F-15C radar question

[seikdel]

I'm pretty new at this whole radar thing. When I zoom out to 160nm and adjust my elevation so that I'm scanning angels 0-60, how far out is that 0 elevation? In other words, if I'm at angels 30, I'm scanning 160nm with my elevation adjusted so that I can see angels 0-60, how far away does an aircraft flying at, say, angels 3 need to be for me to pick him up? If I adjust the angle lower so that it says I'm looking at angels 0-20, does that scan any closer to me?

[GGTharos]

The elevation markers show you the radar's EL coverage at the distance of the TDC. The coverage markers are valid only at the TDC range.

[Ironhand]

I'm pretty new at this whole radar thing. When I zoom out to 160nm and adjust my elevation so that I'm scanning angels 0-60, how far out is that 0 elevation? In other words, if I'm at angels 30, I'm scanning 160nm with my elevation adjusted so that I can see angels 0-60, how far away does an aircraft flying at, say, angels 3 need to be for me to pick him up? If I adjust the angle lower so that it says I'm looking at angels 0-20, does that scan any closer to me?

The elevation scale is tied to where the "cursor" (that double bar that you move and mark targets with, etc). So, you are looking at the elevation at the range where you have it located.

 

You might want to visit my site (click my sig). There are three F-15 tutorials on the F-15's radar. They were made for FC1.x but the info is still current. The only exceptions are a few items that I note as being incorrect. They are correct now.

 

 

EDIT: That's the problem with trying to post while at work. I start a response but, by the time I can complete it, someone else has provided the info. :)

 

Rich

[YoYo]

Ironhand, do You have YouTube channel?

I know Your trenings from Flanker 2.5, but now its a better to have all videos (I think) on YT. Right?

[Steel Jaw]

You might want to visit my site (click my sig). There are three F-15 tutorials on the F-15's radar. They were made for FC1.x but the info is still current. The only exceptions are a few items that I note as being incorrect. They are correct now.

 

That's a not good thing...ya know, just sayin' ...

[Ironhand]

That's a not good thing...ya know, just sayin' ...

 

 

Rich

[klem]

The elevation scale is tied to where the "cursor" (that double bar that you move and mark targets with, etc). So, you are looking at the elevation at the range where you have it located.

 

You might want to visit my site (click my sig). There are three F-15 tutorials on the F-15's radar. They were made for FC1.x but the info is still current. The only exceptions are a few items that I note as being incorrect. They are correct now.

 

 

EDIT: That's the problem with trying to post while at work. I start a response but, by the time I can complete it, someone else has provided the info. :)

 

Rich

 

Hi Ironhand. I have DCS and FC3 (over Lockon Gold). I only use DCS but I'm new to DCS and the FC3 F-15C in particular. I've been watching your videos (nice and clear btw) and hit problems immediately.

 

Just on basic operation, I turn on radar (I), Select 2 and nothing happens on weapons selection screen but it does respond to weapon select (D). Also I try Shift + ; and Shift + . to change cone elevation and again nothing happens. Same with Azimuth Ctrl + + and Ctrl + -

 

Also I get no HUD response when selecting the 120 (no 'Visual' circle).

 

For the ineffective keys I cannot find a setting in DCS Controls for the F-15C.

 

Am I missing something?

 

EDIT: SOLVED - see 2 posts below

Edited April 1, 2013 by klem
SOLVED

[HocusPocus]

Hi klem, reading your last message I am not sure you are applying the right key sequence. The order matters. The radar won't turn on while in NAV mode, so you should:

- first switch to BVR mode by pressing '2'

- then activate the radar with 'I'. This will also display info in the hud

These keys are default ones in all fc3 planes so you would not need to remap them.

hope it helps.

[klem]

Hi Ironhand. I have DCS and FC3 (over Lockon Gold). I only use DCS but I'm new to DCS and the FC3 F-15C in particular. I've been watching your videos (nice and clear btw) and hit problems immediately.

 

Just on basic operation, I turn on radar (I), Select 2 and nothing happens on weapons selection screen but it does respond to weapon select (D). Also I try Shift + ; and Shift + . to change cone elevation and again nothing happens. Same with Azimuth Ctrl + + and Ctrl + -

 

Also I get no HUD response when selecting the 120 (no 'Visual' circle).

 

For the ineffective keys I cannot find a setting in DCS Controls for the F-15C.

 

Am I missing something?

 

ALSO for HocusPocus

 

I deleted the saved games and Mods files for FC3, re-installed and the radar controls (azimuth. elevation) are there now. I had previously enabled all AI aircraft as flyable (waste of time really as all are external views) and I think I must have confused the installation :(

 

Sorry to waste your time.

[Buzpilot]

The elevation scale is tied to where the "cursor" (that double bar that you move and mark targets with, etc). So, you are looking at the elevation at the range where you have it located.

 

You might want to visit my site (click my sig). There are three F-15 tutorials on the F-15's radar. They were made for FC1.x but the info is still current. The only exceptions are a few items that I note as being incorrect. They are correct now.

 

 

EDIT: That's the problem with trying to post while at work. I start a response but, by the time I can complete it, someone else has provided the info. :)

 

Rich

 

Looking at the TWS tutorial, I went a little confused about the Slammer, doesn't that only mean Surface Launched Active Missile? (8:40 in tutorial)

[GGTharos]

No.

 

Slammer = AIM-120

SLAMRAAM = Surface launched AIM-120

SLAM-ER = AGM-84H/K Stand-off Land Attack Missile Expanded Response http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standoff_Land_Attack_Missile

Edited April 1, 2013 by GGTharos

[Pyroflash]

Also a key point that seems to be missed here is that if your RADAR's detection limits are independent of where inside the box your TDC is located. All it does it show beam height at a particular range, it does not actually affect what your RADAR is doing.

 

Also keep in mind that for a elevation reference, at 40nm your RADAR has a beam height of roughly 40,000'. So if your elevation is pointing down to where the top of your beam cone is at 20,000'; 20,000' of the beam is actually below horizon.

 

Also because of inherent limitations with RADAR resolution at longer pulse beamwidths required for extreme ranges, you will likely have troubles picking up small targets at ranges of over 80nm. Even if you do manage to pick up a fighter, your RADAR will not be able to distinguish other nearby targets from it, so beware of more enemy aircraft than you initially see. As the gap lowers however, your RADAR resolution will increase, and you will begin to see a more accurate depiction of what is actually there.

 

It would also behoove you to learn what the different lines mean on the RADAR screen. They help a lot for quick references.