After nine articles discussing some features of the APQ-120, air-to-air and AIM-7 employment, I went back to comments and feedback and noticed how several players struggle with the F-4E in the air-to-air arena. This article discusses some “macro issues” players may encounter whilst playing in the Phantom II.
The F-4E allows the WSO to take over tracking responsibilities. This application was very marginal in real life, but in DCS, it enables, for example, medium-range engagements versus jamming targets with powerful ECM devices up to circa 30nm.
In normal employment scenarios, an STT radar lockon provides the AIM-7 Sparrow with the necessary information about the target to track and hopefully hit it. However, there are situations where obtaining the lock is not immediate or feasible. The F-4E has several tools for such complex cases, from the Stab switch to CAA or manual employment. This article discusses Boresight mode.
Part II of the F-4E Air-to-Air series discussed how the Aim Dot is a tool capable of easing the positioning of the fighter when intercepting a target. This article introduces another instrument available to the crew, useful in specific situations: VISIDENT.
The Chaff is one of the oldest forms of conventional countermeasures created. Its representation in DCS is hugely simplified, but Heatblur has implemented some effects on the APQ-120 radar.
The F-4E provides a quick and immediate means of appropriately positioning the Phantom II in the form of the Aim Dot.
Once acquired, this tool can benefit all players who are less interested in angles and numbers but want to get the job done.
