Just a heads up about the PRF guys, getting a lot of people telling me I'm wrong about the PRF instruction in the video. I do know that High PRF is for HOT contacts and Med is for flanking/cold contacts, the reason I didn't present it this way is because I use the 25-20nm rule instead and it works perfectly. My intention was not to teach people how real pilots use the radar, my intention was to teach people how I use it ... Like a boss ;)
Your intentions turn out to be how we used the APG unit in the Hornets though. Everything you said is how most of us in Canada used them including myself and how we were trained on it for these scenarios you showed. Good work.
This video should be mandatory education whenever someone buys an F/A-18C module. You solved like 10 issues I had with it coming from the Viper. Thanks a lot, sir!
@@telkicelstascal8875 You have to make the radar MFD your SOI (Sensor of Interest), then you can use TDC Forward/Aft/Left/Right to move it. To set SOI use the Sensor Control Switch Forward/Aft/Left/Right. Its a really weird concept for PC users with a mouse, but think of it from a console player's perspective, who only has a joypad. You can only ever interact with a single MFD in your cockpit, and to do that you have to "activate" it by setting it to SOI. Also, the yellow box is just a mouse cursor for your plane. It doesn't move the radar dish in any way. To set the PRF, click on the button next to it on the MFD. You can find its location on Chuck's F/A-18C Guide, page 187.
Mother of god! You are a freaking hero. Went up in Hoggit PGAW tonight and put this to the test. No frustration just disintegrating enemies. Thanks Boss
I've been learning the F-18C a little over a year now and this video finally put all the A/A puzzle pieces together for me. Now I'm taking bandits down.....like a boss! Thank you very much.
Going to sing with the choir here and say this is the best tutorial for new players I've found. Clear, concise, and extremely effective, even for someone like me who's been (seriously) playing for less than a week.
I watched this video a few months ago. It changed my F-18 game forever. I have shot down as many as 4 bogeys in a single volley. Meaning "fox 3, times 4". Thank you Maverick.
Wow perfect timing ! I’ve been doing just BFM stuff and just now getting into BVR and was so frustrated with not knowing the hornets radar and locking target I will be watching this several times. A huge thanks man !
wow... i was about to give up on air to air in the f 18 because i could never lock up a target..... Dude--you rock.... best explanation by far....wags, grim reapers eat your heart out lol.... thanks a million
Only thing that could enhance this video is timestamps for the different topics. Awesome info. I'd like to learn more about other radar modes you briefly mentioned and quick hotas commands.
Ive been playing DCS since I bought the A10 on Steam when it was a standalone game (early 2010s?). And Ive been watching tutorial videos ever since. This is one of the best Ive seen in a long time. Thank you for making such an informative and easy to understand video! Subbed
OMG, I kept wondering why I could never lock onto anything outside 40 miles so I came back to this video and discovered I had totally forgotten about Med/High PRF when trying to lock a bandit...As usual, I LOVE your tutorials and still fly the Hornet thanks to your videos! :D
This is the clearest, and what appears to be the most complete description and example of the hornet’s radar. I’d basically stopped flying the 18 as the radar was doing stuff I didn’t understand - even after watching tons of videos and reading manuals and guides. The thing is, unless it’s presented holistically like this, it’s really easy to miss important details and not understand dependencies. Ok, I also have an extra 6 months flying in other planes like the Mig 21, falcon and mirage so some general concepts have no doubt finally sunk in but still. Excellent review.
Oh, considering the importance of that middle right PB on the right display, (for switching between manual and auto) I wonder if it makes sense to bind a key or button to just that PB, so my hand doesn’t need to jump to the mouse. I have a basic HOTAS so need to budget my button assignments. Will give it a try and report back when I have a handle on the whole process (assuming I remember too :D).
Oh, one more thing while I’m here. Given the pro tips at the end, the very basic radar of the Mig 21, the Mig forces a pilot to use most of these tips.
awesome tutorial and I must say, before seeing this video I always thought the fa18 radar was so clunky, especially in TWS because I was doing a millions useless steps and half of the time the radar didn't work like I wanted it to. After this video I've come to realize how straight forward the fa18 radar workflow actually is (thankfully, considering this plane is supposed to be used in real life).
We all watch many many TH-cam videos of variable quality. Every now and again we come across one that's outstanding and in my opinion this is one of those. Extremely well thought out, professionally delivered and to boot, emphasises the need to practice, practice, practice. Fantastic; and has answered many of the questions I had at this juncture when moving onto AA combat and wondering why the radar was not playing.
Fantastic video, absolutely a fantastic guide for using the Hornet in most servers! That being said, I have a few things to add. Setup: 1) Right now, it's important to hit the "DATA" OSB and then change your brick timeout (top right corner) to ~8-16 seconds, instead of just 4 (AMRAAM default). Currently, the Hornet is bugged and will delete trackfiles after that many seconds, not just raw hits. This isn't as impactful with your narrow scan method, but it still makes losing targets easier. 2) This setup is definitely centered around a server with AWACS and AMRAAMs. If anyone reading this is flying on servers without those (like blue flag 80s), you'll need a much wider scan pattern if you actually have to search for enemies and can't use datalink, and setting up tracks earlier isn't necessarily a bad idea, because that's your only way to know what the target is doing. (This also opens up a whole world of fun/creative multi-ship tactics for a flight of Hornets who can datalink to each other.) TWS: 1) RWS mode does possess a LTWS (Latent Track While Scan) Option, which I believe is enabled by default. If you designate someone once in this mode, they will only be bugged, and will not be hard-locked, meaning they'll only get a search contact on their RWR, though IIRC you won't get shoot cues and the hornet may actually switch to STT if you launch.
Omg. THank you. This is such a great video, even for someone who flew F18 exclusive for over 1 year. It really pissed me off when one day i find my hornet TWS scan zone to not follow TDC slew. It bugged for AGES till now - after you've mentioned spot mode. Thank you!
I bought the Hornet on release but never got into it. Now i am learning to use this scooter and i have to say its awesome. Thanks for your videos, for me they are by far the best out there, realy useful and strait forward.
im new to dcs i just moved up from FC3 now trying to learn fa18 i have watched 6 or 7 vedios trying to explain the use of radar , non of them made any sense to me this video is pure gold you make it so easy to understand thank you for this , it helped me A lot
This vid really helped me out a lot, was getting overwhelmed by groups of bandits but with setting PRF as necessary and using 4b 40d I'm able to go toe to toe with 2 bandits and splash them both with a tws multishot consistently without losing lock while dodging those pesky incoming missiles
HI PRF mode is for hot contacts, MED is for cold/flanking (that's why you recommend it below 25 miles, in case they start manouvering). Both HI and MED should give you a slightly higher range than INT. (and it has nothing else to do with range) I doubt it's any different in Hornet than in any other plane, unless it's a bug.
The reason he explains it that way is for functional use in DCS. Even though Med is for flanking/cold, you never can track a cold fighter sized target outside of 25nm in any mode in DCS. Med has historically been as effective as high inside of 25nm at high aspect. INT has always offered the worst of both as opposed to the best both so is generally considered pointless.
Interleave will give a higher range than Medium PRF on hot contacts, because it also interleaves High PRF with Medium PRF. Hence the name Interleave. In DCS the Hornet can see a fighter-sized target at 48 miles in High and 26 miles in Medium last time I checked
What an insanely good tutorial video. Noob here and just started getting into the radar stuff and first time so far i was really not getting a lot of it down. Will be referencing this video a ton and an instant subscribe!
This video helped me IMMENSELY, basically from afraid of PvP to bagging Vipers and Flankers on the Growling Sidewinder server on the regular...thanks Mav👍had an engagement today where I reaquired a Viper at 7 miles faster than him, I had already shot when he locked me, and he breaks lock immediately and tries to go cold and my missile smoked him
It's amazing - sucked ass at Hornet BVR, got on the GS Server and died four times. Watched this Video, got back on GS and actually managed my first three PvP splashes in the hornet in the first two sorties. So 10/10 would recommend ;-D Especially being able to save settings for weapons is such a gamechanger!
Oh thanks a million for this video! It's exactly what I needed. Been trying to figure out the Hornet radar for since it was released in EA but you just nailed the exact amount of info required to operate it quick and efficient.
I started getting into DCS recently, and the F18 in particular. This video was a big help to understanding the radar and how to use it effectively. Thanks Mav!
Best DCS Hornet radar tutorial I have seen! I know it's not geared toward beginner F/A-18 pilots, and I am not a beginner, but would offer that a few details would be valuable to even seasoned pilots if briefly covered. You very well explain what to do, but some 'why' or 'how' helps it stick. PRF: what is it? (I mean, we know it stands for Pulse Repetition Frequency, but knowing what the letters stand for is not helpful.) Why is a short PRF better in some circumstances and a longer PRF better in others? Why not Interleaved (as most other Hornet tutorial 'experts' recommend)? TWS: What IS it? How does it differ from RWR? How do I select TWS? Why/when does my radar sometimes automatically switch to TWS? How do I switch back to RWR? When/why would I? MAN/AUTO: how are you switching? There is no apparent cursor on your screen. Hardware MFDs? If I don't have hardware MFDs, is there a shortcut better than mouse/cursor/DDI button? (One tiny delta: the right DDI is not a MPCD as you called it.)
1.) PRF: MPRF is filtered by both range and doppler, which means that the target would not only have to match the closure rate of the ground but also its range to get filtered. The downside is that it has a shorter range because less effective energy is radiated in a given amount of time. HPRF has a higher detection range. There are a lot of other considerations but those aren't really simulated in the Hornet. Doesn't matter which PRF you'll use, it's always going to be a tradeoff. So if you know where the specific targets are that you want to lock up there's no reason to have it on interleaved. 2.) TWS: In DCS it's highly simplified. Pilots often refer it to as 'track while shit, track while scam or track while lie'. It uses a ton of extra processing magic on the receiver size, requires targets that doppler correlate (so it's use against all aspect targets is highly limited) and it takes in all that data to build trackfiles. Since in DCS its shortcomings aren't really modelled, the only downside you have is that you can scan a smaller area at a time but since everyone has datalink all the time anyway, this isn't an issue in the slightest. So unless you really need the extra scan volume, TWS is almost always going to be superior to RWS in DCS. You can switch between the modes with the TDC (clicking on them) or with the OSB on the DDI. Since I don't really use RWS at all, I don't know why it may switch. As for the TWS AUTO/MAN switch, he's either using dedicated physical MFDs or he's bound the button to the HOTAS. I recommend doing this, I know that it's not particularly realistic, but it's a lot easier for a real pilot to reach for these buttons in the cockpit than trying to fumble with a mouse while flying. Keep in mind that many, many things are either bugged, working incorrectly or simply not implemented that make the aircraft a lot more difficult to use than what it should be. The entire workflow in the video goes against all the advice that Mo (real Hornet pilot) gave on the ED forums about using the radar btw.
@@agostonbazmajer1100 Any chance you can link the respective thread/post from Mo?
ปีที่แล้ว +8
I have revisited this video after a year. I frequently fly the Hornet but this is still gold! If you could do a similar video for the Viper I would be very glad!
Well, what I can say? A much needed video. Very throughout, linking one feature of another. Generally speaking, most tutorials only show one feature per time, you showed how things link together , which is very nice.
This video is a game-changer for me. Gave up on the F18 almost a year ago because I couldn't keep anything locked up. Came back to it yesterday, saw your video and fell in love with it all over again. Went from 0-1 kills in MP before getting killed to 5 kills in one session. Getting to the right menus to set things up takes a little patience but the set up can be done. Thanks for making this video!
Cousin, this is likely the best video I've seen on radar instruction as well as hints/tips. You explain everything well without talking down to the viewer--in fact, you appear to welcome the viewer into the cockpit with you! However, the section on PRF should be edited--but not entirely. High PRF is used when there is a great amount of doppler shift from the target; as when the target is flying directly towards you at high speed. Medium PRF is when the doppler shift is medium to low; for instance when a target is turning perpendicular to you (i.e. attempting to notch) or moving away from you. Because a target tends to change their aspect as the range between you and them is less than 20 miles or so--your tip on changing to medium PRF is a valid tip!! Again, well done! I look forward to a video from you on RAID mode.
I hear you brother, I've added a pinned comment to the top of the comments now to explain why I presented it the way I did. I've been using the 25-20nm rule for years and its worked perfectly for me which is why I wanted to pass on the knowledge about it, but thanks for pointing it out. This should give viewers the option of doing either method.
Impressive tutorial! I've learned the F-14 pilot and RIO, and switching over to Hornet feels like taking ankle weights off after learning how powerful a platform it is
Thank you! I almost quit flying the hornet because the radar just didn't work. I could jump in the 16 and kill bandits all day long, but I've been struggling with the 18 and this video explains why!
Huge thanks for this mate, one of the best radar tutorials I’ve ever seen. Now on my download and saved list. Hopefully I might finally start being able to pick up and fight targets on the radar now.
AWESOME video. I've watched them all (by others), yet continued to struggle. You absolutely nail all of the critical areas with succinct precision. I can't wait to practice these skills. Thanks!
Big thanks! Been flying hornet for a while but never did find videos like this! For once I did not know you could save your radar settings for the different weapons, nor the HMD distance! Great advice!
I’ve been flying the radar wrong this whole time! Great video Mav, learned a lot and will definitely need to rewatch to get it all down before my next session.
i can only say... thank you! for this amazing job, finally a video that is really clear about what to do and why. i really hope that one day you will discuss A/G RADAR as well, i'm in trouble with it. Keep on this way, greetings from an italian virtual hornet pilot. (your new sub)
Hey man, just wanted to say this video has helped me get more kills than any other videos on the hornet I've watched combined. Fantastic work, keep it up, liked and subscribed!
Cool story @mobius 708 you need to get a life dude and stop haunting this video with your sad put downs, no one cares how wrong you think it is, it’s helping people that’s all that matters.
thank you for the hard work Maverick, this answered so many questions i had about the hornet radar and can't wait to get home tonight and implement these, i've been struggling with the radar for awhile now and i think finding this video is going to help so much! thank you again!
This video helped me loads and loads, thank you, way better than any of the other Tutorials. you explanations of of why you are selecting each option was a game changer. thank you.
Great video to assist with the brilliant FA-18C Hornet DCS modules radar features. But remberingb to use either the TDC, or nose wheel steer or cage uncaged buttons when you need too, can be very frustrating So this is why I fly my hornet in boresight mode armed with either side winders and guns ....
Great vid! I think it's worth mentioning the brick timeout with the timer on the data page too, as it also deletes your trackfiles in tws right now... And it switches back to 4 seconds every time you switch weapons
Excellent tutorial, exactly what I needed! I just need more buttons on my HOTAS for all the radar functions... With modifier keys, I've managed to get radar elevation, auto/manual toggle and SA step bound, I wish I could bind PRF and radar range but I don't have enough buttons. At the moment using an old Thrustmaster T.Flight, hoping to upgrade to something with more soon. I fly in VR so I can't really use a phone/tablet
This was really helpful because during bvr I tried to get lock and nothing happened and I don’t know how to use radar at all, I only know to use the yellow box and range and I lose lock a lot so this helps hugely
Just a heads up about the PRF guys, getting a lot of people telling me I'm wrong about the PRF instruction in the video. I do know that High PRF is for HOT contacts and Med is for flanking/cold contacts, the reason I didn't present it this way is because I use the 25-20nm rule instead and it works perfectly.
My intention was not to teach people how real pilots use the radar, my intention was to teach people how I use it ... Like a boss ;)
Your intentions turn out to be how we used the APG unit in the Hornets though. Everything you said is how most of us in Canada used them including myself and how we were trained on it for these scenarios you showed. Good work.
You have it spot on mate and they're right, too. There's no wrong version here. Keep impressing us lad. Cheers.
I thought it was great! Keep pumping these out.
@@MetaliCanuck Yet I feel like the radar ranges in DCS are on the low side, both in Hi and Low PRF 🤨
And I thank you for doing so. About to get serious about learning the damn radar and your video is providing me a great base. Thank you again.
Monthly rewatch because i got dementia or something idk
More like weekly rewatch lol
More like daily rewatches
This video should be mandatory education whenever someone buys an F/A-18C module. You solved like 10 issues I had with it coming from the Viper. Thanks a lot, sir!
I agree. What an absolute masterclass
i have a problem that no video i have seen actually answers this question...... how do you move the yellow box so you can choose the scan area
and how do you change prf ?
@@telkicelstascal8875 You have to make the radar MFD your SOI (Sensor of Interest), then you can use TDC Forward/Aft/Left/Right to move it. To set SOI use the Sensor Control Switch Forward/Aft/Left/Right.
Its a really weird concept for PC users with a mouse, but think of it from a console player's perspective, who only has a joypad. You can only ever interact with a single MFD in your cockpit, and to do that you have to "activate" it by setting it to SOI.
Also, the yellow box is just a mouse cursor for your plane. It doesn't move the radar dish in any way.
To set the PRF, click on the button next to it on the MFD. You can find its location on Chuck's F/A-18C Guide, page 187.
i have the yellow box in question bound to my pov dpad on my hotas
As a smooth brained intellectual, I'd like to say how simple you have made this tutorial. Excellent work, man!
Glad you liked it, thanks man!
smooth brain intellectual lol. im gonna use that
might be one of the best self irony examples i’ve ever heard, gonna borrow dis
your brain is rough bro
0:00 Intro
2:00 Setup
7:20 PRF
10:34 TWS
20:53 Advanced Example
22:57 Pro Tips
Lp
😅 😊😊😊😅
Good stuff!! Undesignate NWS button will also cycle between two contacts in auto if u are shooting at more than one bandit
I feel like a boss now
Mother of god! You are a freaking hero. Went up in Hoggit PGAW tonight and put this to the test. No frustration just disintegrating enemies. Thanks Boss
I've been learning the F-18C a little over a year now and this video finally put all the A/A puzzle pieces together for me. Now I'm taking bandits down.....like a boss! Thank you very much.
Awesome! The best hornet radar tutorial I have seen. I actually learned a lot even after flying it since release as well. Keep ‘me coming!
Glad it helped!
@@104thMaverick yes it is , no exaggerations here
yes it is , no exaggerations here
Going to sing with the choir here and say this is the best tutorial for new players I've found. Clear, concise, and extremely effective, even for someone like me who's been (seriously) playing for less than a week.
I watched this video a few months ago. It changed my F-18 game forever. I have shot down as many as 4 bogeys in a single volley. Meaning "fox 3, times 4". Thank you Maverick.
awesome to hear mate!
This is the best radar tutorial I have seen since playing DCS.
Wow perfect timing ! I’ve been doing just BFM stuff and just now getting into BVR and was so frustrated with not knowing the hornets radar and locking target I will be watching this several times. A huge thanks man !
You definitely earned a sub with this one thanks for sharing !
You're very welcome dude, good luck!
wow... i was about to give up on air to air in the f 18 because i could never lock up a target..... Dude--you rock.... best explanation by far....wags, grim reapers eat your heart out lol.... thanks a million
Glad I could help dude, good luck!
Only thing that could enhance this video is timestamps for the different topics. Awesome info.
I'd like to learn more about other radar modes you briefly mentioned and quick hotas commands.
Ive been playing DCS since I bought the A10 on Steam when it was a standalone game (early 2010s?). And Ive been watching tutorial videos ever since. This is one of the best Ive seen in a long time. Thank you for making such an informative and easy to understand video! Subbed
OMG, I kept wondering why I could never lock onto anything outside 40 miles so I came back to this video and discovered I had totally forgotten about Med/High PRF when trying to lock a bandit...As usual, I LOVE your tutorials and still fly the Hornet thanks to your videos! :D
This is the clearest, and what appears to be the most complete description and example of the hornet’s radar. I’d basically stopped flying the 18 as the radar was doing stuff I didn’t understand - even after watching tons of videos and reading manuals and guides. The thing is, unless it’s presented holistically like this, it’s really easy to miss important details and not understand dependencies. Ok, I also have an extra 6 months flying in other planes like the Mig 21, falcon and mirage so some general concepts have no doubt finally sunk in but still. Excellent review.
Oh, considering the importance of that middle right PB on the right display, (for switching between manual and auto) I wonder if it makes sense to bind a key or button to just that PB, so my hand doesn’t need to jump to the mouse. I have a basic HOTAS so need to budget my button assignments. Will give it a try and report back when I have a handle on the whole process (assuming I remember too :D).
Oh, one more thing while I’m here. Given the pro tips at the end, the very basic radar of the Mig 21, the Mig forces a pilot to use most of these tips.
@@julianmorrisco definitely. I bind everything to hotas for the radar page except data and set.
best tutorials i’ve found for learning the f18 rh
Why am I just seeing this? Pretty much gave up on 18 because of its radar. This is the best.
Best tutorial ever on the subject. (I wish more TH-camrs would be this patient and thorough!) I was avoiding A-A in the F-18 until now, thank you sir!
awesome tutorial and I must say, before seeing this video I always thought the fa18 radar was so clunky, especially in TWS because I was doing a millions useless steps and half of the time the radar didn't work like I wanted it to. After this video I've come to realize how straight forward the fa18 radar workflow actually is (thankfully, considering this plane is supposed to be used in real life).
Glad it helped mate!
We all watch many many TH-cam videos of variable quality. Every now and again we come across one that's outstanding and in my opinion this is one of those. Extremely well thought out, professionally delivered and to boot, emphasises the need to practice, practice, practice. Fantastic; and has answered many of the questions I had at this juncture when moving onto AA combat and wondering why the radar was not playing.
I wish i could upvote this every time I've came back to this and watched it
Fantastic video, absolutely a fantastic guide for using the Hornet in most servers! That being said, I have a few things to add.
Setup:
1) Right now, it's important to hit the "DATA" OSB and then change your brick timeout (top right corner) to ~8-16 seconds, instead of just 4 (AMRAAM default). Currently, the Hornet is bugged and will delete trackfiles after that many seconds, not just raw hits. This isn't as impactful with your narrow scan method, but it still makes losing targets easier.
2) This setup is definitely centered around a server with AWACS and AMRAAMs. If anyone reading this is flying on servers without those (like blue flag 80s), you'll need a much wider scan pattern if you actually have to search for enemies and can't use datalink, and setting up tracks earlier isn't necessarily a bad idea, because that's your only way to know what the target is doing. (This also opens up a whole world of fun/creative multi-ship tactics for a flight of Hornets who can datalink to each other.)
TWS:
1) RWS mode does possess a LTWS (Latent Track While Scan) Option, which I believe is enabled by default. If you designate someone once in this mode, they will only be bugged, and will not be hard-locked, meaning they'll only get a search contact on their RWR, though IIRC you won't get shoot cues and the hornet may actually switch to STT if you launch.
you'll still get the shoot cues you just wont guide the missile properly. you get in Rmax indications atleast
This tutorial helped me get my first kill (In multiplayer) in DCS. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
''I am not Scott Manley'' 10/10
“I’m not Scott Manly!” Too funny, great vid.
Aye, I thought that’s what he said but thought…it can’t be. Maybe his love child?
Omg. THank you. This is such a great video, even for someone who flew F18 exclusive for over 1 year. It really pissed me off when one day i find my hornet TWS scan zone to not follow TDC slew. It bugged for AGES till now - after you've mentioned spot mode. Thank you!
Holy smoke. This took all the tiny bits of knowledge I had of the hornets 'crappy' radar and made it amazing! Thanks and cheers, mate!
I'm a Viper pilot, but just watching your awesome video, makes me want to fly the Hornet, good stuff mate.
I bought the Hornet on release but never got into it. Now i am learning to use this scooter and i have to say its awesome. Thanks for your videos, for me they are by far the best out there, realy useful and strait forward.
Great to hear thanks mate
im new to dcs i just moved up from FC3 now trying to learn fa18 i have watched 6 or 7 vedios trying to explain the use of radar , non of them made any sense to me
this video is pure gold
you make it so easy to understand
thank you for this , it helped me A lot
Best guide handsssss down. New to DCS and this radar/weapon system has been confusing me for days, now I finally get it
This vid really helped me out a lot, was getting overwhelmed by groups of bandits but with setting PRF as necessary and using 4b 40d I'm able to go toe to toe with 2 bandits and splash them both with a tws multishot consistently without losing lock while dodging those pesky incoming missiles
HI PRF mode is for hot contacts, MED is for cold/flanking (that's why you recommend it below 25 miles, in case they start manouvering).
Both HI and MED should give you a slightly higher range than INT. (and it has nothing else to do with range)
I doubt it's any different in Hornet than in any other plane, unless it's a bug.
The reason he explains it that way is for functional use in DCS. Even though Med is for flanking/cold, you never can track a cold fighter sized target outside of 25nm in any mode in DCS. Med has historically been as effective as high inside of 25nm at high aspect. INT has always offered the worst of both as opposed to the best both so is generally considered pointless.
Interleave will give a higher range than Medium PRF on hot contacts, because it also interleaves High PRF with Medium PRF. Hence the name Interleave. In DCS the Hornet can see a fighter-sized target at 48 miles in High and 26 miles in Medium last time I checked
This was THE video that helped me figure out the Hornet radar. Thanks so much for this bro!
What an insanely good tutorial video. Noob here and just started getting into the radar stuff and first time so far i was really not getting a lot of it down. Will be referencing this video a ton and an instant subscribe!
This video helped me IMMENSELY, basically from afraid of PvP to bagging Vipers and Flankers on the Growling Sidewinder server on the regular...thanks Mav👍had an engagement today where I reaquired a Viper at 7 miles faster than him, I had already shot when he locked me, and he breaks lock immediately and tries to go cold and my missile smoked him
Fantastic brother!
@@104thMaverick 🍻
the Auto/man technique in TWS is really a great hint. It would take me years to find that out. Thank you.
Once TWS auto gets implemented properly, you'll be able to replicate the workflow described by a real Hornet pilot on the forums and never touch it.
C.W. Lemoine was an F18 pilot and he also plays DCS maybe at some point we can get enough people to get him to make some tutorials
It's amazing - sucked ass at Hornet BVR, got on the GS Server and died four times.
Watched this Video, got back on GS and actually managed my first three PvP splashes in the hornet in the first two sorties.
So 10/10 would recommend ;-D
Especially being able to save settings for weapons is such a gamechanger!
excellent tutorial explains why i struggle to lock up a bandit just need to remember everything you just taught, cheers Mav.
Oh thanks a million for this video! It's exactly what I needed. Been trying to figure out the Hornet radar for since it was released in EA but you just nailed the exact amount of info required to operate it quick and efficient.
Been flying the Hornet since it came out in early access, still learned a whole lot! Thanks!
Glad I could help!
I started getting into DCS recently, and the F18 in particular. This video was a big help to understanding the radar and how to use it effectively. Thanks Mav!
Glad it helped!
Been struggling w/these issues and this video is by far the best tutorial I've found. Thanks much, mate!
Best DCS Hornet radar tutorial I have seen!
I know it's not geared toward beginner F/A-18 pilots, and I am not a beginner, but would offer that a few details would be valuable to even seasoned pilots if briefly covered. You very well explain what to do, but some 'why' or 'how' helps it stick.
PRF: what is it? (I mean, we know it stands for Pulse Repetition Frequency, but knowing what the letters stand for is not helpful.) Why is a short PRF better in some circumstances and a longer PRF better in others? Why not Interleaved (as most other Hornet tutorial 'experts' recommend)?
TWS: What IS it? How does it differ from RWR? How do I select TWS? Why/when does my radar sometimes automatically switch to TWS? How do I switch back to RWR? When/why would I?
MAN/AUTO: how are you switching? There is no apparent cursor on your screen. Hardware MFDs? If I don't have hardware MFDs, is there a shortcut better than mouse/cursor/DDI button?
(One tiny delta: the right DDI is not a MPCD as you called it.)
1.) PRF: MPRF is filtered by both range and doppler, which means that the target would not only have to match the closure rate of the ground but also its range to get filtered. The downside is that it has a shorter range because less effective energy is radiated in a given amount of time. HPRF has a higher detection range. There are a lot of other considerations but those aren't really simulated in the Hornet. Doesn't matter which PRF you'll use, it's always going to be a tradeoff. So if you know where the specific targets are that you want to lock up there's no reason to have it on interleaved.
2.) TWS: In DCS it's highly simplified. Pilots often refer it to as 'track while shit, track while scam or track while lie'. It uses a ton of extra processing magic on the receiver size, requires targets that doppler correlate (so it's use against all aspect targets is highly limited) and it takes in all that data to build trackfiles. Since in DCS its shortcomings aren't really modelled, the only downside you have is that you can scan a smaller area at a time but since everyone has datalink all the time anyway, this isn't an issue in the slightest. So unless you really need the extra scan volume, TWS is almost always going to be superior to RWS in DCS.
You can switch between the modes with the TDC (clicking on them) or with the OSB on the DDI. Since I don't really use RWS at all, I don't know why it may switch. As for the TWS AUTO/MAN switch, he's either using dedicated physical MFDs or he's bound the button to the HOTAS. I recommend doing this, I know that it's not particularly realistic, but it's a lot easier for a real pilot to reach for these buttons in the cockpit than trying to fumble with a mouse while flying.
Keep in mind that many, many things are either bugged, working incorrectly or simply not implemented that make the aircraft a lot more difficult to use than what it should be. The entire workflow in the video goes against all the advice that Mo (real Hornet pilot) gave on the ED forums about using the radar btw.
@@agostonbazmajer1100 Any chance you can link the respective thread/post from Mo?
I have revisited this video after a year. I frequently fly the Hornet but this is still gold!
If you could do a similar video for the Viper I would be very glad!
this video is pure gold. Thanks for making it, can't wait to see if it helps - i gave up playing dcs when they nerfed the hornet radar last year.
Well, what I can say? A much needed video. Very throughout, linking one feature of another. Generally speaking, most tutorials only show one feature per time, you showed how things link together , which is very nice.
This video is a game-changer for me. Gave up on the F18 almost a year ago because I couldn't keep anything locked up. Came back to it yesterday, saw your video and fell in love with it all over again. Went from 0-1 kills in MP before getting killed to 5 kills in one session. Getting to the right menus to set things up takes a little patience but the set up can be done. Thanks for making this video!
Came back to DCS and was looking for refresher videos. Learned more in this video that most others combined. Well done sir
Cousin, this is likely the best video I've seen on radar instruction as well as hints/tips. You explain everything well without talking down to the viewer--in fact, you appear to welcome the viewer into the cockpit with you! However, the section on PRF should be edited--but not entirely. High PRF is used when there is a great amount of doppler shift from the target; as when the target is flying directly towards you at high speed. Medium PRF is when the doppler shift is medium to low; for instance when a target is turning perpendicular to you (i.e. attempting to notch) or moving away from you.
Because a target tends to change their aspect as the range between you and them is less than 20 miles or so--your tip on changing to medium PRF is a valid tip!! Again, well done! I look forward to a video from you on RAID mode.
I hear you brother, I've added a pinned comment to the top of the comments now to explain why I presented it the way I did. I've been using the 25-20nm rule for years and its worked perfectly for me which is why I wanted to pass on the knowledge about it, but thanks for pointing it out. This should give viewers the option of doing either method.
I'm starting with the F18 in DCS, and this video tutorial is superb. Very clean explanations. Thanks for the video!
Glad it helped, good luck!
Binding keys to set PRF and AUTO track is definitely much better than using mouse clicks.
Impressive tutorial! I've learned the F-14 pilot and RIO, and switching over to Hornet feels like taking ankle weights off after learning how powerful a platform it is
Half way through and this is already a superb video. Thanks for this 👍
Been flying the Hornet for a while now and this was the best radar tutorial! Thanks!
Thanks mate, glad you found it helpful
Best lesson I have found on the topic - good balance of how and why. More of these please :)
great video. Best tutorial I've seen, no fluff just straight to each teaching point with clear explanations.
Thank you! I almost quit flying the hornet because the radar just didn't work. I could jump in the 16 and kill bandits all day long, but I've been struggling with the 18 and this video explains why!
This is one of the best tutorial's that I have seen in a while. Well thought out, concise, and smooth flow. Nicely Done!
Awesome Video thanks. Feels like moving from a beginner to an expert
Huge thanks for this mate, one of the best radar tutorials I’ve ever seen. Now on my download and saved list. Hopefully I might finally start being able to pick up and fight targets on the radar now.
Good luck dude!
Love that you are running Double Ugly with an AA loadout!
Best and most complete tutorial on the radar, hands down! Also really enjoy your accent
You my friend are a real DCS teacher - you have solved many frustrations by your clear video, love the accent too :) - UK here
ROFLOL "I'm not Scott Manley"
Big thanks for the vid
AWESOME video. I've watched them all (by others), yet continued to struggle. You absolutely nail all of the critical areas with succinct precision. I can't wait to practice these skills. Thanks!
Big thanks! Been flying hornet for a while but never did find videos like this!
For once I did not know you could save your radar settings for the different weapons, nor the HMD distance! Great advice!
This was probably the most helpful video I've seen on the F/A-18C, or DCS for that matter.
Best video about the hornet i have ever seen
Thanks man
I’ve been flying the radar wrong this whole time! Great video Mav, learned a lot and will definitely need to rewatch to get it all down before my next session.
Thanks so much for this video! I kept losing targets or couldn’t target an enemy and you made it so clear for the Hornet’s radar. Truly appreciate it!
You’re very welcome mate, I’m glad it helped!
Bravo Zulu on an outstanding guide for DCS Hornet drivers!
This is easily the best tutorial for the f18 radar out
Best radar tutorial ever. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Glad I found this video. Very excellent presentation on how to effectively use the F18 radar which I was struggling with. Thank you for sharing!
Glad it was helpful, you’re very welcome!
Thanks Mav, been waiting for a good explanation on the radar. Especially in action. Good Man.
Glad to help
i can only say... thank you! for this amazing job, finally a video that is really clear about what to do and why.
i really hope that one day you will discuss A/G RADAR as well, i'm in trouble with it.
Keep on this way, greetings from an italian virtual hornet pilot.
(your new sub)
Hey man, just wanted to say this video has helped me get more kills than any other videos on the hornet I've watched combined. Fantastic work, keep it up, liked and subscribed!
Thanks for taking the time to share this info.
This is the best DCS tutorial video I have ever watched, thank you for your time on this video. I will put this to work and become a better pilot!
Cool story @mobius 708 you need to get a life dude and stop haunting this video with your sad put downs, no one cares how wrong you think it is, it’s helping people that’s all that matters.
thank you for the hard work Maverick, this answered so many questions i had about the hornet radar and can't wait to get home tonight and implement these, i've been struggling with the radar for awhile now and i think finding this video is going to help so much! thank you again!
This video helped me loads and loads, thank you, way better than any of the other Tutorials. you explanations of of why you are selecting each option was a game changer. thank you.
GREAT video Mav, thanks for this one for sure. Going to need to watch it 1000 times to get all the info out and into my head!
Great video to assist with the brilliant FA-18C Hornet DCS modules radar features. But remberingb to use either the TDC, or nose wheel steer or cage uncaged buttons when you need too, can be very frustrating
So this is why I fly my hornet in boresight mode armed with either side winders and guns ....
Great vid! I think it's worth mentioning the brick timeout with the timer on the data page too, as it also deletes your trackfiles in tws right now... And it switches back to 4 seconds every time you switch weapons
Excellent tutorial, exactly what I needed! I just need more buttons on my HOTAS for all the radar functions... With modifier keys, I've managed to get radar elevation, auto/manual toggle and SA step bound, I wish I could bind PRF and radar range but I don't have enough buttons.
At the moment using an old Thrustmaster T.Flight, hoping to upgrade to something with more soon. I fly in VR so I can't really use a phone/tablet
Most important hornet tutorial for DCS right there. Thanks a lot Mate!
My pleasure mate
Just recently started playing but I really like your teaching style in these videos man. Keep them up! Theyre a huge help to us new players
Best Hornet video ever!
This was really helpful because during bvr I tried to get lock and nothing happened and I don’t know how to use radar at all, I only know to use the yellow box and range and I lose lock a lot so this helps hugely
Awesome stuff Mav. Biggest issue I've had with the hornet radar is managing multiple (3+) targets in TWS. Might be worth its own video.
Extremely high quality content contribution alert.
Thanks for creating and sharing this. I look forward to trying it out.
7 minutes in and i've already learned 4 things, thank you so much
Another 5 minutes and you've answered a big problem i've had with PRF, AND i've learned two more useful things, youre a legend mate!
One of the best hornet instruction videos out there. Thanks for the effort and great tips
Thanks for watching