EricJ

Well depending on the model PGMs were used even in the Vietnam War so I'd advise going to the Downloads Section and finding the Range Map (or ChampionVA56s version too) and spend some time there. Even us "Strike Fighters Vets" use it because it's great for a day of blowing up stuff just for fun. And that's another reason you're having issues, older PGMs were very (to this day anyways) crude but the basics remain the same though, so that should help you with those versions.

That's because the SF series are "lite" compared to the DCS series. And remember that Thirdwire is only three people, as opposed to around 50 for the titles, so the "cool" features that DCS:A-10 has is due to that fact. It's not difficult, you just have to get some more practice.

Oooh nice! I actually like the Skyhawk when I do DACT missions to keep me sharp, nasty little thing...

Check your PM regarding that one...

HOBS (High Off Boresight Shot) shooting, the basics. After flying mostly the Super Hornet I had one issue admittedly after firing numerous AIM-9Xs one issue, a sound issue. My install I have the engine noise which interferes with the "growl" of the seeker, which is your cue for the infamous HOBS shot. After testing Ravenclaw's ASRAAM on the Typhoon, which due to sound settings has no sound while in the cockpit, I finally realized that the growl is the key to performing such a feat. Meaning that at "low growl" or volume, it's searching the sky for a target, "high" growl means it has acquired the target and is locked. Kinda stupid stuff after 8 or so years of gaming with the Strike Fighters series, but... hell even vets learn something new. In any case here are some reminders and suggestions when performing HOBS shots. Target aspect is the key, the closer your nose to the target the easier the geometry of the intercept for your missile becomes. So using the example below I'm firing against an OPFOR Skyhawk (not really but it was the "bad guy"). Looking at the screenshots below you can see I'm fairly close and my nose pointed towards the ground, with the Skyhawk up higher but... after launching (second screenshot) it has enough "area" to maneuver and shoot down the Skyhawk. If you pointed your nose down and fired even though you have a lock tone it'll become a lawn dart and even thrust vectoring can't outmaneuver math. So watch your angles and check your tone, which if it becomes louder means that it has acquired your targetOther considerations to be aware of is that if the targeted aircraft is moving fast on your screen when in padlock, don't take the HOBS or any shot. After maneuvering when the screen "stabilizes" listen for the growl and take the HOBS shot and chance of a clean kill. Note there are variations on angles and I'd waste a lot of server space for all of them, but this should help with the more advanced missiles.

Doesn't have the "feel" of the 9X but still a respectable missile out of the box. HOBS shots are fairly decent so not bad Ravenclaw! EDIT: Went up against a Skyhawk and figured that with the ASRAAM at least when you want to take a HOBS shot and listen for the pitch of the growl. Once it gets louder take the shot (don't waste it) and you have a good chance for a kill. Did a HOBS shot on the Skyhawk and downed it with one shot, so again nice work...

Which F-15 and what's your loadout?

Winged 'em (was doing a personal DACT and walked a burst into his engine)

This may help as well... Guided Weapons.pdf

Excuses excuses Danke!

Me: F/A-18F EPE with 4 x 9X, 6 x AIM-120, tank, gun Opposition: J-14 with gun, 8 x PL-10, 2 x PL-12 Adding the missile equation changed the dynamics tremendously. Instead of a quick kill, the J-14 did turn into me but couldn't launch (out of parameters for all of it's weapon systems) and entered quite a lengthy circle fight which broke up after a while. When the J-14 broke out of the fight (he did it, not me though I was trying to force him to maneuver) and arced over, in which I took my first shot, firing a 9X at him near HOBS. Either it went stoopid or he defeated it with countermeasures, but it missed. So he continued south and I felt a good shot was there, so I took my second one, this time it went stoopid, hit, couldn't tell, but if it hit anything, it wasn't a critical part. Pressing for the kill he finally leveled off again, and this time feeding him my final 9X, shooting him down. Takeaways. Adding a missile capability changed everything, made it more aggressive and looking back at it now, wasn't a bad fight. However some of the basics remain when it only has a gun, throttle to idle, apply air brakes, and when the shot comes, take it. It can do a pretty good job of evading a shot, but the more he's in your HUD the better your Pk against him. And Happy New Year!

Me: F/A-18F EPE with 4 x 9X, 6 x AIM-120, tank, gun Opposition: J-14 with gun Since this is my last DACT for the year, decided to check out the J-14. As modeled and "out of the box" the J-14 is fairly maneuverable, but sucks on the energy fight (heavier fighter though I haven't looked at the weights). Started with a neutral fight and using the Hornet's superior nose turning ability I was able to turn into the J-14 eventually after passing each other in the night. If the aircraft had a missile it probably would have taken a shot as I was getting radar lock indications with it (I think) roughly around the 90 degree mark or so off boresight. Anyway, in one bout earlier today he managed to go for a guns kill but no joy on his part. After that once you get behind his six he tries to force an overshoot, with the FM as it is, tends to "flop" a lot, making it look more funnier than something serious. If you want to avoid it, throttle to idle, pop the airbrakes, and feed him an IRM. I tried later on to "accidentally" overshoot but he would turn out from it, so not sure. Maybe if he had missiles then he probably would have been more aggressive, so I gave him a 9X, shooting him down, and nearly having a mid-air trying to avoid him. Takeaways. The J-14 looks cool, but if you have a decently maneuverable aircraft get into his six, throttle to idle, pop the airbrakes, and don't overshoot and feed him a winder.

Dodging bullets

Fair enough

If I see it right it's in the "parked" position, not so much the "plane guard" position, in which it may be part of the ship 3D model...

IP!

True but the moneymaker is the actual texture too.

More testing

I honestly think a remodeled and mapped 3D model would be better as the skin on the current one is very basic

Ehh... I think it could be the AIM-120C4 by Wingwiner which is I guess "hi-res" but in itself a good model.

Still carrying Operation Darius markings NE110 heads out to strike a target in Libya.

Sorry for the delayed response... It's most definitely going to have to be added as it kinda scared me that this was happening... And yes the maneuverability is amazing, check out the SF2 DACT reports, it's amazing how it can handle most of the lighter fighters as well...

After a trip to Israel (teh real country) a quick checkride to work in the reflexes.

Yup, and a post by Silverbolt on Facebook hints at this feature, but meaning more 3D work probably for older third party mods in order for it to work, for the jet and the carrier (the last one just a speculation) Ehh... Prowler...

Which is true, as I bought it on leave and when I came back to Egypt one of the buttons did break off. It can be broken into two pieces but I'd suggest when traveling to wrap the handle in an extra piece of padding or something similar.