by Leonard "Viking1" Hjalmarson

Next I selected EXP3 mode to zoom in the ground radar and obtain a better defined look at the target area. I then slewed the TDC (cursor) onto a target of interest and designated. The target popped up in the maverick camera in the left MFD. I could also have used the AT FLIR for this purpose if I didn't have Mavericks. In the image below I have broken lock with ground radar to show you the EXPAND mode in the right MFD.

FLIR NAV camera in HUD

The next image following shows ground radar in MAP mode. Then the next image shows the radar with target designated and a new target selected. The cockpit is slewed downward slightly which produces a slight distortion of the MFD images.

Ground MAP mode.

The small box you see in the radar screen above pops up after you select the EXP 3 mode (the highest level of focus.) You then slew the box like a cursor and designate the area you want to focus and zoom the radar.

Zoom shot of left MFD above.

Click to continue

Maverick Launch

Launch seen by AT FLIR Camera.

Outside View of Maverick Launch

Next View of Maverick Launch

Impact on Target

To listen to a RealAudio clip from a carrier take off in F/A 18, click FA 18 Takeoff - 750K. Be warned that this was recorded from a stereo speaker on to a walkman then transferred back to digital via a small mike.

For more on the AT FLIR go to Part III