Three flights of F/A-18 Hornets departed the carrier to attack three different types of ground targets (SAMs, moving ground targets, structures) with various weapons (HARM, MAVE/F, LGB, JSOW, JDAM, Iron Bombs). Fortunately, all sensors and weapons systems appeared to function normally (at least as functional as they were under 2.8). Several graphical and texture anomalies were noted, as were some undesired effects with the ship's TACAN as noted below. Further testing will be required to determine if they are consistent issues, or were isolated to this particular mission/map.
After a thorough post-flight discussion, it was determined that operations can continue under DCS OB2.9 while the noted issues are further evaluated and/or addressed by Eagle Dynamics.
- Various "shimmering" textures both on the carrier and airborne. A-A refueling basket and LSO platform related textures were particularly affected, but also affected other aircraft and deck personnel when viewed from both cockpit and external views.
- Several pilots noted a distinct lack of "resistance" when taxiing over the catapult shuttle after the holdback bar was attached, or seemingly less friction on the carrier deck in general.
- Strange "phantom" TACAN anomaly appeared to exist between the CVN's tacan (73X) and KAD VOR (Beiruit). Particuarly odd because, KAD is VOR only and should have no TACAN/DME component. Multiple pilots observed their instruments randomly switching between "CVN" and "KAD" and the DME values either freezing, counting up, or counting down without explanation. At some points, the TACAN symbol on the HSI appeared to be located off the coast, halfway between Beiruit and the CVN. Sometimes the issue was resolved by cycling TACAN off and back on through the HSI.
- Possibly related, but when a TACAN course was selected on the HSI, the resulting bearing line representation on the HSI appeared to be off by quite a bit. Attempting to follow a 018 course that was the ship's verified BRC, resulted in aircraft approaching the ship from approximately 20 degrees off on the starboard quarter Further testing required on other missions/maps to see if this is a global issue.
DEALER 1
Trim - CTD enroute to target
Chaos - Shot down over target by AAA
Shaft - Ground Targets, Trapped
DEALER 2
Lion - Ground Targets, Trapped
Maniac - Ground Targets, Trapped
Crash - Ground Targets, Trapped
DEALER 3
Mr. Bean - Ground Targets, Trapped
Rhino - Ground Targets, Trapped
Sabot - Trapped
