The Radar modes of current flight simulations are at the same time the most realistic, and most difficult to learn, ever programmed. We will discuss each mode as it applies to typical air-to-air and air-to-ground employment. We'll also cover the 'miscellaneous' modes available. Then we'll wrap up the section with a potential A/A scenario.

F4 Factory in view.

As we proceed to discuss this highly technical capability do keep in mind that locating, tracking and identifying a bandit is a daunting task in real life, and this difficulty has been faithfully modeled in today's sims. The learning curve is steep, but just as any other aspect of the sim, with practice your skills will rapidly improve and thereby your enjoyment.

Originally written in consideration of an F18 Hornet simulation, the screen shots in this article are from a late beta of Falcon 4. However, you will find detailed radar modes in many current simulations, like Janes F15, or Graphics Simulations F18 Korea. So, without further ado, let's start with your primary concern, surviving and prevailing over an airborne aggressor!

AIR-TO-AIR MODES

Velocity Search - The Velocity Search (VS) mode provides long-range, forward sector, look-up, look-down, nose-on, target detection. It primarily scans for fast moving objects in its emission pattern, and will show you which targets have the fastest closure rate. This is the mode you should use when your mission calls for locating bogies at great distance and as early in the evolution as possible.

The DDI (display) reflects a 'clean' representation of airborne targets and shows the pilot's closing velocity on the vertical coordinate and azimuth angle on the horizontal coordinate. ONLY targets with a positive closure are displayed, with position on the display organized by closure. Objects higher up the display have a higher closure rate. You may cycle out to 80 nautical miles but keep in mind that the scan will be relatively slow, and narrow over time, at this range.

Range While Search - Shows multiple targets within the radar scan. The Range While Search (RWS) mode provides all-aspect (nose-on, tail-on) and all-altitude (look-up, look-down) target detection. The DDI shows range on the vertical axis and azimuth angle on the horizontal. You may cycle out to 80 nautical miles, but as VS the scan is relatively slower than the short-range modes.

This is the most commonly used mode upon nearing a hostile environment. It is a good balance of wide volume, and fairly rapid, scan. This mode is often called "Raid" mode as it is used to resolve (detect) multiple targets separated by less than the antenna beam-width, at long range.

In RWS mode a target can be "bugged" by placing the cursor over the target and designating it. This places the radar into Situation Awareness Mode (SAM). This mode allows you to track an individual target while continuing to monitor other targets within the radar cone (first shot below: RWS SAM mode, followed by STT mode with a "bugged" target).

Tactical Designation Cursor - The Target Designator Control (TDC) cursor displays antenna scan pattern altitude coverage. The TDC cursor may be superimposed on a target and then designated for potential weapons employment. This is best utilized in the long-range Velocity Search or Range While Search modes.

Click to continue . . .

Track While Scan - The Track While Scan (TWS) mode can track and display the sixteen targets. The TWS range versus azimuth display shows target location, velocity vector, Mach number, altitude, and launch and steering data (missile) for the designated priority target. This is the "work horse" mode and you will find it the one you utilize most often and for the longest duration.

TWS has an advantage over RWS mode, since the radar is in a continous scan and never stops, even on a "bugged" target. This reduces the chance that a target's threat indicator will light up. However, it also means that the radar is more likely to drop targets.

TWS sacrifices acquisition scan distance (20 NM max) for high detail and high scan frequency. This gives you the best situational awareness as you quickly near your decision point for weapons employment. The TDC cursor may also be used with this mode but even at the mode's maximum range you will generally be too busy to employ. A better bet is to use your conventional target-cycle mode.

Falcon 4.0: TWS Situation Awareness Mode

If you decide to bug a target in this mode, as with RWS mode, you will then receive additional information on the target: aspect angle, heading, airspeed and closure. Once you designate a bugged target the radar enters STT (single target track) mode.

Single Target Track - The Single Target Track (STT) mode provides accurate tracking of a single target and can function automatically by engaging auto acquisition (AACQ); manually by designating a target on the VS, RWS or TWS displays; or by launching an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile while in the TWS mode.

STT displays show the tracked target, velocity vector, maximum and minimum range, missile launch limits, an allowable steering error circle and an aim dot. This mode is highly recommended, as you close to optimum medium-range missile range, to reduce distraction. But after you successfully engage, don't forget that there may be more bandits out there! Quickly switch back to TWS to regain the 'big picture.'

Auto Acquisition Mode (stabilized)- The radar set has an Auto Acquisition (AACQ) capability in the VS, RWS and TWS modes. When selected, the radar will automatically acquire and track the first/nearest target detected in the VS and RWS modes or the launch and steering target (missile) in the TWS mode. AACQ is "stabilized" which means that it is independent of your aircraft's relative pitch. This makes it useful for initial bandit targeting, but it is not recommended for close-in ACM, e.g. gunfighting.

Auto Acquisition Modes (destabilized)- Also known as Air Combat Maneuvering Modes, there are four modes of destabilized auto acquisition, with a max range of 10 NM. Being non-independent of aircraft pitch they are best used for a 'knife fight in a telephone booth.' They are:

Falcon 4 ACM Slew Mode

WACQ - Wide Acquisition which displays the target nearest your aircraft after a wide azimuth scan. The radar scans six bars horizontally and + or - 30 degrees (caged) in azimuth centered on the aircraft longitudinal reference axis with the antenna being stable with the horizon in the roll axis. If you've temporarily lost some of your situational awareness this is the auto acquisition mode to use to scan the most close-in volume.

VACQ - Vertical Acquisition in which the radar scans +550 to +50 vertically, with a two-bar scan centered on the longitudinal axis, and automatically acquires and tracks the first target detected within the specified range. The scan pattern is referenced to the aircraft roll and pitch axes. This mode is best employed when you suspect a large vertical separation between you and your foe.

GACQ - Gunsight Acquisition which displays the target nearest your aircraft after a scan of volume projected off your HUD field of view. This is the 'work horse' of the close-in, auto-acquisition, gunfight modes. If your situational awareness is pretty good this mode will help you maintain it, or quickly enhance it.

BST (BACQ) - Boresight Acquisition which displays the target nearest your aircraft after a conical scan centered off your nose. The HUD shows the antenna beam limits and the pilot maneuvers to bring a visible target within this circle. This is a Very narrow scan but if you already have high situational awareness this mode will provide the highest fidelity. Fidelity which just may save your bacon as you narrowly avoid some head-to-head bandit tracers!

Watch for Part II: Air to Ground Radar Modes