Bader242 Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 Hi guys, I’m new to the game and getting a handle on things but need a steer on A to G weapons. Basically, is there a favoured air to ground ‘weapon of choice ‘ in the game that the majority of players strap on for some A2G fun in multiplayer servers (not missions or campaigns)? I’m thinking static land targets. Hope you can help. I’m intent on grinding through all the training in the game but would like to hop into a server now and again as a change of scenery (and to blow something up).
razo+r Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 (edited) Totally depends on situation. For static targets everything works. It just depends on how easy and realistic you want to fly. For moving units, something that is guided or if you are good at guessing, dumb bombs or the other guided bombs work too. For something that shoots back, get something with a good range (depending on threat). In short, it's entirely up to you and the situation. Example: I like a mix of Mavericks and dumb bombs or other appropriate weapons, while I see others load maximum amount of JSOWs for the same targets. Edited June 19, 2021 by razo+r 1
Bader242 Posted June 19, 2021 Author Posted June 19, 2021 (edited) 17 minutes ago, razo+r said: Totally depends on situation. For static targets everything works. It just depends on how easy and realistic you want to fly. For moving units, something that is guided or if you are good at guessing, dumb bombs or the other guided bombs work too. For something that shoots back, get something with a good range (depending on threat). In short, it's entirely up to you and the situation. Example: I like a mix of Mavericks and dumb bombs or other appropriate weapons, while I see others load maximum amount of JSOWs for the same targets. Yeah, sorry it’s bit of an open question! I just wondered if there was an obvious ‘go to’ weapon. I’ve started with auto-bombing the MK84 which has gone well until I’ve just got auto-kicked from my favourite server (red units attacking airfield, set waypoint of red units on airfield boundary but friendly jeep and medic tent in the region that I didn’t notice when taking down coordinates). So I’ve convinced myself I perhaps need to learn my next A to G weapon but wanted it to be a popular one. I lost my way a bit with the Maverick so will have a look at the JSOWS. Thanks for the reply. Edited June 19, 2021 by Bader242 Extra detail
silverdevil Posted June 19, 2021 Posted June 19, 2021 except for tanks the laser rockets are great. the other choice is some sort of maverick. then laser bombs. a combination of 2 of the 3 types. AKA_SilverDevil Join AKA Wardogs Email Address My YouTube “The MIGS came up, the MIGS were aggressive, we tangled, they lost.” - Robin Olds - An American fighter pilot. He was a triple ace. The only man to ever record a confirmed kill while in glide mode.
Brass2-1 Posted June 20, 2021 Posted June 20, 2021 (edited) Hi Bader, my A-G journey started with dumb/iron bombs and cluster munitions as well. I’ve now moved to precision guided only. I’ll give you a quick and dirty on my choices based on mission type below. JDAM - perfect for fixed targets, preferably with known coordinates. Can also be used with the targeting pod for targets of opportunity. Lots of bang for your buck-you can (albeit probably unrealistically) carry 8x GBU-38 500lb bombs easily. LGB - Weather dependent, and also require the launching aircraft to maintain laser guidance to impact. Despite these weak points, they can be versatile in that they’re able to be used on most moving targets. Mavericks - IR and Laser. IR has the advantage of not needing a targeting pod, although they do benefit from having one (easier to generate locks at range). Reliable as dirt with proper operation, can destroy any ground vehicle and most structures with a single missile. Relatively easy to use. Work great with integrated GMT/Sea radar, TGP for finding and striking moving targets or ships. HARM - Single-use weapons for striking SAM radars. Personally I very much enjoy SEAD work, but it can be frustrating on solo missions or uncoordinated servers. JSOW - See above for JDAM-virtually all applies but with added range (40+ mi). Major downside is that they can and will be shot down by SAMs. SLAM/SLAM-ER - TOO or pre-briefed target capable in many of the same ways as JDAM/JSOW but with human control to impact for precise targeting. Incredibly versatile in that they can be used for anti shipping, pinpoint strike, emergency CAS in a pinch, and even SEAD. Downside is that they waste a hard point to the datalink pod. My typical CAS/unplanned ground attack load out is as follows. 2x AIM-9X on wingtips ATFLIR and AIM-120C on cheek stations Two bags in double-ugly configuration (centerline and wing opposite TGP) 1X IR Maverick (fire and forget) 1X Laser Maverick OR LGB (requires good weather and smooth controlled flight after launch) 1-2X GBU-38 (2X being mounted on a single hard point) If two bags is not needed, replace the second bag with an LGB or JDAM-weather dependent. Situations in which I may alter this recipe include a SEAD mission, moving convoy strike, or anti shipping mission. Finally-if you want to learn ONE weapon right now; I’d recommend the JDAM or Maverick, both in conjunction with the TGP of your choice. Both will cover a lot of situations; with the Mav being able to engage moving targets at the cost of needing a “down and dirty” approach and the JDAM offering more stand-off capability. Master the TGP regardless though. Cheers. edit-spelling Edited June 20, 2021 by Brass2-1 2
Bader242 Posted June 20, 2021 Author Posted June 20, 2021 Thanks for all the great replies. That’s given me a good steer. In terms of sims/games, I think DCS is the best community I’ve come across. Happy flying everyone!
pokeraccio Posted June 22, 2021 Posted June 22, 2021 On 6/19/2021 at 6:44 PM, Bader242 said: Hi guys, I’m new to the game and getting a handle on things but need a steer on A to G weapons. Basically, is there a favoured air to ground ‘weapon of choice ‘ in the game that the majority of players strap on for some A2G fun in multiplayer servers (not missions or campaigns)? I’m thinking static land targets. Hope you can help. I’m intent on grinding through all the training in the game but would like to hop into a server now and again as a change of scenery (and to blow something up). Hi, starting my journey on the DCS World and the F18 some time ago, I found very useful to have a sort of quick reference kneeboard page available on Ipad or in game, and then started my project. As per request I decided to share it, since then I'm trying to keep it update. Try to see if it can help. cheers Pokeraccio Forum: Pokeraccio F/A-18C Hornet - Weapons QRH Quick Reference Handbook / Checklist / Kneeboard User Files: Pokeraccio F/A-18C Hornet - Weapons QRH Quick Reference Handbook / Checklist / Kneeboard User Files: Spitfire LF Mk.IX QRH / Checklist / Pilot's Note Kneeboard by Pokeraccio
M4ND4L0R3 Posted June 23, 2021 Posted June 23, 2021 Welcome, glad to see someone else also enjoys the A/G side of the hornet. On my normal PVE server, I usually just load up AGM-154's depending on target type ( cluster for light units/infantry, armoured for tanks/sams etc ). It takes a bit of time to set them up ( helps if you have a buddy calling the targets from the map for you, otherwise I just take photos on my phone and do it that way ), but for me personally there is nothing more fun than racking 8 different targets from maximum height/range and then already being on my landing approach before they've even hit the ground. Otherwise rockets/bombs with CCIP work great against moving targets. Im still learning TOO mode with the JSOW's, so im not too great with the FLIR or onboard camera. ( be great to have someone help teach me haha ) Enjoy.
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