F-14 Air to Air Tutorials

DD_Fenrir · April 11, 2019

Some resources specific to getting lock on dem pesky MiGs in the Cat:

Long range for AIM-54 Phoenix:

The RIO has full control of the radar in this mode. The RIO should be in TWS mode (Track While Scan).

Jester will be in 'TWS Auto' as a default.

Make sure as pilot your "MSL PREP" switch is ON, and has been for 2 MIN before attempting to launch.

Ensure your Horizontal Situation Display Indicator (HSD) [lower of your two TV screens] is set to TID - use the square topped switch on your right vertical panel by your right virtual knee; it needs to be in the middle position.

This offers no control of the radar; it is simply repeating the Radar display that your RIO/Jester is currently manipulating.

Hide your Control Stick to get better visibility of the TID. Default keybinding is 'Backspace'.

Select your Phoenix missiles by pressing your "Weapon Select UP" switch till you see Sparrow (SP) in your HUD. Then press "Weapon Select PRESS" - note, NOT "Weapon Select DOWN". You should then see see Phoenix (PH) in your HUD and a number below indicating how many of them you have loaded currently.

Flick the Master Arm Safety cover up (right click the red-white switch cover on the right hand side of the ACM panel immediately below the HUD) then switch the Master Arm Switch itself to "ON" with a right-click.

Jester will call any bogeys/bandits/friendlies detected in the field of view of the radar. He will also try to identify unknowns via IFF.

Range is indicated by the dashed lines. Each represents 20 nm, as do the gaps between.

Friendlies will have a ̑ symbol above the contact dot.

Unknowns will have a ͆ symbol above the contact dot.

Hostiles will have a ˆsymbol above the contact dot.

Numeral to the left of the contact dot indicates altitude:

0 = 0 - 4,999ft

1 = 5,000 - 14,999ft

2 = 15,000 - 24,999ft

3 = 25,000 - 34,999ft

.. and so on.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LOCK ANYTHING AT THIS STAGE.

The Weapon Control System (WCS) will automatically start assigning target priority numbers to unknown or hostile contacts. These will appear to the right of the contact dot. They will number as many Phoenixes as you have aboard the aircraft.

These targets are all being tracked and are, for want of a better word, soft locked. You do not have to enter any further key inputs.

As soon as the target is within maximum theoretical range it will start to flash and you will see a "HOT TRIGGER" light lit on the ACM panel immediately below the HUD. DO NOT FIRE AT THIS POINT. Unless your going 1000mph at 40,000ft and your target is a huge lumbering bomber/transport that can't manoeuvre a damn, you'll be wasting a shot.

Let the target(s) get under 40nm (25-30 is best) and then press the trigger - NOT the pickle button - for 1 second to release the first AIM-54 at the first priority target. IT WILL TAKE 2-3 SECONDS TO COME AWAY AS THERE'S A LOTTA SHIT GOING ON! The "HOT TRIGGER" light will extinguish.

The priority one target symbol on the TID will change from number 1 to a countdown indicating the missiles Time of Flight.

Wait a mo and the "HOT TRIGGER" light will re-light letting you know that Phoenix 2 is ready to fire and will be assigned to the no. 2 prioritised target. Press the trigger for 1 second to release it. Again it will take a few seconds before the missile leaves the aircraft.

Rinse repeat until all your Phoenixes are gone.

Select your Sparrow missiles with "Weapon Select PRESS" (SP in your HUD) and get ready to pick up any stragglers with PAL lock... see below.

Under 20 nautical miles: