possible to use lantirn to track airborne targets?

[eatthis]

iv seen vipers using their pod to visually track fighters from distance, can  the lantirn do that too?

[ValhallaAB]

Yes, switch to the AA mode with the lantirn control stick but remember you CAN'T track a target with the TCS or radar and then switch, so the WCS can't slew the LANTIRN pod for you, you have to manually slew it and track the target. Remember: the LANTIRN is on the right pylon and has a big zone of vision compared to the TCS (plus IR and multiple zoom levels) so if you fly past or parallel to a track, put it under your right armpit.

The TCS is generally more suited for tracking targets nose on with the radar then confirming the bandit with the TCS, then engaging. The LANTIRN is better for holding visual and formation, especially when in low light conditions. AA - LANTIRN use is mostly for show because in combat you can't slew as well as the automatic track by the radar. 

[Dragon1-1]

Worth noting that the F-14 LANTIRN implementation was a bit hacked together. Platforms it was intended for (Viper and Mudhen) can slave the LANTIRN camera to radar just fine.

[eatthis]

On 5/11/2025 at 9:44 AM, ValhallaAB said:

Yes, switch to the AA mode with the lantirn control stick but remember you CAN'T track a target with the TCS or radar and then switch, so the WCS can't slew the LANTIRN pod for you, you have to manually slew it and track the target. Remember: the LANTIRN is on the right pylon and has a big zone of vision compared to the TCS (plus IR and multiple zoom levels) so if you fly past or parallel to a track, put it under your right armpit.

The TCS is generally more suited for tracking targets nose on with the radar then confirming the bandit with the TCS, then engaging. The LANTIRN is better for holding visual and formation, especially when in low light conditions. AA - LANTIRN use is mostly for show because in combat you can't slew as well as the automatic track by the radar. 

 can jester do it or is it a human rio only thing?

[ValhallaAB]

6 hours ago, eatthis said:

 can jester do it or is it a human rio only thing?

Only human sadly. Maybe if you STT and have a TCS track it might switch if you are in AG mode but probably not.

Test by establishing STT then switching to AG mode, then jester weapons menu and switching sensor TCS - LANTIRN.  

Otherwise, stay in AG mode, let a human or yourself RIO use the LANTIRN stick to lock a flying bandit with AA mode in the LANTIRN display.