Pop-up attacks

[RagnarDa]

I'm trying to learn how to do fast pop-up attacks in the Su-25T, mostly in anticipation for the MiG-21Bis. Turns out I have a hard time pulling this off, mostly because I don't know when to begin the pop. I can't judge the distance left to a target I don't see. Have seen a video demonstrating this in the A-10C and I guess the same problem applies somewhat although the Hog is so much slower. Any tips?

[Drona]

Use landmarks near the target area to estimate range to target (you can check this in mission editor I believe)

[SUBS17]

Landmarks are used and distance for a good popup attack, try reading the popup planner as some of that applys to any aircraft doing a popup attack.

 

 

You can get the popup planner from here:

 

http://www.lead-pursuit.com/downloads.htm

[blaster454]

The key to good pop-up tactics is planning. The above F16 planner is a good document.

 

You can make it easier by changing your flight plan in the mission editor. Add (and give descriptive names to) each point where you need to do a changing maneuver--keep track of altitudes and aircraft position (banked, inverted, #G's pulling, etc. At least initially in your training, this will let you get the mechanics sorted till it becomes habit. Be sure to use available terrain masking and to consider all threats, including those that you are not tasked against.

 

I find it is very useful to "step through" the critical phases of the mission during the briefing (fence in to fence out). As you talk your way through each way point, jot down on your mission planning sheet the relevant action--including what, if any, counter measures you want to use and what your escape maneuver is anywhere in the danger zone(s). This helps with getting the switchology sorted, too.

[EtherealN]

Note also that popups can be easier to execute if ypu obtain landmarks first, then plan for a perpendicular popup; allows easier visual on terminal and a relatively easy "roll in" since your target ia never obscured by the nose of the aircraft.

[SUBS17]

The F-16 can have markers inside the HUD which help for the popup attack and egress but I've found that over time I do not require those markers to do one. You can execute a popup attack by simply monitoring your distance to tgt then execute from low alt a pullup steep at 45degrees, roll inverted, spot the tgt then pull back and roll to drop CCIP. Then after release turn to your egress heading and dive to the dirt and low level egress. The more complicated popup is LOFTING where you release a bomb in the pullup phase or in the case of a LGB your EGRESS has to be within the limits of the targetting pod.

 

 

For 2 ship or more you need to add deconfliction to the flight so if you read the USAF F-16 manual you'll see you can have aircraft execute split attack, single side offset etc. And 1 aircrafts climb might be to 5000ft while the 2nd might be 7000ft so both aircraft avoid fragging your wingman.

 

 

 

 

Note the 30 degrees offset for each aircraft in the split attack.:book: