fixed internally New HOTAS AG Gun Strafe command does not switch to proper SMS format

[Delta134]

First and foremost, I am very happy to finally see this HOTAS function being implemented!

Currently when switching to AG Gun Strafe using the HOTAS command, the proper SMS format is not displayed. Only after pressing OSB 1 on the SMS, does it switch to the Gun Strafe SMS format. Reversely, exiting out of Gun Strafe mode using the HOTAS command, does not cancel the Gun Strafe SMS format.

EDIT: Added track without mods installed

 

gunstrafe_hotas_smsformat_NOMODS.trk

Edited September 17 by Delta134

[RyanR]

Which HOTAS button does this function, again? 

Thanks!

-Ryan

[Tholozor]

Long press Uncage switch.

[BIGNEWY]

15 hours ago, Delta134 said:

First and foremost, I am very happy to finally see this HOTAS function being implemented!

Currently when switching to AG Gun Strafe using the HOTAS command, the proper SMS format is not displayed. Only after pressing OSB 1 on the SMS, does it switch to the Gun Strafe SMS format. Reversely, exiting out of Gun Strafe mode using the HOTAS command, does not cancel the Gun Strafe SMS format.

EDIT: Added track without mods installed

 

gunstrafe_hotas_smsformat_NOMODS.trk 76.21 kB · 3 downloads

Hi, 

if you have public evidence that the sms format should switch please DM me. 

thank you 

[Delta134]

7 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

Hi, 

if you have public evidence that the sms format should switch please DM me. 

thank you 

1. The description of the feature in the changelog implies that the HOTAS command should switch to AG Gun Strafe mode. This is described in the DCS F-16C Early Access manual on page 471. Whenever you are in Gun Strafe mode it is also displayed on the SMS. Just because a gun reticle is shown on the HUD, doesn't mean you are properly in Gun Strafe mode.
2. The SMS page should display the relevant information for Gun Strafe mode. Such as the gun status, rounds remaining, in-range cue distance setting. Currently with the HOTAS command there is no way to verify these or change the setting. This is also page 471 and onward in the DCS F-16C Early Access manual.
3. Imagine you select Gun Strafe through the SMS OSB 1. You now suddenly need to quickly select your underwing air to ground stores and configure them. You use the handy HOTAS function. Except this doesn't help because to cancel out of Gun Strafe mode, you first need to press OSB 1 on the SMS anyway.

Edited September 18 by Delta134

[Py]

19 hours ago, BIGNEWY said:

Hi, 

if you have public evidence that the sms format should switch please DM me. 

thank you 

@BIGNEWY This is the wrong way around - unless you have public evidence that this particular HOTAS command acts differently to every other HOTAS command I can think of in every plane I've ever flown in DCS, the HOTAS command should act identically to pressing the OSB button (which switches the format page in this case).

There is zero reason why this would be an exception.

[BIGNEWY]

Hi 

thank you for the messages, we have made a report for the team. 

thank you 

[NineLine]

On 9/18/2025 at 7:27 PM, Py said:

@BIGNEWY This is the wrong way around - unless you have public evidence that this particular HOTAS command acts differently to every other HOTAS command I can think of in every plane I've ever flown in DCS, the HOTAS command should act identically to pressing the OSB button (which switches the format page in this case).

There is zero reason why this would be an exception.

This has been fixed internally as of today, but just for the future, no, this is not the wrong way around. We do not provide sources or proof for our modeling of these aircraft, but we do accept that we can make mistakes; in this case, you, the reporter, need to prove that there is a mistake. Thanks.