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DCS: F/A-18C Hornet by Eagle Dynamics


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F/A-18C Hornet Development Progress

We are working on the next update for the Hornet and are happy to announce that the AIM-7P and ADM-141 TALD will be released in the next Open Beta update. We are currently finalizing sparks when firing the gun at night, and have crushed many of the multiplayer mission bugs which were apparent when several Supercarriers are in the mission.

AIM-7P

The AIM-7P is similar in most ways to the M versions. It was primarily an upgrade program. The main changes were to the software and improving low-level performance. A follow-on Block II upgrade added a new rear receiver that allowed the missile to receive mid-course corrections from the launching aircraft. Plans initially called for all M versions to be upgraded, but currently P's are being issued as required.

ADM-141A TALD

Used to help suppress Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems by distracting them with false targets. TALDs can also trick hostile radars into emitting and allowing them to be attacked by Anti-Radiation missiles. They can also be used to confuse hostile air-to-air radar operators. In the first Gulf War, hundreds were launched by A-7s and F/A-18s on the first night of the war. An additional purpose is to act as a target practice for radar-guided air-to-air missiles. In the above screenshot you can see a Hornet carrying TALDs to act as AIM-7 practice targets.


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  • 4 months later...

DCS: Hornet Mini-Updates

As was mentioned in a Viper Mini-Update yesterday, we have also internally implemented multiplayer datalink sharing of radar contacts over the datalink of valid track targets between Hornet players. Earlier, this was limited to only STT targets. This essentially allows players to run radar silent and maintain SA based on flight member datalink sharing.

Attached are a couple of images of this in action with myself and BN. For targets that we both see, you’ll note both bottom and top HAFU symbols, for targets that are outside my scan frame that BN is sending me, they just have the bottom HAFU.

The next step is to implement this for the AI. Once both network and AI track sharing is complete and fully tested, we look forward to bringing to an Open Beta.


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DCS: Hornet Mini-Updates

Following some time off, I’d like to update you on current Hornet tasks and priority tasks following those.

 

  • Current tasks include:
    • Following the substantial update to the Viper flight model and FLCS, the team is now focused on the Hornet flight model and FCS. In parallel,
    • important changes are being made to the landing gear and how it behaves at touchdown / touch and goes. This is the primary Hornet task.
    • Correcting AGM-84D, AGM-84E, and SLAM-ER behavior.
    • GPS-weapon using TOO engagement behavior.
    • Incorrect Velocity Vector confinement error.
    • New and improved pilot model.

 

  • Following the above, priority items include:
    • In parallel with the Viper, tuning air-to-air performance including look-down and search to bug target delay.
    • UFC BU page.


Please note that this is not a 100% inclusive list, but rather the more important highlights.

 

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Phant

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qualcosa del fcs avevano toccato già mi pare. ricordo che ero una frana assoluta nell'appontare il calabrone e non avevo problemi con il 14.
ho lasciato perdere DCS per un paio di mesi causa msfs e poi, una volta tornato, magicamente prendo il terzo cavo spessissimo mentre prima nemmeno lo mettevo giù bene.

appena si estraeva il carrello e flaps andava da tutte le parti, ora invece è mansueto e tranquillo, spero non me lo rendano impossibile di nuovo 🙂

ed msfs proprio non vale come addestramento dato il livello della parte di modello di volo.


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  • 2 months later...

DCS: Hornet Mini-Updates

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2023! As the team prepares for some well-earned time off, here is where we are with the Hornet:

  • Highest priority is on bug fixing. This includes, but it not limited to issues with the Harpoon, SLAM, and SLAM-ER behaviors, ASE dot behavior, etc.
  • We are performing a ground up review of and refactoring of the Hornet flight model and flight control system. This also includes a large update to the landing gear model.
  • New and improved pilot model. Once this is complete, we’ll do the same for the Viper.
  • Refactoring the radar for more accurate performance. Once this is complete, we’ll do the same for the Viper.
  • We’ve updated the ALR-67 to include new functions and symbols.


Following the next Open Beta, tasks include:

  • IAM loft cues.
  • New bomb fuzes like DSU-33 and JPF.
  • MUMI page and DTC. This will follow the Viper DTE page and DTC.
  • A review of MSI functions based on available data for the version we are modeling.


Please note that the above are just the highlights is certainly not 100% inclusive of all planned work.

 

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Phant

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F/A-18C Hornet Development Progress

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Flight Model (FM) and Flight Control System (FCS) Update. Our flight model and FCS have both come a long way and we will continue to enhance flight performance and handling characteristics which will include a complete review of the FM in ground effect. We also plan to refactor landing gear mechanics in order to enhance landing realism as well as touch-and-go behavior.

Radar Update. In parallel with refactoring the Flight Model and FCS, a refactoring of the Hornet radar is well underway. Key elements to address are improving the look-down, PRF, scan azimuth and more in order to offer improved detection and target tracking simulation.

GPS Weapon Lofting. An important weapon delivery option for JDAM and JSOW weapons is the ability to loft for extended range. There are several HUD and HSI changes that we plan to make this year to enable this enhanced delivery profile.

New Pilot Model. Whilst the Hornet already features a cockpit-view pilot model, we are creating a much improved and more realistic model with corrected kit elements, and have more life-like animations.

New Fuzes. Currently, the Hornet bombs only have contact detonation fuzes like the M904 and M905. In 2023 we will be working on new fuzes such as the DSU-33 airburst fuze and the FMU-152 Joint Programmable Fuze (JPF). Unlike other fuzes that must be programmed while the aircraft is on the ground, the JPF allows fuze programming while airborne.

In addition to the cockpit functionality to support these fuzes, changes will also need to be made to the Mission Editor, visual effects, and weapon damage effects to include them. Not a simple task.

Data Transfer Cartridge (DTC) and MUMI Page. After completion of the F-16C DTC, we will begin work on the Hornet DTC and MUMI page that will allow users to preconfigure mission elements like waypoints and their sequences, datalink, countermeasures, weapons, sensors, and more. This is planned for both the Mission Editor and Mission Planner.

ALR-67 Updates. The Hornet will see new symbols and enhancements added to the ALR-67 radar warning receiver. Some of these include emitter jamming, FLIR assignment, HARM assignment, and different radar types.

Carrier INS Alignment. In addition to ground start alignment, we will plan to add aircraft carrier deck alignment that allows the aircraft to align based on aircraft carrier acting as the alignment reference source.

The above are our primary Hornet focus items for 2023, but they are by no means exclusive. We will continue to fix bugs and tune items, light external lights, as needed. Other elements that we plan to work on after the above include the HSI Slew function and further Multi-Source Integration (MSI) options.

 

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Pilot Model Development Progress

We are keen to share the development progress on our new F/A-18C Hornet pilot model. Texturing of all components has been completed and it is now being animated. This will be an authentic recreation of a mid-2000s US Navy Hornet pilot with all of the associated gear and more life-like animations.

We are also working on adding cockpit view F-16C and A-10C II pilots, as well as improving Mi-24P and AH-64D crew animations.


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Interessante articolo di StormBirds

https://stormbirds.blog/2023/03/06/dcs-hornet-in-2023-full-review/

Che fa chiarezza su questo (anche secondo me splendido) modulo.

Non sarà finito ma è già ora (e secondo me in realtà da un bel po’) un modulo da prendere assolutamente. 

Poi ovvio che se non piacciono aerei complessi di quarta generazione può non essere un MustBuy ma in caso contrario è un delitto non averlo.

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F/A-18C Hornet Pilot Model

Progress on the new DCS: F/A-18C Hornet pilot model is coming along well. The final model is undergoing animations that will drastically improve the gestures and idle poses. New ejection animations are also in progress.

The ejection animation of the Hornet has been reworked, and this includes the opening of the parachute, walking and idle animations. The basic poses have been improved to be more natural. Attention was paid to important details like the oxygen mask tube and the parachute lines. The pilot geometry also now matches the one in the cockpit.

Work is underway to integrate the completely new and highly-detailed F/A-18C pilot model for the first-person view, which is important for VR. The source materials were obtained by using 3D scanning technology and objects obtained from photographs. We look forward to sharing more details.

Once the Hornet pilot is complete, the DCS: Mi-24P Hind’s pilot and co-pilot models will be updated. We will also be improving the Viper’s pilot.


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Radar Development Report

We would like to update you on the improvements coming soon to the F-16C and F/A-18C radars, notably realistic target detection and tracking in various operation modes. Phase 1 of this update incorporates more detailed and realistic modeling of the radar waveform that better accounts for reasonable detection range ratios between HPRF and MPRF modes. The model also has an adjustable speedgate option to select the width of the main-beam clutter notch filter, helping to reject or show unwanted targets. Please, note that this will be the initial release of the new radar model, and development will continue in future phases.

Phase 1 of our new radar model for the F-16C and F/A-18C provides more realistic radar target detection and tracking in different modes of operation. It incorporates many new features like signal-to-noise ratio calculations that determine a target’s detection range, signal-to-clutter ratio, and receiver dynamic range calculations. The latter may limit detection of small targets in the presence of strong ground clutter. The new modeling also better accounts for the unique aspects of different waveforms.

For example: Velocity Search (VS) and Range While Search (RWS) both include High Pulse Repetition Frequency (HPRF) waveforms; however, RWS provides range measurement because it uses Frequency Modulation (FM) ranging, that also results in a loss of sensitivity. Our model accounts for such losses, and detection range depends on the type of FM-waveform. Also, HPRF modes can only detect closing targets; detection of low aspect targets are generally limited by strong side-lobe clutter. The Medium Pulse Repetition Frequency (MPRF) mode has eight distinct waveforms. Whereas the use of so many waveforms cause a proportional reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio (thus a reduction in detection range relative to HPRF), it does provide all-aspect target detection aside from beaming targets that may be obscured by main lobe clutter. Phase 1 of our new model accounts for these effects, and faithfully models the detection range ratio between HPRF and MPRF modes.

Another new feature is an adjustable speed gate option. This provides the ability to select the width of the main-beam clutter notch filter that adjusts the threshold of minimal radial velocity that can be detected. This may assist in filtering unwanted, slow targets.

Upon Phase 1 release and tuning, we will implement Phase 2 that will include the effect of radar azimuth and bar settings on detection ranges and the inclusion of more accurate look down radar performance.


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F/A-18C Development Progress

We are pleased to share our progress on the new F/A-18C pilot helmet and oxygen mask models which offer a much higher level of detail and fidelity.

The development of the helmet and facemask models for the F/A-18C Hornet is nearing completion. The updated helmet is a new 3D model that also includes options for JHMCS, sun visor, and night vision goggles. The oxygen facemask has also been updated to be more representative of our 2005 F/A-18C Lot 20. Aspects of this will also benefit other pilot models, like the new upcoming F-16C pilot model.


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F/A-18C Pilot Model Development Progress

A new and improved F/A-18C pilot model is now complete. The next step requires merging it with the new helmet and facemask and then integrating it into the cockpit. Work also continues on the final set of animations that includes idle poses, standard gestures and more.

We are thrilled to present you with the above screenshots of the new F/A-18C pilot’s helmet and facemask. There will be two versions of the helmet. The first is the U.S. Navy JHMCS flight helmet with a Digital EyePiece Night Vision Cueing Display (NVCD) option.

The second is the U.S. Navy HGU-68P flight helmet with AN_AVS-9(V) NVG night vision goggles, via the Banana Mounting adapter option. The Gentex MBA-20AP facemask, with new US Navy microphone, will also be integrated with the helmet.

The helmet will include convenient mapping and a texture template so that you can customize it and add your squadron’s emblems!


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Air-to-Air Radar Improvement

In our previous White Paper regarding Phase 1 of improving the F-16C and F/A-18C radars, we discussed advances in how we calculate detection range based on Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF), average transmitted power, receiver noise figure, antenna area, and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). You can find this White Paper here:

Eagle_Dynamics_Radar_White_Paper_v1 (digitalcombatsimulator.com)

For Phase 2 of radar model update, we will be accounting for the following:

Fluctuation of Target RCS. Real targets have complex shapes, and their linear sizes are often larger than radar wavelength. This means that radar returns from different parts of the airframe may add or cancel each other depending on their relative phase causing the RCS to fluctuate. In our approach, RCS is approximately constant during dwell, but randomly changes from dwell to dwell according to exponential distribution (this approach is known as the Swerling Case I model). This results in non-constant detection range and target detection probability.

Noise Variability. Detection probability will also depend on the noise level, its variability, and the number of Coherent Processing Intervals (CPIs) per dwell. Because the noise level continuously changes, the target may or may not be detected in a particular CPI. For example: There are three CPIs per dwell in HPRF RWS mode, and for successful ranging, the target should be detected in all three CPIs. Obviously, the probability of detection in all three CPIs is lower than the probability of detection in one of three CPIs or in three of eight CPIs (like in MPRF mode). In HPRF Velocity Search mode, Post-Detection Integration (PDI) replaces Frequency Modulation Ranging (FMR). In that mode, signals from three CPIs are summed to make noise fluctuations smaller and thus minimise the probability of false alarms. This allows lower threshold sensitivity and increased detection range without increasing false alarm probability.

Mode-Specific Range and Doppler Resolution. Closely spaced targets may not be resolved individually, and they may be displayed as a single target. Return energy off such targets may fall into a single doppler range bin and result in detection at longer ranges. Velocity resolution depends on CPI duration. So, in HPRF with three CPIs per dwell resolution is better than that in MPRF mode with eight CPIs per dwell (dwell duration is constant, so CPIs are shorter). In RAID mode, up to four CPIs may be merged into one, thus increasing velocity resolution four times. RWS HPRF mode uses linear frequency modulation for ranging, and it has poor range resolution (in order of 2 nm, which improves four times in RAID mode). In MPRF mode, range resolution is defined by range bin size and it is always equal to 150 meters.

Atmospheric Propagation Loss. The atmosphere absorbs radio waves proportional to its density. So, at higher altitudes, detection range is greater than at low altitude.

In summary, the Phase 2 changes provide a more realistic simulation of radar detection probabilities that will have more variable detection ranges, low-quality/spurious detections, more accurate RCS effects, and modelling of radar modes.

In Phase 3 we will focus on false targets, look-down performance, and improved modelling of Single Target Track (STT) mode.


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F/A-18C Update

The F/A-18C has been one of our most popular DCS aircraft as it provides a wealth of game play options and is nearly feature-complete. There are though a number of items that we continue to address that will further improve the realism and attention to detail of this DCS flagship aircraft.

Flight Model
For the past several months, we’ve been improving the flight dynamics of the F/A-18C to represent this aircraft’s unique flight qualities even more accurately. Much of this has been focused on expanding the F/A-18C’s high Angle of Attack (AoA) capabilities by adjusting the stabilizer scheduling. These changes will allow maneuvering up to 50 to 55 AoA, compared to mid-30s earlier. This expanded AoA capability will better allow players to take advantage of the F/A-18Cs outstanding low-speed, high-AoA maneuver capability. Note that this expanded AoA capability can result in a dramatic loss of airspeed, if not careful.

Another important improvement is the handling characteristics in Powered Approach (PA) mode when landing. During landing, you will find achieving and maintaining on-speed AoA easier. This is tied to the flight control system changes.

Nose pitch effects have also been added when the speedbrake is extended and retracted to match the real F/A-18C. Overall aerodynamic damping has also been improved to better match F/A-18C handling characteristics.

Flight Control System
The Flight Control System (FCS) has been completely reworked in all channels, and it provides much improved behavior when switching the control logic system between AUTO flaps mode to HALF\FULL flaps. You will find the transition much smoother with little to no un-commanded pitching moments. This will also make getting on-speed during landings much easier.

Roll characteristics have also been improved to better match the real aircraft with greater stability in the roll and yaw channels. This also applies to improved behavior around the longitudinal axis when taking off.

The yaw channel FCS in PA mode has also been adjusted to improve landing control in a crosswind. In total, the improvements in the FCS will make takeoff and landings much easier.

Landing Gear
The landing gear shock absorbers were adjusted to match documentation and reference videos. The F/A-18C landing gear articulation is a complex and dynamic process that is accurately modeled for carrier recoveries and touch-and-go. This change also provides improved landing control in a crosswind and addresses excessive G loads when landing. Whilst greatly improved, we will continue to tune this mechanic to allow even more accurate nosewheel touch-and-go behavior to allow lower airspeed rotation.

In addition to the landing gear mechanisms, the tires have also been adjusted to provide more authentic friction forces that will be apparent in crosswind takeoff and landings.

Engine
Engine transition thrust time was adjusted to be more accurate between afterburner and MIL thrust modes. The engine transition time is now faster from afterburner to idle. This allows you to reduce airspeed when cutting the engines to idle more quickly.

Autopilot
F/A-18C autopilot operation has been improved by tuning its behavior when initiating an altitude hold mode whilst the aircraft is unbalanced. The updated autopilot also improves holding the set altitude when in a roll and initiating an altitude hold mode. Before, you would often lose or gain hundreds of feet. Last, the autopilot control is much smoother when transitioning through waypoints in coupled mode.

Automatic Carrier Landing System
When activating the Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) in coupled mode, the autopilot will use smoother and improved approach behavior.


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