FlightGear wiki - User contributions [en]

Howto:Convert from AC3D to glTF

2025-12-27T18:48:18Z

Vanosten: not using textures

This guide is targeted at aircraft developers wanting to get started converting AC3D models to glTF models supporting PBR/HDR and suitable for 2024.2.

Caveat: The author is not an aircraft developers, and this guide will focus only on the main processes involved. It also assumes use of Blender 4.5.3 LTS. We are using as an example Emmanuel Baranger's Stampe-SV4 as a simple aircraft but with nice animations and materials. Thanks Emmanuel!

== Importing AC3D to Blender ==
See [[Howto:Work with AC3D files in Blender]]. For Blender 4.5.3 on Linux I had to install the importer to <code>$HOME/.config/blender/4.5/extensions/user_default/</code>.

By default, the .ac file will be imported with a "Principled BSDF" surface, and can be exported out as .glTF. See [[GlTF]] for details of the export settings to use.

== XML Changes ==
Obviously you need to change the model.xml file to reference the .glTF file rather than .ac.

You should also take the opportunity to set the appropriate -set.xml files entries.

Specifically, under <code><sim></code>.
<minimum-fg-version>2024.2.0</minimum-fg-version>
and
<compatibility>
<pbr-model>true</pbr-model>
</compatibility>
This will ensure that the aircraft is displayed correctly within the launcher.

== Animations ==
Unfortunately the axis for animations are different between .ac and .glTF. You may need to swap the Y and Z axis, and reverse the Z axis.

This is easiest seen by an example, and is fairly easy to do semi-mechanically by going through an animation file. Fortunately the X (forward/backwards) axis is unchanged, so more steam gauges should work unchanged.

Example: Aileron rotation using two sets of points:

2024.1.3
<animation>
<type>rotate</type>
<object-name>aileronBD</object-name>
<property>surface-positions/right-aileron-pos-norm</property>
<factor>-15</factor>
<axis>
<x1-m> -0.393 </x1-m>
<y1-m> 3.357 </y1-m>
<z1-m> -0.304 </z1-m>
<x2-m> -0.698 </x2-m>
<y2-m> 1.186 </y2-m>
<z2-m> -0.383 </z2-m>
</axis>
</animation>
2024.2.0
<animation>
<type>rotate</type>
<object-name>aileronBD</object-name>
<property>surface-positions/right-aileron-pos-norm</property>
<factor>-15</factor>
<axis>
<x1-m> -0.393 </x1-m>
<y1-m> -0.304 </y1-m>
<z1-m> -3.357 </z1-m>
<x2-m> -0.698 </x2-m>
<y2-m> -0.383 </y2-m>
<z2-m> -1.186 </z2-m>
</axis>
</animation>

== Effects ==
[[File:Screenshot from 2025-10-07 21-27-16.png|thumb|Blender shader settings using OSM texture]]glTF by default has what's known as a "Principled BSDF" surface model [https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/render/shader_nodes/shader/principled.html]

FlightGear will automatically assign the <code>model-pbr</code> Effect to glTF files, which should be used unchanged by aircraft. If you find yourself wanting to add an effect, talk to the core team - it may make more sense to enhance the model-pbr effect.

The only Effect that should be applied direclty is <code>model-transparent-pbr</code> Effect which should be used for transparent objects.

== Textures ==
PBR uses a set of properties of materials to render surfaces with much greater accuracy than previous rendering methods. As such, the use of textures is somewhat different.

The main texture is purely used for the base colour of the material, unlike in 2024.1, where it might also include an ambient occlusion texture and emulate roughness and the sheen of metallic materials.

Principled BSDF can take Metallic and Roughness values direct from the Material entry in Blender. However this generates lots of materials, which is undesirable from a performance perspective. glTF (and the <code>model-pbr</code> effect) supports using an additional texture which has (Ambient) Occlusion, Roughness and Metallic information in the RGB channels. This allows you to adjust the roughness and metallic values in the texture itself - for example to mimic polished areas of surfaces. It also allows much more naturalistic rendering of occlusion.

=== Ambient Occlusion (AO) ===
Blender can render a texture for ambient occlusion (See "Bake" under the Editor properties). Unfortunately, it will bake to a grayscale texture, when what we require is the occlusion information written to the red channel of the ORM texture.

Additionally, Blender support for Ambient Occlusion in glTF is a bit of hack on Blender's part, and you need to create a special node for it to be exported properly. See https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/addons/import_export/scene_gltf2.html.

=== Putting together the ORM texture ===
[[File:Orm texture.png|thumb|Example ORM texture (Occlusion, Roughness, Metallic) for PBR]]The ORM texture uses channels for different information:

* Red - Ambient Occlusion
* Green - Roughness (0 = smooth, 1 = rough)
* Blue - Metallic (0 = non metallic, 1 = metallic)

You can use an image editor such as GIMP, or the [https://extensions.blender.org/add-ons/ucupaint/ UCUPaint] extension for Blender which allows in-Blender painting of material properties.

=== GIMP ===
Using GIMP, the easiest way to manage this is to have separate layers for each channel:

# Open the Baked AO texture from Blender
# Make only the Red channel visible
# Use Layer -> New from Visible to create a layer containing only Red information. Label this "Occlusion - R" so you don't forget
# Create two layers above this. Under Layer Attributes change the mode to "Addition", and label them "Roughness - G" and "Metallic - B" respectively
# Delete the bottom later which contains the grayscale AO texture.

You should now have 3 layers, one with a red image of the AO, and two layers with no information.

Using your texture guide, work out (or guess) the roughness and metallic values for the various areas, editing the appropriate layer only, and ensuring you only add colours of that channel - e.g. ensure that "R" and "G" are set to 0.0 when working on the metallic (B) channel. See the example image which has some high metallic surfaces (top left blue and cyan), some rougher surfaces towards the bottom (light green) and various ambient occlusion textures (seen as the ghostly outline of the wings and fuselage with darker areas where the wings meet the fuselage).

Save the texture as a .xcf as you work, as the final baked .png texture will combine the channels.

Once you are happy with your texture, reload it into Blender, and link it into the Principled BSDF shader as shown in the diagram above.

== Not Using a Texture ==

As of end of 2025 not using a texture leads to rendering problems in FlightGear Next, which gives either a very blurry/not sharp edges look (when there is no materials definition) or broken looks (e.g. like shattered glass). If you want good results, you have to use texturing. If you do not want to texture the objects, then you are better off continuing to use *.ac files exported from Blender with a material definition than *.gltf files exported from Blender with or without assigned materials.

2024-09-15T11:20:34Z

2024-02-04T17:43:21Z

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-29T06:13:59Z

Vanosten: /* Dual Control */

This page explains how to operate weapons and the related radar modes for the [[Grumman_F-14_Tomcat|Grumman F-14 Tomcat]].

== Version Warning ==
{{Note|
Be aware that the documentation in this page refers to the development version of the F-14, which is maintained in a [https://github.com/Zaretto/fg-aircraft GitHub repository]. Some features might therefore not be available, if you use the less frequently updated version from [[FGAddon|FGAddon]].
}}

The development of the weapons and radar in the F-14 are related to [https://discord.gg/MBWnqHC4 Operation Red Flag], the premier military aviation organization for the flight simulator FlightGear!

== Weapons Operation ==
NB: Especially for gunning you might want to set SAS Roll to off to prevent the plane from oscillating when using aggressive stick input.

NB: In some new versions of FlightGear, the {{Key press|w}} key is replaced by the {{Key press|m}} key to select weapons.

===M61A1 Vulcan (gun)===
*At startup, the ammunition store is filled with 675 round. There is an option on the '''Fuel and Stores''' dialog in the '''Tomcat Controls''' Menu to allow the gun to be reloaded
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available {{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}. Having the HUD in this mode is not mandatory however when the HUD is in the right mode the guidance symbology will assist with target identification and aiming.
*Select Gun mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}). A pipper, the G symbol with a number showing approximately the remaining rounds x 100 and a closure rate scale are displayed in the HUD. The closure rate scale is active only if a target has been locked ({{Key press|y}}) by the radar with TWS AUTO mode (diamond on the HUD).
*Switch Master Arm on cycle with {{Key press|CTRL-w}}, the X on the G symbol means Master Arm off or in training mode.
* Press {{Key press|e}} to fire the gun.

===AIM-9M Sidewinders===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD light" has 4 sidewinders, "FAD", "FAD heavy" and "Bombcat" have 2 of them.
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available ({{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}).
* Select "SW" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Switch to the RIO view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
*Select pylons 1 and 8, down position, on the Armament panel, on RIO's left console. A shortcut toggles these two switches so you can select or deselect all AIM-9 in one keyboard stroke ({{Key press|Ctrl|m}}) without leaving pilot's view. If you have 4 sidewinders, then after shooting the first 2 you need to toggle the pylons 1 and 8 into the up position.
*Switch back to the pilot's view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
* Switch Master Arm on, you hear the search signal of the seeker head, a low volume buzz sound.
*Now prior to be fired, the AIM-9 must have a lock on a target. Multiplayers, AI aircraft, and AI tankers can be locked (radar lock with {{Key press|y}}). The minimal lock distance is 10 NM, the target must be approximately inside a 80° cone centred on datum line. When locked, the signal buzz volume becomes louder and the 2 red "LOCK" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit. For best results try to shoot ({{Key press|e}}) at a 3 to 6 NM range and with the target centred on the aircraft velocity vector (when the 2 red "SHOOT" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit). The missile will explode at the smaller distance possible. However if this distance is above 70 meters, it will continue its trajectory without guidance.

===AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD" has 2 Sparrows and 4 Phoenix, "FAD light" has 4 Sparrows, "FAD heavy" has 6 Phoenix.
*Select A/A Mode, master arm etc. as with Sidewinders.
*Select "SP-PH" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6 for the pylons below the belly, 1 and 8 under the wing in up position for "FAD" (2 Sparrows, the 2 Sidewinders are selected in the down position of 1/8.
*Obtain a radar lock by using {{Key press|y}} the the next target and {{Key press|Ctrl|y}} the the previous target.
*Launching the missiles is the same as for the Sidewinders, but there is no growling sound and the max shooting range are larger: up to 30+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-7_Sparrow}} and 100+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-54_Phoenix}}.

===Bombs===
NB: only CCIP mode is implemented - and only dumb low-drag unguided bombs - and only single release.
*Select the right weapons' set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "Bombcat" has 4 Mk83 bombs.
*Master arm on
*Select A/G Mode
*Select "Off" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector (yes, off - you will still be able to pull the trigger in A/G mode).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6.
*No need for locking with the radar. There is a CCIP in the HUD.
*Set wing sweep to manual and 55 deg.
*Make sure you are high above terrain (e.g. 10000 ft) and initiate a steep dive to 40 degs. Deploy speed brakes in order not to get too fast. Make sure wings are levelled, otherwise the bomb will not hit even though the pipper is on the target (there is currently no vertical bomb fall line implemented in the HUD).
*Release the bomb when the target is within the circle around the bottom of the HUD and before you reach 2000 ft above ground.

Find out what is working for you - it is not that simple.

==Radar Scan Modes==
===Key Bindings===
{{Key press|y}}: Next target

{{Key press|Shift|y}}: Cycle azimuth field width

{{Key press|Shift|u}}: Undesignate (very useful for PAL mode)

{{Key press|i}}: Tilt radar up

{{Key press|Shift|i}}: Tilt radar down

{{Key press|Shift|d}}: Cycle number of bars

{{Key press|Ctrl|n}}: Cycle radar scan modes

{{Key press|d}}: Pilot Auto Lockon mode (PAL) [click {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to exit]

{{Key press|r}}: Single Target Track mode (STT)

{{Key press|Shift|e}} and {{Key press|r}}: Radar range when not in PAL mode.

{{Key press|q}}: Radar standby

===Modes===
Use {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to cycle between radar scan modes (alternatively press the corresponding buttons on the RIO's front console).

'''PD SEARCH''': Has the longest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Will only show targets that has above/below a certain closure-rate. Notchable. Will not show targets altitude or heading.

'''RWS''': Medium RCS sensitivity. Notchable.

'''P SEARCH''': Basically a ground/sea radar. Cannot be notched.

'''PAL''': Scans the area around the HUD, fixed at 10nm range. Automatically enters STT for anything it sees. Note that when in this mode, none of the RIO mode push buttons will lit up.

'''P STT''': Single target track. Cannot be notched, wont produce closure-rate output.

'''PD STT''': Single target track. Can be notched.

'''TWS MAN''': Once a target has been scanned twice within some seconds, groundtrack (headings) is displayed on TID. Only has 2 options for bars/az combinations. Has the shortest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Notchable.

'''TWS AUTO''': Is disabled / does not work.

==== Missile Notes ====

* AIM-7 needs STT mode.

* AIM-9 needs STT mode or TWS mode with something selected. Or radar in standby, then it will lock onto whatever is at bore.

* AIM-54 need either STT or TWS with something selected (in which case it will go active immediately with reduced range).

====How to Notch====
Notching means flying manoeuvrers to make an aircraft less detectable on radar/evade it. It is sometimes called beaming.

If you are flying against an F-14, keep the F-14 on your 3 or 9 o'clock and make sure that seen from the F-14 point of view that he will see terrain behind you.

====Datalink====

Aircraft on datalink that are inside the radar field will be shown on TID (even if the radar is standby). The backseater needs to take care to enter the datalink channel at the top of the right panel (IFF is taken care of by the pilot at the top of the pilot's right panel).

====Misc====

RWS/TWS MAN/PDSearch/PSearch will able to show 19 targets, MP or not. TWS can show groundtrack on max 10 of them.

Radar elevation, commanded and actual, is shown on gauge left of DDD display. It is in relation to horizon in all modes except PAL.

Each mode remembers its own bars and az settings. So if you switch to 1 bar in RWS, and then switch to PD SEARCH it might have 8 bars, when you switch back to RWS you will have 1 bar again. Radar antennae elevation/azimuth is shared between modes though.

====Moving Radar Azimuth Field Left and Right====

There are no key bindings for moving the radar azimuth field left and right when not 120. To use this, enable it from FG joystick dialog.

====Dual Control====

When connecting as a Radar Intercept Officer (RIO aka. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapon_systems_officer WSO]), the pilot will no longer be able to control the radar - it is all done from the dual control RIO MP seat. The RIO is able to control the station switches.

Make sure that you as a RIO do not switch modes and stuff too fast, allow for a short moment for each change you make to propagate to the pilot.

If the RIO selects something and it fails pilot screen will show selection handover fails, the pilot could try to press y to repeat the handover and if successful, and then ask RIO to cycle modes if RIO had commanded STT, to make the pilots radar try to enter STT again.

==Related Information==
{{#ev:youtube|ibHrZyAQ1C4|||A tutorial video explaining how to fire the F-14B's missiles.|frame}}

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-29T06:11:12Z

Vanosten:

This page explains how to operate weapons and the related radar modes for the [[Grumman_F-14_Tomcat|Grumman F-14 Tomcat]].

== Version Warning ==
{{Note|
Be aware that the documentation in this page refers to the development version of the F-14, which is maintained in a [https://github.com/Zaretto/fg-aircraft GitHub repository]. Some features might therefore not be available, if you use the less frequently updated version from [[FGAddon|FGAddon]].
}}

The development of the weapons and radar in the F-14 are related to [https://discord.gg/MBWnqHC4 Operation Red Flag], the premier military aviation organization for the flight simulator FlightGear!

== Weapons Operation ==
NB: Especially for gunning you might want to set SAS Roll to off to prevent the plane from oscillating when using aggressive stick input.

NB: In some new versions of FlightGear, the {{Key press|w}} key is replaced by the {{Key press|m}} key to select weapons.

===M61A1 Vulcan (gun)===
*At startup, the ammunition store is filled with 675 round. There is an option on the '''Fuel and Stores''' dialog in the '''Tomcat Controls''' Menu to allow the gun to be reloaded
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available {{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}. Having the HUD in this mode is not mandatory however when the HUD is in the right mode the guidance symbology will assist with target identification and aiming.
*Select Gun mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}). A pipper, the G symbol with a number showing approximately the remaining rounds x 100 and a closure rate scale are displayed in the HUD. The closure rate scale is active only if a target has been locked ({{Key press|y}}) by the radar with TWS AUTO mode (diamond on the HUD).
*Switch Master Arm on cycle with {{Key press|CTRL-w}}, the X on the G symbol means Master Arm off or in training mode.
* Press {{Key press|e}} to fire the gun.

===AIM-9M Sidewinders===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD light" has 4 sidewinders, "FAD", "FAD heavy" and "Bombcat" have 2 of them.
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available ({{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}).
* Select "SW" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Switch to the RIO view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
*Select pylons 1 and 8, down position, on the Armament panel, on RIO's left console. A shortcut toggles these two switches so you can select or deselect all AIM-9 in one keyboard stroke ({{Key press|Ctrl|m}}) without leaving pilot's view. If you have 4 sidewinders, then after shooting the first 2 you need to toggle the pylons 1 and 8 into the up position.
*Switch back to the pilot's view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
* Switch Master Arm on, you hear the search signal of the seeker head, a low volume buzz sound.
*Now prior to be fired, the AIM-9 must have a lock on a target. Multiplayers, AI aircraft, and AI tankers can be locked (radar lock with {{Key press|y}}). The minimal lock distance is 10 NM, the target must be approximately inside a 80° cone centred on datum line. When locked, the signal buzz volume becomes louder and the 2 red "LOCK" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit. For best results try to shoot ({{Key press|e}}) at a 3 to 6 NM range and with the target centred on the aircraft velocity vector (when the 2 red "SHOOT" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit). The missile will explode at the smaller distance possible. However if this distance is above 70 meters, it will continue its trajectory without guidance.

===AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD" has 2 Sparrows and 4 Phoenix, "FAD light" has 4 Sparrows, "FAD heavy" has 6 Phoenix.
*Select A/A Mode, master arm etc. as with Sidewinders.
*Select "SP-PH" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6 for the pylons below the belly, 1 and 8 under the wing in up position for "FAD" (2 Sparrows, the 2 Sidewinders are selected in the down position of 1/8.
*Obtain a radar lock by using {{Key press|y}} the the next target and {{Key press|Ctrl|y}} the the previous target.
*Launching the missiles is the same as for the Sidewinders, but there is no growling sound and the max shooting range are larger: up to 30+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-7_Sparrow}} and 100+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-54_Phoenix}}.

===Bombs===
NB: only CCIP mode is implemented - and only dumb low-drag unguided bombs - and only single release.
*Select the right weapons' set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "Bombcat" has 4 Mk83 bombs.
*Master arm on
*Select A/G Mode
*Select "Off" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector (yes, off - you will still be able to pull the trigger in A/G mode).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6.
*No need for locking with the radar. There is a CCIP in the HUD.
*Set wing sweep to manual and 55 deg.
*Make sure you are high above terrain (e.g. 10000 ft) and initiate a steep dive to 40 degs. Deploy speed brakes in order not to get too fast. Make sure wings are levelled, otherwise the bomb will not hit even though the pipper is on the target (there is currently no vertical bomb fall line implemented in the HUD).
*Release the bomb when the target is within the circle around the bottom of the HUD and before you reach 2000 ft above ground.

Find out what is working for you - it is not that simple.

==Radar Scan Modes==
===Key Bindings===
{{Key press|y}}: Next target

{{Key press|Shift|y}}: Cycle azimuth field width

{{Key press|Shift|u}}: Undesignate (very useful for PAL mode)

{{Key press|i}}: Tilt radar up

{{Key press|Shift|i}}: Tilt radar down

{{Key press|Shift|d}}: Cycle number of bars

{{Key press|Ctrl|n}}: Cycle radar scan modes

{{Key press|d}}: Pilot Auto Lockon mode (PAL) [click {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to exit]

{{Key press|r}}: Single Target Track mode (STT)

{{Key press|Shift|e}} and {{Key press|r}}: Radar range when not in PAL mode.

{{Key press|q}}: Radar standby

===Modes===
Use {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to cycle between radar scan modes (alternatively press the corresponding buttons on the RIO's front console).

'''PD SEARCH''': Has the longest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Will only show targets that has above/below a certain closure-rate. Notchable. Will not show targets altitude or heading.

'''RWS''': Medium RCS sensitivity. Notchable.

'''P SEARCH''': Basically a ground/sea radar. Cannot be notched.

'''PAL''': Scans the area around the HUD, fixed at 10nm range. Automatically enters STT for anything it sees. Note that when in this mode, none of the RIO mode push buttons will lit up.

'''P STT''': Single target track. Cannot be notched, wont produce closure-rate output.

'''PD STT''': Single target track. Can be notched.

'''TWS MAN''': Once a target has been scanned twice within some seconds, groundtrack (headings) is displayed on TID. Only has 2 options for bars/az combinations. Has the shortest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Notchable.

'''TWS AUTO''': Is disabled / does not work.

==== Missile Notes ====

* AIM-7 needs STT mode.

* AIM-9 needs STT mode or TWS mode with something selected. Or radar in standby, then it will lock onto whatever is at bore.

* AIM-54 need either STT or TWS with something selected (in which case it will go active immediately with reduced range).

====How to Notch====
Notching means flying manoeuvrers to make an aircraft less detectable on radar/evade it. It is sometimes called beaming.

If you are flying against an F-14, keep the F-14 on your 3 or 9 o'clock and make sure that seen from the F-14 point of view that he will see terrain behind you.

====Datalink====

Aircraft on datalink that are inside the radar field will be shown on TID (even if the radar is standby). The backseater needs to take care to enter the datalink channel at the top of the right panel (IFF is taken care of by the pilot at the top of the pilot's right panel).

====Misc====

RWS/TWS MAN/PDSearch/PSearch will able to show 19 targets, MP or not. TWS can show groundtrack on max 10 of them.

Radar elevation, commanded and actual, is shown on gauge left of DDD display. It is in relation to horizon in all modes except PAL.

Each mode remembers its own bars and az settings. So if you switch to 1 bar in RWS, and then switch to PD SEARCH it might have 8 bars, when you switch back to RWS you will have 1 bar again. Radar antennae elevation/azimuth is shared between modes though.

====Moving Radar Azimuth Field Left and Right====

There are no key bindings for moving the radar azimuth field left and right when not 120. To use this, enable it from FG joystick dialog.

====Dual Control====

When connecting the pilot will no longer be able to control the radar - it is all done from the dual control RIO MP seat. The RIO is able to control the station switches.

Make sure that you as a RIO do not switch modes and stuff too fast, allow for a short moment for each change you make to propagate to the pilot.

If the RIO selects something and it fails pilot screen will show selection handover fails, the pilot could try to press y to repeat the handover and if successful, and then ask RIO to cycle modes if RIO had commanded STT, to make the pilots radar try to enter STT again.

==Related Information==
{{#ev:youtube|ibHrZyAQ1C4|||A tutorial video explaining how to fire the F-14B's missiles.|frame}}

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-29T06:05:20Z

Vanosten: /* Datalink */

This page explains how to operate weapons and the related radar modes for the [[Grumman_F-14_Tomcat|Grumman F-14 Tomcat]].

== Version Warning ==
{{Note|
Be aware that the documentation in this page refers to the development version of the F-14, which is maintained in a [https://github.com/Zaretto/fg-aircraft GitHub repository]. Some features might therefore not be available, if you use the less frequently updated version from [[FGAddon|FGAddon]].
}}

The development of the weapons and radar in the F-14 are related to [https://discord.gg/MBWnqHC4 Operation Red Flag], the premier military aviation organization for the flight simulator FlightGear!

== Weapons Operation ==
NB: Especially for gunning you might want to set SAS Roll to off to prevent the plane from oscillating when using aggressive stick input.

NB: In some new versions of FlightGear, the {{Key press|w}} key is replaced by the {{Key press|m}} key to select weapons.

===M61A1 Vulcan (gun)===
*At startup, the ammunition store is filled with 675 round. There is an option on the '''Fuel and Stores''' dialog in the '''Tomcat Controls''' Menu to allow the gun to be reloaded
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available {{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}. Having the HUD in this mode is not mandatory however when the HUD is in the right mode the guidance symbology will assist with target identification and aiming.
*Select Gun mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}). A pipper, the G symbol with a number showing approximately the remaining rounds x 100 and a closure rate scale are displayed in the HUD. The closure rate scale is active only if a target has been locked ({{Key press|y}}) by the radar with TWS AUTO mode (diamond on the HUD).
*Switch Master Arm on cycle with {{Key press|CTRL-w}}, the X on the G symbol means Master Arm off or in training mode.
* Press {{Key press|e}} to fire the gun.

===AIM-9M Sidewinders===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD light" has 4 sidewinders, "FAD", "FAD heavy" and "Bombcat" have 2 of them.
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available ({{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}).
* Select "SW" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Switch to the RIO view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
*Select pylons 1 and 8, down position, on the Armament panel, on RIO's left console. A shortcut toggles these two switches so you can select or deselect all AIM-9 in one keyboard stroke ({{Key press|Ctrl|m}}) without leaving pilot's view. If you have 4 sidewinders, then after shooting the first 2 you need to toggle the pylons 1 and 8 into the up position.
*Switch back to the pilot's view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
* Switch Master Arm on, you hear the search signal of the seeker head, a low volume buzz sound.
*Now prior to be fired, the AIM-9 must have a lock on a target. Multiplayers, AI aircraft, and AI tankers can be locked (radar lock with {{Key press|y}}). The minimal lock distance is 10 NM, the target must be approximately inside a 80° cone centred on datum line. When locked, the signal buzz volume becomes louder and the 2 red "LOCK" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit. For best results try to shoot ({{Key press|e}}) at a 3 to 6 NM range and with the target centred on the aircraft velocity vector (when the 2 red "SHOOT" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit). The missile will explode at the smaller distance possible. However if this distance is above 70 meters, it will continue its trajectory without guidance.

===AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD" has 2 Sparrows and 4 Phoenix, "FAD light" has 4 Sparrows, "FAD heavy" has 6 Phoenix.
*Select A/A Mode, master arm etc. as with Sidewinders.
*Select "SP-PH" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6 for the pylons below the belly, 1 and 8 under the wing in up position for "FAD" (2 Sparrows, the 2 Sidewinders are selected in the down position of 1/8.
*Obtain a radar lock by using {{Key press|y}} the the next target and {{Key press|Ctrl|y}} the the previous target.
*Launching the missiles is the same as for the Sidewinders, but there is no growling sound and the max shooting range are larger: up to 30+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-7_Sparrow}} and 100+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-54_Phoenix}}.

===Bombs===
NB: only CCIP mode is implemented - and only dumb low-drag unguided bombs - and only single release.
*Select the right weapons' set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "Bombcat" has 4 Mk83 bombs.
*Master arm on
*Select A/G Mode
*Select "Off" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector (yes, off - you will still be able to pull the trigger in A/G mode).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6.
*No need for locking with the radar. There is a CCIP in the HUD.
*Set wing sweep to manual and 55 deg.
*Make sure you are high above terrain (e.g. 10000 ft) and initiate a steep dive to 40 degs. Deploy speed brakes in order not to get too fast. Make sure wings are levelled, otherwise the bomb will not hit even though the pipper is on the target (there is currently no vertical bomb fall line implemented in the HUD).
*Release the bomb when the target is within the circle around the bottom of the HUD and before you reach 2000 ft above ground.

Find out what is working for you - it is not that simple.

==Radar Scan Modes==
===Key Bindings===
{{Key press|y}}: Next target

{{Key press|Shift|y}}: Cycle azimuth field width

{{Key press|Shift|u}}: Undesignate (very useful for PAL mode)

{{Key press|i}}: Tilt radar up

{{Key press|Shift|i}}: Tilt radar down

{{Key press|Shift|d}}: Cycle number of bars

{{Key press|Ctrl|n}}: Cycle radar scan modes

{{Key press|d}}: Pilot Auto Lockon mode (PAL) [click {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to exit]

{{Key press|r}}: Single Target Track mode (STT)

{{Key press|Shift|e}} and {{Key press|r}}: Radar range when not in PAL mode.

{{Key press|q}}: Radar standby

===Modes===
Use {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to cycle between radar scan modes (alternatively press the corresponding buttons on the RIO's front console).

'''PD SEARCH''': Has the longest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Will only show targets that has above/below a certain closure-rate. Notchable. Will not show targets altitude or heading.

'''RWS''': Medium RCS sensitivity. Notchable.

'''P SEARCH''': Basically a ground/sea radar. Cannot be notched.

'''PAL''': Scans the area around the HUD, fixed at 10nm range. Automatically enters STT for anything it sees. Note that when in this mode, none of the RIO mode push buttons will lit up.

'''P STT''': Single target track. Cannot be notched, wont produce closure-rate output.

'''PD STT''': Single target track. Can be notched.

'''TWS MAN''': Once a target has been scanned twice within some seconds, groundtrack (headings) is displayed on TID. Only has 2 options for bars/az combinations. Has the shortest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Notchable.

'''TWS AUTO''': Is disabled / does not work.

==== Missile Notes ====

* AIM-7 needs STT mode.

* AIM-9 needs STT mode or TWS mode with something selected. Or radar in standby, then it will lock onto whatever is at bore.

* AIM-54 need either STT or TWS with something selected (in which case it will go active immediately with reduced range).

====How to Notch====
Notching means flying manoeuvrers to make an aircraft less detectable on radar/evade it. It is sometimes called beaming.

If you are flying against an F-14, keep the F-14 on your 3 or 9 o'clock and make sure that seen from the F-14 point of view that he will see terrain behind you.

====Datalink====

Aircraft on datalink that are inside the radar field will be shown on TID (even if the radar is standby). The backseater needs to take care to enter the datalink channel at the top of the right panel (IFF is taken care of by the pilot at the top of the pilot's right panel).

==Related Information==
{{#ev:youtube|ibHrZyAQ1C4|||A tutorial video explaining how to fire the F-14B's missiles.|frame}}

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-29T06:03:24Z

Vanosten: /* How to Notch */

This page explains how to operate weapons and the related radar modes for the [[Grumman_F-14_Tomcat|Grumman F-14 Tomcat]].

== Version Warning ==
{{Note|
Be aware that the documentation in this page refers to the development version of the F-14, which is maintained in a [https://github.com/Zaretto/fg-aircraft GitHub repository]. Some features might therefore not be available, if you use the less frequently updated version from [[FGAddon|FGAddon]].
}}

The development of the weapons and radar in the F-14 are related to [https://discord.gg/MBWnqHC4 Operation Red Flag], the premier military aviation organization for the flight simulator FlightGear!

== Weapons Operation ==
NB: Especially for gunning you might want to set SAS Roll to off to prevent the plane from oscillating when using aggressive stick input.

NB: In some new versions of FlightGear, the {{Key press|w}} key is replaced by the {{Key press|m}} key to select weapons.

===M61A1 Vulcan (gun)===
*At startup, the ammunition store is filled with 675 round. There is an option on the '''Fuel and Stores''' dialog in the '''Tomcat Controls''' Menu to allow the gun to be reloaded
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available {{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}. Having the HUD in this mode is not mandatory however when the HUD is in the right mode the guidance symbology will assist with target identification and aiming.
*Select Gun mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}). A pipper, the G symbol with a number showing approximately the remaining rounds x 100 and a closure rate scale are displayed in the HUD. The closure rate scale is active only if a target has been locked ({{Key press|y}}) by the radar with TWS AUTO mode (diamond on the HUD).
*Switch Master Arm on cycle with {{Key press|CTRL-w}}, the X on the G symbol means Master Arm off or in training mode.
* Press {{Key press|e}} to fire the gun.

===AIM-9M Sidewinders===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD light" has 4 sidewinders, "FAD", "FAD heavy" and "Bombcat" have 2 of them.
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available ({{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}).
* Select "SW" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Switch to the RIO view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
*Select pylons 1 and 8, down position, on the Armament panel, on RIO's left console. A shortcut toggles these two switches so you can select or deselect all AIM-9 in one keyboard stroke ({{Key press|Ctrl|m}}) without leaving pilot's view. If you have 4 sidewinders, then after shooting the first 2 you need to toggle the pylons 1 and 8 into the up position.
*Switch back to the pilot's view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
* Switch Master Arm on, you hear the search signal of the seeker head, a low volume buzz sound.
*Now prior to be fired, the AIM-9 must have a lock on a target. Multiplayers, AI aircraft, and AI tankers can be locked (radar lock with {{Key press|y}}). The minimal lock distance is 10 NM, the target must be approximately inside a 80° cone centred on datum line. When locked, the signal buzz volume becomes louder and the 2 red "LOCK" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit. For best results try to shoot ({{Key press|e}}) at a 3 to 6 NM range and with the target centred on the aircraft velocity vector (when the 2 red "SHOOT" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit). The missile will explode at the smaller distance possible. However if this distance is above 70 meters, it will continue its trajectory without guidance.

===AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD" has 2 Sparrows and 4 Phoenix, "FAD light" has 4 Sparrows, "FAD heavy" has 6 Phoenix.
*Select A/A Mode, master arm etc. as with Sidewinders.
*Select "SP-PH" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6 for the pylons below the belly, 1 and 8 under the wing in up position for "FAD" (2 Sparrows, the 2 Sidewinders are selected in the down position of 1/8.
*Obtain a radar lock by using {{Key press|y}} the the next target and {{Key press|Ctrl|y}} the the previous target.
*Launching the missiles is the same as for the Sidewinders, but there is no growling sound and the max shooting range are larger: up to 30+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-7_Sparrow}} and 100+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-54_Phoenix}}.

===Bombs===
NB: only CCIP mode is implemented - and only dumb low-drag unguided bombs - and only single release.
*Select the right weapons' set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "Bombcat" has 4 Mk83 bombs.
*Master arm on
*Select A/G Mode
*Select "Off" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector (yes, off - you will still be able to pull the trigger in A/G mode).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6.
*No need for locking with the radar. There is a CCIP in the HUD.
*Set wing sweep to manual and 55 deg.
*Make sure you are high above terrain (e.g. 10000 ft) and initiate a steep dive to 40 degs. Deploy speed brakes in order not to get too fast. Make sure wings are levelled, otherwise the bomb will not hit even though the pipper is on the target (there is currently no vertical bomb fall line implemented in the HUD).
*Release the bomb when the target is within the circle around the bottom of the HUD and before you reach 2000 ft above ground.

Find out what is working for you - it is not that simple.

==Radar Scan Modes==
===Key Bindings===
{{Key press|y}}: Next target

{{Key press|Shift|y}}: Cycle azimuth field width

{{Key press|Shift|u}}: Undesignate (very useful for PAL mode)

{{Key press|i}}: Tilt radar up

{{Key press|Shift|i}}: Tilt radar down

{{Key press|Shift|d}}: Cycle number of bars

{{Key press|Ctrl|n}}: Cycle radar scan modes

{{Key press|d}}: Pilot Auto Lockon mode (PAL) [click {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to exit]

{{Key press|r}}: Single Target Track mode (STT)

{{Key press|Shift|e}} and {{Key press|r}}: Radar range when not in PAL mode.

{{Key press|q}}: Radar standby

===Modes===
Use {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to cycle between radar scan modes (alternatively press the corresponding buttons on the RIO's front console).

'''PD SEARCH''': Has the longest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Will only show targets that has above/below a certain closure-rate. Notchable. Will not show targets altitude or heading.

'''RWS''': Medium RCS sensitivity. Notchable.

'''P SEARCH''': Basically a ground/sea radar. Cannot be notched.

'''PAL''': Scans the area around the HUD, fixed at 10nm range. Automatically enters STT for anything it sees. Note that when in this mode, none of the RIO mode push buttons will lit up.

'''P STT''': Single target track. Cannot be notched, wont produce closure-rate output.

'''PD STT''': Single target track. Can be notched.

'''TWS MAN''': Once a target has been scanned twice within some seconds, groundtrack (headings) is displayed on TID. Only has 2 options for bars/az combinations. Has the shortest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Notchable.

'''TWS AUTO''': Is disabled / does not work.

==== Missile Notes ====

* AIM-7 needs STT mode.

* AIM-9 needs STT mode or TWS mode with something selected. Or radar in standby, then it will lock onto whatever is at bore.

* AIM-54 need either STT or TWS with something selected (in which case it will go active immediately with reduced range).

====How to Notch====
Notching means flying manoeuvrers to make an aircraft less detectable on radar/evade it. It is sometimes called beaming.

If you are flying against an F-14, keep the F-14 on your 3 or 9 o'clock and make sure that seen from the F-14 point of view that he will see terrain behind you.

====Datalink====

Aircraft on datalink that is inside the radar field will be shown on TID (even if radar is standby). Dual seaters should take care to enter same datalink channel.

==Related Information==
{{#ev:youtube|ibHrZyAQ1C4|||A tutorial video explaining how to fire the F-14B's missiles.|frame}}

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-27T13:49:46Z

Vanosten: /* Modes */

This page explains how to operate weapons and the related radar modes for the [[Grumman_F-14_Tomcat|Grumman F-14 Tomcat]].

== Version Warning ==
{{Note|
Be aware that the documentation in this page refers to the development version of the F-14, which is maintained in a [https://github.com/Zaretto/fg-aircraft GitHub repository]. Some features might therefore not be available, if you use the less frequently updated version from [[FGAddon|FGAddon]].
}}

The development of the weapons and radar in the F-14 are related to [https://discord.gg/MBWnqHC4 Operation Red Flag], the premier military aviation organization for the flight simulator FlightGear!

== Weapons Operation ==
NB: Especially for gunning you might want to set SAS Roll to off to prevent the plane from oscillating when using aggressive stick input.

NB: In some new versions of FlightGear, the {{Key press|w}} key is replaced by the {{Key press|m}} key to select weapons.

===M61A1 Vulcan (gun)===
*At startup, the ammunition store is filled with 675 round. There is an option on the '''Fuel and Stores''' dialog in the '''Tomcat Controls''' Menu to allow the gun to be reloaded
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available {{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}. Having the HUD in this mode is not mandatory however when the HUD is in the right mode the guidance symbology will assist with target identification and aiming.
*Select Gun mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}). A pipper, the G symbol with a number showing approximately the remaining rounds x 100 and a closure rate scale are displayed in the HUD. The closure rate scale is active only if a target has been locked ({{Key press|y}}) by the radar with TWS AUTO mode (diamond on the HUD).
*Switch Master Arm on cycle with {{Key press|CTRL-w}}, the X on the G symbol means Master Arm off or in training mode.
* Press {{Key press|e}} to fire the gun.

===AIM-9M Sidewinders===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD light" has 4 sidewinders, "FAD", "FAD heavy" and "Bombcat" have 2 of them.
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available ({{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}).
* Select "SW" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Switch to the RIO view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
*Select pylons 1 and 8, down position, on the Armament panel, on RIO's left console. A shortcut toggles these two switches so you can select or deselect all AIM-9 in one keyboard stroke ({{Key press|Ctrl|m}}) without leaving pilot's view. If you have 4 sidewinders, then after shooting the first 2 you need to toggle the pylons 1 and 8 into the up position.
*Switch back to the pilot's view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
* Switch Master Arm on, you hear the search signal of the seeker head, a low volume buzz sound.
*Now prior to be fired, the AIM-9 must have a lock on a target. Multiplayers, AI aircraft, and AI tankers can be locked (radar lock with {{Key press|y}}). The minimal lock distance is 10 NM, the target must be approximately inside a 80° cone centred on datum line. When locked, the signal buzz volume becomes louder and the 2 red "LOCK" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit. For best results try to shoot ({{Key press|e}}) at a 3 to 6 NM range and with the target centred on the aircraft velocity vector (when the 2 red "SHOOT" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit). The missile will explode at the smaller distance possible. However if this distance is above 70 meters, it will continue its trajectory without guidance.

===AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD" has 2 Sparrows and 4 Phoenix, "FAD light" has 4 Sparrows, "FAD heavy" has 6 Phoenix.
*Select A/A Mode, master arm etc. as with Sidewinders.
*Select "SP-PH" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6 for the pylons below the belly, 1 and 8 under the wing in up position for "FAD" (2 Sparrows, the 2 Sidewinders are selected in the down position of 1/8.
*Obtain a radar lock by using {{Key press|y}} the the next target and {{Key press|Ctrl|y}} the the previous target.
*Launching the missiles is the same as for the Sidewinders, but there is no growling sound and the max shooting range are larger: up to 30+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-7_Sparrow}} and 100+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-54_Phoenix}}.

===Bombs===
NB: only CCIP mode is implemented - and only dumb low-drag unguided bombs - and only single release.
*Select the right weapons' set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "Bombcat" has 4 Mk83 bombs.
*Master arm on
*Select A/G Mode
*Select "Off" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector (yes, off - you will still be able to pull the trigger in A/G mode).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6.
*No need for locking with the radar. There is a CCIP in the HUD.
*Set wing sweep to manual and 55 deg.
*Make sure you are high above terrain (e.g. 10000 ft) and initiate a steep dive to 40 degs. Deploy speed brakes in order not to get too fast. Make sure wings are levelled, otherwise the bomb will not hit even though the pipper is on the target (there is currently no vertical bomb fall line implemented in the HUD).
*Release the bomb when the target is within the circle around the bottom of the HUD and before you reach 2000 ft above ground.

Find out what is working for you - it is not that simple.

==Radar Scan Modes==
===Key Bindings===
{{Key press|y}}: Next target

{{Key press|Shift|y}}: Cycle azimuth field width

{{Key press|Shift|u}}: Undesignate (very useful for PAL mode)

{{Key press|i}}: Tilt radar up

{{Key press|Shift|i}}: Tilt radar down

{{Key press|Shift|d}}: Cycle number of bars

{{Key press|Ctrl|n}}: Cycle radar scan modes

{{Key press|d}}: Pilot Auto Lockon mode (PAL) [click {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to exit]

{{Key press|r}}: Single Target Track mode (STT)

{{Key press|Shift|e}} and {{Key press|r}}: Radar range when not in PAL mode.

{{Key press|q}}: Radar standby

===Modes===
Use {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to cycle between radar scan modes (alternatively press the corresponding buttons on the RIO's front console).

'''PD SEARCH''': Has the longest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Will only show targets that has above/below a certain closure-rate. Notchable. Will not show targets altitude or heading.

'''RWS''': Medium RCS sensitivity. Notchable.

'''P SEARCH''': Basically a ground/sea radar. Cannot be notched.

'''PAL''': Scans the area around the HUD, fixed at 10nm range. Automatically enters STT for anything it sees. Note that when in this mode, none of the RIO mode push buttons will lit up.

'''P STT''': Single target track. Cannot be notched, wont produce closure-rate output.

'''PD STT''': Single target track. Can be notched.

'''TWS MAN''': Once a target has been scanned twice within some seconds, groundtrack (headings) is displayed on TID. Only has 2 options for bars/az combinations. Has the shortest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Notchable.

'''TWS AUTO''': Is disabled / does not work.

==== Missile Notes ====

* AIM-7 needs STT mode.

* AIM-9 needs STT mode or TWS mode with something selected. Or radar in standby, then it will lock onto whatever is at bore.

* AIM-54 need either STT or TWS with something selected (in which case it will go active immediately with reduced range).

====How to Notch====

If you are flying against an F-14, keep the F-14 on your 3 or 9 o'clock and make sure that seen from the F-14 point of view that he will see terrain behind you.

====Datalink====

Aircraft on datalink that is inside the radar field will be shown on TID (even if radar is standby). Dual seaters should take care to enter same datalink channel.

==Related Information==
{{#ev:youtube|ibHrZyAQ1C4|||A tutorial video explaining how to fire the F-14B's missiles.|frame}}

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-27T13:46:29Z

Vanosten: /* Modes */

This page explains how to operate weapons and the related radar modes for the [[Grumman_F-14_Tomcat|Grumman F-14 Tomcat]].

== Version Warning ==
{{Note|
Be aware that the documentation in this page refers to the development version of the F-14, which is maintained in a [https://github.com/Zaretto/fg-aircraft GitHub repository]. Some features might therefore not be available, if you use the less frequently updated version from [[FGAddon|FGAddon]].
}}

The development of the weapons and radar in the F-14 are related to [https://discord.gg/MBWnqHC4 Operation Red Flag], the premier military aviation organization for the flight simulator FlightGear!

== Weapons Operation ==
NB: Especially for gunning you might want to set SAS Roll to off to prevent the plane from oscillating when using aggressive stick input.

NB: In some new versions of FlightGear, the {{Key press|w}} key is replaced by the {{Key press|m}} key to select weapons.

===M61A1 Vulcan (gun)===
*At startup, the ammunition store is filled with 675 round. There is an option on the '''Fuel and Stores''' dialog in the '''Tomcat Controls''' Menu to allow the gun to be reloaded
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available {{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}. Having the HUD in this mode is not mandatory however when the HUD is in the right mode the guidance symbology will assist with target identification and aiming.
*Select Gun mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}). A pipper, the G symbol with a number showing approximately the remaining rounds x 100 and a closure rate scale are displayed in the HUD. The closure rate scale is active only if a target has been locked ({{Key press|y}}) by the radar with TWS AUTO mode (diamond on the HUD).
*Switch Master Arm on cycle with {{Key press|CTRL-w}}, the X on the G symbol means Master Arm off or in training mode.
* Press {{Key press|e}} to fire the gun.

===AIM-9M Sidewinders===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD light" has 4 sidewinders, "FAD", "FAD heavy" and "Bombcat" have 2 of them.
*Select HUD A/A Mode on the Display panel, on pilot's right console. A multikey shortcut is also available ({{Key press|:}}{{Key press|A}}{{Key press|H}}{{Key press|a}}).
* Select "SW" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Switch to the RIO view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
*Select pylons 1 and 8, down position, on the Armament panel, on RIO's left console. A shortcut toggles these two switches so you can select or deselect all AIM-9 in one keyboard stroke ({{Key press|Ctrl|m}}) without leaving pilot's view. If you have 4 sidewinders, then after shooting the first 2 you need to toggle the pylons 1 and 8 into the up position.
*Switch back to the pilot's view ({{Key press|Ctrl|v}}).
* Switch Master Arm on, you hear the search signal of the seeker head, a low volume buzz sound.
*Now prior to be fired, the AIM-9 must have a lock on a target. Multiplayers, AI aircraft, and AI tankers can be locked (radar lock with {{Key press|y}}). The minimal lock distance is 10 NM, the target must be approximately inside a 80° cone centred on datum line. When locked, the signal buzz volume becomes louder and the 2 red "LOCK" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit. For best results try to shoot ({{Key press|e}}) at a 3 to 6 NM range and with the target centred on the aircraft velocity vector (when the 2 red "SHOOT" lights at the top of the canopy frame are lit). The missile will explode at the smaller distance possible. However if this distance is above 70 meters, it will continue its trajectory without guidance.

===AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-54 Phoenix===
*Select a weapons set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "FAD" has 2 Sparrows and 4 Phoenix, "FAD light" has 4 Sparrows, "FAD heavy" has 6 Phoenix.
*Select A/A Mode, master arm etc. as with Sidewinders.
*Select "SP-PH" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector ({{Key press|w}}).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6 for the pylons below the belly, 1 and 8 under the wing in up position for "FAD" (2 Sparrows, the 2 Sidewinders are selected in the down position of 1/8.
*Obtain a radar lock by using {{Key press|y}} the the next target and {{Key press|Ctrl|y}} the the previous target.
*Launching the missiles is the same as for the Sidewinders, but there is no growling sound and the max shooting range are larger: up to 30+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-7_Sparrow}} and 100+ nm for the {{Wikipedia|AIM-54_Phoenix}}.

===Bombs===
NB: only CCIP mode is implemented - and only dumb low-drag unguided bombs - and only single release.
*Select the right weapons' set using the menu: Tomcat Controls > Fuel and Stores: "Bombcat" has 4 Mk83 bombs.
*Master arm on
*Select A/G Mode
*Select "Off" mode with the Stick Weapon Mode Selector (yes, off - you will still be able to pull the trigger in A/G mode).
*Set the appropriate pylons into the up position: 3, 4, 5, 6.
*No need for locking with the radar. There is a CCIP in the HUD.
*Set wing sweep to manual and 55 deg.
*Make sure you are high above terrain (e.g. 10000 ft) and initiate a steep dive to 40 degs. Deploy speed brakes in order not to get too fast. Make sure wings are levelled, otherwise the bomb will not hit even though the pipper is on the target (there is currently no vertical bomb fall line implemented in the HUD).
*Release the bomb when the target is within the circle around the bottom of the HUD and before you reach 2000 ft above ground.

Find out what is working for you - it is not that simple.

==Radar Scan Modes==
===Key Bindings===
{{Key press|y}}: Next target

{{Key press|Shift|y}}: Cycle azimuth field width

{{Key press|Shift|u}}: Undesignate (very useful for PAL mode)

{{Key press|i}}: Tilt radar up

{{Key press|Shift|i}}: Tilt radar down

{{Key press|Shift|d}}: Cycle number of bars

{{Key press|Ctrl|n}}: Cycle radar scan modes

{{Key press|d}}: Pilot Auto Lockon mode (PAL) [click {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to exit]

{{Key press|r}}: Single Target Track mode (STT)

{{Key press|Shift|e}} and {{Key press|r}}: Radar range when not in PAL mode.

{{Key press|q}}: Radar standby

===Modes===
Use {{Key press|Ctrl|n}} to cycle between radar scan modes (alternatively press the corresponding buttons on the RIO's front console).

'''PD SEARCH''': Has the longest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Will only show targets that has above/below a certain closure-rate. Notchable. Will not show targets altitude or heading.

'''RWS''': Medium RCS sensitivity. Notchable.

'''P SEARCH''': Basically a ground/sea radar. Cannot be notched.

'''PAL''': Scans the area around the HUD, fixed at 10nm range. Automatically enters STT for anything it sees. Note that when in this mode, none of the RIO mode push buttons will lit up.

'''P STT''': Single target track. Cannot be notched, wont produce closure-rate output.

'''PD STT''': Single target track. Can be notched.

'''TWS MAN''': Once a target has been scanned twice within some seconds, groundtrack (headings) is displayed on TID. Only has 2 options for bars/az combinations. Has the shortest RCS sensitivity of the modes. Notchable.

==Related Information==
{{#ev:youtube|ibHrZyAQ1C4|||A tutorial video explaining how to fire the F-14B's missiles.|frame}}

Grumman F-14 Tomcat Weapons Operations

2024-01-27T13:44:11Z

Vanosten: /* Radar Scan Modes */