[Fixed] [2.9.7.59074 MT] Sight reticle shows fixed slant range in DT mode after lockon

[Stickler]

In the RL F-4E, in Dive Toss mode and with radar lockon, the optical sight range bar indicated present slant range to the locked target.

In the game, the range bar shows a fixed range after lockon regardless of actual range.

This is apparently not an issue specific to the present version since it can be observed in at least two popular online tutorials that were created using previous versions of the module:

Edited August 18, 2024 by Stickler

[Zabuzard]

Thank you, fixed for the upcoming update. Cheers

[Stickler]

Thanks for the fix. Unfortunately, the range bar is now limited to a 6700 ft max range in DT with the pinky switch set to GUNS whereas, at least if I understand this chart correctly, the 20000 ft max range scale should be used in DT with the Sight Mode Selector Knob in A/G regardless of the pinky switch position.

To obtain the 20000 ft scale in 2.9.11.4686, selecting HEAT or RADAR is required.

[Zabuzard]

Thanks for the fix. Unfortunately, the range bar is now limited to a 6700 ft max range in DT with the pinky switch set to GUNS whereas, at least if I understand this chart correctly, the 20000 ft max range scale should be used in DT with the Sight Mode Selector Knob in A/G regardless of the pinky switch position.
To obtain the 20000 ft scale in 2.9.11.4686, selecting HEAT or RADAR is required.

Imo the chart can be interpreted both ways. This probably requires checking the electric wiring. Ill put it on the list, thanks

[Stickler]

Entirely possible that the logic was changed between blocks, even wrt to the technical wiring. Please find below a similar chart that is less ambiguous.

If what makes more sense operationally is any indication, the 20000 ft hypothesis is stronger since 6700 ft would be close to or even less than the bomb/slant range of conventional low drag munitions at usual delivery parameters for Dive Toss, rendering the range bar practically useless.

Edited December 30, 2024 by Stickler

[Stickler]

If an additional source that might shed light on the correct implementation is needed, I just realized that the checklist sequence for executing a Dive Toss/Dive Laydown mission (p. 2-94/2-95 of the document depicted here, reproduced in the game manual here) does not include a reference to setting the pinky switch to any specific position.

This would indicate that full DT/DL functionality is available independently of said position. Given that several of the DT-related ballistic tables in T.O. 1F-4C-34-1-1  are grouped by pickle slant range (mostly 10000, 15000 or 20000 ft), it is likely the RL authors expected the pilot to pickle at these "even" ranges because they would be easy to read off of the sight range bar.

If the sight range bar only unwound starting at 6700 ft slant range, this presumed expectation would have been unfounded.