Cannot get MQ-9 to lase my target

[Vampyr]

I've created a very simple mission where I'm trying to get an MQ-9 to lase a target that I can search for with my F-16's TGP in LSS mode. For some reason I cannot the MQ-9 to lase the target, and I'm not sure why. I've attached screenshots below showing how I'm setting up my waypoints and corresponding actions.

Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong here?

WP0 setup

WP1 setup

WP1 action 1: weapons hold

WP1 action 2: orbit

WP1 action 3: lase target

Edited December 25, 2024 by Vampyr

[razo+r]

Try moving the FAC task to the top of the 3 tasks.

[Vampyr]

9 hours ago, razo+r said:

Try moving the FAC task to the top of the 3 tasks.

That didn't do anything.

Edit: I did some further testing just to rule out pilot error as well (I am a new to the Viper after all), and after swapping out the MQ-9 for a ground unit JTAC, I was able to successfully acquire the target. It's just weird how this is so much harder to do with the MQ-9, when in fact it should be simpler because it has a clear LOS on the target at all times. 

Edited December 26, 2024 by Vampyr

[Vampyr]

Problem solved.

Contrary to what I read on a different thread while Googling for solutions, it is necessary to contact the MQ-9 over radio to get it to lase the target, same as any other unit carrying out JTAC. I was under the impression that radio contact wasn't necessary with the MQ-9. Kind of makes sense I guess, given that the MQ-9 can be controlled by a human pilot in the real world.

I also revised my WP tasks to just the following:

1. EPLRS on
2. Weapons hold
3. FAC assign group

I removed the orbit task because the MQ-9 will automatically begin orbiting the target when given a FAC task.