DCS F/A-18C Hornet Countermeasures Tutorial

[@mackan072]

You've set the bar incredibly high for DCS tutorials - great work as always

[@skunk71]

Can always count on RedKite to provide the single most needed tutorial at any given time. Was looking all over for this help! I had everything right for Bypass setting except Master Arm! Was driving me insane! As always, thanks RedKite for yet another no-nonsense resource.

[@RedKiteRender]

Thanks SkunkWorks, i've seen a lot of people make that same mistake!

[@angrymediasmily9041]

thank god finally a dcs F18 Countermeasures Tutorial FINALLY

[@javarenas]

I know right! For the life of me I could not figure it out lol.

[@petervitale4431]

I kinda wish they qould put another one out as soon as it goes full release for counter measures and radar as well. All of these tutorials have non-functioning buttons that would be good to learn about.

[@marklopez936]

Ladies and Gentlemen! He is on a roll. Nothing can stop the RedKite. Thanks for demystifying yet another system.This is really important information to help one stay alive. And as always, but there is MORE. The link provides RWR legend. Well Done SIR.

[@livingthedream0527]

I went to bed hoping... NO praying you'd make one of these. Sir you are a mind reader!

[@Cpt.Goose0]

Awesome video, I just learned so much about a system I was using 1/3 of it's potential prior to this. Keep up the videos, all the facts, no fill and great speed and explanation. Would love to see more videos covering specific systems just like this.

[@RedKiteRender]

I'm happy to hear suggestions for future tutorials though naturally between early access and personal time there's only so much i can show you guys.

[@RedKiteRender]

It should be noted that further information, or debate on the matter has come forth since recording this. It appears that the manual, may be correct and the game in-correct! still lacking concrete information at this time, I'l keep you guys posted. The original update video i produced is available here. So there is an issue with the Official Manual for the DCS F/A-18C hornet at present. I've addressed this in an update video about the Countermeasures system. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4fZc32crJelq5I

[@marshallneal1923]

Thank you for this helpful tutorial!

[@MrPhantom453]

A picture (or video ) is worth a thousand words. Thanks RedKite, another very helpful video.

[@RedKiteRender]

Cheers Phantom

[@indyjons321]

RedKite has BY FAR, the best tutorials..... Easy to understand, and all in a relatively short amount of time. VERY efficient. Well made. F-14 systems some time I hope?

[@christiangruetter4832]

Thank you Redkite. What a great tutorial! This is the first I‘ve seen from you and I really like your style of doing it: great footage and a perfectly timed and calm voice overs. Outstanding. Subscribed.

[@RedKiteRender]

Thanks Christian!

[@aitor47]

I just discovered your channel and boy is it good! Thanks for all these tutorials mate, they really help! I-m going to binge them all. subscribed and liked

[@Akiweb92]

By far the best tutorial about countermeasures for F/A-18C on youtube! Thanks dude.

[@seannieuwenhoven6700]

thank you i never leave comments but this was a no nonsense tutorial, well done

[@RedKiteRender]

Thank you Sean! I've gotten tired of rambling tutorials and decided i'd do something about it myself :)

[@ScoobyDOOBeeDo1]

Another seriously good video and very clear explanation, thank you on behalf of all dcs pilots. Keep up the good work

[@ParCosta]

Learning the Hornet by you. Keep those videos coming. thank you!

[@seagav8923]

Your tutorials are the all-around best concerning DCS. Easy to follow. Step by step. Concise. Great clear audio. Keep up the good work. Please cover every system lol

[@RedKiteRender]

Thanks Sea gav, I've been unwell of late, but i hope to cover most of the hornet as i find time to.

[@skypiratez]

Thank you Sir! Excellent.. keep em coming, now you are my official single source for F18 tutorials ")

[@Dcook85]

Seriously man. This video was AWESOME. SO straight forward, to the point and easy to understand. Subbed!

[@benyau2949]

Playing around with this and couldn't figure it out. Now I'm all like "ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh"

[@RedKiteRender]

Glad it's cleared things up for you.

[@likelike344]

I was looking for this! Thx

[@latavish]

this is an excellent guide! Please do more "how to" videos!

[@RedKiteRender]

I'm sure there will be more in the future :)

[@jeremymotz4667]

What do you mean by pushing it forward 0:19

[@FuriouslyFurious]

Another well produced informative video. Thanks!

[@kylania]

Thanks so much for this video, it's very very helpful!

[@ZoeSummers1701A]

As usual - brilliant, thorough and clear.

[@benji41189]

Thanks again RedKite, simple video but just the ticket. Might not get shot down as much.... maybe.

[@btaylo24]

Your tutorials are the best!

[@duria0115]

Very nice video. and I have added subtitle in Korean. So Korean can get take this video more easily. Thank you again

[@RedKiteRender]

Thank you!

[@GunniesLetsFlyVFR]

Just a note. Master Arm does not safe countermeasures. They can be ejected on the ground. Ive seen it happen. I worked on these systems in my younger days. :) Nice video.

[@RedKiteRender]

Actually, on the DCS simulation it does, I'm surprised it's possible to eject countermeasures on the ground!

[@GunniesLetsFlyVFR]

Hi mate. Great vid .. Im a weapons tech and worked on the F18 and many others .... the master arm in all aircraft does not stop the flares and chaff systems. This may be a DCS issue. ;) FYI.

[@RedKiteRender]

Thanks Gunnie! yes i've heard that before and found it weird myself. It's a quirk of DCS, hopefully it'l get patched later.

[@damsonn]

Another useful guide, thanks RedKite!

[@seigfreid123100]

Doing God's work my dude

[@bsdude010]

Exactly what I needed. Thank you.

[@epoch71]

As always, clear, concise and very well explained. Thank you.

[@fisgasfighties]

Extremely helpful as usual, thank you!

[@thev-eh]

Thank you very much for this video. It greatly helped me with my countermeasures, rwr and ew!

[@safiuddin1997]

I LOVE YOU REDKITE!

[@ericdecker7771]

This video helped me so much! Awesome content!

[@jeubby5614]

RedKite: Thank you Sir and Keep Up the Great Work. VERY HELPFUL!!!

[@BacchusZA]

A very useful & informative video, thank you.

[@EcliPsMonKey]

Fantastic vid, really informative and much appreciated :)

[@vilchez2000]

Finally i found it... Thanks from Spain!

[@TiramisuCorleone]

Best tutorials in the internet!

[@RedKiteRender]

Thanks!

[@airsteve65]

Hope you will do a Radar Tutorial soon! Thx for this!

[@RedKiteRender]

I'l get to the radar at some point, im waiting for it to improve a little.

[@samivwow]

Good stuff, the more and more I get into the Hornet and the same back when I ws trying out BMS... I just don't understand why would anyone design an aircraft (system, HOTAS wise) which is not based on the A-10C layout. But I guess the A-10C layout came out a lot later compared to these systems. The A-10C just has the systems, pages, CMS, HOTAS so much more conveniently placed

[@RedKiteRender]

Yeah the F-16 and A-10 are much nicer to operate the displays.

[@samivwow]

I'd go as further as A-10 > the rest (maybe the F-22/F-35 can beat it :D and the Rhino)

[@Fercyful]

Thanks for doing these outstanding and clear videos! (+Updates)

[@speed1966100]

Best Tutorials so far.Thanks.

[@Kev376]

So countermeasures forward is always program 5 and countermeasures aft is always pprogram 1?

[@axiis1301]

Awesome, now I won't have to guess when I'm being locked on to

[@IgkuitBBswm]

Excellent vid! I have a question, though. If the countermeasures are set to Auto, how does it know that an IR launch has happened?

[@elite76]

Thanks for this. Very well put together.

[@cutlass6332]

Thanks redkite awesome no nonsense advice well received. Will you make a custom knee board for the 18 like you did for the harrier?

[@RedKiteRender]

I've been working on a kneeboard though it's not where i'd like it to be for public release yet

[@talocan1986]

What did I wrong? In your video at 1:32 it shows EW. For me in the game it shows always EW OFF. I did the procedure as shown in the video.

[@RedKiteRender]

Did you switch on the systems during start up? (hotstarts miss the power for the rwr system for example)

[@DGalzak]

are there any differences between the f-18 and su-33 countermeasure systems working diffrently? i.e flare temperatures, chaff effective area

[@falanglao01]

Thx for this detailed tutorial! Keep up the good work. Great style, competent + calm. I just didn't get whats going to get implemented during full release - additional dispensers?

[@RedKiteRender]

There are additional bays for what's referred to as Gen-X expendables these are special deployable ecm's and decoys that'l really change how we see countermeasures in dcs when they're implemented.

[@falanglao01]

Thx, I'll do some more research into the F-18. I wasn't sure if buying such a high-fidelity module was the right choice for me - given the limitations of my system: using an i7-4770 (could do overclocking but so far no), recently got myself a better graphics card for free - Gforce 970 lol... + 8mb RAM for free, now running it with 24MB... I have 2 SSDs and TrackIR5 pro but my HOTAS is the main limitation currently: Thrustmaster Hotas X- has only very few buttons so I use keyboard + mouse a lot. Works for single player and F5E + FC3 modules thpugh! But now I am starting to enjoy the Hornet already! Very easy to handle, 2nd carrier landing attempt trapped No2 wire successfully after a bolter! Tanking unsuccessful so far but I'll learn it eventually...

[@Dennree99]

Keep it up man. The learning curve is part of the fun.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

I just came back after years to see if I was doing something wrong - and I didn't. CMS FWD isn't firing program 5 for me anymore... is it a bug or a feature?

[@88fr33man]

thx mate couldnt find the CM Program Page!

[@tve5614]

Do you know if there is a knob or keybinding?

[@8kidd8]

Thank you for the tutorial!

[@renstillmann]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but why would I want it to set to "Bypass" if it disables the system? What does it mean/do exactly. It seems in your video you have set it to "On" at all times.

[@RedKiteRender]

disables the CMS system not the dispensers. So it won't run any of the programs, instead dropping one chaff or flare depending on direction pressed. So if the program selected is bad, or the system isn't working right you can quickly bypass it to regain controls of countermeasures.

[@renstillmann]

@@RedKiteRender Thanks for explaining, this "game" is insane. I installed it last week and was hooked instantly. Your videos are very helpful 🙏 Currently I am playing without a HOTAS, I play in VR with 2 controllers. I press all buttons and switches with my hands inside the cockpit, so the only things I have to bind are all HOTAS controls. I am trying to create a scheme for multi layer buttons control with the help of OpenVR2Keys, because the amount of buttons are limited on VR controllers in general.

[@kirrasdad]

You MUST tell me how your graphics on DCS are so sharp! What are your settings and hardware?

[@RedKiteRender]

kzbin.infoabout Most settings are on their highest, im also using nvidia AA at the moment.

[@Cpt.Goose0]

I'm having trouble getting the BIT test on the ECM. I don't see the lights by the MC saying Go/No Go. Nothing is lit up during test or operation (if it is). What am I missing? I turn the dial to STBY, BIT, XMIT nothing shows on any of them.

[@RedKiteRender]

I'm not 100% sure it's working completely, these tutorials are made from a mixture of official dcs manual, natops and tactical documents for the real aircraft. If the RWR displays correctly and plays the tones during test you can assume it's functional for the moment.

[@Dustinhas8]

You are my hero.

[@robertcurtis1191]

Hey Redkite, any chance on an automatic throttle control tutorial? The cruise mode seems to be pretty straight forward but the landing modes are alluding me.

[@RedKiteRender]

The ATC will hold your mach number, or attempt to hold your on speed aoa for approaches(with gear down), however, it seems the aoa hold function of ATC is not working at the moment, it always puts me into a death dive.

[@robertcurtis1191]

Yeah, me too. I thought it was something I was doing. Should be cool when implemented though. Thanks for the reply.

[@That_Montage_Nerd]

Redkite, my jammer isn't turning on, and nothing I can find online is helping me figure it out. I'll turn the switch to standby, and there are no indications that it is receiving power. Please help

[@RedKiteRender]

The Jammer is not yet implemented, so does not actually function. It'l behave has stated in this video, when it's eventually added.

[@KZAKVO]

Thanks for excellent tutorial. Subscribed.

[@alexl7989]

This video will be responsible for saving my butt in many future dogfights! +1 sub!

[@DD-sw1dd]

I'm guessing the red slap switch countermeasure button next to the throttle isn't modeled yet.

[@RedKiteRender]

Correct, you can push it but nothing will happen for the moment.

[@robstone7325]

where do I find the official Manual for the f/A-18C I bought the module

[@RedKiteRender]

D:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\FA-18C\Doc\ adjust to fit your install directory, the manual is including inside the download the game makes.

[@Galf506]

How to bind this properly? There's two CM buttons: aft, fwd, and just plain "countermeasures dispense". If I bind and press the regular "countermeasures dispense" button, the aircraft slowly dumps all my countermeasures with no way to stop it. What's up with that?

[@RedKiteRender]

The Countermeasures dispense button, is the Panic button, it's intended for use when the pilot is confused and in a dangerous situation, it'l drop flares and chaff usually until out, so the pilot can focus on getting the hell out of there in a hurry. You'l want to use Aft and Fwd normally. Their function is defined by the CMS settings as explained in the video.

[@Galf506]

@@RedKiteRender thank you, I re-read and rewatched everything, got it. Only confusion comes from the controls page, the "dispense" button should be labeled "panic dispense" maybe!

[@jonnie2bad]

there is no way to change program parameters on the ground? I cant get ALE-47 to activate on the ground where I can even get to those programs

[@RedKiteRender]

Got to be in the air to program it. In reality its configured on the data cartridge prior to getting in the jet. There is another method, that i shall cover in a video sometime soon when i get the time.

[@kebabit707]

how many flares do you have? i flared like 5 times and ran out

[@javarenas]

Hey man awesome content! Do you think you will make more videos? If so can you make a playlist so its easier for us to find your F/A-18 videos? thanks again dude!

[@RedKiteRender]

I'l put my videos into a playlist tonight, more hornet videos are coming :)

[@javarenas]

RedKite thanks dude!!

[@Karlsmarten]

What does continuous wave mean? Couldnt CW and SAM be the same?

[@RedKiteRender]

It's just the type of radar, older types broadcast in pulses, then wait for the response, CW listen and send at the same time so they update faster.

[@nathanaelgodson3994]

When i try to turn the ECM System on nothing happens. It doesnt go into standby and non of the lights on the top light up at all. Is there something i missed?

[@RedKiteRender]

The Self defence jammer is not currently implemented, i included basic instructions here to help keep the video future proofed.

[@nathanaelgodson3994]

Ahh okay Gotit, thanks :)

[@sfctw1]

Awesome guide! But is it just me or are the CMs a bit weak on the numbers? Kinda like the M2KC

[@RedKiteRender]

Countermeasure bays are pretty big and induce drag. Being small, highly manoeuvrable aircraft it's generally accepted that they use their other strengths to avoid missiles. Aircraft like the Harrier and Hog are expected to maintain close air support for long periods and have a large supply of countermeasures to allow for this. The mission profile of a hornet is much more about striking their targets often from high altitude and getting out of there quickly. It's certainly less countermeasures than i'd like but, it'l do the job, you can often defeat threats without the use of cms, by other means such as high altitude, airspeed or g-forces.

[@robstone7325]

is there anyway you can show a video on how to setup the warthog joystick for the DCS F/A-18C hornet very much appricated

[@RedKiteRender]

Ive got a video covering what's important to bind for the f/a-18c on my channel.

[@solentflyerparagliding]

Great video but still can't get chaff and flares to fire - do you need to have the pod fitted and if so how do you do this - sorry for being a newb but getting slaughtered without any countermeasures

[@RedKiteRender]

No pod required, flares/chaff should be loaded by default. Master ARM on is required for some unexplained reason. I'd use the override position if you're just looking to get into it quick, then just push the countermeasures switch forwards/backwards to release.

[@solentflyerparagliding]

Thanks for getting back to me - I have default E and D for countermeasures and even designated joystick and throttle stick buttons but nothing seems to make flares and chaff come out of the aircraft - apologies for being clueless but I have tried everything including custom loads for weapons and yet nothing. I have used external view - hit the designated buttons and nothing - sorry but am at a loss now....your support very much appreciated...

[@RedKiteRender]

Are you doing a cold start? It's possible you're missing a step and not powering up the counter measures system

[@solentflyerparagliding]

All sorted and thanks for the great videos and tips...

[@philroulzzzz]

when I flip the dispenser switch to on nothing happens no bit starts why?

[@RedKiteRender]

Are you on the ground? it'l only function with weight off wheels.

[@tenevas666]

HELLO i'm french, for dispance contremesure the boutton is ?

[@RedKiteRender]

D and E

[@tenevas666]

RedKite Ok ;) bye bye TK

[@zedxrom7867]

Perfect, I had to figure it out by reading the manual, howevee, when jammer is set to STBY i have no green light on the warning panel, and no threat identification on the right notification panel.

[@RedKiteRender]

The lighs were all active to demonstrate their location by pushing the test button. I think the ecm is not fully implemented just yet in early access.

[@zedxrom7867]

RedKite understandable, thanks for tour great tutorials

[@christiannnnnnnnnn]

But how will the automatic mode react, if I put it on s/a and changed all programs before? Will it use one of my saved programs?

[@RedKiteRender]

I couldn't say, i suspect it'l use it's own programs tailored to each radar threat. I think the semi- and auto modes are currently in development however, so i'd stick with manual or bypass for now.

[@remi3580]

Thanks from france !!

[@Rtzimbobweee]

My EW page says off for all 3 things at the top and I followed this but the middle won't cross out. I can drop flares but I dont have an rwr

[@Vincini28]

@9.00

[@brendanmcreynolds3176]

Has the ECM been implemented?

[@bruceu2274]

Nope

[@Kev376]

doesn't work, I managed to set the countermeasure program 1, but when i press countermeasure forward and aft nothing happens, I don't even know how it decides which program goes to which countermeasure button press (IE how do i make countermeasure program 1 go to the countermeasure forward button.).

[@RedKiteRender]

#1 Master arm on #2 got to ew page and press MODE until MAN (program number) shows #3 Forwards will run prog #5 #4 Aft will run the prog number selected on the EW page, which is changed with step #5 setting the dispenser switch to bypass forces aft press flare and forepress chaff bypassing the programs.

[@Hanfkrokette]

@RedKite you are actually wrong about the "closest to you on the RWR=Biggest threat" ,the RWR works the other way around compared to like the F15,the outer threats are the ones that the biggest threat as can be seen when locked,the inner ones are no threats.Check this link and please re-do that part on the video,thx. forums.vrsimulations.com/support/index.php/Tactical_Electronic_Warfare_(EW)_Systems#ALR-67_Radar_Warning_Receiver_.28RWR.29 Other than that,good vid

[@RedKiteRender]

Thanks! that's interesting, The DCS Hornet manual states what i'd said, but it appears on further inspection you're right the threats do move to the outside although the rwr doesn't fully represent these images seemingly lacking the ability to put threats in the lethal band. It's certainly a work in progress sensor. I'l put together a little update video on the matter. I assume this is from the VRS Super bug F/a-18 E/F for fsx/p3d?

[@Hanfkrokette]

Kinda late to the party but yes,that was from Super bug. I should´ve put my twitch link into my first comment for the remake of the RWR video,damn :D

[@radsy5821]

Thanks, this was driving me bonkers

[@brgimscht]

can these be permanently saved?

[@dikkeduif]

Actually when on the ground the ALE-47 stays off, even if the dispenser switch is on. Not sure if this is a bug or not. As soon as I took off, it changed from off to stby

[@RedKiteRender]

That's the weight on wheels protection system, it prevents accidental discharge of weapons and countermeasures whilst on the ground to protect the ground crew and those around it.

[@jnln]

The automatic dispense mode doesn’t work for me

[@RedKiteRender]

Automatic dispense will only work with radar threats, i'm not 100% sure if it's been implemented in the sim, I'd stick to a manual mode for now.

[@riderofthemark6661]

You are the best, thanks for your videos!

[@maximilianbeyer9268]

i have no idea why it doesn´t work. i set the dispenser switch to bypass air to air mode on, master arm on, pressed D and E, presses the big red disp button, nothing.

[@RedKiteRender]

You've probably missed something simple, insure you've gone through all the steps and have everything switched on.

[@campbellcorpse1]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@EagleMountainDK]

Thanks for doing this!

[@themarccellus7937]

how i can start de EW

[@RedKiteRender]

This should be part of your startup, although hot-start's dont have it on for some reason. make sure all the switches behind the joystick, below the centre screen are on.

[@PeteV80]

Isn't there a slapswitch as well?

[@RedKiteRender]

Yes, the left hand wall, has a panic button, though most people won't bind this to their controls.

[@PeteV80]

RedKite Ive bound it but it doesnt seem to do anything

[@RedKiteRender]

I believe it should drop some chaff and flares, might require being held? i've not tested it. Could also just be nonfunctional due to early access.

[@lucaswoods1155]

Where is the countermeasure dispense switch

[@RedKiteRender]

D and E are the keyboard binds for it, it's shown at the start of the video. The switches themselves are on the throttle, if you'd like a detailed breakdown of all the controls on the joystick and throttle i recommend you watch my controls tutorial.

[@xdiver01]

Thank you sir, it helped me a lot.

[@rgrlee71]

Excellent tutuorial!! Thank you.