A few tips and tricks

[Nix Mills]

Hi all

Here are a few tips and tricks for those still learning the many intricate details of the instruments and weapons systems in the F/A-18C Hornet.

 

DIFFICULTIES ENTERING CORRECT GRID COORDINATES

Check that you've entered coordinates in the correct format - either six digit format, or ten digit format (PRECISE).

Remember, target points given to you by JTAC can not be expected to be precise, but they'll usually be good enough for you to focus your sensors so that you can look in the right place.

For example:

Grid DA 1212 (this is a square kilometre box to look in). Convert to six digits: DA 120340 or, to look in the middle, DA 125345.

Grid DA 12341234 (eight digits). Either convert to six digits: DA 123123, or box PRECISE and enter as ten digits: DA 1234012340.

 

DIFFICULTIES HITTING TARGETS WITH LASER GUIDED BOMBS

The laser code for laser guided bombs (like GBU-16, -12, -10) is set manually by the flight crew and cannot be changed in flight. Remember to set your ATFLIR to laze with the same code as your bomb is set to.

If you are lazing a moving target, then it's usually best to attack from behind so that your bomb drops in the same direction as the target is moving.

 

DIFFICULTIES USING GROUND RADAR AND ATFLIR TOGETHER

When using the ground radar in Ground Moving Target (GMT) Mode, you can move your cursor on the radar screen and lock to a target (brick). Your ATFLIR will automatically lock to the same target.

When switching to a new target, make sure to reset (undesignate - pinky button on stick) both you radar and your ATFLIR. ATFLIR often stays in the same place if, for example, you changed mode to look around and track a target with this.

 

DIFFICULTIES GIVING ORDERS TO WINGMAN

Wingman will respond to orders such as formation, engage ground targets, hold position, rejoin, go to tanker etc.

However, you can only give orders on COMM2 (AUX) (usually 305.000). Make sure to activate the radio menu for COMM2 (throttle thumb switch down).

 

TAKING TOO LONG TO START UP FROM CARRIER

If you're waiting on your navigation instruments to spin up all the way to ready, this can take you more than 8 minutes.

Instead, make sure to set your INS switch to CV. When your middle screen comes on, select and box STD HDG at the bottom of the HSI screen. The NAV (GPS) will now calibrate to the carrier and will reach OK after 1:30 min. Then set your INS switch to NAV or IFA.

 

NOT SURE HOW TO SET DELAY FUZE ON GUIDED BOMB UNITS

Try and follow these four steps on your DDI page for weapons settings:

Edited May 1 by Nix Mills

[graveyard4DCS]

11 hours ago, Nix Mills said:

Laser guided bombs (like GBU-16, -12, -10) have a fuze that is set manually by the flight crew and cannot be changed in flight. Remember to set your ATFLIR to laze with the same code as your fuze settings.

Hi, 

Technically speaking, the LASER code is not entered on a fuze, but on the nose part of the Paveway kit.

The Paveway kit ensures the guidance of the bomb and doesn't play a role in the pyrotechnic chain, as a fuze does. 

The fuzes are inserted on the nose and/or the tail part of the bomb body, and have a role both in terms of safety and terminal effects. More details here if you are interested. 

Edited March 28 by graveyard4DCS

[Nix Mills]

3 hours ago, graveyard4DCS said:

Hi, 

Technically speaking, the LASER code is not entered on a fuze, but on the nose part of the Paveway kit.

The Paveway kit ensures the guidance of the bomb and doesn't play a role in the pyrotechnic chain, as a fuze does. 

The fuzes are inserted on the nose and/or the tail part of the bomb body, and have a role both in terms of safety and terminal effects. More details here if you are interested. 

Thanks for that. I'll update accordingly. Interesting project, I've looked up other things there before  - we should chat later.