DCS: F/A-18C Hornet | Coupled Autopilot Mode

[@quantifygg]

So basically I can finally watch Top Gun while flying to my IP. Excellent.

[@sydneeflop2183]

:)

[@dragonsmoocher]

You like beans?

[@quantifygg]

@@dragonsmoocher That's for Wags to decide

[@illusions4559]

*independence day because hornet

[@brendancanales6571]

Mmmmmmmmm yes

[@handsomechocolatebar276]

after being spoiled by commercial aircrafts autopilot systems this is what i need in my life. now i can eat chips and blow stuff up like a proper gamer

[@shagrat47]

Boeing F/A-727C... 😄

[@mro9466]

PMDG 737, now this 😂

[@handsomechocolatebar276]

@@shagrat47 "Furball... F18 and 727"

[@spacekraken666]

everybody gangsta til your Hornet pulls a MCAS

[@filetminyion5302]

_That awkward moment when you spend hundreds of dollars for a HOTAS just to sit there and have the plane fly itself..._ No regrets 😤

[@DJHazzard]

See the postive..if you have to go to the toilet and you are still 70nm away from target you can comfortably go about your business. 😆

[@terencehill9221]

Its a nice feature for a bombing mission ,JDAM or Mav

[@ustio834]

P3D fan : Hold my yoke

[@ahadicow]

try to imagine the moment you have everything on auto and holding the coffee while enjoying the view, then: MISSLE WARNING

[@Kathlanus]

You basically don't have to fly the plane anymore until you're at the target at the same time those clouds come out. Coincidence? I don't think so :D

[@who_tf_stole_my_name]

So I can grab the other stick and fully enjoy those clouds 🤤

[@TheSd1cko]

Nice! F18 is progressing really well lately. Keep up the good work. We appreciate it.

[@misu_117]

Well of course. 2.7 is the early access out update.

[@sullyfubar]

Cries in Viper.

[@ClintThrust-e8r]

This is a big game changer. I can now finally fly long strike missions, without feeling like I’m having a workout, while taking a physics exam.

[@potkill]

Thank you for all the work everyone is doing on the f/a-18c, I chose a great time to get into dcs now that I'm getting the hang of some of the systems, awesome to see it getting closer and closer to completion. Not many videos I audibly react to and the hornet updates are probably the top of that short list by now

[@sloppydog4831]

When you hear the words "Hey everyone! Wags here from Eagle Dynamics." you know some good thing is coming our way.

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

Hey clouds! Clouds here from clouds dynamics, and today we're looking at the cloud mode of the clouds, coming in our next clouds update for Digital Clouds Cloudulator

[@sloppydog4831]

@@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261 LOL

[@chembleton]

that's not actually what he says though

[@sloppydog4831]

@@chembleton dully corrected, sir.

[@senorprime]

Being able to specify course on a TGT and automate the initial approach will be super useful; reduce some of the workload while inbound so you can focus on everything else, it's a busy pit!

[@sloppydog4831]

Yes, very useful when you are heads down on the FLIR pod.

[@sullyfubar]

Can basically automate runway attacks now.

[@TheGgreen100]

Love this! There's just something super cool about a sophisticated autopilot. Makes you feel like you're living in the future.

[@Brimmlinn]

Good to see the Hornet getting more and more mature as the years go by. It’s making the decision to fly it or the Viper harder and harder.

[@2xKTfc]

Even with the short distance between the waypoints, the roll acceleration (not: roll rate) seems slightly insane. The pilot would have his head thrown around if the AP really has that much control authority.

[@teun0het]

It think it should be more like the f16 does it. Smooth, but not slow

[@man_vs_life]

Concur. That seemed a bit odd.

[@bobcrone6151]

Agree. One of the ONLY things I don’t like about the F-18. That course change in autopilot would literally bang you head off the canopy! Ha. For all the genius of the devs in this game, you wonder how one of them doesn’t see this and say LOL WTAF.🤣 Calm that roll rate down in the model, boys! Jeez.

[@jordan8538]

@@bobcrone6151 For Bob and anyone wondering the auto pilot mode shown in this video is TAC BLIM (tactical bank limiter). You can switch to NAV BLIM via HSI > Data > A/C. Doing this will limit bank angle and soften the roll rate and aggressiveness.

[@bobcrone6151]

@@jordan8538 thank you! Hope it will help when i activate acls in Couples mode too. Whoa.

[@nrahman975]

F/A-18 hornet now a point and click adventure

[@KevinS47]

hahaha well well, I wouldn't go as far as to call it that, still a lot of flying you'll have to do in a proper mission :)

[@stevenraycopley8885]

Imma do a pro gamer move and nickname it "Fast Travel"

[@nasty7388]

It should fly back to the boat on coarse line now

[@YYCH2]

It is funny that it turns so violently one you choose any autopilot mode.

[@jasbails9857]

It does the same with the auto heading mode

[@leewalton7403]

@@jasbails9857 Its a fighter plane. Grow some and suck them Gs

[@johnnyjohnnyjohnnyyy8934]

Finally, can watch Wags excellent tutorials and the plane flies itself meanwhile

[@zeelyweely1590]

'We'll colonize that" Pretty on-brand for an American jet in all honesty On the other hand, this is a really awesome feature! This is going to make those long, hour long flights a LOT easier.

[@TH33QUALIZ3R]

Another great update. Thanks Wags! :)

[@mactgnr]

Game changer for the Hornet, Cheers Wags

[@louhodo5761]

I have a love hate relationship with the Hornet. Glad it is getting some much needed features.

[@Royalwaffles]

I didn't know what this was at first so i thought coupled mode would mean like automatic formation flying lol

[@xepa273]

I thought the exact same lol

[@harritudur176]

lol, to both of you! 😅

[@randallmacdonald4851]

No. Coupled means your tailhook is inserted into your lead's ... ah... nevermind.

[@Gate45988]

Is it just me or is the turn very aggressive?

[@jonouchihisashi2749]

the waypoints are really close to each other indeed.

[@quantifygg]

Wingmen hate him! Learn his one simple trick to ruining 2hr sorties!

[@MattWagner]

Correct, the AP needed to maneuver aggressively due to the short distance and angles that needed to be reached. Thanks.

[@mufflon89]

@@MattWagner It looks unrealistic, you sure it has the authority to use that high roll speed? Looks like you’d bang your helmet in the canopy.

[@johnnunez9295]

@@mufflon89 This behaviour has always seemed exaggerated and unrealistic to me. You can be in a 10 deg climb (in HDG mode) and select BALT, and the correction is so violent that the AP disables itself. However, great to see this implemented, ACL anytime soon?

[@boisecityplanes]

Will this include the ACLS for landing on the boat?

[@MattWagner]

That will come a bit later. Thanks

[@darkcx3995]

Amazing video Wags, just one question, is the autopilot precise enough to be able to drop bombs accurately in AUTO mode from altitudes such as 10k ft or even 15k ft?

[@MattWagner]

For a GBU, yes, but not for an unguided in AUTO. Thanks.

[@henrikoldcorn]

Ooooh. Have I said I love the Hornet?

[@ollyk22]

WAGS one thing that has always concerned me is that the aircraft seems to violently snap when activating certain waypoint modes... Surely in real life, there is some sort of PID routine that ensures the aircraft is allowed to transition gently but effectively? I struggle to believe a real F18 would snap like your video shows!

[@TriadAgone]

Not super familiar with IRL hornet systems, but the F-16 is fairly aggressive. Even in TFR mode on HARD iirc the limit is 4g? So 45 degree turns and like half roll rate is pretty tame. It IS a fighter, so comfort is not a priority.

[@ollyk22]

@@TriadAgone Are you a real pilot with real F16 experience?

[@OddElephantLTU]

Always awesome to see wags in the notifications great job dude

[@mickyoloo9478]

Couldn't get any better...amazing

[@lenn55]

Hornet almost like an Airbus plane now. lol

[@echovictordcsworld]

Hey Wags! Just out of curiosity, is the autopilot in the real aircraft this twitchy in the control movements? Or is this simply due to the early nature of the A/P at the moment? It seems like activating this in real life would snap your neck off with full roll left😆 Great work as always!

[@evidenceplz]

yeah I think the AP atm has some bugs.

[@michaelhayes6959]

The real hornet should have to versions of the coupled auto pilot. One is tactical, shown in the video, and the other completes the turns in a much less aggressive manner. Not sure if both will be modeled.

[@TheTrooperG]

Wow, this is a big one and long awaited.

[@drivernumber4262]

It will be interesting to see if they’re rolling out the ACLS in this update as well. Given the autopilot upgrades, this would seemingly be a natural inclusion as well.

[@kenhelmers2603]

Sweet! Thanks WAGS and ED :)

[@ernestwinslow7316]

I just love the hornet even more.

[@deanstewart27]

Wags: "Pretty Handy".... most understated comment of 2021 😜

[@D31TCJG]

Hey Wags! Thanks for another great video and update? When can we expect the next Viper Video?

[@Tatsukoa808]

Very helpful when flying under IFR conditions.

[@MadMako]

I don't think this is something I need and might never use it... But I love that guys keep working on modules that have been out for a while alongside creating new ones. Keep 'em coming, and I'll keep watching the vids, throwing up likes, and making more purchases than my wallet would like! Thanks, Wags & ED!

[@sedlo]

This will make holding in the marshal stack much easier!

[@Nikola16789]

How is that?

[@sedlo]

@@Nikola16789 Or you can have the auto pilot automatically track the inbound radial to the TACAN, Thereby automating one leg of the hold.

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

BALT: Always has been

[@seragearhardt5057]

Amazing . I love autopilots so yeah 😇😇😇

[@kkpriest5880]

Oh my wild nights, hot and crazy days ❤️ that will be useful 👍👍👍👍

[@corsair3224]

Very useful Thank's from France 🇨🇵🐸🇨🇵

[@VideoUser3053]

Superb! Love the commitment to all this. Oh, the clouds are nice too 😎

[@PS-mw9cc]

Cries in Orbiter 2016

[@SteveSurgenor]

When are the cup holder and wake up alarm updates coming ?

[@mari8it]

In the real world the Boing 777 has an alarm if you stay without touching nothing for more than a certain period of time and the pilot has to push a button, any time it sounds, to say to autopilot he is alive and conscious. It is called “pilot response system”

[@faelwolf1177]

As soon as they finish up the toaster and icy beverage dispenser.

[@flighttherapybullisticfpv133]

At first glance I thought this was an autopilot mode that would automatically follow your flight lead via datalink lol guess i was a bit ambitious there

[@JSpidey]

Amazing progress, thanks

[@camovecmin4968]

@Matt Wagner can your team expedite releasing bigger maps? say maybe the entire Pacific area? from Japan all the way down to Australie, SouthEast Asia? so much issue there right now that creating a custom mission is so freaking awesome.

[@dzlfuryrs]

This is great, I cant wait to use this.

[@Trax117]

My A-10C II Autopilot looks like from stone age with this kind of videos

[@thert.hon.thelordnicholson7261]

Ka50 has route following autopilot, i think it's the only other module with that kind of function

[@clevercat5844]

Keep your head in the Clouds Wags!

[@emilio27548]

Wags: disclosing classified material in DCS. One item each time.

[@Tomas9970_1]

@@TFT-bp8zk Yeah but to casual players, this might be the first time seeing these features.

[@arclight4625]

@@TFT-bp8zkJust a guess, but I think the OP was just joking around. Has everyone lost their sense of humour?

[@arclight4625]

@J D Hear, Hear!

[@jimboland1730]

The Chinese have already bought all the comparable info for the F-35 already.

[@pabletesoy]

Hello Matt, finally a great evolution in the F18. A question about the new weather: is it planned to work in FXs cockpit like fog or rain drops ? We have seen a good attempt with the JF-17 with the fog, but in general it is something that EA seems not to pay much attention today and actually is not at the level of rest of DCS world. It would be an ideal complement to the weather and something super immersive. Thanks!

[@pabloottawa]

Forgot to mention...... Press the "A" key for a quick way to disable and reset ALL Auto pilot settings.

[@RTSchramm]

So now if I can get the plane to drop the bomb automatically at the waypoint, I could just kick back and watch videos, and have a beer while the plane does all the hard work. What I want next is auto air to air refueling and then the universe will be complete!

[@lamboman]

A refueling assistance mode would be great for an unskilled idiot like me...

[@palacio802]

I find the turns excesively aggressive. I doubt the real aircraft banks so abruptly. For the rest, it's really nice. Waiting eagerly for the new version. My 18 y old son and I can't stop flying it!!

[@jykozak]

When switching from coupled waypoint to coupled TACAN, the HUD cue continued to display "CPL WYPT" even though the autopilot changed heading towards the selected TACAN. Is that working as intended or something that's fixed/needs-to-be-fixed?

[@DarkFire515]

Impressive! For longer range weapons e.g. a JSOW, does the coupled mode fly you to an IP or release point, or can it only fly you directly to a target? I suppose youi could set up a waypoint as the IP or likely release point & have it fly you to that waypoint...

[@pancakeoperator]

Another great feature !

[@yolkiandeji7649]

Does it have to be in altitude hold first? Or can you go straight to coupled?

[@MattWagner]

No, BALT is not required, just more useful. Thanks.

[@jordie-fly439]

Will the DCS F-18 ever have Auto-throttle approach mode?

[@MattWagner]

Yes, a bit later. Thanks.

[@flymax4066]

2.7 open beta when? Im so hyped! I really wanna check out the new Mi-24P!

[@lukew2031]

Only that 2.7 planned for next week and Hind EA is much later, end of Q2 more like it.

[@vedrancolak3890]

Hey Wags, what computer config are U using for making these tutorials / updates? Your Syria FPS flow is quite good so I wonder what game settings and hardware U use. Thank You.

[@TheGalahad78]

When you select the Tacan station to fly to, shouldn't the HUD update the message to CPL TCN instead of CPL WYP?

[@Waltzyy]

Hi Wags!

[@ericandi]

Do the baro altitude and radar altitude modes only allow you to hold your current altitude or can you enter a new altitude and have the autopilot take you up or down to the metered altitude?

[@donrumsey]

I’ve noticed for some time the Alt couple doesn’t always promptly engage. Does that mean I’m outside some parameter?

[@m.balauszko]

I can sell my overpriced stick now. Finally.

[@captainicelander3898]

Very nice. When is this coming?

[@henri3446]

Is this the updated Syria map? Looks kinda different imo

[@MattWagner]

Yes, Syria. Thanks

[@getsideways7257]

@@MattWagner Any changes done to it? Because somehow it indeed seems to look a bit... crisper? Is that the trees maybe?

[@SteviePonder123]

Cruise 'n chill

[@BigBeniBoy]

Cool. Will ILS approach be automated as well?

[@albertorossi2225]

Hi Matt how are you doing, I'm Gianvito from Italy and follow you from when came in DCS, to fly I need translate the manuals at the first and then star to attempt somethings, about F/A-18C I haven't still find any manual (Chuck's, DCS Flight Manuale and even Tutorial) which explain the pilot eject emergency procedure. It's possibile make a couple of minute tutorial with detailed steps. Thanks so much.

[@Tailspin07]

Gotta have your neck ready before hitting that CPL button to keep from bonking your helmet handily off the canopy. Wow that's responsive. Looks like its because the waypoints were so close.. This is going to be great for navigating waypoints shortly after takeoff while I'm headsdown setting up weapons and countermeasures, so I don't have to keep going back to the HSI to set my heading and guestimate about where the waypoint is. Great news!

[@luispresta]

Nice feature! But i've got a question. You only set course? not course and distance? Suppose i'm flying to the exact north and the waypoint is 40 miles ahead, if i activate the ap with the new feature and set a 90° course, my plane will turn 30° to the right until 30 miles of the point? What path will it make then?

[@acrobaticfish]

Wonder why it wouldn't read "CPL TCN" or "CPL TGT" instead of always "CPL WYPT" in the HUD.

[@SargeantKoranFlusher]

Excellente!

[@Bart-dg6qv]

Amazing plane, great game!

[@daniellebduska9972]

Nice update thanks, looking forward to have it! Just question, I flew F-14 many hours and when I switch autopilot on the aircraft fly nicely straight. Even I fire missiles or drops bombs and aircraft is not weight balanced, it still fly straight. In F-18 after firing missile the aircraft is start to tilt and I have to use trimmer all the time, which is annoying. Is this real behavior of the F-18?

[@mattjenno98]

Is there any new info regarding the Data Transfer Cartridges for the Hornet?

[@sydneeflop2183]

I LOVE YOU WAGS

[@sloppydog4831]

We all do!

[@notsphaggi]

I wish I had a pc to play DCS on it looks like such a nice game

[@TheCraigHudson]

Can someone explain what real world applications this would be used in I could see flying across the ocean or a heavily congested airspace were it would help to constantly be looking out. Or on your way to a target and you are keying up jtac coordinates to use jdams. Is this a feature that is better to have and not need vs need and not have.??? Anyway maybe iv missed the point.

[@boggy8557]

Is this a sneak preview of the Cyprus addition to the Syria map?

[@lukew2031]

No it is not. South east of Incirlik AB, Turkey

[@boggy8557]

@@lukew2031 ah ok, thanks. Was wondering if Waggs was sneakily throwing in some new stuff.

[@jaynuck]

This is so awesome.

[@jameswilliams1085]

Hi everyone. Can you select a speed to fly vía the autopilot at the sale time? Thank you

[@t173hfl63]

I love the looks of Syria map trees.

[@somerando8615]

Will it work with ILS one day and land on the carrier for me like the F14 does?

[@AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-y5f]

My pc just happens to brick when all these updates are coming out. Damn.

[@AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH-y5f]

@@CakePrincessCelestia I have a 760 lol

[@The_Real_Pimpaho]

So when exactly is this and the new clouds coming?

[@christiandavis4502]

*Cries in F-14 autopilot*

[@Kee7658]

there is no cpl mode when im flying what am i dong wrong?

[@urgentsiesta7606]

will it also climb/descend to a set altitude per waypoint/designation?

[@jowenjv4463]

Ouch, the roll rate seems... Very agressive !

[@preamp51]

You are wearing that helmet for a reason...

[@jowenjv4463]

@@preamp51 Lol, i'm not sure that the HMD will agree with that... Nor the mechanic who correct the scratches on the canopy ;)

[@dragonsmoocher]

DAD WAGNER

[@allmight1612]

Does the F/A-18C have autopilot carrier landing capabilities and is eagle dynamics intending to get it implemented in the future?

[@ernestwinslow7316]

ACLS mode would achieve something that close but you would need to manually fly the plane just before touch down if I recur correctly. This feature is coming later according to Ed

[@allmight1612]

@@ernestwinslow7316 I was curious about it. Thanks for the info. I’m a keyboard and I can do basically anything consistently on the hornet, but I still struggle at zero visibility carrier landings

[@mrpawno4955]

@@allmight1612 damn, ils case 3 zero visbility with keyboard? :D that sounds insane to me

[@Gert-DK]

About time :-)

[@Gneckes]

Does this mean FD bombing mode will also be a thing?

[@vasilisroukis1108]

speed restrictions? minimum maximum?

[@wroblowaty-4102]

Just a question - how will it work with asymetric loadout? Currently in either BALT, or ATTH if one of your wings is heavy, it will continue to bank, until it reaches 70 or so degrees and then turns the AP off. Had this unpleasent surpirse once during multi pleayer mission. Had to leave the computer for 3 minutes, i set the trim to keep it level, engaged ATC and BALT, but when i came back my Hornet was already a jolly hole in the sands near Damascus. ;)

[@launchsquid]

I'm just goin to say it... you should have trimmed for the asymmetry before you set autopilot.

[@wroblowaty-4102]

Please read carefully. :) I already said that i have trimmed it to fly level and only than egaged auto pilot. Now it looks that tuning auto pilot cancells any lateral trim you have had.

[@adriansaider6106]

Will it also work with airborne tacans like tankers?