Black Aces Message Board

Since DCS v2.5.6, we have been able to mount targeting pods on a 'cheek' fuselage station on the Hornet. Knowledgeable parties (Trim) tell us that in the real world, having the targeting pod installed on that station is pretty much normal for all F/A-18 sorties, regardless of tasking. In other words, even if not a ground strike mission, it's not worth the time and effort to remove the pod, so it's pretty much there for all aircraft, all missions.

Accordingly, a targeting pod on the fuselage station will now be the standard Hornet configuration for all VFA-41 flights.

Mission builders should make this default when able. When not, pilots will place the targeting pod when arming their aircraft.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since the release of DCS v2.7, the ATFLIR has proven itself to be functional and reliable. Additionally, it is more realistic that carrying the Litening pod as it was never used for carrier ops.

Accordingly, and effective immediately, the targeting pod will be the ATFLIR.

Mission builders: please add ATFLIR as the standard loadout for all Hornets in squadron missions.

Pilots: if you get into a mission in a Hornet that does not have ATFLIR aboard, place it aboard.

All hornets on the training range mission have been changed to carry the ATFLIR by default.