DCS: F/A-18C Hornet | ATC Approach Mode

Purchase DCS: F/A-18C Hornet from: www.digitalcombatsimulator.co...
Hey everyone, Wags here from Eagle Dynamics.
In this DCS: F/A-18C Hornet video, we’ll look at the auto throttle control in approach mode.
In addition to the Auto Throttle Control (ATC) Cruise mode, in which the aircraft maintains the set airspeed, the ATC Approach Mode will maintain the set angle of attack when the aircraft is configured for landing. This allows landing approaches with your hand off the throttle and instead controlling AoA with just the stick pitch of the aircraft; the flight control system will automatically adjust the throttles to maintain the set AoA.
Most often used in Case III recoveries, this is a particularly useful features when combined with the upcoming Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) for fully automated landings.
For this demonstration, we’ll pick up a Case III just prior to 10 miles and use the ATC in approach mode to recover.

[@daddyspartanvr]

"Too much time in the Apache" Gets a 3 wire. The flex is real.

[@MattWagner]

It was an ugly three wire.

[@douglasfarris2553]

I was thinking more along the lines of the Apache flex. We're over hear drooling with no time. I'll go watch Firebirds until release.

[@seph7450]

I really want to hear Matt say "I AM THE GREATEST!"

[@Nghilifa]

@@seph7450 🤣🤣🤣

[@valentinofogarty9943]

How can you tell it was 3 wire?

[@SniperSal]

I can't wait to say "I've been spending too much time in the Apache" LOL.

[@AndreiCeleste]

hope Matt knows we want to spend our time in the Apache too :)

[@_Hotaru__]

@@CakePrincessCelestia Mattcholas Uncaged

[@jessecarlton2021]

^^ this.

[@dethiusa2591]

Dude I’ll be right there with you LOL that and being able to finally hop back into a Kiowa( of polychop ever releases it 😢

[@KirkFord]

That red lighting bloom effect from the gear light is amazing.

[@yamabushi170]

That's nothing, you should see the cockpit fairy lights at Xmas!

[@TheMrRusti]

"I've been spending too much time in the Apache." Damnit Wags, you know we can't wait for it, stop teasing us!

[@Agridefense]

Seriously wags need to do audio books. He's got that voice.

[@jw-jy4vw]

Please?

[@wolfgangjr74]

Hate to disagree. I swear I hear some kind of accent there and its driving me nuts. My ears and my brain though so who knows.

[@kipchickensout]

@@wolfgangjr74 everyone has an accent

[@Rhinozherous]

A thing that would add further help (and realism) would be the wake in the water from the carrier... Would be nice to see that more.

[@cameron1975williams]

...And a reflection and shadow on the surface of the water.

[@Col00Hague]

turbulence and bubble over the back of the deck too

[@magmax7141]

Perhaps a pitching deck?

[@Scoobz187]

@@Col00Hague Wait, didnt they put in burble in one of the last updates? I at least think this plane is acting much rougher after lining up behind the carrier as you pass through the groove.

[@aaronwhite1786]

@@Scoobz187 I believe the F-14 has it modelled, but I don't know if ED has added it as a universal thing behind the carrier that would affect all planes. My understanding was that it's F-14 dependent for now, as Heatblur added it independently.

[@Rayndylra]

Interesting. No fireball on the deck, haven't seen this in my gameplay yet!

[@yamabushi170]

Best feeling in the world when you get your first successful carrier landing

[@daveg5857]

@@yamabushi170 In the virtual world, maybe.

[@yamabushi170]

@@daveg5857 lol, nope, it's absolutely better than any other life experience known to man 😂

[@daveg5857]

@@yamabushi170 Tell you what though, DCS in VR is like what I dreamed about as a kid when I first heard of VR. Still knocks my socks off.

[@yamabushi170]

@@daveg5857 Absolutely. My HP Reverb is something I would never have even dared to dream of as a kid. It really is a great time to be a sim enthusiast. Can't wait for the next gen of VR to come out!

[@shd4618]

Wags. You and the entire ED team have been working so hard. Producing this constant stream of content is a remarkable display of commitment. Thank you.

[@danvercillo]

Wags always dropping those breadcrumbs, Apache soon!

[@Vortex31415]

Awesome update. Love the continued attention for the Hornet. Thanks, Wags!

[@brandonchappell1535]

I paralyzed arm few years back, an ATC is a lifesaver in DCS. while i have throttle on my constellation's scroll wheel, its difficult to know "where" u are on the rails sometimes, an theres so much back n forth on approach to the carrier! Its great for AAR too !!

[@termitreter6545]

Hm, considering you paralyzed your arm, have you considered controlling some kind of thrust lever with your foot? Something in the shape of an TWCS throttle could be quite precise to use with a foot.

[@OddElephantLTU]

Again, the hornet flies itself and that's why i love it

[@OddElephantLTU]

Can't thank ED enough for making this. You are helping me follow my dreams. Thank you:)

[@FastJetPerformance]

Some good flying there, Wags - these updates are much appreciated.

[@lordlobs]

That improved water is looking really really beautiful! Thanks for your hard work, Wags and ED!

[@MilesStratton]

Looking forward to that sweet sweet ACLS mode...

[@wolfgangjr74]

Wow. That was awesome actually seeing teh rescue chopper in position during flight ops. Miss those days.

[@rpersen]

You make it look so easy…. Thanks for the video.

[@alexanderbeck5686]

This is so amazing! Great work Hornet team!

[@ericlawrence9729]

Great video WAGS, love the content and all you and your team does. Keep up the great work.

[@nerbomatic6054]

It looks very cool! I haven't spent enough time on my carrier landings this year, too many things in the way unfortunately. looking forward to this!

[@oneill6291]

Brilliant! You guys are doing an incredible job!

[@nickgrey4136]

Super cool. Thanks Matt 👍🏻. Kind regards Nick

[@kennethhicks2113]

ACLS COOL! I remember working on those systems on the hornet... I seem to recall 33Ghz...um...long time ago : )

[@Borbaaa]

Loved it!!! Look forward to new updates in the hornet! Well done sir!

[@JackB_Music]

Nice video, thanks Wags.

[@oldmanfunky4909]

ED has been cranking out great updates and new things. Honestly, it is pretty amazing how much DCS has improved in such a short time. That goes for the 3rd party support as well.

[@MILSIM530]

You should say Thanks to Microsoft Flight Simulation LMAO every one is trying to be relevant even X-Plane 11 is now decided to make updates to catch up ...with X-Plane 12...!!! of course MS Simulator made everyone wake up and started updating their sims like mad LOL Competition is good ...Bring it on

[@Thedoctv]

@@MILSIM530 LMAO no, DCS was great even before MSFS, now It's just a lot better.

[@rationaleatheist8769]

Superb update Team ED!

[@jaynuck]

Good stuff Wags.

[@Deltarious]

I've been waiting for ACLS probably since the datalink was first added (I understand that it uses Link 4 instead of Link 16), not because I cannot do proficient carrier landings (when I try) but because it's just so *cool* as a feature, it's already pretty fantastic in the Tomcat, so I am really looking forward to it in the Hornet too.

[@ALPHARICCO875]

Super 👍 Thank you Matt

[@Frankestein01nl]

Nice one Matt!

[@DaddyKoolPop]

Beautiful!

[@8ASIMULATORS]

Sweet update! Just incase my left hand gets hit by an apache during battle. But for me landing with my own two hands is more fun, old school I guess! Keep up the good work! 👍

[@icecold9511]

Yeah, I think I'll stick to manual. Carrier traps are a perishable skill. Don't want to lose that.

[@davidmuir6849]

Fantastic clip Matt (thumper ),thanks for sharing . Ive watched most of your instructional clips and i must say they are fantastic . Keep them coming ........ Regards Dave from Scotland Caa licenced aircraft engineer Pilot and ex raf also guitar player now and again 🤣

[@tread140]

I see a video from Wags, I upvote.

[@chiefbrody3406]

I don’t have dcs but still love your content

[@heavyDriver320]

AwesomeCLS!

[@dogtaggamer1]

Fan friggin tastic! Any chance ED will ever update the dialogue of the pilots and atc? Put some "life" into them?

[@airdirtpc8019]

I think that's an item on the roadmap. But probably not something we'll get soon.

[@toddw6716]

Nice landing

[@ghostindamachine]

Amazing!

[@chrish4483]

THIS is gonna be amazing in VR

[@tswordz1386]

22 people boltered excellent video as always wags

[@noahwright3274]

so cool love it

[@lankypilot778]

Nice update! Now just have to work on my trust issues haha. Just got reminded, it would be nice to have the hornet ball other carrier comms on shortcuts simular to the wingman commands for quick access so can focus on approach. Thanks again.

[@Scoobz187]

There is at least a shortut for the hornet ball.

[@simonhouel1984]

Since the menu stays up you can put some shortcuts using F1 to F3 keys. And if you have a Streamdeck, you can make instant access to any command. Launch, See you at 10, Ball, Established, Commencing, Remove shocks, Mount NVGs or HMD ... Everything has its own button on my deck, positionned like and UFC.

[@vicseth5556]

the moment i learned to stabilize my case 3 approach manually, this comes out.. lol.. unexpected but a welcome addition to the hornet

[@icecold9511]

Consider staying hands on. It is a perishable skill.

[@vicseth5556]

@@icecold9511 good point...il probably just use it if i have to redo a mission a couple of times...

[@CMFL77]

Demonstrating a new feature and puts that Bog in a 3 wire first attempt "too much time in the Apache!" LOL love this guy!

[@damienquinn]

Nice trap dude!

[@dethiusa2591]

And now yet another reason for me to spend the next few hours in the F/A-18C😀

[@GWE4]

Another awesome video. Also, thanks for doing this at dusk so we can see all the lights, the hud, the meatball, etc. Great tutorial!

[@michaels.chupka9411]

I can't wait to hear wags actually say here's how a hornet does an ifc approach to a land based airfield since icls doesn't work on land.

[@Antares2]

I always find it confusing how the glideslope needle and meatball work in opposite directions.

[@arrow7212]

threaded that one right down the middle, then joked about being a rotor head. ;) nice one.

[@bruennlein]

Nice, thanks. Is there something we can do about the Ease-Gun thing, when landing with ATC? Seems like, the LSO didn´t like it.

[@MeatVision]

WAGGGNERRR!!

[@SsgtHolland]

This Hornet is close to leaving the nest. Do you guys have a little beer at ED when a module goes out of early access? If so, have a few on me!

[@TrickerDCS]

Just what we need! When can we do a sunset flights together?

[@BroncoBoy91]

"My Ball is centered" I love the little easter egg's in these videos :P

[@taidean]

The Apache cockpit looks different😉

[@knighttemplar4058]

@Mat Wagner ,Thank you for your work and for your video , i use it ,like you the ATC ,but the AC going up and down when is speed is 134 nm and is more difficult . Your AC going very smooth and looks like the landing it is very easy . I thing you doing something you don't tell us . So what is the trim ,and how we use it ?In the front οf the throttle in F18 ,left and right close to the fingers there is two small controls ,what is this? It's looks like doasn't work.Thank you for your time

[@doubleugly1594]

Wagner! You tell us when the Apache release is going to be right this instant! lol Jk Excited to see you guys working so fast, on so many different modules.. I say this alot but in a niche with almost no competition ED manages to be one of my all time favorite dev teams. Thanks Wags

[@Wulfen666]

According to the Steampage its Dec 1st.

[@randallmacdonald4851]

The reason there is almost no competition for ED is that ED is SOOOOO far out in front that nobody is willing to even give it a try.

[@r.wallaby6490]

@@Wulfen666 A Very Rough Guess by ED, more likely mid/late Dec

[@doubleugly1594]

@@Wulfen666 Really? So I wonder if thats when it comes to stable, or when its released into open beta

[@MrJules2U]

Smooth.

[@MattWagner]

ATC App makes it easier.

[@MrJules2U]

@@MattWagner being an expert also makes it easier it seems. :)

[@EinBick]

"Too much time in the Apache" - lands a 3 wire.... Ya know what... You're a better pilot than me :(

[@hawkeyeguy123]

@mattwagner any plans to update the ball call if in ATC approach mode? Ie calling autos after the fuel state

[@Dragoon876]

It's scary to look at even when I'm not the one piloting lmao. Props to all the Navy pilots out there who do this on a daily.

[@JohnVanderbeck]

How does ATC work when you have real throttles though and you switch it off? Do you suddenly have to try and match the position?

[@thomasmaier7053]

Thanks for still supporting the Hornet. I'll get the Apache once my other modules get completed.

[@MondoRockable]

Ball looked a little low on the last 5 seconds of approach. Which wire did you catch?

[@C420sailor]

Crush that ace!

[@Blackout5871]

I am so horrible with carrier landings. I practice but I can't seem to get it down right. Probably just need a new hotas.

[@heefie8659]

any word on if the FLOLS will have a function to disable it for those of use who want to do more cinematic stuff. only options i've seen is to edit LUA files.

[@heefie8659]

@@CakePrincessCelestia thank you!

[@cardwell88]

is it just me or is the water reflecting the horizon now? I cant remember if have seen this before.

[@haulperrel2547]

F3: Platform, what does that do? I don't think I've seen it before.

[@dcstutorial]

When will there be another apache video?

[@Kestrel38]

Tease!

[@Borbaaa]

One stuff I watched is that the LSO keep giving bad grades for good approaches. You did amazing in my perspective...and got no grade. Is this been working by the team Wags?

[@eemilheikkila]

I have understood that you always get a no grade for easy gun in the wires

[@C420sailor]

That pass would absolutely be a no grade in the real world. Underline settle in close, underline low at the ramp.

[@Dr__Money]

Any ACLS updates?

[@DavidPennable]

The title is approach mode, but is it VFR or IFR?

[@mister_66]

круто

[@clericneokun]

do you still light the blower on touchdown while the aircraft is in ATC?

[@MattWagner]

Yes

[@TheSirBlackbird]

GG ;)

[@NatendoSwitch]

Yayayayaya

[@adomonkey]

"Too much time in the Apache" then proceeds to hook up, talk about a DCS flex

[@mtguitar5150]

What is the standard way f18 pilots trap? Do they use the completely automated system at this point, ATC or manual?

[@MattWagner]

Depends on the pilot and the landing conditions.

[@johnbradshaw7525]

Is this already implemented in the F/A-18C Hornet?

[@o.v.1959]

@Matt: Hasn‘t ATC been in place for landing already? Read about it in eagles forum long time ago and ATC is holding my aoa perfectly by adjusting throttle alteady. So what‘s the update then? Just being curious…

[@MattWagner]

No, just ATC Cruise.

[@genitaltrickmaster]

yeah atc approach mode has worked for me, as long as i dont use full flaps.

[@MattWagner]

That was not approach mode, it was cruise mode and just trying to hold airspeed, not AoA.

[@burr2566]

I swear I’ve used it too lol held aoa for me 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Nick-xe2hu]

Safe to assume when touching down you're grabbing the throttle to full power or does this ATC mode know when you touched and slams the power full and the pilot then disengages ATC and full power to unleash the hook and taxi off?

[@MattWagner]

Yes

[@Nick-xe2hu]

@@MattWagner very good. Thank you sir

[@stevensadowski1]

Started playing In Vr and that alone is a challenge 1🥵

[@SimoneSerponi]

@Matt Wagner: Next Stop, ACLS?

[@Ostsol]

Ah... I was expecting "Air Traffic Control"... On that note, will the carrier ask you to get into a holding pattern if there's multiple aircraft inbound for landing?

[@MattWagner]

Yes, for a long time.

[@stealthtomcat4739]

So fighter jets can also auto land like commercial jets

[@kennethhicks2113]

From the DCS Community O7

[@camelion.4791]

How did you get the FLOLS lights displayed?

[@MattWagner]

It is automatic with correct radio use.

[@camelion.4791]

@@MattWagner OK Thanks for the answer.

[@cellokid5104]

How do you get that meatball display?

[@TimRobertsen]

The FLOLS-overlay? Check settings for the Supercarrier

[@TH33QUALIZ3R]

Does the auto throttle go to max on touchdown or do you have to do that yourself?

[@MattWagner]

Manually

[@TH33QUALIZ3R]

@@MattWagner OK thanks Matt

[@C420sailor]

Autothrottles disconnect with weight on wheels.

[@franklingoh380]

till now im still amazed jets can land on a moving runway thats not even parallel to the motion of the carrier..

[@cooldad100]

I would be having a word with the Plane Guard SH-60 pilot as to what he thought he was doing

[@SubtleOrc67]

Staying close just in case iii ;)

[@johnmclean6498]

@@SubtleOrc67 I see what you did there!

[@jonathanposton7896]

this was always the scariest part. hard not to put your hand on the throttle lol

[@johnbradshaw7525]

Does this only work when trying tp land on a Carrier?

[@MattWagner]

No, ATC mode has nothing to do with the carrier.

[@SubtleOrc67]

Oh Wags you tease...

[@eastwindfarms3671]

👍…