*** Posted by FAULKEN ***
Thank you for the quick response, but.....

I guess what I'm really asking is this: The HUD symbology for Steerpoints is a small diamond, and what I would like to know is if a similar type of symbol (i.e. a Target Designation, TD box )is displayed on the HUD of the real jet for a locked ground target while in CCIP mode?

Relying on a visual for bombing runs from 15,000 to 20,000, or through clouds is tough; I would have to imagine that some type of symbology is utilized in the real jet to ease the burden of acquiring a Tally on the ground target.

Again to date I have not witnessed any type of TD style box for a locked target while in CCIP mode, CCRP is a different matter all together and might be the mode of choice for a high(er) altitude attack profile. EF2000 had this feature...completely different jet and SIM, I know, but...

As you may already know it is nice to stay above 10K when there a SA-7's in the area. I try to keep my release as close to 10K as possible when dropping dumb/or CBU bombs. If there was some type of symbology in the real jet (unclassified of course) we should petition Microprose to add this to F4. I am lucky enough to be in the outside beta testing program (not sure if that will help or not), and might take this up with them if the real jet has this feature.

Now I apologize for the length of this post.

FAULKEN


[Hello Faulken,

The weapons delivery system in F4 is very similar to the real jet apart from some points. Firstly I want to point out what is missing in F4 as opposed to the real F-16.

Firstly, in the real jet the pilot can simulate a weapons delivery check and other checks to make sure his weapons and systems are working correctly. He can even simulate a roll in without turning the jet to see how fast the computer can lock-up a target under the present conditions. I know F-16 A's have slightly different systems with regards to the bombing, but that's not too important at this time.

Secondly, the real weapons perameters are still classified but they will not be too different to F4. The only part that has recently been declassified from the weapons is the real Aim-9 growl, which you can now DL for the sim.

Ok so you want to know if locking-up the target in the real jet in GM (Ground Map) or GMT (Ground moving Target) mode displays the same symbology as Falcon 4? Well the answer is yes! If you are in CCIP (Continuously, Computed, Impact, Point) mode. You will see the targets visually and on the MFD (Multi Function Display) and in your HUD (Heads Up Display) if your flying in the direction of the target. The targets should be around the IP marker so you will have to start looking hard to find them in F4, becuase like real life they may be difficult to spot at altitude, look for dust being kicked up for moving targets and check the TWS for static targets it will give you a rough idea of where they are as well as looking on the MFD to help your combat situational awareness (very important to know what's going on around you).

The small circle at the bottom end of the bomb fall line is called the "Pipper". This is your guide to "Pickle" the targets. When making a bombing run keep the the plane on a steady course to the target. In a real F-16 you may have to deal with cross winds when bombing making this a bit harder, it's a shame they did not simulate this in the sim. Keep the nose down slightly when you come in on the target and let the Pipper creep up the bomb fall line to the target, this will ensure accuracy when bombing, as in the real jet. So when you "visually" see your target like a runway or aircraft bunker (depending on armament), place the Pipper over the target and pickle the target (hold down the fire button). Remember though that is is very important to keep the plane steady at this point because the computer is still calculating the right time to release! Try to ignore the bomb fall line and the Pipper when rolling in, concentrate on getting the gun cross close to the aim off point. This means you will be flying in the target/s direction anyway.

Sorry for this being long but as you can see there's alot more to bombing than meets the eye!

Regards

Rapier]