F16 & buddy lasing : what is the point of buddy lasing?
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sniper has a spotter for the same reason.
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Absolutely correct. Often, CAS players may have LGB or Laser Mav but no pod. Especially with limited range and station platforms like AV8B. Buddy lazing from lead or FAC(A) may be the employment mode of choice. If given the option, most crews would prefer self pass, but sometimes you need a friend.
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See above.
BMS has random failures modelled too remember, but I’d venture to say that many leave it in the default off setting. I don’t know how it’s modelled though, need to read up on it more.
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Absolutely correct. Often, CAS players may have LGB or Laser Mav but no pod.
Carrying LGBs without a POD, I wouldn’t even know how to use a buddy laser designation? Would he just transmit a mark point to be used for a CCRP release in hopes the weapon will aquire the laser designation once in flight?
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We tested it MP a while ago. FACa sends markpoint. (or coordinates) but an effective stand-off for the FACA is short due to visibility issues with the TGP. That means it will only work on relatively short ranged SAMs on which mavericks are more effective. So it has limited use in bms for now was our conclusion. That said: it’s a lot of fun and if you simulate shortages it has its applications.
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Carrying LGBs without a POD, I wouldn’t even know how to use a buddy laser designation? Would he just transmit a mark point to be used for a CCRP release in hopes the weapon will aquire the laser designation once in flight?
I would imagine in a worst-case scenario, the designating unit can even just tell the guy with the bomb to drop in a certain area. Talk-on to get the bomber’s eyes on the general vicinity (“see that road intersection? 200 meters west of it is a big buidling with a smokestack. Drop on smokestack.”) and the bomber can drop via CCIP. The minor corrections will be done once the bomb sees the laser.
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Don’t forget the MULE (Marine Using Laser Equipment) on the deck - VERY effective.
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attached air commanders as well, although they do more of the Logistics and package planning orientation with the C&C
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…it also allows the attackers to carry more munitions by not having to specifically carry a TGP - less drag/lower OWE => more time in the air/on station. Everyone likes that…except the enemy…
I noticed recently that you can’t load JDAMs & LGBs without TGP for F16 ! this case is therefore impossible…
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I noticed recently that you can’t load JDAMs & LGBs without TGP for F16 ! this case is therefore impossible…
On the BMS F-16, yes, on other aircraft you can - e.g. F-18, AV-8B.
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Try it in the Israel theater. Several of the F-16 squadrons can’t carry the pod but can carry GBU-54/B iirc. We would fly Sufas out of a different AB with TGP for buddy lasing.