DCS: F/A-18C

[Phantom88 3,284]

****HORNET FAQ**** from Wags****

"DCS: F/A-18C Hornet FAQ
Updated on 4 December 2017

Q: When will the Hornet be released?
A: We will announce the Hornet’s Early Access release date at the same time it becomes available for Pre-Purchase (sorry, no more best-estimates). The Pre-Purchase date will depend on when on when we feel we have stable build of the Hornet that provides the key Early Access features of a PFM flight model; functional engine, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, radio, lighting, caution/advisory, flight control, emergency systems; and the sensor and weapon systems as detailed here:https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php...4&postcount=13

Q: What weapons and sensors will be included?
A: Please consult the detailed list here: https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php...4&postcount=13

Q: Will carrier operations be included?
A: Basic carrier operations will be available at Early Access launch, but they will first be reliant on the carrier operations based on what we have currently for the Su-33. During the Early Access period, more detailed and realistic carrier operations of Case I, II, and III will become available.

Q: What squadrons will be available?
A: At least initially, our focus is on US Navy Hornets. This applies to skins, sensors, and weapons.

Q: Will the Hornet be released with DCS World 2.5?
A: DCS World 2.5 will be available prior to the release of the Hornet.

Q: Prior to release, what’s the best way to get a head start learning this aircraft?
A: In addition to the videos we are providing, we suggest a careful read of the F/A-18 NATOPS. https://publicintelligence.net/u-s-n...light-manuals/

Q: Can I become a Hornet beta tester?
A: Please see our post here: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=50779

Q: Will the Hornet come with a new, highly-detailed Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with new features and functionality never seen before in DCS World?
A: These will be two separate modules, but we plan to provide a bundle deal that includes both. We currently plan a less-detailed version that will be a free part of DCS World.

Note: There is nothing else we can really say about the new carriers at this time.

Q: Will the Hornet release with a manual?
A: The Hornet will release with a Hornet Early Access Guide that will instruct you on how to fly and employ the aircraft. As new features and functions are added during the Early Access phase, the guide will be updated to reflect this.
Upon release of the final product, the full manual will be released.

Q: Will the Hornet be able to share datalink information with the A-10C?
A: Once we implement Link-16, this is something we will certainly explore using the A-10C gateway datalink capability. The A-10C uses SADL, not Link-16.

Q: Will the Hornet be able to communicate with the JTAC?
A: Yes, but this will come after the initial Early Access release.

Q: Will a cockpit-view pilot be provided?
A: Yes, but probably not for the initial Early Access release.

Q: Will nuclear weapons be available for the Hornet?
A: No

Q: Will there be an option for a Hornet with no pylons?
A: Yes, but probably not for Early Access release. That will come later."

[Boomer 1,619]

Thanks for the update.

[Boomer 1,619]

BTW Patrick what is your relationship with ED?  Just curious mind you.

[Phantom88 3,284]

9 hours ago, Boomer said:

BTW Patrick what is your relationship with ED?  Just curious mind you.

None.....just a fan of their product.

[Phantom88 3,284]

***New Hornet Video**in DCS 2.5***

 

 

[Phantom88 3,284]

****Mini Update****       

"

As we continue working on the Hornet’s system needed for a proper cold start video, I’ve put together this little video that shows off the Hornet flying around the updated Caucasus map for DCS World 2.5.

We are at the point that we are satisfied with the caution and advisories for the startup video. They will not be 100% complete, but all the major indications are now in. Last week I wrote the voice over script and handed it over to a couple Hornet pilots to review. While they are pleased with it, they noticed a few missing items. There are several items like setting up the ZTOD and FLBIT that are not mentioned in the NATOPS checklist, but we want to include to be thorough.
Also, for the next video, we plan for it to be more extensive and include pre-flight, startup, taxi, and takeoff.

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this video.

[GHarrall 494]

wow, looks fabulous.

After a few years of learning the A10C, Im still trying to get to grips with flying the spitfire :)

Now we have the Harrier and the Hornet and I don't have time for all this ..........lol

[scottb613 1,188]

4 minutes ago, GHarrall said:

wow, looks fabulous.

After a few years of learning the A10C, Im still trying to get to grips with flying the spitfire :)

Now we have the Harrier and the Hornet and I don't have time for all this ..........lol

LOL - concur - and the F-14 in the works - queue the Top Gun sound track...

Regards,
Scott

[Phantom88 3,284]

****FROM WAGS**** 

"***mini update*** 
"Just a short note today:

As of today, we are at the point where enough of the Hornet systems are functional to make a great, authentic Hornet startup video. I'm starting to create this video today. It will take a few days to complete the video.

Thanks!"

[Boomer 1,619]

Don't need the video. .just an ER.

[jcomm 5,890]

6 hours ago, Boomer said:

Don't need the video. .just an ER.

Hey Boomer !  You'll finally trash P3D :-)  - be Prepared !!!

[Silver_Dragon 411]

F/A-18C Start engine, taxi and Take off by Wags

 

[Boomer 1,619]

"The voice tape takes time to rewind but we can get around that by cycling the battery."

??

Is this accurate to RL?

[Phantom88 3,284]

***Mini Update*** 
"Most of the current work on the Hornet is focused on the air-to-air radar, flight model and Flight Control System (FCS), and defensive systems.

- Range While Search (RWS) radar mode is functional and detecting targets. Functions like antenna elevation, bar, range, and azimuth setting are all functional. There is of course much work to still do on the A/A radar prior to Early Access release.


- The flight model and FCS are undergoing a lot of work to properly simulate both the Up and Away (UA) mode and the Pilot Assist (PA) modes. Both modes have a very different feel. PA mode is critical for landing when the flaps are down and the trim hat controls AoA.


- Initially we planned the ALR-69, ALE-39, and ALQ-126B due to available data. However, we now feel we can do a pretty accurate simulation of the ALE-47 and ALQ-165 systems. This will also involve an update to the cockpit to include the Integrated Countermeasures Control Panel (ICMCP).


- Additionally, work continues on the INS/WYPT system, A/G weapon HUD displays, the EW page, the Azimuth Indicator, additional caution and advisory messages, autopilot modes, improved display fonts, and a better effect for the display of HUD information.


On the art side, we continue to tune both the external model and the cockpit. Let’s see who can first spot the cockpit art change in the attached image.


Also, with the release of the Preflight, Startup, Taxi, and Takeoff video earlier this week, we got some great feedback to further increase the accuracy of our Hornet simulation.


Thanks and have a wonderful holiday!
Matt “Wags” Wagner
Senior Producer, Eagle Dynamics"
 

[Phantom88 3,284]