Auto bombing mode

HUD designations can be done sort of in the Sim at present but the mechanization is incorrect.

In the SIM you currently need the ARM Master on to be able to Designate with the pickle switch. This is incorrect the ARM master has nothing to do with designations. In addition anytime you designate anything the WYPT button on the HI will read TGT and be boxed (at present with a HUD designation it stays as WYPT.) with the TD diamond displayed on the map at the TGT position.

IRL there are 2 variants of the HUD designation, one related to AUTO weapons delivery and the other to straight out designation of anything that can be done in AG or NAV master modes and uses the TDC not the Pickle button.

HUD RETICLE DESIGNATION (Pickle button)

This is associated with AG mode and weapon release. With the TDC assigned to the HUD (dot in VV) and AUTO the current programmed delivery mode the designation reticle is displayed at the VV position or depressed at 7.5degrees if current dive angle <7.5deg. The pilot flies the reticle pipper to the point of interest and presses (and holds) the pickle button the TD diamond appears AUTO symbology appears and the pilot completes the release, operationally this is referred to as "AUTO POINT BLANK" and is generally used for Dive or Dive Toss delivery's.

HUD TD DESIGNATION (TDC)

This is available in AG modes and NAV modes. To designate first ensure the TDC is assigned to the HUD (dot in VV). To get the designation working press and release the TDC. A segmented TD diamond will appear in the HUD ... exactly where follows a protocol ... in its most basic form the TD diamond will appear at the VV if Dive angle ?7.5 degress if <7.5 degrees it will be displayed at 7.5 degrees. Once you have the segmented TD diamond displayed you can no action slew as required. Again WYPT on the HI will become a boxed TGT.

Great stuff. Quick question if I may: If you're in Auto mode with tgt. locked and fire solution ready and you decide to unlock using a pinky switch. Does it go CCIP mode (AGR ranging if ground radar was used)? I vaguely remember something like this from the Superbug sim.

You mean undesignate :) If CCIP is the underlying PROG mode when you undesignate then Yes you will get CCIP symbology. If you entered AUTO by way of AUTO as your PROG mode it will revert to Undesignated AUTO with a "designation" reticle at the VV position if current Dive angle is >7.5 deg or if less a Reticle at 7.5 deg with Chain line to VV..... waiting for you to redsignate.

So if you want the Flexibility of CCIP to be there immediately on undesignation then you should set your PROG mode to CCIP. If you designate you go straight into AUTO (though CCIP will still be shown on the SMS display as your PROG mode).

If the TDC is assigned to the HUD AGR should always be in operation (if you dont have a Pod of LST )

Thanks ivanK,

Now it all makes sense and slowly starts seeping into my cranium.