Issues with AIM-120 in Custom Missions

[S]

Hello All,

Somewhat new DCS guy here - I've been messing around with DCS F/A-18 and A-10C off and on since 2019, so I know the basics of how the sim works. I recently got into the F-16 module and now fly it exclusively. I think it's probably common knowledge around here that the F-16 training is nowhere near as extensive as the F/A-18 training and this is where I'm running into some issues.

When I fly the AIM-120 training missions, everything is already set up - the radar, RWR, etc and I assume the same is probably done for the AIM-120 and any systems required for that.

When I go into custom missions (I made them myself in the mission editor), I can 'mad dog' the AIM-120, but I cannot get the jet to lock to save my life. I have an AWACS plane and 12 AI F-16s that are all showing targets through Link, but I am unable to utilize the data for locks or even to get them to switch from Link-only data to a designation from my own ship.

Some data points:

• I am co-altitude with the targets (35k ft) so a standard radar scan (initial antenna position should find them,
• I arm the weapons (switch in 'up' position),
• I enter A-A mode on the UFC,
• Right MFD shows A120 selection,
• I see the targets through Link and follow the Bogey Dope from AWACS to orient toward the targets,
• Target data from Link system is well within the Azimuth of my radar search,
• Link target data goes from red to yellow but won't allow a lock and won't go white.
• I can be literally 5 nm away from the targets and they still are not lockable.
• Loadout is as follows: 2x AIM-9X, 4x AIM-120C, 3x bags.

I think I either don't know how to properly set up the radar from a hot ramp start, or there's a bug with custom missions. Like I said, I have no issues whatsoever in the very simple training missions for the AIM-120. I get locks quickly in all of them and know how to manage energy for good launch parameters, etc. If I'm missing something simple, please let me know! Thank you, guys!

[razo+r]

If you could attach a short track that could help.

[S]

Just went and saved one. 

Point of interest: I finally got a lock, but it was against a plane that was not showing up on Link. 

In the track file, you can see I mad-dogged the first missile because it wouldn't let me lock, and then the second one I was able to get the lock but it wasn't showing on Link, which throws me off because I can't tell if it's a friendly target or not until I get the launch warning/see the weapon.

 

Edit: I'm starting to wonder if maybe there's a Link issue when flying against USAF aggressors in the same plane (F-16C).

demotrack.trk

Edited February 25, 2023 by S

[skywalker22]

How do you try to lock them up? TMS UP is for to go from Search Target to STT or DTT in RWS mode.

It works fine for me.. just press RCtrl+Up (and bind your button on your hotas to that command - Target Management Switch Up).

I tried your track, took the command of the plane and locked targets easily.

[S]

I'm using TMS up (mapped to my HOTAS TMS). The only reason I made a post here is because I don't have this issue in the training missions, it's specific to custom missions - because of this, I know that I have the proper commands mapped to my HOTAS, and I'm using the same procedures when flying custom missions.

I'm not sure if it's relevant or not, but I tried adding some AI to my flight and once I did that, I can lock any of the targets quite easily. 

[Aquorys]

I just flew your mission twice by selecting "take control" from the track replay.

The first time I flew it with the plane configured as it was, the second time I rearmed to a 5/1 A/A configuration and only the centerline tank. I did not have any problems detecting and bugging the fighters, the only problem I had with the radar was in the second sortie when it was unable to find the enemy E-3A which was beaming. The farthest out I could detect it with my own radar was a little more than 5 miles, that seems excessively bad for a target of that size in my opinion.

In both sorties, I fenced in after passing steerpoint 2, then turned right before reaching waypoint 3 to open up some space for maneuvering due to the SAM site on my left side. Radar-wise, I narrowed the azimuth and adjusted the radar to look left, stayed in RWS until I could detect the first target, then changed to TWS. Concurrently tracked two targets in the first sortie, three targets in the second sortie.

In the first sortie, I shot down 2 F-16s and the E-3A, then flew along the remaining waypoints and landed on Nellis 21L.
In the second sortie, I also shot down 2 F-16s and the E-3A, then flew the TACAN 12X back to Nellis and intercepted radial 209 for a landing on 21L.

Detecting and targeting the E-3A required adjusting the radar antenna in the second sortie, otherwise everything was pretty straight-forward with regards to the radar.

Edited February 27, 2023 by Aquorys