correct as-is Data link info

[Dragon1-1]

I'm talking about the Viper because that one I'm certain about, since I don't have similar Hornet docs. Either way, you appear to have no more evidence than I do. Without it, all we have to go on is what ED implemented. You can't currently designate a DL track in the Hornet. In general, this isn't something any aircraft of the era that I'm familiar with could do. Maybe the Typhoon, but it's one of those I'm not familiar with. 

There's a reason both Hornet and Viper display surveillance, donor and ownship tracks in a different way. AFAIK, launching a weapon typically requires an ownship track.

[Harker]

It's not a normal track, it's a datalink track. Unless you can provide an unclassified document stating that it's possible to designate a DL track for weapons employment, knock it off. I certainly didn't see anything like that in docs that the other Viper sim comes with (not sure if they're OK to post or not, but they're sure easy to find). At least in the F-16, DL tracks are treated differently, you can't bug them in either TWS or RWS, because they're not detected by radar. Only ownship tracks can be designated and launched at. Not sure how it works in the Hornet, but it's the same generation, so probably not much difference.

I'm not going to discuss the viability of employing AMRAAMs against non-radar trackfiles, but the Hornet has MSI, the Viper does not. An MSI trackfile can be created by means other than the radar, the radar is just a contributor to MSI. The DL, FLIR, CIT and HARMs are other contributors. Hornets can rank and designate offboard trackfiles, same as radar trackfiles.

You can read the relevant info on the 742-100.

Edited April 5, 2022 by Harker

[Hulkbust44]

It's not a normal track, it's a datalink track. Unless you can provide an unclassified document stating that it's possible to designate a DL track for weapons employment, knock it off. I certainly didn't see anything like that in docs that the other Viper sim comes with (not sure if they're OK to post or not, but they're sure easy to find). At least in the F-16, DL tracks are treated differently, you can't bug them in either TWS or RWS, because they're not detected by radar. Only ownship tracks can be designated and launched at. Not sure how it works in the Hornet, but it's the same generation, so probably not much difference.

BMS is the bane of my f*cking existence when trying to talk to people on this forum...

A1-F18AC-742-100
043 00 Page 3 section 13...

The designation of any trackfile is the cornerstone of the Charlie Hornet's capability since 99'. Every airborne trackfile with the exception of a CIT only track can be designated as L+S for engagement. Even in A/G most anything shared to the Hornet can be set as the target. The TAC-300 even
mentions employment of a Harpoon on an off-board surface target...

[Dragon1-1]

OK, looks like I'm gonna check that one out. That's a doc I haven't seen yet.

[MARLAN_]

Information can be found that explains that the 120C is supported by transmissions from your radar.

Information can be found (as mentioned above by Hulkbust) that explains you can designate basically any trackfile as an L&S.

Information can be found that explains that an AMRAAM launched will steer to the L&S (launch & steering) (already obvious in the community)

-> You don't require radar contribution to launch on a trackfile, if the missile is unsupported by your radar it will guide to the last known intercept until radar support is gained. It is not MADDOG because it has an initial target designation to guide to. You could in theory launch from the notch even, although your missile would be unsupported off the rail and have a likely a low Pk.

Edited April 5, 2022 by MARLAN_

[Swift.]

5 minutes ago, Dragon1-1 said:

OK, looks like I'm gonna check that one out. That's a doc I haven't seen yet.

Also Wags' comment on this video. It might surprise you but there are thing out there that even you don't know about.