Trouble getting on target.

[GunnDawg]

I have finally gotten to the point of being able to maneuver around, use guns, rockets, bombs, and mavs, however I am still having trouble with one crucial aspect.

 

I have been trying a few missions, most recently the "Surrounded!" mission. However in every mission I attempt to fly, I cannot get on target, or find any of the enemy I am supposed to knock out. JTAC links me the data, I fly towards the red mark and scan around with the TGP but cant find anything. I cant even imagine trying to spot targets "WITHOUT" JTAC. I cant even find targets "WITH" JTAC.

 

Any advice on getting on target?

Edited July 19, 2012 by GunnDawg

[Corrigan]

So you're comfortable with the pure mechanics of the task? I.e. entering the JTAC coordinates into a waypoint, and then slewing the tgp to it? If you are, the only advice I suppose I can give you is to be methodical, and maybe using the FLIR on the TGP for more contrast.

[GunnDawg]

Correct I can input the coords, select the steerpoint/waypoint I just made then use China AFT LONG to slew TGP steerpoint. Does this sound correct?

[Corrigan]

That's it, yes. In that case it seems to me, as by no means an expert, that you just need to get good at scanning the target area with the camera. Try different methods/patterns and stay methodical. Also, as I said, using WHOT or BHOT IR is usually useful.

 

One way of seeing that it actually works is perhaps to enter the mission editor, spawning a tank or something, and sticking a waypoint for yourself near it. Then you can experiment with what you need to do to find it etc.

[GunnDawg]

Its not so much an issue when the JTAC marks it with smoke. I've practiced a lot with that method but with these missions there is no mark, so I feel more or less lost. Will keep trying.

[FreeFall]

Also, as I said, using WHOT or BHOT IR is usually useful.

 

Yes. Especially, if the target is located in deep forest, it's pretty hard to see/find it at all. Normally, the JTAC coordinates should be pretty accurate though. Very often I think I'm blind anyway.

[Dejjvid]

Correct I can input the coords, select the steerpoint/waypoint I just made then use China AFT LONG to slew TGP steerpoint. Does this sound correct?

 

 

China hat FORWARD long to slave all sensors to SPI.

 

Aft long is to slave the TGP to the active steerpoint IIRC. With the wrong steerpoint active you end up looking somewhere else. Makes sure that the elevation is correct too when you create the new waypoint.

[GunnDawg]

Can I create an SPI from the TAD? I figure if I create an SPI on the red mark JTAC gives me I can slew all sensors right on top of it?

[112th_Rossi]

Can I create an SPI from the TAD? I figure if I create an SPI on the red mark JTAC gives me I can slew all sensors right on top of it?

 

Yes. Make your TAD SOI then move the cursor over the red triangle. TMS forward short to hook then TMS forward long to make SPI.

 

You can then slew all sensors to that area.

 

For what its worth this is my approach to finding targets:

 

1. Approach the target area.

2. When around 5 miles out (if searching for SHORAD make sure its around 7 to 8 miles), make a hard left turn so that your target area is approximately 60 degrees to your right.

4. Slew your TGP to the target area.

5. Enable ALT autopilot

6. Start a 5 degree right bank

7. Enable autopilot

8. Use the TGP at your leisure. Make sure you dont wander too far off course. Disengage autopilot and adjust as needed then re-enable.

 

Keep your search pattern methodical. Use the orientation dot on the TGP to keep tabs on where you are relative to your search.