How to re-acquire targets on the 25T?

[BOPrey]

On the first pass, I can acquire the targets by way of scanning around the targets' way point. I can usually take out 3 targets. On the second pass, I usually rely on the smokes from destroyed targets to find the remaining ones. However, most of the time, the smoke is gone (targets been burnt out), and I usually lost sight of them or by the time I see them, I am too close to setup an attack run. Do you guys have better way to do this?

 

BTW. I'm running at 1600x1200 with labels turned off.

[Teo]

Look for landmarks, such as cities, roads or rivers, and know your heading. If you are flying north when you pass the target, extend at least 7-8 km, turn around and head south. Zoom in and pan around in front of you until you visually aquire the target, or some landmark reference.

 

Well, thats what I do anyway. I find it easier to locate target 'dots' visually first, then point the tv at targets to select indiviual targets, like sams or aaa first.

 

Good luck, practice makes perfect...

[coldcrew]

On the first pass, I can acquire the targets by way of scanning around the targets' way point. I can usually take out 3 targets. On the second pass, I usually rely on the smokes from destroyed targets to find the remaining ones. However, most of the time, the smoke is gone (targets been burnt out), and I usually lost sight of them or by the time I see them, I am too close to setup an attack run. Do you guys have better way to do this?

 

BTW. I'm running at 1600x1200 with labels turned off.

 

landmarks, like the first reply said but also your compass! I always do a quick calculation where I should be looking for targets by noting my heading before circling. By using using 0-180/90-270 as my references I can quickly determine which heading I need to turn to put my nose back on the target. It takes a few times to practice. Very useful if targets have no diamond.

[Joe]

All good suggestions. Personally, I am absolutely horrible at finding the targets, and I use labels (the only sim in which I have ever done so). I have them set to a simple "^" character, but I sure wish I could find targets without them.

 

I've also found that it's often easier to see "dots" on the TV monitor, even when it's not magnified) than it is on the terrain itself, although even this requires a vague knowledge of the target area.

[169th_Cobra]

i find it odd that the objects in the TV monitor only come into view at the same time as when they come into view for the aircraft (albeit magnified somewhat.)

 

we were doing a mission where we had to blow up buildings and i couldn't get a lock on them at the maximum range of the missile as they hadn't been drawn at that distance yet. Using 23x magnification they should have been very easliy seen?!

[Prophet_169th]

If you arent using anti-radiation missles and dont need the Phanta pod, then put the LLTV pod on.

 

Though the magnification is less, targets are much easier to pick up in the FLIR image.

[BOPrey]

My problem is at round 15km, the side of the route shows up as little moving dots on the TV. I think this has to do with the way lines are drawn. I am going to reduce the res to 1280x1024 and see if that helps. Other than that, I'm having too much fun with the 25T. A some what related question for you guys. Does the Visiable Range setting affect the picture on the TV? It it does, it really blows.

[Brit_Radar_Dude]

BOPrey - Look for distinguishing landmarks - a TV mast, smoking chimney, road junction, Bridge, etc. Use your compass and figure out in your head a rough direction and distance of your target from the landmark (eg. 1km South of the chimney, or maybe the second wheatfield West of the railway bridge, etc). If the defenses permit, before you roll into the first pass, try to take a moment to build a picture in your head of what the target and its surroundings look like. This will help you find the targets for your 2nd pass, remember there are no prizes for doing the mission as fast as you can.

 

Take note of your compass heading as you attack, helps you figure out which heading you need to get back to the target for the 2nd pass. If you attack from an easy direction 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, etc, then it is easier to do the Math in your head to figure out your course to return to the target.

 

Instead of a horizontal turn, try reversing your course vertically - either climb to a safe altitude to be able to do a Split-S back toward the target, or gain enough speed and pull up into an Immelman. Turning vertically can help ensure you dont end up on a course parallel to the original, yet a mile or two to the side.

 

Hope this helps.....

[BOPrey]

Thank you for all your comments. Last night I tried some of your recommandations and did do a much better job. Thank you.