What is with the near total lack of GPS in the game?

[VFA41_Lion]

I've basically just realized that for all the modern systems modeled in the game, there's a distinct lack of GPS. For instance, in the mission editor, I can not designate targets with a GPS fix, allowing for actual use of JDAM weapons. All the JDAMs in the game is used essentially through target of opportunity mode. Is it because the Warthog is not a strike fighter and GPS is not used a whole lot for close air support missions?

[kylania]

Sure you can. Give a 10 digit coordinate as a waypoint. The pilot selects the waypoint, sets it as SPI, and drops the JDAM. Boom.

[VFA41_Lion]

Hmm. Whoops. D:

[kylania]

Just tested it too, set a waypoint to the middle of the "X" runway. Then noted down that GG 32295 36011 (seen at the bottom of the Mission Editor) was where I'd placed a truck just near the middle of the X.

 

In game I typed that into the CDU, set the SPI to that waypoint and when I flew over dropped the JDAM. Never TGP'd it or anything. The bomb went right through the truck. :)

 

Not sure if you can get JTAC to give you that accurate of a mark though, but you can certainly predesignate targets via either writing down the coords or creating a waypoint at the location.

[Torment]

Here's an idea. How cool would it be for a JTAC to give you a ten digit MGRS grid to put a JDAM through a window?:D

[711Hancer]

I have a question;

 

when we have acquired the target JTAC assigned and press "Contact" the pilot says something similiar to;

 

Contact Tanks , WQxxxxxx

 

I wonder where he gets the digit & numbers. it doesnt look like an UTM coordinate or standard L/L or bullseye

 

then what is it and how does pilot derive that info?

[effte]

Its the MGRS coordinate. Same as you're given by JTAC most of the time.

[711Hancer]

well JTAC gives me something like GH129005

 

but pilot says WQxxxxxx or WWxxxxxx

 

are they the same?

 

because when you readback JTACs instructions you already readback the MGRS coordinate

 

but on contact acqusition you read something totally different.

 

my question is where does the pilot acquire that info when pinpointing the tank and report that contact

 

because I want to apply the same technique on Multiplayer radio talks.

[Lane]

coded maybe ? but i think DCS is not allowed to let you use encrypted communication..

Edited October 8, 2011 by Lane

[nomdeplume]

I don't think it means anything. Pretty sure that when I was paying attention, the 'coordinates' the player reports to JTAC when you use the 'contact' command are always the same. Maybe it's something they were thinking about implementing but then forgot about it or it got de-prioritised.

 

Re the OP's question, yes the A-10 only supports JDAMs in target of opportunity mode. The pre-briefed mode is probably not very useful for CAS aircraft, only for strikers. The A-10 doesn't generally fly strike missions.

Edited October 8, 2011 by nomdeplume
Actually read the first post

[EtherealN]

GPS is used, whenever you deploy a JDAM. But as you noted this is a CAS aircraft, not a striker, so the main tool is to use the TGP to give coordinates to the weapon - the TGP may be used to designate the spot, but the weapon wtill uses GPS to guide itself. But as noted, any markpoint (waypoint or not) can be used with the weapons.

 

You can see this in the quick-fly missions, the bridge target: just select that waypoint, select JDAM, release. The bridge is the waypoint, so the weapon will destroy the bridge without you having to designate anything beyond the waypoint.

[kylania]

To change coordinates you open Options then MISC then there's a drop down at the bottom for MRGS, LAT/LONG or LAT/LONG DECIMAL.

 

The thing to remember is that the coords are where the mouse cursor is. So if you place an icon and move the mouse out of the way you're marking the spot off the target.

 

Also LAT/LONG is hugely imprecise! It'll say the same coord for the full icon's size all the way zoomed in, a noticeable amount of movement from the mouse won't change the values, but when you do the math the point will be well off.

 

So best to change to MRGS or Decimal and use the mouse to mark the spot (just hover over it) and use that number.

[Frostiken]

Here's an idea. How cool would it be for a JTAC to give you a ten digit MGRS grid to put a JDAM through a window?:D

You wouldn't get that kind of accuracy out of a JDAM. The CEP is something like 10-15 meters.

 

For that, you'd need an

.

[Rainmaker]

You wouldn't get that kind of accuracy out of a JDAM. The CEP is something like 10-15 meters.

 

For that, you'd need an

.

 

 

Yes, because the 1 out 8 we dropped the first night of OIF is an excellent ratio. :thumbup:

[Frostiken]

Yes, because the 1 out 8 we dropped the first night of OIF is an excellent ratio. :thumbup:

 

That's cuz the DLPs and pigtails are shit :p Nothing to do with the missile :D

Edited October 10, 2011 by Frostiken

[GGTharos]

Less than 5 meters, and capable of flying selectable profile. There's a movie of them being flown into caves somewhere. N/A DCS.

 

You wouldn't get that kind of accuracy out of a JDAM. The CEP is something like 10-15 meters.

 

For that, you'd need an

.

[VFA41_Lion]

On the subject of JDAMs, is it just me or does the GBU-12 look larger than the higher explosive GBU-10?

[Eddie]

It's just you.

[159th_Viper]

.....does the GBU-12 look larger than the higher explosive GBU-10?

 

5 & 7 = 10

 

[HiJack]

Nice belly Viper :P

[159th_Viper]

Nice belly Viper :P

 

:megalol:

 

 

:P

[effte]

5 & 7 = 10

 

Nope, 5 + 7 = 12... ;)

[Speed]

Nope, 5 + 7 = 12... ;)

 

Actually, he said 5 & 7 = 10 and that's false; 5 & 7 == 5 :smilewink:

[159th_Viper]

Station 5 & Station 7 = GBU - 10

 

Then again, I'm sure ya'all knew that..........:p

[LostOblivion]

Seriously? The GBU-10 is huuuge. :O