In that case, switching from NAV to ANF shouldn't change anything, because no designation is happening. There's no reason to switch master modes either.

This. ^^^^^

 

@QuiGonI strongly agree with you, this situation shouldn't happen. I have no idea how the real Wiggen would react, but if situations 1/2/3 were to be avoided, the HUD could have stuck to current master mode as long as the trigger is unsafe, instead of letting the pilot do something wrong.

Edited December 3, 2020 by Flappie

[Streicher]

Maybe the real pilots were taught to not change their delivery method mid-attack run?
The plane will also bring the gear up on short final, even though that will probably mess up the landing.
Some things just have to be done as designed to get a desired results.