Here's another tip. In the stores page, if you do not select your weapon and simply hit the code button of to the bottom left, you can input the code of all the weapons at the same time on the UFC! No need to step between the munitions
I think Master Arm must be on as well to change the LTDC... Few other tips for newbies: Use SCS Aft to select the AMPCD and then press it again to switch between HSI and SA Page. As long as you´re not on SA page, the Recce button blanks the JHMCS. When on SA page, Recce button centers SA page on the selected HAFU. Most options on MFDs can be selected via TDC slew and TDC depress, such as selecting TWS. Bumping TDC cursor to the upper or lower edge of your MFD changes range for radar, HSI and SA page. Bumping to left and right edge on FCR page changes scan Azimuth. Going to HMD page and select MIDS options allows you to change range when D/L contacts appear on your HMD. Default is 35nm.
When it comes to Fuzes, you only need to set it once, it programs all weapons of the same default after you chose the fuze mode once. It was like that in the real Hornet when I flew also.
Tip for the ATFLIR in the F-18: you can cycle between all FOVs and zoom levels using the radar elevelation keys. This is crucial when searching for targets
This is true for both TGPs. This also works with RAID / FOV button for the ATFLIR. With the Lightning, RAID / FOV cycles FOV (same for AGM-65 display - obviously).
I have been learning the F16 for about 9 months and thought it would be cool to jump into the F18 . Man, that almost made my head pop off. It's almost like they sad we must make the F18 as different as possible. I mean, a little crossover would be nice. The f18 uses the same targeting pod as the F16, but the controls and procedures are completely different. I don't see how people learn how to use all these different platforms.
You don't need to set the fuze for every single bomb one-by-one. You only need to do it once, and it will fuze every bomb (at least the same type of bombs, but maybe every single pylon, I'm not sure now). Similar goes for the laser code, but someone already pointed that out. Otherwise nice video, I can see it being helpful!
A little extra info, when changing the fuze, you’re changing the fuze for the active program (hence it affect all bombs). You can multiple programs, each with different settings. Programs are per bomb type.
The only plane I have all the basics permenantly wired, this is a great set of not-so-intuitive stuff for anybody new to the Hornet. Love that comparitively simple flying computer!
Something I wish I knew and I hope others know before getting the F18....prepare to actually need to know how to fly an approach. Whether it be an IFR approach or VFR, you're gonna need to understand what it is and how to semi do it
When using the trackir for a video like this could you freeze the track when you are working on something in the aircraft? It's a little jarring to watch the head bounce around while trying to focus on what you are clicking. Besides that, great video, I'm always trying to learn more about the Hornet.
I just started last week. I don’t think it’ll ever not be intimidating but you can start with less complex planes and we found Chucks guides to be really helpful. My advice would just be: pick a single plane, pick a single skill, master it. Master the cold start, on the ground or on the carrier, master A/G unguided bombs, master gun runs, master A/A with sidewinders, learn A/A radar, etc. But just take it one at a time and you can do it!
Start slow. There's an option to hot start the plane which means everything is set up for you. Try to takeoff and just fly. Then learn to navigate. Then learn to use radar. Then weapons. Then learn to land. Don't rush it. Don't aim to complete anything. Just enjoy the flying bit and you'll pick up the rest. Once you narrow down specifically which part you want to learn that day, Google the terms, watch the TH-cam tutorials. Slowly it all starts to come together. If you aim for all at once it's just too much. Just do bits. It's a very friendly community. I'm rubbish but I'm learning so much. It's a lot of fun. Dcs is free and comes with free planes. I didn't want to so I started with the a10c2. A hornet later and I'm living my mi8 helicopter. You can also trial planes for two weeks if you use the standalone version. Holla if you need anything.
It's a lot of fun, you can learn a lot of their planes for free with their two week trials, and get some great deals during their sales, also even though I have a hotas set up, I play a lot with and Xbox controller. It's really a great flight Sim!
I'm slowly figuring it out, but I don't have a lot of time to devote to it, so I'll learn a system, then I won't get back to it for a week and Forget most of it! Not ALL of it though. If you've got a decent VR setup, stick and throttle it is really meditative and cool. You are correct though, it is VERY complicated. Again, the fun is the journey. I imagine it will really be cool someday when it all comes together for me! So many great planes to learn. I've been almost entirely focused on the Hornet, but I've got the A10 which really looks fun. Also I have the Mi-24 Helicopter which is really super cool as well, but man...again....the time....sigh.
Yup. AA TACAN is for yard sticking with a wingman. Use T/R for tankers. Also, you can couple the autopilot to a TACAN station, and it will fly you to the tanker, the boat, and airport, or whatever.
just found out that for the laser codes is you dont have to put in the laser number each time you can just deselct the bomb and then put the code in once and when you reselect the bomb the code you put in should be set for all of them.
When you so a cold start, make sure you turn the knob for the radar altimeter on the bottom right of the cockpit. Not setting a min altitude will also not even enable the radar altimeter!
Radar altimeter works fine for me (without setting an alt warning hight) The only difference is you don't get Betty's woop woop warnings... Don't know if this was a bug that's been fixed? But I just tried it after seeing your comment because I thought I'd missed it. Always SOOOO much to learn on dcs, and some great communities. 👍
Here's another tip. In the stores page, if you do not select your weapon and simply hit the code button of to the bottom left, you can input the code of all the weapons at the same time on the UFC! No need to step between the munitions
I honestly have been playing this for 3 years and I didn't know that lol
Didnt know that! Thanks!
You have given my life 100 hours of more free time. Thank you.
I think Master Arm must be on as well to change the LTDC...
Few other tips for newbies:
Use SCS Aft to select the AMPCD and then press it again to switch between HSI and SA Page.
As long as you´re not on SA page, the Recce button blanks the JHMCS. When on SA page, Recce button centers SA page on the selected HAFU.
Most options on MFDs can be selected via TDC slew and TDC depress, such as selecting TWS. Bumping TDC cursor to the upper or lower edge of your MFD changes range for radar, HSI and SA page. Bumping to left and right edge on FCR page changes scan Azimuth.
Going to HMD page and select MIDS options allows you to change range when D/L contacts appear on your HMD. Default is 35nm.
When it comes to Fuzes, you only need to set it once, it programs all weapons of the same default after you chose the fuze mode once. It was like that in the real Hornet when I flew also.
thanks for your service. Im planning naval academy route to fly superhornets hopefully. Any helpful tips to give a sophomore in high school?
"A good pilot is always learning..." Thanks, mate. Very helpful.
Ive learned more in 6 minutes than i have on those 40+ minute tutorials
Tip for the ATFLIR in the F-18: you can cycle between all FOVs and zoom levels using the radar elevelation keys. This is crucial when searching for targets
This is true for both TGPs. This also works with RAID / FOV button for the ATFLIR. With the Lightning, RAID / FOV cycles FOV (same for AGM-65 display - obviously).
I have been learning the F16 for about 9 months and thought it would be cool to jump into the F18 . Man, that almost made my head pop off. It's almost like they sad we must make the F18 as different as possible.
I mean, a little crossover would be nice. The f18 uses the same targeting pod as the F16, but the controls and procedures are completely different.
I don't see how people learn how to use all these different platforms.
Nice video. I have been flying the Hornet for awhile but picked up something. I appreciate the video
You don't need to set the fuze for every single bomb one-by-one. You only need to do it once, and it will fuze every bomb (at least the same type of bombs, but maybe every single pylon, I'm not sure now). Similar goes for the laser code, but someone already pointed that out.
Otherwise nice video, I can see it being helpful!
A little extra info, when changing the fuze, you’re changing the fuze for the active program (hence it affect all bombs). You can multiple programs, each with different settings. Programs are per bomb type.
Thank you, great video. Keep 'em coming.
The only plane I have all the basics permenantly wired, this is a great set of not-so-intuitive stuff for anybody new to the Hornet. Love that comparitively simple flying computer!
Thanks!
Great video. Thanks!!
Something I wish I knew and I hope others know before getting the F18....prepare to actually need to know how to fly an approach. Whether it be an IFR approach or VFR, you're gonna need to understand what it is and how to semi do it
When using the trackir for a video like this could you freeze the track when you are working on something in the aircraft? It's a little jarring to watch the head bounce around while trying to focus on what you are clicking. Besides that, great video, I'm always trying to learn more about the Hornet.
Man, I really want to get into DCS - but as good as this video is... this stuff is intimidating...!
I just started last week. I don’t think it’ll ever not be intimidating but you can start with less complex planes and we found Chucks guides to be really helpful. My advice would just be: pick a single plane, pick a single skill, master it. Master the cold start, on the ground or on the carrier, master A/G unguided bombs, master gun runs, master A/A with sidewinders, learn A/A radar, etc. But just take it one at a time and you can do it!
Start slow.
There's an option to hot start the plane which means everything is set up for you.
Try to takeoff and just fly.
Then learn to navigate.
Then learn to use radar.
Then weapons.
Then learn to land.
Don't rush it.
Don't aim to complete anything.
Just enjoy the flying bit and you'll pick up the rest.
Once you narrow down specifically which part you want to learn that day, Google the terms, watch the TH-cam tutorials.
Slowly it all starts to come together.
If you aim for all at once it's just too much.
Just do bits.
It's a very friendly community. I'm rubbish but I'm learning so much. It's a lot of fun.
Dcs is free and comes with free planes. I didn't want to so I started with the a10c2. A hornet later and I'm living my mi8 helicopter.
You can also trial planes for two weeks if you use the standalone version.
Holla if you need anything.
Start easy Like with air TO air RE-FUELING !! Then practice the HARD stuff like take off , close canopy.. eject..etc...LOL
It's a lot of fun, you can learn a lot of their planes for free with their two week trials, and get some great deals during their sales, also even though I have a hotas set up, I play a lot with and Xbox controller. It's really a great flight Sim!
I'm slowly figuring it out, but I don't have a lot of time to devote to it, so I'll learn a system, then I won't get back to it for a week and Forget most of it! Not ALL of it though. If you've got a decent VR setup, stick and throttle it is really meditative and cool. You are correct though, it is VERY complicated. Again, the fun is the journey. I imagine it will really be cool someday when it all comes together for me! So many great planes to learn. I've been almost entirely focused on the Hornet, but I've got the A10 which really looks fun. Also I have the Mi-24 Helicopter which is really super cool as well, but man...again....the time....sigh.
Try setting TR instead of AA for the tanker. It should give range as well as bearing.
Yup. AA TACAN is for yard sticking with a wingman. Use T/R for tankers. Also, you can couple the autopilot to a TACAN station, and it will fly you to the tanker, the boat, and airport, or whatever.
@@stephensanford5273 Didn't know about coupling it in TACAN, that's pretty handy to know, thanks!
how to couple autopilot to tacan?@@stephensanford5273
just found out that for the laser codes is you dont have to put in the laser number each time you can just deselct the bomb and then put the code in once and when you reselect the bomb the code you put in should be set for all of them.
When you so a cold start, make sure you turn the knob for the radar altimeter on the bottom right of the cockpit. Not setting a min altitude will also not even enable the radar altimeter!
Radar altimeter works fine for me (without setting an alt warning hight)
The only difference is you don't get Betty's woop woop warnings...
Don't know if this was a bug that's been fixed? But I just tried it after seeing your comment because I thought I'd missed it.
Always SOOOO much to learn on dcs, and some great communities. 👍
Bro honestly you don’t understand how useful this is as I had to bum of the f/a-18 for the f15 since release as it’s so much easy imo
great tutorial
All the aircraft need tutorials. Not all of us are/were fighter pilots with hundreds of hours of flight experience in them.
🥰
How did you get such nice graphics?
Lol high settings?
how do you zoom in and out?
Gud vid, much lern.
Your FOV makes me feel sick.
Me too