Has the JTAC Been Updated in a While? Same capabilities for AWACS?

[AegisFX]

This is a 2-parter for me.

 

First:

We've got so many more multi-role and strike aircraft. JTAC has been in the game for a very long time, but I'm unsure if it's gotten any love in a while. Can the JTAC communications and tasking be updated to account for the current aircraft and weapons available to us? We now have 5(6) platforms from the USA alone that are built and equipped specifically to accommodate CAS to varying degrees. A/V-8B, A-10C/2, F-15E, F-16C, F-18C (I actually forgot the Apache, making it at least 6 platforms where this is a core part of their real life usage). And of course weapons and planes from other forces. Our JTAC needs to feel like it came in 2023, and now 2005.

 

Second:

We've got plenty of CAS/Strike units, and JTAC can be an integral part of that experience, but it doesn't matter much if the AWACS isn't able to properly control and direct our fighters as well. Similar to current JTAC comms, we need to be able to check in with our AWACS units so fighters can be guided to appropriate holding areas and proper intercept courses, and hopefully, it could be smart enough to assist with or handle deconfliction in terms of making sure fighters don't run into each other, shoot each other, etc. Even better if they actually become networked and can share info with each other.

*Deconfliction and holding rules/guidelines could be set in the mission editor by creators. We just need the AWACS to be able to communicate it.*

 

Are there other important things the sim absolutely needs? Yes. 100%. But these 2 concerns cover such a wide net over not just allowing the player craft to work at their best potential while also improving core issues that every player has faced over several years.

Edited June 27, 2023 by AegisFX