Finding targets..

[redbeard]

So I've gone through the tutorials and become familiar enough to deploy all the a-g weapons and use the tgp. I've done the instant action mission enough times to be able to effectively complete it on easy up to the part where you need to use JTAC(which is something I still need to learn). Anyway, my problem is when I try to do an actual mission I'll fly towards the ip all the while searching for targets with the tgp and before I know it I'm getting shot down without ever spotting a single target. This has happened to me several times with the quick mission generator now. I'll search for targets all over the steerpoint where they are supposed to be according to the briefing and never spot a single vehicle before I'm on top of the sp and getting shot down. I'd really like to get with an online squadron and do some missions so I can have someone talking me through things, what am I doing wrong?

[Tholozor]

What's shooting you down? AAA? SAMs? BMPs of Yellow Death? (I hate those things)

 

Always monitor the range displayed on your TGP (bottom-right corner). If you're searching for targets, always keep on eye on that to ensure you're not getting too close.

 

If there's SAMs in the area, keep high up (at least 10,000), and far out (15-20 nm generally safe).

 

If there's AAA in the area, it's still a generally good idea to stay far enough away as if there were SAMs in the area, but you're allowed more breathing room.

 

Also, keep in mind the IP is the Initial Point. That means that's where you should start from when engaging targets, not where the targets will be located.

[StrongHarm]

• Situational Awareness

• Fly parallel to area of interest rather than at it

• Use your terrain or get enough altitude to stay out of launch envelope

• Situational Awareness

• Cross reference multiple search methods (i.e. Eyeball to TGP.. or TAD to Eyeball)

 

See these posts for more information. Enjoy your journey to dominating the battlefield with a confident grin... persist and you will arrive sir.

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1136072#post1136072

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1140598&highlight=Situational+Awareness#post1140598

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1105815&highlight=Situational+Awareness#post1105815

 

It's my opinion that your level of involvement with your flight instruments and assets are directly proportionate to your situational awareness.

 

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

 

I've been in eminent danger during war and I can tell you this with all certainty:

Uncertainty will kill you every time. Situational Awareness is, in effect, the only certainty you'll be provided. Situational Awareness is digesting knowledge of the battlefield and acting accordingly. LACK of Situational Awareness is allowing the battlefield to digest you. (StrongHarm, 2011 :smilewink:)

Edited April 6, 2011 by StrongHarm

[redbeard]

I think the most recent incident was a SAM. The threat warning was beeping for about 2 seconds and then boom, I was spinning to the dirt. I know the IP is the initial point and not the actual location of the targets. Even when I do a quick mission and review the mission plan to see where targets are supposed to be(usually sp 1 from my experience) I scan the area and never find anything before it's too late. The only reason I've been succesful with the instant action(on easy) is because the targets are exactly on each steerpoint and very easy to spot.

[jeffyd123]

i found that using the "quick view" for the MFDs help enourmously. the bigger the TGP MFD is the better.

 

I also switch between white and black hot a lot....Searching for them little basterds is a pain...

 

The advice above is also very wise and mandatory... If there are SAMs in the area, you will need to be at least 10K above the ground depending on the SAM.

Edited April 6, 2011 by jeffyd123

[redbeard]

Taken from one of StrongHarm's linked posts:

2. TGP AG - Besides the obvious 'slew around till you hit paydirt' aspects, there are a few things I like to do:

*Hit CTRL+kpd0 then kpd6 to view only the right MFD

*Use coolie down to swap MFDs often and check your position on the TAD

*Change from BHOT to WHOT to CCD often to reveal targets by contrast

*Turn your gain all the way up (OSB 19/20?) then back 1 or 2 until the terrain isn't washed out. This will make objects jump out nicely.

*Refocus often (DMS Left Short)

*Change FOV wide/narrow often

Edited April 6, 2011 by redbeard
edited for clarity

[jeffyd123]

*Hit CTRL+kpd0 then kpd6 to view only the right MFD

Techinically, you use "Right" CTRL+NUM0.

 

I use these all of the time... when you engage snap views (RCTRL+NUM0) hit the different numbers on your keypad to see the various instruments then RCTRL+NUM0 to go back to the regular view. It will really help when searching.

 

I remapped my control to use just "NUM0" (AKA kpd0 above).... much faster and dramatically less hassle.

Edited April 6, 2011 by jeffyd123

[nemises]

Hi Stang,

You could also consider using "Labels" at first.

You can turn these on / off by pressing left-shift + f10

 

This is an intensely complicated Sim, and it simply isn't possible to jump in and start shooting bad guys on full realism as you've discovered.

 

Luckily for us all, there are a few "helpers" (such as labels) that we can use to help us fly and enjoy the game without having to have mastered everything all at once.

 

The pleasure in flying this beast is in slowly mastering each of the individual systems, until one day , you suddenly realise that you really do understand what is going on, and need no helpers.

 

..