DCS F-14: Computer Initial Point

[Predator-78]

Hi everyone, I'm having trouble releasing bombs in IP mode. I've followed some tutorials and completed all the required steps in the CAP, but I'm not getting accurate target position. I first enter the coordinates of the IP point, then in the "Special" section I enter the range data, bearing, and finally altitude.
On approach to the target, I align the BFL along the IP point and push the designator down. Immediately afterward, I activate the "Target Designate fwd/PAL" command, and the designator on the HUD moves to the side of the target but not exactly to its precise location.
What am I doing wrong?
Are the GPS coordinates of the IP point 5 digits?
Is the offset distance from the IP point to the target expressed in NM or FEET?

Thanks to anyone who can provide support.

[Ivandrov]

Might not actually be doing anything wrong here, the INS is not really accurate enough for better accuracy than, "Well, I can see the target in the TCS at least."

Although, just in case.

The IP point is in fact in DDM single digit. So, yes, kind of 5 digits, but it's a decimal off of the minutes.

The offset distance is expressed in thousandths of a NM. So could be something like 0.003 NM

The altitude is an altitude delta from the altitude of the IP. So you need to enter not only the IP's altitude in the IP but also the difference in altitude to the actual target in the IP-TO-TGT.

This also might have been one of the instances where you needed to use true heading for the bearing rather than Magnetic. I don't quite remember.

Edited September 19 by Ivandrov

[Temetre]

Am 19.9.2025 um 07:36 schrieb Ivandrov:

Might not actually be doing anything wrong here, the INS is not really accurate enough for better accuracy than, "Well, I can see the target in the TCS at least."

Thats how I usually see people describe it. The nav system of our F-14 (without B(U)/GPS/PTID upgrades) isnt accurate enough to be the solo source for precise bombing.

[RustBelt]

If you’re going IP bombing, you’re basically doing artillery style work. Which in the real world is effective, just hosing an area with 500 pounders on ripple to make everything in a grid square miserable. The INS is good enough for that.
 

In DCS the damage modeling makes it less worth the time to do. So it’s a mode that’s modeled, but yea don’t bother. Stick to Computer or Pilot or the Pod if you plan on hitting specific things.

[Ivandrov]

Computer IP is useful for some more advanced lofting where you need to designate and release before you gain sight of the target. Like from behind a mountain.

 

Effective with both LGB's and CBU's against SAM sites for instance.

Edited September 26 by Ivandrov

[draconus]

12 hours ago, RustBelt said:

In DCS the damage modeling makes it less worth the time to do.

They recently corrected bombs' power, damage points of buildings and also some units.

[RustBelt]

On 9/26/2025 at 7:50 AM, draconus said:

They recently corrected bombs' power, damage points of buildings and also some units.

I hear that a lot, but never see any real noise about it. Which leads me to assume it’s simply incremental adjustments and so not worth bothering to remember.

 

The learning law of Primacy is no joke, and ED does nothing to combat it.

Also why just do it right to begin with, is a really good idea.

Edited Tuesday at 12:11 AM by RustBelt

[Ivandrov]

2 hours ago, RustBelt said:

I hear that a lot, but never see any real noise about it. Which leads me to assume it’s simply incremental adjustments and so not worth bothering to remember.

 

The learning law of Primacy is no joke, and ED does nothing to combat it.

Also why just do it right to begin with, is a really good idea.

There was a significant amount of noise about it, and it was a significant change.

 

Iron bombing feels quite good now. Very enjoyable. LGB's can be placed amongst a group of vehicles like a SAM site. Possible to destroy an entire SAM site with one or two well placed bombs.

[draconus]

7 hours ago, RustBelt said:

I hear that a lot, but never see any real noise about it. Which leads me to assume it’s simply incremental adjustments and so not worth bothering to remember.

 

The learning law of Primacy is no joke, and ED does nothing to combat it.

Also why just do it right to begin with, is a really good idea.

My point is, better check yourself before spreading outdated info.

[RustBelt]

On 9/30/2025 at 4:02 AM, draconus said:

My point is, better check yourself before spreading outdated info.

I have better things to review rather than pages of patch updates.

To say nothing of terrible Youtube videos.

On 9/29/2025 at 10:19 PM, Ivandrov said:

There was a significant amount of noise about it, and it was a significant change.

 

Iron bombing feels quite good now. Very enjoyable. LGB's can be placed amongst a group of vehicles like a SAM site. Possible to destroy an entire SAM site with one or two well placed bombs.

That's good, I've heard no significant amount of noise. And there is quite a lot of Noise out there at any given time.