Maverick targeting Bug in 1.01, 1.06, 1.07..

Hi guys,

In the DCS Warthog flight manual, and in the DCS simulation itself, Maverick missiles are targeted by slewing the crosshair 'gate' over a target in the Maverick missile's viewscreen, then letting the imaging system automatically lock onto the contrasting elements of a potential target. This is how the Maverick's targeting system works in real-life and is very realistic in the simulation. However, in the DCS simulation, the pointing cross (representing the missile's aspect to the target) flashes when a target is locked by the method described above. This is not correct behavior according to sources I've come across.

In real-life I believe a flashing pointing cross on the cockpit Maverick display indicates either a bad lock or a bad aspect ratio that is out of launch parameter specifications. According to Keith Rosenkrantz, former F-16 pilot and author of the book "Vipers in the Storm", the following real-world Maverick targeting behavior is as follows:

"The pointing cross must be steady. Once a lock-on has been achieved, the 'good lock' algorithm analyzes the target for size and apparent Delta-T requirements. If the target meets the minimum requirements and the seeker look-angle is within the keyhole, the pointing cross will remain steady. If it's flashing, the missile will break-lock after it's launched."

Keith also mentions in "Vipers in the Storm" that you never really knew if the Maverick was actually successfully locked unto a target until you fired the missile and it scored a successful hit. :cry: In real-life, according to Keith, the Maverick display never gave you a 'hard-lock' indication, you just had to observe the tracking gate appearing to successfully stay on the target in the Maverick display, and that you were both in range and the pointing cross was remaining steady.

In his book, Keith describes instances in actual combat over Iraq where he observed the Maverick missile tracking gate successfully staying over a target on the cockpit display, but sometime still experiencing a flashing pointing cross and being unable to fire the missile.

So, in short, a flashing pointing cross in real-life indicates a bad firing solution, whilst a steady cross means things are good to go.

Just thought I'd share this with you all. :noexpression:

mis-read your post, my mistake

What your seeing in those videos is a STEADY pointing cross before any missiles are actually fired. ED did a wonderful job with the sim, truly. The Maverick employment is regards to the pointing cross, however, is incorrect. People make honest mistakes. :)

This quote from an actual USAF training guide,

" A flashing Pointing Cross in the Weapon MPD indicates that because

of the current geometry to the target, there is a chance the missile

may break lock when launched. For best results, ensure the pointing

cross is not flashing before firing the missile."

Just wondering too, did you think I made up all of the above information in my original post? :) Google is your friend

Just wondering too, did you think I made up all of the above information in my original post? :) Google is your friend

Yes, it did seem like you were lying and just making things up :)

just kidding, actually I overlooked that you were referring to the cue in the display and not the crosshair itself

I guess I might as well edit the video link back in, as it reenforces your point:D

Just wondering if this will ever be acknowledged or if I should report it in another way.

As I recall it, people with RL experience or access to RL documentation confirmed this bug numerous times. It would certainly be nice if it was fixed. Not sure if it's actually reported internally, though. Let's hope Bignewy or someone with access to the bugtracker can take a look and report back.

I just noticed I posted in the old thread. I had made a new one as to not bump a thread this old, yet still valid.

Anyway, it wasn't my intent :)

As I am learning A-10C and have watched many videos as an experienced BMS F-16 virtual pilot I've always wondered why the hell are people launching mavericks in tutorials with flashing cross meaning it will probably miss, now I know - I hope it gets fixed.