JTAC offset - whats the point?

[splitter]

I've went through a load of tutorials and been manually inputting the location JTAC gives me (mainly because of the devils cross first mission bug). One taught me how to input the offset of heading and distance. I'm just wondering why JTAC gives you this offset? Are the targets meant to be at the offset or is this the desired location to attack from?

[SmokeyTheLung]

I've went through a load of tutorials and been manually inputting the location JTAC gives me (mainly because of the devils cross first mission bug). One taught me how to input the offset of heading and distance. I'm just wondering why JTAC gives you this offset? Are the targets meant to be at the offset or is this the desired location to attack from?

 

If you are referring to bullseye calls, I would imagine they're used as an added measure of secure communications. If the enemy is listening in on your radio (not unheard of afaik) and your handing out exact coordinates you might be screwing yourself over.

If, on the other hand, all your calls are based on a pre briefed point, that probably changes with some frequency, you aren't at risk of telling the enemy what your about to blow up.

 

Hopefully someone with more real work knowledge can chime in on this one

[andyfoot]

JTAC often gives you an offset from a Waypoint such as your IP, sometimes it's easier to find your target from there by using the Offset page of the CDU or just looking on your MFCD TAD page and you can have a good idea where the target is without even punching in the details. It can be quicker to also put in the Offset data than using the UTM coordinates, and sometimes you can get confused with UTM when different grid zones are involved (37T or 38T).

It is worth going through the Offset tutorials and learn how to use it, it is an incredibly easy and useful tool to have at your disposal. I used to fly around listening to all the calls coming in completely oblivious to what they really meant. Now I punch in as many as I can to the Offest page, and if I'm struggling to find targets, I just cycle through what I've punched in. Very useful when you hear a SAM call, with the Offset page dialled up it is a short string of numbers to enter, make a new steerpoint, call that up on your TAD or HUD, slave TGT Pod to it and take it out.

[splitter]

I'm on about the 9-line that JTAC will give you when checking in. I often find the targets at the initial coordinates but also will make a waypoint out of the offset information supplied. I never seem to find anything at the offset.

[andyfoot]

I recently flew a mission, can't remember which one but one from the Push Campaign (flying as single missions) and I got a 9 line from a Predator. I didn't realise at the time, but the Predators don't give you data transmissions (I didn't even get a message on MFCD) so you don't get a red triangle on your TAD, and the coordinates he gave me where in UTM, but I had the wrong grid zone set. I used the Offset and got my target spot on. When I changed my grid zone to double check, I was at the right spot, so in this instance it "saved the day". I'm now in the habit of writing down bearing/range and UTM coordinates in case I have a transmission failure.

[mooshim]

Wow....

 

I just discovered I've been missing a lot in the campaign missions... lol:huh:

 

After months, I've been kind of sqeamish to even try them. --I've just been flying the simplest off-line, user created and fast mission generated missions.

 

I guess I have to take my tampon out and fence In already...

[BimC]

Thats is replay value

[LiveBait]

 

 

I guess I have to take my tampon out and fence In already...

 

 

:megalol:.................