EF2000 FAQ
************************
THE GAME PLAY FAQ
************************
The Game Play FAQ was created from messages posted in the EF2000 Pilots
Forum. It represents the collective wisdom of a number of different pilots.
The original messages have been edited for brevity. Where possible I've
included the name of the original contributor. If you've got any additions
or corrections to the FAQ, please drop me a note ate ef2000@im.gte.com.
Thanks to all of the EF pilots who contributed.
-Steve Black, 1st Eurofighter Air Wing -- 2/20/96
********************* AVIONICS *************************
Radar
How to Read the Radar Display
There are three rows of numbers on the left hand side of the radar screen
and something that looks like a flipped check mark which keeps changing its
position and angle depending on planes movements. I figured that the middle
number is the radar range but as far as other two numbers and a flipped
check mark, I am at a loss. They are the effective radar range in up,
forward, and down directions. Note that when you change the radar mode from
look-up to look ahead to look down, the numbers shift accordingly. (Posted
by Ed Silverstein)
MMD/JTIDS
Question: ... In the upper right hand-corner of the MFD, just under the
altitude, there are two numbers. What are they? Also, how does one adjust
the range using J+ and J-? I apologize if the answers are in the manual,
but I cannot find them after searching for quite some time. Thanks! Posted
by: Jeff Robbins
To use the J+ and J- keys just click on them with the mouse. Make sure to
turn the map off. -- Posted by Steve Black
According to DID.... the two numbers relate to your X and Y co-ordinates in
the game world. Posted by: Jeff Robbins
******************************* WEAPONS***************************
Laser Guided Bombs/Tiald Display
Aiming LGBs
Question: Can anyone give me any tips on hitting the right target with the
laser guided bombs? How can I make sure that I'll hit the right structure?
(Posted by: Dizzy Murphy )
The first thing I do is use the view target facility in the pre-flight
briefing. That way I know what to look for when I approach the target. Try
to pick a geographical marker if possible (a different colour building or
one that's taller),this will also help. Then I fly to my target area and
with about 7 to 5 km from the target I activate TIALD (if you are directly
in line with the target it should select it for you automatically) then
track and laser the target. With the TIALD MFD selected drop bomb at
appropriate point (I assume you know how to read TIALD). Works every time
(for me at least)
(Posted by: Alex Porreca)
After activating the TIALD, turn the laser guidance on then slew the target
in the VDU using [shft ] arrow keys, for close up use the zoom. Hit Auto
pilot then F8 and watch the damage, or [shift] F7 for an outside view of
the target. Incidently after [shft] F7, [shft]c scrolls through the
available ground targets.
(Posted by: Nige )
One simple note. Be careful not to bank too much while lasing or the target
tracking can be broken. This can also happen on autopilot if the plane
starts circling the target (which usually would be impossible if SAMS were
doing their jobs).
(Posted by: Jeff Robbins )
Tiald Offset
Question: Has any body got TIALD to offset the aiming crosshair by using
shift and arrow keys. Because I find it annoying that you can only bomb the
selected target.
(posted by University of Hertfordshire)
The trick is to use the shift key on the right side of the keyboard (left
won't work) and the arrow keys. By using offset track you can move the
cross hairs all over the place (and get quite lost).
(posted by Steve Black)
Mavericks
Question: I fly towards the target and then I switch to the MFD to Slew the
seeker head to get the target in the middle. But the IRST shows the target
off and on if at all. Then I fire the maverick and most of the times it
misses the target. Can anyone give me some advice? (Posted by: George
Lindsay)
Yes, targets are a bit jerky using the "tlads." Low level Mav strikes are
good for a range of about 4-5 miles. If you want greater distances,
altitudes of 10,000-15,000 seem to work the best. (Posted by: Rick Olson)
Free Fall Bombs
Question: Can anyone suggest the best altitude and AOA for delivery of
cluster munitions and rockets? (Posted by: Jeffrey Bush)
10000 ft is a good altitude to start a bombing run. What I do is roll
inverted and pull back on the stick to avoid negative G's(really reds out
on ef2000), then align myself with target, keeping my nose down on target
(usually about 25-30 degrees). REMEMBER-You will gain a lot of speed doing
this, so chop your throttle and use airbrake if you have to. However, the
faster you go, the more accurate your CCIP will be on target. Try to pull
up as soon as you release or you will be caught in the blast(unless using
snakeyes).
For rockets, great altitude is not needed. the key to rockets is
range-don't shoot until 1-2 miles away; the closer the better. Make sure
the target is in the aiming reticle at the center of the hud. Oh, and try
to keep out of the dirt by keeping a close eye on your altimeter. (Posted
by: Brian MacPherson)
Finding the CCIP
Question: What is the CCIP? How do you find the CCIP?I
.....if you look at the bottom of the vertical line there will appear a
small horizontal line which indicates that point where the bomb will hit.
When this horizontal line passes through the target release your bombs.
Posted by: Alex Porreca
Try going into a steep dive over the target. I also use the F1 key to get
an unobstructed view. (Posted by Steve Black)
I have found that if I am bombing a pre-defined target, the CCIP bomb line
appears and I can bomb successfully. I have yet to find ways to mark
targets of opportunity and bomb them accurately. I usually do a very steep
dive and release the bombs on my best guesstimate. Posted by: Sim
Cluster Bombs
Question: I can't seem to get the hang of bombing with them. In the
practice I line up on target, I get the bomb sight up, The triangle is
showing, but I tell when to release. At top or bottom of bomb line. Am I
following the "X" or the triangle. ....Posted by: Frederick Overton
..The release level for the cluster bomb, as stated in the manual, is 180
feet. If you fly that low, you will see the CCIP at the bottom of the HUD
(small horizontal tick mark across the vertical line). I get best results
dropping the bomb a split second before the CCIP crosses the target. Posted
by: Jeff Robbins
... get low if you want a dense dispersion of the bomblets (200 feet or so)
or stay about 1000 feet over the target (you'll have to do this by "feel")
and pickle - it's a real wide area of coverage, but less probability of any
one bomblet hitting a target. Keep the pointy end forward --Posted by: Don
Nelson
Cannon Autofire
Question: On page 145 of the manual, a reference is made to "autofiring" in
regards to using the cannon. I can find no other reference anywhere in the
manual to explain what this is, or how to initiate it, or even to verify
that "autofiring" is engaged..... Posted by: Bob Cavender
Auto fire is automatic when using the cannon with the radar turned on. Lock
on to a enemy target (doesn't work if you lock on to a friendly) using the
"c" key, close to within cannon range (appx 2 miles) line up the pipper on
your target( should be surrounded by solid green box on the hud) and the
cannon should start firing by it self. Note : the pipper has to settle on
the target for a second, it won't work if the target just passes through
it. I haven't tried using it in tracking mode because I find using tracking
mode in a dogfight is a sure method of getting a silk elevator ride. Posted
by: RIGGER
************************REFUELING****************************
Refueling Tricks
Question: How do I refuel?
One trick in the game that works is reduce your speed to +10 KTS faster
than the tanker and use the `(tilde) key to adjust your joystick
sensitivity to about 25%. I know this seems like cheating, but there are
aircraft in the US inventory that have an air refueling mode for their
flight controls to make A/R easier Also you must make two joystick inputs
for EVERY maneuver you want to make behind the tanker. To hook up to the
basket, you must initiate a turn and then almost immediately bank the other
way to take out the correction. This will allow you to move in small
increments which is the way real airplanes perform A/R.
Posted by: Capt Keith Marlowe
Here's another approach to inflight refueling which works for me. Approach
the tanker, remembering to request permission to join. The trick to
maintaining a good closure speed is to use the autothrottle set to 309 kts,
which is about 7kts faster than the tanker. As mentioned in other messages
you need to be very smooth and gentle on the stick in order to avoid
ploughing into the tanker an making a dirty smudge in the sky! Posted by:
Rez Manzoori
.... it *IS* possible. The trick, (just like in the real thing) is to
concentration being smooth. Personally I think the 50+ KTS rule is a little
too high. A closure with a 2 foot dish at 50 knots? Here are my notes on
air-refueling:
1. throttle to 75% - use more for a faster closing, but be ready to back
down when you need to.
2. only use the airbrake to bleed off extra speed. You cant deploy and stow
the brake fast enough to keep pace with the tanker.
3. Reduce your closing rate to +7 KTS IAS - This gives ample time to line
up on the hose.
4. avoid over-correcting. If your plane is drifting
to port, use a slight amount Posted by: Rob Marley
Finding the Tanker
How do I find the tanker?
...no matter where you are, if you select your air refueling (AR) HUD mode
it will display the heading to the tanker Posted by: John Taylor
The mid air HUD refueling mode will tell you where to go. Sometimes there
is more than one airborne tanker. I could be wrong, but I think I recall
being able to cycle refueling HUD info between different tankers using the
C key just like when you cycle targets on radar. Posted by: Jeff Robbins
********************** STRATEGY AND TACTICS******************
Avoiding Air-to-Air Missiles
Question: - My DASS seems to fail me too often. I'll get blasted out of the
sky without warning. Does anybody know how to make the DASS work better?
- How do I know if I have to throw a Chaff or Flare? Chaff is for
heat-seeking, Flare for IR the manual says, but how on earth do I know
what's coming at me?? ... Posted by: Mark Jonker
Kick your DASS out to 15-30 mile range. It seems to be more effective at
that setting. (a bug??) DASS goes inactive when you use the #3 MFD to show
anything other than the DASS.. Also; RTFM re: flares and chaff.. You can
launch either manually with the INS and DEL keys. Keep hackin away at it,
pretty soon your situational awareness will improve; and things get A LOT
easier.. hope this helps.. Posted by: Steve Anthony
You don't have time to try and figure out what sort of missiles are coming
at you so you have got to use both chaff and flares at the same time. (I do
and it works okay). Changing direction can also be useful once you deployed
some chaff and flares. Also, don't forget to use your ECM. Posted by: Alex
Porreca
When a missile comes at you regardless if it is Infra red or radar, lower
your thrust: 1. generate less heat 2. if you are too fast you can't turn
that fast!!! 3. release 3x chaff and 3x flare and brake left/right and
right after you get 90deg to the ground, pull for 3 sec or more and brake
more to the same side you turned last time till you are 45deg from the
ground release more chaff and flare and pull as hard on the stick as you
can!!! make sure you watch the altitude and horizon!!! Posted by: Tom
1.IR and heat-seeking missiles are the same!
2.Use chaffs against radar-guided missiles, and flares against IR-guided
missiles. Remember: It is not embarrassing to return without chaffs and
flares but to return without your plane!
3.Always turn hard out of the missile's flight path at high speed.
4.Don't rely too much on DASS. Every modern Russian fighter has IR tracking
systems -- just like the EF2000. They don't need radar to fire IR-guided
missiles or guns at you. Posted by: Joerg Jooss
Any hints on avoiding both AA and SAMS?! I find myself just turning wildly
with no plan or strategy and hoping for the best.. Posted by: Paul
Wasserman
I find I can quite successfully avoid missiles if I keep velocity above 1
mach, and keep DASS on all the time, and ECM on when fired at. You may not
realize, but when you play with anything in the third MFD,
DASS turns itself off, i.e., if you check you fuel level, you will need to
turn DASS back on. Posted by: Clinton Isle
Missiles in Padock View
Questions: I have some problems while padlocking missiles....I can't break
the visual lock until missile crashes on the ground or run out of
fuel...!!!
I have found that if you flick back to the hud view that you can then
padlock a new target. Posted by: steve mcginnis
CAP Flights
Question: Is it normal to not encounter any enemy aircraft on a CAP? If so
(or not), exactly how long are you supposed to fly in circles in order to
get a 100% rating? Posted by: Joe Gayle
When I'm flying a cap there is a waypoint 8, it's the landing waypoint but
I can't get to it. It goes 6-7
and then 1. Anyone have a solution? Posted by: Fredrik Hofgren
CAP's are normally four hour flights. The autopilot will fly you thru the
CAP waypoints(1-6).When you want to return to base, set your AP to the
"landing" waypoint or manually fly in. Posted by: Rick Olson
One of the replies below said that a CAP was a 4 hour flight. Do you really
have to fly 4 hours in order to get 100% rating, or can you just fly
through the waypoints one time and return to base? If there are no enemies,
I don't want to fly in circles for very long. Posted by GSU
Try using shift-s, it will advance you through time by 1/2 hour periods or
until you get vectored to intercept by AWACS
Identifying Friend or Foe (IFF)
Question:Has anyone found the ""IFF"" command to help id friend or foe...I
have shot down many friendly aircraft... Posted by: DAN DAMATO
According to the docs there isn't any IFF, it's supposed to be automatic.
However, I have found the following... It looks like radar guided missiles
(AMRAAMs, S25s) won't lock on a friendly cause you can't seem to target
them. IR ones can be fired at friendlies, the HUD will allow you to target
a friendly, however I think that the target tracker contains an X in it as
an indicator. Posted by: Bob Stewart
Engaging When Low on Fuel
Question: What happens when you're at the end of an escort mission and
you're low on fuel and all of a sudden bandits appear on your JTIDS screen?
Well, unless you're shot up or have no weapons left to fire, you're obliged
to engage ASAP.
One trick (there are many) is to turn your radar off and try and sneak
around the bandit of your choice, then turn your radar back on, acquire a
missile lock and fire ASAP. That's for IR missiles. Radar guided missiles
can be launched from a variety of angles. The success or failure of these
missiles depends on A LOT of different factors. Anyway, with either type of
missile, the key is to get into a good firing position without the bandit
knowing you're there. Easier said than done, but that's the ideal.
Remember, when your radar is on, you're giving off signals that the bandits
can pick up. JTIDS is so cool because with a little practice, you can get
into a nice firing position on your enemy without him/her ever knowing
you're there. Posted by: Dan (DanielB17@aol.com)
Busy Airfield
Question: You approach the field and message out "For Recovery". Suddenly
the tower says "Negative. Field Busy". What do you do?
Well, depending on the amount of gas you have left, you can either orbit or
hit the nearest tanker...if there's one within reach. And what if you can't
do either? Land. Only one problem. Your other wingmen won't follow if the
tower says the field is still busy. As far as the computer is concerned,
they eventually just fall out of the air. I don't know about your EF
program, but mine always locks up on a loop with this vaguely Baltic tower
operator saying the field is STILL busy. So, with no other way to control
your wingmen (that I've found), you just have to resign yourself that you
actually put in a day's work and the program just has a glitch. Or so it
seems to me. The point is, whether you got recognition or not, you
fulfilled your mission. Okay, so you don't get credit. What else is new?
Posted by: Dan (DanielB17@aol.com)
Low on Gas and Out of Weapons
And one last thing. When you're running low of gas and weapons, and the
bandits are closing, send out that MAYDAY call for help. That's what those
other guys are flying the CAP missions for.
Good luck. And check that
JTIDS constantly. Posted by: Dan (DanielB17@aol.com)
Enemy ECM
(
Question: I was wondering if there was any way to accurately target enemy
planes once they switched their ecm on. ever time my wingman say "music" my
radar blips fade in and out and the missile lock tone turns on and off. Is
there any way to counteract this. Posted by: steve mcginnis
...the best way to counter enemy ecm is to get in closer so your radar can
burn through their jamming... keep an eye on the target aspect indicator:
if the target is flying perpendicular to you don't waste your radar
missiles...get in closer and tag him with an IR missile...or guns. Posted
by: Fangs
Wingmen Comms & Tactics
Question...When my wingman says to attack his target, is there any way to
see what his target is? Or do I have to somehow figure it out? Posted by:
F14
Go to page 55 in your EF2000 manual. It says pressing F5 will toggle
through the wingman's different views. One view is your wingman's cockpit
view. . .maybe he'll have his target on display on his HUD. Posted by: Dino
Question:Does anyone know if there's a way to instruct your wingman to take
evasive action to dodge missiles. If there isn't a way...shouldn't there be
one? Posted by: Al Denby
Select "Engage" and tell the wingmen to break.
Question: What do I do when the Wingman says, "I'll engage, you cover."
When you're wingman says "I'll engage. You cover," go find another target.
He's got that one. Of course, you could order him to cover you instead.
Don't switch to landing HUD mode until you see the field. The regular nav
HUD mode will give you range to the airfield until then. Posted by: Clark
Question: Could someone please write a note on the proper use of Wingmen,
when to order them to Bracket, Drag, Break etc. ! posted by Justin
Wingmen are not totally useless honest! There are some bugs but they can
still be very useful.
In ground attack missions do not issue orders to wingmen after you have
reached the IP and they will proceed to attack the mission target. The
patch will solve this problem with the command running in.
As for air to air missions the RAF works on the free fighter system where
one fighter will engage and the other will provide cover and will NOT
engage another target (except to protect the wingman) until the roles are
reversed (hence you engage ill cover etc.). IF you remember this and keep
tabs on your number two with F5 everybody should survive a lot longer. I've
flown cap mission where the wingmen have become aces!
Wingmen are quite good at attacking enemy aircraft if you can keep fighters
of his tail.... though they do waste lots of ammo by shooting at already
damaged aircraft. As for the use of drag and bracket maneuvers drag is the
most useful. Use drag to entice enemies onto your wingman's tail where you
can easily splash them with a short range missile shot. Be quick though or
your wingman is history.
Bracket is only really good for splitting up enemy formations before a
close range dogfights.
Another useful command is the break command on the engage menu, use this
when the enemy fires a salvo that may be heading for your wingman or when
someone moves in on his six. This should help keep your number two alive
longer. NOTE: None of this applies to Wingmen three and four as they will
operate on there own in combat.
Posted by: James Clarke
******************COMMUNICATIONS******************
Getting Clearance
Question: How do I get clearance to take off?
First, make sure that your waypoint is set to #1. You will only get
clearance to take-off once other flights are cleared. Sometimes you may be
faced with a wait while ATC gets their act together. You will then be given
the proper clearance to take-off. Posted by: Brent Norman
I use shift S to skip to the runway and the take off clearance usually
follows straight away.
Posted by: Vince Omodei
Emergency Landing
Question: What about Emergency Landing?
According to the manual there is an Emergency Landing request command.
However, it didn't make it to the first release. MAYBE it could be in the
patch. Posted by: Len Hjalmarson
Correct . There is no emergency landing option in the current release. Just
go ahead and land.
******************** FLIGHT INFORMATION SYSTEMS **************************
Fuel Display
Question: Why do the fuel to base indicators change when using
afterburners?
When you engage afterburners you are dumping extra fuel into the jet pipes
(hence after-burn), so your rate of fuel consumption goes up dramatically.
(Posted by: Al Denby)
************************** NAVIGATING WITH WAYPOINTS *****************
Question: Can anyone tell if there is a way to setup each waypoint ahead of
time; for example,I would like to be able to set all before take off, then
not worry about it, but it appears that I have to take care of each one in
flight. . Posted by: Rick Olson
While you are on the ground, or in the air, just hit pause and make your
adjustments [to the autopilot..Ed.] You can do that while in pause. It is
also fair since it takes you longer with a mouse than it does a real pilot
by hand.Gambit
Posted by: Cliff
When I'm flying a cap there is a waypoint 8, it's the landing waypoint but
I can't get to it. It goes 6-7and then 1. Anyone have a solution? Posted
by: Fredrik Hofgren
CAP's are normally four hour flights. The autopilot will fly you thru the
CAP waypoints(1-6).When you want to return to base, set your AP to the
"landing" waypoint or manually fly in. Posted by: Rick Olson
Question: How do I find the airfield.
One solution is to engage the ILS and then follow the waypoint carret.
*********************** STORES JETTISON**********************
Question: I wanted was to dump my air to ground for a dogfight. Also is
there a way to tell when the external fuel tanks are empty? Posted by:
Ricky Schehr
Check the manual again. I keep thinking that ALT-K jettisons fuel only,
whereas ALT-J will jettison everything - leaving you in a clean
configuration. I believe you can find out what the status of your external
tanks are by pressing MFD three and selecting 'STO.' Select your fuel tanks
to see which are empty. Posted by: Armando J. Heredia
*****************************TAXIING**********************************
Question...while taxing does your aircraft have the turn radius of an oil
tanker? From experience I know that aircraft nose steering is pretty
sensitive and I would prefer it to be the same here. Anybody have an idea?
Rudder pedals seem to change yaw while in flight at low speed. Nose wheel
steering seems to work well while taxiing. "shift ." goes right, "shift ,"
goes left. try it
Posted by: surfdog
try the left"shift/<"and right"shift/>" wheel brakes to increse turn radis
heheh like driving a farm tractor....
Posted by:snoutcall
