LGB Laser Speed Limitation

[Avio]

Is it correct that there is a speed limit (up to 350 knots) when laser designating a target and using the CCRP Auto mode? There were times when the GBU missed when I flew too fast, though there were times when it hit nicely even at speed above 350.

Anyone else observed this?

 

[SloppyDog]

2 hours ago, Avio said:

Is it correct that there is a speed limit (up to 350 knots) when laser designating a target and using the CCRP Auto mode? There were times when the GBU missed when I flew too fast, though there were times when it hit nicely even at speed above 350.

Anyone else observed this?

 

There are no speed limite per se, but yes, keeping at 350 kts is a good practice if you are straight and level passing over the target. Faster and you run the risk of having the TPOD masked. 

NotSo, who is the Razbam's F-15E SME, made this interesting video showing how to keep the TPOD unmasked after tossing a bomb. Basically you maintain a curve to the right and keep the belly to the target, as long asyou can.

 

 

[Avio]

Thanks for that. I quoted the above from Grim Reaper who posted many clips on the F15E. Will try at higher speed next time.

 

[WizzRD]

5 hours ago, Avio said:

Is it correct that there is a speed limit (up to 350 knots) when laser designating a target and using the CCRP Auto mode? There were times when the GBU missed when I flew too fast, though there were times when it hit nicely even at speed above 350.

Anyone else observed this?

I usually drop at 480kt TAS, but up to 500kt TAS works nicely as well.

Doing a 60° designator turn after release will support your bomb until impact just fine.

 

[Hatman335]

I fail to see any tactical reason to fly at low speeds. The lower your speed is the less energy the bomb will have, you will spend more time in the target area, you'll have less energy to manuever or to defend yourself. Passing over the target is generally a terrible idea, you'd do a check turn 60 degrees away and lase it that way.

[av8orDave]

One thing that doesn’t seem to be simulated in DCS is over speeding weapons. I’m pretty sure the Paveway series have a max speed limitation.

[Hatman335]

.90IMN/525 KCAS or .95IMN/575 KCAS depending on where it's loaded. Modelling overspeed would be very tricky because it would have a higher chance of some kind of failure related to the seeker but nothing guarantees it wouldn't be working just fine.

[SloppyDog]

3 hours ago, Hatman335 said:

I fail to see any tactical reason to fly at low speeds. The lower your speed is the less energy the bomb will have, you will spend more time in the target area, you'll have less energy to manuever or to defend yourself. Passing over the target is generally a terrible idea, you'd do a check turn 60 degrees away and lase it that way.

Tactically no, but it works for training, for those who don't know how to do it yet.

[Avio]

In the video I noticed the 60 degrees check turn is to the left. As the TPOD is mounted on the left, would turn to right be better? Doing that allows me to turn back left after pulling away to continue observing and possibly targeting other targets with the TPOD on the left.

 

[SloppyDog]

12 hours ago, Avio said:

In the video I noticed the 60 degrees check turn is to the left. As the TPOD is mounted on the left, would turn to right be better? Doing that allows me to turn back left after pulling away to continue observing and possibly targeting other targets with the TPOD on the left.

 

In NotSo's video he does turn to the right, to leave the TPOD as exposed as he can. Also, he bunts the aircraft, in order to give that extra room for lasing.

[WizzRD]

14 hours ago, Avio said:

In the video I noticed the 60 degrees check turn is to the left. As the TPOD is mounted on the left, would turn to right be better?

Either way works, flying level the TPOD won´t get masked until after your bomb hits it´s target.