Training/Procedures Info for JAS 39C Gripen

[rictshaw]

I’m fascinated by the JAS 39C Gripen community mod, and I’m looking for help in using it correctly. Here’s what I’ve done so far:

I’ve downloaded the 1.8.5 mod, unzipped it, and dropped it into my "\Users\username\Saved Games\DCS\” folder.
I’ve removed all the other mod aircraft (F4, A4, etc) from that folder.
I see the Gripen icon in the bottom of the intro screen of DCS, along with my other standard modules.
I can create a custom test mission with the Gripen, and put some weapons on the rails.
Jumping into the cockpit, I can pause it and get into the Controls setup, and bind my HOTAS for X,Y,and Z axis without a problem. I can also bind other keys to other functions.

Unpause, and I can fly the plane around, and I can figure out the basic instruments/HUD from the SU-25T instruments (I’m primarily interested in the A2G version, so that’s what I’m using).
I’m blundering my way thru figuring out how to use the clickable MFDs (this is my first clickable aircraft), experimenting with the sensors for the various TV/IR/antiradiation functions.

However, I’m really only scratching the surface, and not really able to do much more than fly around. I would like some more detailed instruction for this version. I’ve watched the Grim Reapers video on the weapons, but that was based on an earlier version and is not accurate anymore. I’ve downloaded the training missions created by Rudel for version 1.8, but again, the update from 1.8 to 1.8.5 makes these missions unusable in various ways. Is there anything else I can use for reference for step-by-step procedures for instruments/sensors/weapons?

My biggest frustration right now is getting any weapons to fire. Yes, I’ve set the MASS to “live”, yes, I’ve clicked open the trigger safety, yes, I’m in AG mode, yes, I get the launch authorization display. I realise that the Gripen doesn’t have a specific “release weapons” command, so I thought that releasing weapons would be done by the “release weapon” key for the SU-25T…nope. Maybe the gun trigger…nope. Maybe any of the other buttons…nope. Mavericks: nope, gravity bombs: nope, IR weapons: nope, anything else: nope.

Any help here?

[Rudel_chw]

41 minutes ago, rictshaw said:

Maybe the gun trigger…nope

 

The gun trigger works for me. Here is a video with the Mavericks and Brimstones, I hope to be able to re-release my missions soon, updated for v1.8.5:

 

 

[rictshaw]

Rudel,

Thanks! I’ll give this a try once I’m on my gome computer!

[rictshaw]

Nope, no joy. Followed your instructions to the letter (nice instructional video, by the way). Nothing I do will fire these weapons. Very frustrating!

Back to my A-10A for now.

[Rudel_chw]

15 hours ago, rictshaw said:

Nothing I do will fire these weapons.

 

Remember that the trigger has to be press and hold for a couple of seconds in order to release the weapon. Also, check your bindings, as on v1.8.5 there are now a single set of bindings instead of the separate ones that existed previously for A/G and A/A. These are the bindings I use:

 

[rictshaw]

Yes, I when I’ve been trying to find the “correct” weapons release button, I have been holding each one for about 10 seconds…but no response.

I have the same single set of bindings that you show. When I test them in the Controls page, they show up fine. They just don’t work in the cockpit.

I’m thinking that maybe something went wrong with the Gripen file download, so That specific function is not working…it’s a long shot, but I am going to delete the current file, download a new file, and see if that works.

[Rudel_chw]

24 minutes ago, rictshaw said:

I’m thinking that maybe something went wrong with the Gripen file download, so That specific function is not working…

doubtful, its more likely a conflict with another Mod .. perhaps the clickable cockpits for FC3 aircrafts?

[rictshaw]

Ha! Doing a new download did it! I can actually fire some weapons.
So far I have tested the Mavericks, Brimstone, Spear, and Mar1…all working perfectly.

Later I’ll try the unguided bombs and some of the other GPS/INS type weapons.

Actually had some good luck firing the ECM decoy (can’t remember the designation right now) at some SA-11, then timing a Brimstone attack while they are busy with the decoys… lots of fun!

Thanks for all your help.

[rictshaw]

Ha! Doing a new download did it! I can actually fire some weapons.
So far I have tested the Mavericks, Brimstone, Spear, and Mar1…all working perfectly.

Later I’ll try the unguided bombs and some of the other GPS/INS type weapons.

Actually had some good luck firing the ECM decoy (can’t remember the designation right now) at some SA-11, then timing a Brimstone attack while they are busy with the decoys… lots of fun!

Thanks for all your help.

Well, I discovered something interesting with the Gripen weapon release problem:

I was trying different loadouts against different ground targets, going back and forth between  the cockpit and the editor. All was going well, until one time I got into the cockpit, made a run against the ground targets, and suddenly the trigger button/weapon release button would not work….again. Nothing I did would get it to work.

I quit out of the DCS program in disgust, and spent an hour watching videos.

I got back into DCS intending to fly my old standard A-10A, but then I thought I’d give the Gripen another chance, and lo and behold, the trigger worked fine!

I spent the next half hour or so going back and forth between the cockpit and the editor testing different weapons, when suddenly the weapon release wouldn’t work again. Now we’re onto something…

I found that jumping back and forth (cockpit to editor) “too much” will cause the weapon release to not work. But if I quit the DCS program and come right back into it, everything is fine.

Just putting this out there, in case anyone else runs into this problem.