DCS F-16C Early Access Guide EN

Updated 3 November 2020
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Contents
LATEST CHANGES ........................................................................................................................................... 7
DCS: WORLD FUNDAMENTALS ....................................................................................................................... 8
Health Warning! ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Installation and Launch .................................................................................................................................. 9
Configure Your Game .................................................................................................................................. 10
Fly a Mission................................................................................................................................................ 14
Flight Control ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Changing Airspeed ................................................................................................................................. 16
Changing Altitude.................................................................................................................................... 16
Changing Heading .................................................................................................................................. 17
Game Problems........................................................................................................................................... 18
Useful Links ................................................................................................................................................. 18
THE F-16C VIPER............................................................................................................................................ 19
Cockpit Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Instrument Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 21
Left Auxiliary Console ............................................................................................................................. 26
Right Auxiliary Console ........................................................................................................................... 28
Left Console............................................................................................................................................ 30
Right Console ......................................................................................................................................... 35
HANDS-ON CONTROLS (HOTAS) ............................................................................................................. 38
Stick........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Throttle ................................................................................................................................................... 41
Sensor of Interest (SOI) .......................................................................................................................... 42
UPFRONT CONTROLS (UFC) .................................................................................................................... 43
Integrated Control Panel (ICP) ................................................................................................................ 44
Data Entry Display (DED) ....................................................................................................................... 46
CNI Page ................................................................................................................................................ 46
COM 1 and COM 2 Page ........................................................................................................................ 47
LIST Page............................................................................................................................................... 47
T-ILS Page ............................................................................................................................................. 48
ALOW Page ............................................................................................................................................ 48
STPT Page ............................................................................................................................................. 50
TIME Page.............................................................................................................................................. 51
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
BNGO Page ............................................................................................................................................ 52

NAV Page ............................................................................................................................................... 53
MAN Page .............................................................................................................................................. 54
INS Page ................................................................................................................................................ 54
DLNK Page............................................................................................................................................. 54
CMDS Page ............................................................................................................................................ 54
MODE Page............................................................................................................................................ 54
MAGV Page ............................................................................................................................................ 55
LASR Page ............................................................................................................................................. 55
MULITFUNCTION DISPLAYS (MFD) .......................................................................................................... 56
Horizontal Situation Display (HSD).......................................................................................................... 57
Stores Management Set (SMS) .............................................................................................................. 58
HEAD-UP DISPLAY (HUD) ......................................................................................................................... 61
HUD Remote Control Panel .................................................................................................................... 62
NAVIGATION ................................................................................................................................................... 63
Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) Navigation ......................................................................................................... 64
INS Alignment ......................................................................................................................................... 64
HUD Indication........................................................................................................................................ 70
Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) Indication.......................................................................................... 71
Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) Indication ......................................................................................... 72
TACAN (TCN) Navigation ............................................................................................................................ 74
Select TACAN Station ............................................................................................................................. 75
Navigate to Selected TACAN Station ...................................................................................................... 77
Instrument Landing System (ILS) Navigation ............................................................................................... 78
Select ILS Frequency .............................................................................................................................. 80
Navigate with ILS Glide Slope and Localizer ........................................................................................... 81
Autopilot ...................................................................................................................................................... 84
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 85
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 86
Radio Frequencies....................................................................................................................................... 86
Preset Frequency Change ...................................................................................................................... 87
Manual Frequency Change ..................................................................................................................... 88
Radio Commands ........................................................................................................................................ 89
Easy Communication Not Enabled .......................................................................................................... 89
Easy Communication Enabled ................................................................................................................ 89
PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................................ 91
EAGLE DYNAMICS 3
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Cold Start .................................................................................................................................................... 92

Taxi ........................................................................................................................................................... 102
Before Takeoff ........................................................................................................................................... 105
Takeoff ...................................................................................................................................................... 109
Crosswind Takeoff ..................................................................................................................................... 110
Normal Flight ............................................................................................................................................. 111
In-Flight Checks .................................................................................................................................... 111
Trimming the Aircraft ............................................................................................................................. 111
Air Refueling .............................................................................................................................................. 112
Descent/Before Landing ............................................................................................................................ 119
Landing...................................................................................................................................................... 121
Crosswind Landing .................................................................................................................................... 122
After Landing ............................................................................................................................................. 123
Engine Shutdown ...................................................................................................................................... 125
APG-68 FIRE CONTROL RADAR .................................................................................................................. 127
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 128
Air-to-Air Modes......................................................................................................................................... 128
Combined Radar Mode (CRM).............................................................................................................. 131
Air Combat Mode (ACM) ....................................................................................................................... 139
Single Target Track (STT) Mode ........................................................................................................... 146
Expand (EXP) Feature .......................................................................................................................... 147
IFF Interrogation ................................................................................................................................... 148
LINK 16 DATALINK ........................................................................................................................................ 150
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 151
Display Symbology .................................................................................................................................... 152
Radar Display Filtering .......................................................................................................................... 156
DLNK DED Pages ..................................................................................................................................... 157
Network Status ..................................................................................................................................... 157
MIDS Radio Options ............................................................................................................................. 158
Flight Management ............................................................................................................................... 158
LITENING AT TARGETING POD ................................................................................................................... 159
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 160
TGP Activation........................................................................................................................................... 161
Standby (STBY) Mode ............................................................................................................................... 162
Mode Selection ..................................................................................................................................... 163
Air-to-Ground (A-G) Mode ......................................................................................................................... 164
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Laser Ranging ...................................................................................................................................... 168

Air-to-Air (A-A) Mode ................................................................................................................................. 169
HOTAS Commands ................................................................................................................................... 171
LASR DED Page ....................................................................................................................................... 172
HELMET MOUNTED CUEING SYSTEM ........................................................................................................ 173
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 174
Non-Designated Mode .......................................................................................................................... 175
AIR-TO-AIR EMPLOYMENT .......................................................................................................................... 176
Air Combat Preparation ............................................................................................................................. 177
Dogfight and Missile Override Modes ........................................................................................................ 178
Dogfight Mode ...................................................................................................................................... 179
Missile Override Mode .......................................................................................................................... 179
M61A1 20mm Gun..................................................................................................................................... 180
Air to Air Gunnery ................................................................................................................................. 182
MAN DED Page .................................................................................................................................... 187
AIM-9M/X Sidewinder ................................................................................................................................ 188
AIM-9M/X Employment ......................................................................................................................... 189
AIM-9M/X HMCS Missile BORE Employment ....................................................................................... 192
AIM-9M/X HMCS Radar BORE Employment ........................................................................................ 195
AIM-120 AMRAAM .................................................................................................................................... 199
AIM-120 Employment ........................................................................................................................... 200
AIR TO GROUND EMPLOYMENT ................................................................................................................. 204
Attack Preparation ..................................................................................................................................... 205
M61A1 20mm Gun Strafe .......................................................................................................................... 206
Target Attack ........................................................................................................................................ 206
In-Range Cue Update ........................................................................................................................... 209
2.75” Rockets ............................................................................................................................................ 211
Target Attack (CCIP) ............................................................................................................................. 211
Unguided Bombs ....................................................................................................................................... 215
General Purpose Bombs ....................................................................................................................... 215
Cluster Bombs ...................................................................................................................................... 215
Training Bombs..................................................................................................................................... 216
Unguided/Laser Guided Bombs SMS Page........................................................................................... 217
Unguided Bombs CCIP Attack .............................................................................................................. 224
Unguided Bombs CCIP Attack (Post-Designate) ................................................................................... 227
Unguided Bombs CCRP Attack ............................................................................................................. 230
EAGLE DYNAMICS 5
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Laser Guided Bombs ................................................................................................................................. 234

Bomb Seeker Laser Code ..................................................................................................................... 235
SMS Page ............................................................................................................................................ 236
Laser Guided Bomb CCRP Attack ........................................................................................................ 237
DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS ................................................................................................................................. 252
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 253
Azimuth Indicator (RWR) ........................................................................................................................... 253
Countermeasures Dispensing Set (CMDS) ................................................................................................ 255
CMDS Control Panel............................................................................................................................. 255
HOTAS ................................................................................................................................................. 256
CMDS DED Pages................................................................................................................................ 257
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
LATEST CHANGES
Significant changes to the guide will be noted on this page. Changes may be identified by a black bar next to
the new or revised text as shown here in the right margin.
15 Oct 2019 – Added IFF Interrogation procedure to radar section.
20 Oct 2019 – Updated AIM-9 diamond and uncage behavior description in AIM-9M/X Employment sections.
22 Oct 2019 – Added Track While Scan radar submode description.
25 Oct 2019 – Added INS alignment procedures.
28 Oct 2019 – Added section on SMS MFD page and Selective Jettison.
05 Nov 2019 – Added Air Refueling procedures.
08 Nov 2019 – Added Link 16 Datalink information.
15 Nov 2019 – Added additional CMDS DED Page descriptions.
24 Nov 2019 – Added information on the radar display’s Expand Feature.
21 Jan 2020 – Added EEGS Level V gunsight information.
28 Jan 2020 – Added information on filtering FCR display datalink tracks.
11 Feb 2020 – Added slave/bore HOTAS functionality to AIM-9 employment section.
25 Feb 2020 – Updated TACAN band change procedure in the TACAN Navigation section.
15 Mar 2020 – Added M61A1 Gun dispersion information to the Gun Employment section.
31 Mar 2020 – Added Time and ALOW DED page descriptions to the UFC section.
26 Aug 2020 – Substantially revised Targeting Pod section to add new functionality. Added Stored Heading and
Inflight INS alignment procedures.
27 Aug 2020 – Added procedures for kneeboard usage to the Bomb Seeker Laser Code section. Added radar
display missile DLZ to AIM-120 Employment section. Added details on Dogfight and Missile Override modes.
28 Aug 2020 – Added new section describing Autopilot functions. Substantially revised section describing DED
Pages with emendations and many additional pages.
31 Oct 2020 –Added AGM-88 HARM section with HAS mode procedures.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 7
DCS [F-16C Viper]
DCS: WORLD FUNDAMENTALS
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Health Warning!
Please read before using this computer game or allowing your children to use it.
A very small proportion of people may experience a seizure or loss of consciousness when exposed to certain
visual images, including flashing lights or light patterns that can occur in computer games. This may happen
even with people who have no medical history of seizures, epilepsy, or “photosensitive epileptic seizures” while
playing computer games.
These seizures have a variety of symptoms, including light-headedness, dizziness, disorientation, blurred
vision, eye or face twitching, loss of consciousness or awareness even if momentarily.
Immediately stop playing and consult your doctor if you or your children experience any of the above symptoms.
The risk of seizures can be reduced if the following precautions are taken, (as well as a general health advice
for playing computer games):
Do not play when you are drowsy or tired.
Play in a well-lit room.
Rest for at least 10 minutes per hour when playing the computer game.
Installation and Launch

You will need to be logged into Windows with Administrator rights in order to install DCS World and the DCS: F-
16C Viper module.
After purchasing DCS: F-16C Viper from our e-Shop, start DCS World. Select the Module Manager icon at the
top of the Main Menu. Upon selection, your aircraft will automatically install.
DCS World is the PC simulation environment that the F-16C Viper simulation operates within. When you run
DCS World, you in turn launch DCS: F-16C Viper.
As part of DCS World, a map of the Caucuses region, the Su-25T Frogfoot attack aircraft, and TF-51 training
aircraft are also included for free.
After executing the DCS World icon on your desktop, the DCS World Main Menu page is opened. From the
Main Menu, you can read DCS news, change your wallpaper by selecting either the F-16C Viper icon at the
bottom of the page, or select any of the options along the right side of the page. To get started quickly, you can
select Instant Action and play any of the missions listed for the F-16C Viper.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 9
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Configure Your Game

Before jumping into the cockpit, the first thing we suggest is to configure your game. To do so, select the
Options button at the top of the Main Menu screen. You can read a detailed description of all Options in the
DCS World Game Manual. For this Early Access Guide, we will just cover the basics.
Options
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Upon selecting the Options screen, you will see seven tabs along the top of the page.
SYSTEM. Configure your graphics options to best balance aesthetics with performance. You have PRESET
options along the bottom of the page, but you can further adjust your graphics settings to best suit your
computer. If you have lower performance, we suggest selecting the Low PRESET and then increase graphics
options to find your best balance.
Items that most affect performance include Visible Range, Resolution, and MSAA. If you wish to improve
performance, you may wish to first adjust these System options.
CONTROLS. Set up your controls and functional bindings. Let’s take a closer look at this page:
First, select the aircraft you wish to assign control inputs to by use of the Aircraft Selection drop-down. Next,
along the left side of the screen are all the ACTIONS associated with the selected Input Function drop down. To
the right are all the detected input devices that have been detected to include keyboard, mouse, and any
joysticks, throttles and rudder pedals.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 11
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Aircraft Selection Input Functions
Axis Tune
1.
1. Aircraft Selection. From this drop-down menu, select F-16C Sim.
2. Input Functions. This displays various categories of input functions, such as axis devices, views,
cockpit functions, etc. To assign a function, double mouse-click in the box that corresponds to the
desired input function and the input controller device. Once selected, press the button or move the
axis of the device to assign it.
a. Example 1: if setting a pitch axis for a joystick, first select AXIS COMMANDS from the Input
Functions drop down. Find the box where your Joystick input device and the Pitch Action
intersect, and double mouse-click in the box. In the ADD ASSIGNMENT PANEL, move
your joystick forward and back to assign the axis. Press OK when done.
b. Example 2: if setting a keyboard of HOTAS command like cycle the landing gear, first
select ALL as the Input Function category. Find the box where your input device and the
LANDING GEAR CONTROL HANDLE – UP/DOWN Action intersect, and double mouse-
click in the box. In the ADD ASSIGNMENT PANEL, press the keyboard or controller device
button you wish to assign to the action. Press OK when done.
3. Axis Tune. When assigning an axis (like X and Y axis for a joystick), you can use this sub-page to
assign a dead zone, response curve, and other tuning. This can be very useful if you find the aircraft
overly sensitive to control. The Deadzone, Response Curve Saturation Y, and Invert and the most
common and useful elements to tune your controls.
GAMEPLAY. This page primarily allows you to adjust the game to be as realistic or casual as you want it to be.
Choose from many difficulty settings like labels, tooltips, unlimited fuel and weapons, etc.
To help improve performance, turning Mirrors off can assist in this.
AUDIO. Use this page to adjust the audio levels of the game. You also have the option to turn on and off
different audio effects.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
MISC. This is a catch-all of features to further tune the game to your preference.
VR. The VR tab allows you to enable support for a wide variety of VR Headsets and adjust their functionality.
When using VR, be particularly aware of the Pixel Density setting as it can have a dramatic effect on game
performance.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 13
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Fly a Mission
Now that you have configured your game, let’s get to why you purchased DCS: F-16C, to fly some missions!
You have several options to fly a single or multi-player mission.
2.
1. INSTANT ACTION. Simple missions that place you in the task of your choice. We will be using
several of these in this Early Access Guide to test what you learn.
2. CREATE FAST MISSION. Set various mission criteria to allow a mission to be created for you.
3. MISSION. More in-depth, stand-alone missions.
4. CAMPAIGN. Linked missions to create a campaign narrative.
5. MULTIPLAYER. Create your own or join an internet server.
6. MISSION EDITOR. Use this very powerful Mission Editor to create your own missions.
On the Main Menu page, you have the options to fly the Viper in an INSTANT ACTION mission, CREATE FAST
MISSION, load a MISSION, play a CAMPAIGN, or create a mission in the MISSION EDITOR. You also have
the option to jump online and fly with others.
Select the INSTANT ACTION from the right side of the screen. From here, you will be presented several
INSTANT ACTION missions to choose from.
To get started, we suggest the FREE FLIGHT mission. Later, you can also use these missions to practice
starting up the aircraft, takeoffs, landings, navigation and sensor / weapon employment. The MISSIONS
selection holds several combat and practice missions.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Flight Control
Primary aircraft flight controls include the flight control stick, throttle, and rudder pedals. The stick is used to roll
the aircraft left and right to perform turns and pitch the nose up and down to climb or descend. The throttle is
used to control engine power and resulting airspeed. The pedals are used to yaw the airplane left and right
using the rudder (like a boat). Pedal use in flight is limited to eliminating sideslip and helping to coordinate
smooth turns, but they are also used on the ground to turn the nose wheel when taxiing.
If you are flying only with a keyboard, the primary flight control keys will be arrow keys to control roll and pitch,
[Numpad+] and [Numpad-] to control throttle, and [Z] / [X] to control the rudder pedals. If you do have a
joystick, it may be equipped with a throttle handle and/or a twist grip, which will allow you to control the rudder
pedals.
Rudder Pedals
Stick
Throttle
To fly the aircraft to the right or left: roll the aircraft in the direction you wish to go and gently pull back on the
stick. The more you pull back on the stick, the faster your turn rate will be and the more speed you may lose.
When flying from the cockpit, you can toggle the Controls Indicator display by pressing [Right Control + Enter]
to see a visual reference of the positions of your flight controls.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 15
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Throttle Position Indication
Trim Position (mechanism used to reduce pressure on control)
Control Stick Position Indication
Pedals and Rudder Pedal Indicator
Wheel Brake pressure Indicator
Changing Airspeed
To increase and decrease your airspeed, you have several methods available to you:
• Aircraft engine power. The more you advance your throttle, the more thrust the engines will
produce.
• Aircraft pitch angle and pitch rate. Generally, when pointing the nose up in positive pitch, the
aircraft will slow down. When pointing the nose down in negative pitch, the aircraft will speed up. The
more rapid you make a pitch change can also affect speed. Whether it is a pitch change in the
horizontal plane or in the vertical plane, the more rapid and greater the pitch change, the greater the
G-loading on the aircraft. The greater the G-loading, the greater the negative effect on your speed.
• Speedbrakes. By opening the speedbrakes you can slow down the aircraft due to drag.
• Landing Gear. The landing gear can also slow you down due to increased drag, but they should only
be lowered when below 300 knots.
Changing Altitude
To increase or decrease your altitude, you will do so by changing the pitch of the aircraft.
• To increase altitude, pull back on the stick to raise the nose of the aircraft. As you increase pitch
though, you will start to lose airspeed. If the aircraft starts to stall, you will need to lower the nose or
increase power.
3.
• To decrease altitude, push the stick forward and lower the nose of the aircraft below the horizon. As
you pitch down though, you will increase your airspeed. To maintain current airspeed, you can reduce
throttle or open the speedbrakes.
To monitor altitude, view the barometric and radar altimeters on the HUD and the altimeter gauge on the
instrument panel.
You can also view your positive or negative vertical velocity with the Vertical Velocity Indicator on the instrument
panel.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Changing Heading
To turn the aircraft in the horizontal plane to a new heading, you need to move the stick to the right or left and
gently pull back. By rolling the aircraft in the direction you wish to point the aircraft and then pulling back on the
stick, the aircraft will pull its nose in that direction (you can think of it as a horizontal loop). When you have
reached the new, desired heading, center the stick and roll the aircraft back in the opposite direction to level the
wings.
Note the following:
• The greater the roll angle will equate to the greater amount you must pull back on the stick to keep
from losing altitude.
• The more you pull back on the stick to make a turn will generate a higher G-loading on the aircraft
and slow you down. If you lose too much speed, the aircraft may become uncontrollable.
• To keep from changing altitude during a turn, keep the HUD Flight Path Marker on the Horizon Line
and adjust pitch and roll input on the control stick to do so.
Flight Path Marker

Steering Cue
Steerpoint Symbol
EGI Magnetic Heading
You can view your current heading on the top or bottom of the HUD, depending on the selected master mode.
The heading scale shows your current magnetic heading indicated by the central caret. The Steering Cue
shows the heading to your steerpoint. If you turn the aircraft to align the Flight Path Marker with the Steering
Cue, you will be flying to your steerpoint.
You can also view your current heading on the Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI). The indicated heading at the
top of instrument that is aligned with the top of the lubber line indicates your current heading.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 17
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Game Problems
If you encounter a problem, particularly with controls, we suggest you back up and then delete your Saved
Games\User Name\DCS\Config folder, which is created by DCS on your operating system drive at first launch.
Restart the game and this folder will be rebuilt automatically with default settings, including all the controller
input profiles.
If problems persist, we suggest consulting our online technical support forums at
https://forums.eagle.ru/forumdisplay.php?f=437
Useful Links
DCS Homepage:
http://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/
DCS: F-16C Viper forum:
https://forums.eagle.ru/forumdisplay.php?f=638
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
THE F-16C VIPER
EAGLE DYNAMICS 19
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Cockpit Overview
Once in the cockpit, it’s best to have a general understanding of where the various controls are located. To help
locate items more easily, we have broken the cockpit into five primary areas: Left Console, the Left Auxiliary
Console, the Instrument Panel, the Right Auxiliary Console and the Right Console.
We will reference these locations in later sections of this manual.
Instrument Panel
Left Auxiliary Console Right Auxiliary Console
Left Console Right Console
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Instrument Panel
Head-Up Display
AOA Indexer AR Status/NWS Indicator
RWR Control Panel/Display

Integrated Control Panel (ICP)
Eyebrow Lights
Data Entry Display (DED)

Left Multifunction Display (MFD)
Warning Lights
Right Multifunction Display (MFD)
Miscellaneous (MISC) Panel Engine Instruments
Altimeter
Airspeed/Mach Indicator
Vertical Velocity Indicator
AOA Indicator
FUEL QTY SEL Panel
Attitude Director Indicator
Horizontal Situation Indicator
Head-Up Display (HUD)

The HUD provides flight symbols relating to attack, navigation, weapon, aiming, and landing modes. It also
provides symbols for essential aircraft performance data including altitude, airspeed, attitude, and heading.
AOA Indexer
The angle of attack indexer consists of three lights. If the top light is illuminated with a red chevron, you are
above 14-degrees of angle attack and you are pulling with an energy depleting angle of attack. If the center,
green circle is illuminated, your angle of attack is between 11 and 13 degrees and you are on-speed with
optimal angle of attack; and if the lower light with an amber chevron is illuminated, your angle of attack is below
11-degrees and you are energy gaining with an angle of attack less than optimum. This is duplicated on the
angle of attack gauge on the instrument panel and the angle of attack bracket on the HUD, which is only visible
with the gear down.
When landing, you will be shooting for between 11 and 13 degrees of AoA. Also note that these lights are
always on, not just with gear down.
AR Status/NWS Indicator
The center NWS light illuminates green when nosewheel steering is engaged. When engaged, rudder pedal
movement allows steering of the nosewheel. When performing aerial refueling the top ready light is blue and
indicates the door is open and ready, the middle AR light is green when the refueling boom is latched, and the
bottom disconnect light is displayed when a disconnect occurs.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 21
DCS [F-16C Viper]

The integrated control panel, or ICP, fills the top portion of the center instrument panel and is one of the core
systems of the communications, navigation, and IFF, or CNI, in the Viper. This is covered in its own section
below.
Data Entry Display

The data entry display, or DED, provides a display of communication, navigation aids, and identification, termed
CNI, and weapon delivery related information. Manipulation of the DED is done with the ICP.
RWR Prime Control Panel/Azimuth Display

The ALR-56M threat warning azimuth indicator is the radar warning receiver scope in the Viper. It is a plan-form
design with your aircraft in the center and emitters projected 360-degrees around it. To the left of the scope are
the threat warning indicator lights.
Eyebrow Lights
IFF Identification Light. Pressing the IFF identification button initiates and IFF response to an interrogation or
request from air traffic control.
Fault Acknowledge Light. When a fault appears on the Pilot Fault List Display, or PFLD, the fault
acknowledge button is pressed to clear the fault.
Master Caution Light. The master caution light will illuminate anytime a caution light is lit to indicate
malfunction or specific condition has occurred. It can be reset by pressing on the light button.
Left and Right Multifunction Display (MFD)

The left multifunction display, or MFD, consists of a full color CRT screen with 20 surrounding option select
buttons, or OSBs, in four groups of five. At the corners of the MFD are rocker switches for display gain, symbol
brightness, contrast, and display brightness.
Miscellaneous (MISC) Panel

Autopilot Roll and Pitch Switches. The two autopilot switches allow you to set pitch and roll. The pitch switch
can be set to ALT HOLD to maintain the current altitude, the A/P OFF setting turns it off, and the ATT HOLD
setting sets the aircraft to maintain the current pitch/roll attitude. The roll switch includes the HDG SEL setting to
have the aircraft turn to and maintain the heading selected with the bug on the HSI, ATT HOLD maintains the
current roll/pitch attitude, and STRNG SEL directs the autopilot to steer to the selected steerpoint on the DED.
Both switches can be used in unison.
ADV Mode Switch. The terrain avoidance button here is for terrain following radar and not used in the Block
50 Viper.
Master Arm Switch. The master arm switch has three positions. In the off position, weapons release is
inhibited except for an emergency jettison. In ARM and SIMULATE the radar and store management system
22
[F-16C Viper] DCS
operate normally, but no weapons can be released in SIMULATE. SIM mode is normally used in training to get
weapons symbology without actual release/launch, except for an emergency jettison.
ALT Release Button. The alt release button functions as a back up to the weapons release button on the
control stick in case of its malfunction.
Laser Arm Switch. If a targeting pod is loaded, the laser arm switch arms the laser.
ECM Enable Light. When ECM is transmitting, the ECM light will illuminate.
RF Switch. The radio frequency, or RF, switch, is a three-position switch that allows you to control emissions
from your aircraft. When set to silent, all electronic signals for the aircraft are disabled, to include the radar,
radar altimeter, data link, TACAN transmit, and ECM. In quiet mode though, the radar, TACAN, and data link
transmit but all other emissions are inhibited.
Warning Lights
Engine and Engine Fire Warning Lights. Along the right eyebrow are a series of split emergency lights that
often require immediate action when illuminated. The Engine light will illuminate when RPM and FTIT indicator
signals indicate an over-temperature, flameout, or stagnation has occurred. This means an RPM of less than 60
percent or an FTIT of 1000 Celsius or more. The Engine Fire light illuminates if a fire is detected in the engine
bay.
Hydraulic and Oil Pressure Warning Light. Both the hydraulic and oil pressure lights will illuminate if the oil
pressure falls below 10 psi for more than 30 seconds, or if either the A or B hydraulic system is below 1000 psi.
FLCS and DBU Warning Lights. The FLCS warning light illuminates if a malfunction is detected with the
FLCS processors, power supplies, input commands or sensors, angle of attack, or air data inputs. It will also
illuminate if the leading-edge flaps are locked or built in test fails. The DBU light will illuminate if the FLCS digital
back up is enabled.
Takeoff and Landing Configuration Warning Lights. The takeoff and landing configuration light illuminates if
the landing gear is not down when the aircraft is below 10,000 feet, the airspeed is less than 190 knots, and the
descent rate is greater than 250 feet per minute. This will also correspond to the landing gear intermittent horn
sound.
Canopy and Oxygen Low Warning Lights. The canopy light is lit when the canopy is not down and locked
and the low oxygen light will illuminate if the oxygen system is below 5 PSI or there is a BIT test failure.
Engine Instruments
Oil Pressure Indicator. The engine is equipped with a self-contained oil system to lubricate the engine and
gear box. The indicator reads between 0 and 100 PSI. Normal idle throttle PSI is around 15 when on the ground
and 60 when at military power and above.
Engine Nozzle Position Indicator. The engine nozzle is variable and consists of two sections, the divergent
nozzle that moves freely in conjunction with the nozzle. The nozzle is opened and closed by four hydraulic
actuators and the percentage the nozzle is open is indicted by this gauge.
Engine RPM Indicator. The RPM indicator indicates engine RPM as supplied by the engine alternator. It’s
expressed as a percentage value of 1 to 110.
FTIT Indicator. The Fan Turbine Inlet Temperature, or FTIT, indicates an average temperature in degrees
Celsius, and it can range from 200 to 1200 degrees in increments of 100.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 23
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Airspeed and Mach Indicator

The Airspeed and Mach indicator is pneumatically powered by the pitot-static system. Airspeed is indicated by
the outside gauge and pointer between 80 and 850 knots, and Mach is indicated in the window near the top of
the indicator between 0.5 and 2.2 Mach. The red triangle on the indicator indicates the VNE, or velocity never
exceed.
Altimeter
The altimeter is servo-pneumatic that can indicate altitudes between negative 1,000 to plus 80,000 feet. It has
both a primary electrically powered mode and a secondary pneumatic mode. If in secondary mode, the PNEU
flag appears on the gauge to indicate pneumatic mode.
The barometric setting knob allows you to input the desired altimeter setting, as indicated in the small window
below and to the right of the digital altimeter window.
Angle of Attack Indicator

The angle of attack indicator duplicates the same information as on the angle of attack indexer next to the HUD,
but ranges between -32 and +32 degrees. The tape is colored to match the indexer lights next to the HUD. The
bar in the center of the tape indicates your current angle of attack in relation to the center of the tape.
Attitude Director Indicator

The attitude director indicator, or ADI, displays the aircraft’s pitch and roll attitude as supplied by the inertial
navigation system, or INS. The indicator also includes a turn rate needle in which one needle width equates to 1
to 1.2 degrees per second turn rate and a ball, slip indicator.
The pitch trim knob can be used to adjust the sphere in relation to the aircraft symbol.
When the instrument landing system (ILS) is enabled, the ADI will also display localizer and glideslope bars with
associated off warning flags.
Vertical Velocity Indicator

The vertical velocity indicator, or VVI, displays the rate of climb or descent on a moving tape with a range of
6,000 feet per minute in a climb or dive.
Horizontal Situation Indicator

The horizontal situation indicator, or HSI, displays a plan-view with the aircraft in the center of the display. The
compass around the aircraft symbol is driven by the INS so that magnetic north is always read at the lubber
line.
The heading set knob allows you to set the heading indicators and the course knob allows you to set the
course.
24
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Fuel Quantity Select Panel

The Fuel Quantity Select panel allows you to determine what fuel information is displayed on the fuel gauge.
• Test will place both pointers at 2000 pounds and the totalizer should display 6000 pounds. Both fuel
low caution lights should illuminate.
• In NORM, the AL pointer indicates remaining fuel in the aft left reservoir and the A-1 fuselage tank,
and the FR pointer indicates the sum fuel in the forward right reservoir tank and the F-1 and F-2
fuselage tanks.
• Reservoir (RSVR) moves the AF and FR pointers to display fuel in the aft and forward reservoir
tanks.
• Internal Wing (INT WING) moves the AF and FR pointers to display fuel in the internal left and right
fuel tanks.
• External Wing (EXT WING) moves the AF and FR pointers to display fuel in the in the wing external
fuel tanks
• External Centerline (EXT CTR) moves the FR pointer to indicate the centerline external fuel tank
load.
• The External Fuel Transfer switch allows you control fuel transfer from the external tanks. NORM
transfers from the centerline tank then the wing tanks. WING FIRST transfers from the wing tanks first
then the centerline.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 25
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Left Auxiliary Console
Miscellaneous Switches and Indicators
Alt Gear Handle
CMDS Control Panel

Threat Warning Aux Control Panel
HMCS Control Panel
Miscellaneous Switches and Indicators

EMER STORES JETTISON Button. The emergency jettison button will jettison all fuel tanks, carted
suspension racks, and free fall ordnance.
WHEELS Down Lights. These show the state of the mains and nosewheel. When green, the gear is down and
locked. When the landing gear is transit, the landing gear handle will shine red and when the main/nose gear
are in the position commanded by the gear handle, its light will turn off
HOOK Switch. This switch extends the hook for emergency arrestment on airfields equipped with an
arrestment system. Once the hook is dropped though, the hook cannot be fully retracted from the cockpit.
ANTI-SKID Switch. The brake switch can be set to anti-skid or parking brake modes.
LANDING TAXI LIGHTS Switch. The landing and taxi light switch allows you to set the lights for
takeoff/landing or taxi operations.
DN LOCK REL Button. The down lock override button mechanically unlocks the spring-actuated handle lock if
the electrical solenoid should fail or not be powered. It overrides all electrical LG control signals.
LG Handle. Movement of the handle operates electrical switches to command landing gear retraction or
extension. A warning light in the LG handle illuminates when the gear and doors are in transit or have failed to
lock in the commanded position. The warning light also illuminates when all LG are not down and locked,
airspeed is less than 190 knots, altitude is less than 10,000 feet, and rate of descent is greater than 250 feet per
minute.
26
[F-16C Viper] DCS
SPEED BRAKE Position Indicator. The speed brake indicator has three possible indications, closed, open,
and no power. When closed the indicator displays closed, when open it has a series of nine dots, and when it
has no power it has stripped lines.
STORES CONFIG Switch. The stores configuration switch has positions for CAT I and CAT III. This generally
translates to CAT 1 being air-to-air load outs and CAT III being heavier air-to-ground load outs or lots of gas
under the wings. When set to CAT III the FLCS limits the angle of attack and onset rates in order to increase
departure resistance.
HORN SILENCER Button. The landing gear horn silence button allows you to turn off the audio horn when
you get below 190 knots, below 10,000 feet, trailing flaps extended, and the landing gear is not down and
locked. This generally warns you to lower the landing year, but you may also hear it if you get slow in a dogfight
below 10,000 feet MSL.
GND JETT ENABLE Switch. The OFF position inhibits emergency jettison with the landing gear down and
weight on wheels and inhibits selective jettison and normal release functions with the landing gear down. The
ENABLE position permits all arming and release conditions, regardless of landing gear or weight on wheels
conditions. This is used during maintenance operations for checkout of the aircraft armament system.
BRAKES Channel Switch. The toe brakes can be initiated by either electrical channel 1 or 2, which also
operate the brake hydraulic valves. You will normally keep this set to channel 1.
CMDS Control Panel

Controls and displays related to countermeasures dispenser set are located on this panel. Modes and programs
for chaff/flare dispensing and jammer use can be selected from here and activated using HOTAS controls on
your stick.
Threat Warning Aux Control Panel

Controls for powering up and managing the RWR are located on this panel.
ALT GEAR Handle

The alternate landing gear release handle lowers the landing gear in case of a hydraulic failure and/or inability
to lower the main landing gear handle.
HMCS Control Panel

This allows flight and weapons cue information to be displayed on the helmet visor. Rotating the knob allows
you to turn it off and on and adjust its brightness.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 27
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Right Auxiliary Console
FUEL Quantity Indicator
Magnetic Compass
HYD PRESS Indicators
EPU FUEL Quantity

Indicator
Pilot Fault List Display

Panel
Clock
Caution Light Panel
Magnetic Compass
The magnetic compass is a self-contained indicator which shows the heading of the aircraft in relation to
magnetic north.
Fuel Quantity Indicator

The fuel gauge displays total remaining fuel in the digital window in pounds of fuel, and the two needles indicate
fuel in the aft and left, and forward and right. If the two needles become too divergent, indicating a fuel
imbalance, then red will be down at the base of a needle. In such a case, you would use the engine feed switch
on fuel panel to correct the imbalance.
Hydraulic Pressure Indicators for System A and B

The hydraulic pressure in the A and B systems are indicated on the two gauges. Normal operation is between
2,850 and 3,250 PSI.
Pilot Fault List Display

The Pilot Fault List Display, or PFLD, lists all FLCS detected faults. Two types of PFLDs are displayed: warning
level and caution level. Warnings are associated with the FLCS and have a bracket around them. Cautions are
associated with other FLCS elements, engine, and avionics systems. When a PFLD item is displayed, its
28
[F-16C Viper] DCS
corresponding caution light indicator will illuminate and the and the master caution light will be lit. To clear a
PFLD fault, the fault acknowledge button is pressed.
Caution Light Panel

The caution light panel consists of multiple lights associated with possible detected fault conditions.
EPU Fuel Quantity Indicator

The EPU quantity indication shows the remaining supply of hydrazine as a percentage. At 100%, the EPU can
run for about 10-15 minutes.
Clock
The clock is an 8-day, manually wound clock with a provision for an elapsed time of up to 60 minutes.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 29
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Left Console
CANOPY JETTISON T-Handle EPU Control Panel

DEFOG Lever
Fuel Control Panel ELEC Control Panel
FLT CONTROL Panel
TEST Switch Panel ENG & JET START Control Panel
MANUAL PITCH Override Switch
UHF Backup Control Panel
ANTI G TEST Button
AUDIO 1 and 2 Control Panel

MANUAL TRIM Panel IFF Panel
ECM Control Panel

EXT LIGHTING Control Panel AVTR Control Panel
Test Switch Panel

This panel includes the following controls and displays:
• A fire and overheat detection test button that tests the overheat detection system. This then triggers
the overheat caution light and the engine fire eyebrow light. These in turn trigger the master caution
light.
• The Pitot heat power and test switch allows heating of the data probes when in the on position. When
set to test, the probe heat caution light flashes after a good test.
• A test switch for the on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS). This will trigger the low oxygen
eyebrow light.
• Emergency Power Unit, EPU, test switch tests the system after engine start.
• An indicator light test button that tests the warning and caution lights, as well as audio voice
messages.
• The flight control systems, FLCS, pronounced “flickiss”, power test switch for the left and right A, B,
C, and D light indicators for the four redundant flight control channels. Below it is the FLCS test power
test switch, that when held to test, tests power output to the FLCS when the electrical power is first
set to battery.
4.
FLT Control Panel

As you might imagine, this panel allows you to set manual controls of the F-16’s flight control systems.
Normally, you don’t have to touch most of this because Viper’s flight control systems are highly automated.
30
[F-16C Viper] DCS
• The Digital Back Up, or DBU switch, selects the FLCS backup software. If enabled, you will see the
DBU caution light and a HUD warning.
• The Alt Flap switch allows manual trailing edge flap engagement rather than the automatic schedule.
You would use this if you had a flap failure with asymmetric flap settings.
• The alternate manual TF fly-up switch is for terrain following radar, and this is not used on the Block
50 Viper.
• Manual or automatic control of the leading-edge flaps is available with the LE Flaps switch. This
allows the leading-edge flaps to be controlled based on the schedule or locked in place. The manual
setting might be used if one lead edge flap gets stuck and you need to have both leading-edge flaps
at the same setting.
• The FLCS Reset switch allows a reset of the FLCS warning and related lights, and it resets servo and
electrical FLCS system failures.
• The FLCS BIT switch commands a BIT test of the FLCS if there is weight on wheels. Running the BIT
test will run the flight control surface test sequence and something you’d do during start up. The
switch is magnetically held to the BIT position while the BIT is run, which lasts about 45 seconds.
While running, the green BIT light illuminates. Once complete and successful, the light turns off and
the switch snaps back to center. A red fail light appears if a problem is encountered in the BIT, and
the failure would be listed on the pilot fault list display, or PFLD.
5.
Manual Trim Panel

Under normal flight conditions, you’ll never have to use this panel as the F-16 does a great job in auto-trimming
in pitch but you can trim for pitch and roll using the trim switch on the control stick.
• In the top left corner of the panel is the roll trim wheel and indicator.
• In the bottom right corner is the pitch trim wheel and indicator.
• In the bottom left corner is the yaw trim dial without indicator.
• The trim autopilot disconnect switch allows you to disable control stick trim and autopilot mode in
case the trim hat on the stick malfunctions.
6.
Fuel Control Panel

The fuel control panel includes controls for fuel system management.
• On the leftmost side is the Master Fuel switch, which is guarded. It opens or closes the main fuel
shutoff valve. This is normally guarded to the on position.
• Next to it is the Tank Inerting switch that can pump non-volatile halon gas into the fuel tanks to reduce
internal pressure and reduce risk for fire during an emergency… like battle damage.
• To the right of that is the Engine Feed knob that energizes or de-energizes the fuel pumps and
maintains center of gravity with fuel loading.
• The engine feed dial provides you automatic or manual aircraft fuel balancing. An imbalance is
indicated on the fuel gauge by a divergence between the two fuel needles. The Aft and Forward
settings allow selective pump control for those fuel tanks with cross-feed. These also allow manual
shifting of center of gravity. The norm position allows the fuel system to try to auto-balance, and off
turns off the fuel pumps.
• On the right side of the panel is the Air Refuel switch that opens or closes the aerial refueling door on
the spine of the aircraft, behind the canopy and sets the flight control gains to take-off-and land.
7.
8.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 31
DCS [F-16C Viper]
IFF Control Panel

The IFF control panel provides backup control of essential CNI functions and some primary functions of IFF.
EXT Lighting Control Panel

The External Lighting Control Panel controls all externally mounted lights on the aircraft.
• The anti-collision knob has an OFF and seven options that apply to the anti-collision lights when in
flashing mode: 1 to 4 and A to C. These vary in their flash pattern.
• The Flash and Steady switch toggles the position lights between flashing and steady modes.
• Both the Wing/Tail and Fuselage switches have three positions that can be set to bright, OFF, or
dimmed.
• In the bottom left corner of the panel is the Formation Lights Knob that controls brightness of the
formation lights.
• To the right of this is the Master Covert knob that has positions for external lights overt and convert
modes for night vision.
• Finally, there is the Aerial Refueling door light that sets the brightness of the light that shines on the
refueling receptacle so that the air refueling boom operator can identify the receptacle during night
refueling operations.
9.
EPU Control Panel

The EPU is a hydrazine-powered, self-contained unit that can provide emergency hydraulic and electrical power
for about 10 to 15 minutes. You would most often use this if you lose your engine, and the EPU would provide
power to the hydraulic and electrical systems.
• At the bottom of the panel is the guarded EPU switch. In the NORM position it will operate
automatically when conditions demand, like loss of both hydraulic systems and/or loss of both
MAIN/STBY generators, but it can also be manually used when set to the ON position. When the
EPU is running and within proper turbine range, the EPU Run light illuminates.
• The AIR light illuminates when the EPU is engaged and running on Air and not Hydrazine and the
HYDRAZINE light is lit when hydrazine is used to power to the turbine.
10.
ELEC Control Panel

The Electrical Panel selects the electrical power source for the aircraft.
• From the power switch you can select Main Power that connects external power or the main
generator to the electrical system; Battery connects the battery to the battery bus; and Off disables
electrical power. When starting the aircraft, you would first place the switch in battery power to run
tests, and after that place that switch to main power for engine start.
• Below the switch is the Electrical Caution Reset button that can clear electrical system caution lights
and resets the main and standby generators.
• On the right side of the panel are a series of lights that include an amber Main Generator light when
there is no external or main generator power; an amber Standby Generator light that indicates that
standby generator power is not available; an amber EPU Generator light that the EPU is running but
not providing power to both emergency buses; and an amber EPU Permanent Magnet Generator that
indicates the EPU has been turned on, but there is not enough power from the PMG to power all
branches of the FLCS.
32
[F-16C Viper] DCS
• Along the bottom of the panel are the Aircraft Battery Indicator Lights. The Fail light comes on if there
is less than 20 volts in the battery when airborne or a battery failure on the ground; if the TO FLCS
light illuminates it means that one or more FLCS branches is getting less than 25 volts while airborne
or battery power is going to one or more FLCS branches while on the ground; and the FLCS RLY will
illuminate if one or more FLCS branches is getting less than 20 volts or one or more are not
connected to the battery.
11.
ECM Control Panel

This panel includes controls and indicators related to ECM equipment if installed.
AVTR Control Panel

The Airborne Video Tape Recorder, or AVTR, records HUD and MFDs or helmet and MFDs depending on the
setting.
ENG & JET Start Control Panel

As the name implies, the Engine and Jet Start Control Panel governs starter for the GE-129 engine and related
controls.
• At the top of the panel is the Jet Fuel starter switch with OFF and START1 and START2 positions.
These use one or two brake/jet fuel starter accumulators to drive the hydraulic starter motor. Using
JP8 fuel, start 2 should be used.
• Next to the switch is the JFS run light that illuminates within 30 seconds after JFS initiation.
• Below is the guarded switch for Primary and Secondary engine control modes. You normally have
this in primary mode unless you run into a failure of the engine’s digital electronic control, in which
case you can select secondary mode or you will have to cycle it to restart the engine after a flameout.
Note that in secondary mode you have no afterburner. Also, in secondary mode, the sec light will
illuminate on the caution panel and you will have a higher thrust at idle power.
• The max power switch at the bottom of the panel is inoperative and not used for the GE-129 engine.
12.
UHF Backup Control Panel

While most of your radio use will be through the integrated control panel, or ICP, and data entry display, or
DED, on the instrument panel, a backup UHF radio control panel is also available. It must be used before
engine start as it’s the sole radio that functions on battery power. This includes a door with the preset channel
entry button behind it with the selected preset channel to the right of the door. To the right of that is the knob to
select a preset channel.
For those familiar with our A-10C, this is the same UHF radio.
In the center of the panel are the controls to set a frequency with input dials display windows.
Along the bottom is the function knob to control radio power and mode, a tone signal button, the volume knob,
squelch select, and mode select knob for manual, preset or guard frequency (243.0).
EAGLE DYNAMICS 33
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Audio 1 Control Panel

The audio 1 panel controls the power and volume of both radios, comm 1 and comm 2, and both radios have
settings to disable the squelch, enable squelch, and guard setting. On the right side of the panel or controls to
set secure voice volume, Sidewinder missile seeker volume, audio threat warning volume, and a TF tone knob
that is not functional in the real jet.
Audio 2 Control Panel

Just below the audio 1 control panel in the control panel for audio 2, and this includes an intercom volume knob
that controls communication volume for the ground crew and boom operator, a TACAN code volume,
instrument landing system, or ILS, power and localizer identification signal volume, and a hot mic switch.
Manual Pitch Override Switch

In case of a deep stall departure, the pitch override switch allows you to command greater authority from the
stabs to help get the nose pointed downhill so you can pick up speed for controlled flight. The guards on either
side of the switch allow the pilot to better grip the switch in case of an inverted departure when hanging upside
down from the seat straps.
Canopy Jettison Handle

In case of emergency, you can pull the canopy jettison handle. This would be used if the primary ejection
handle is pulled but the canopy fails to separate, preventing ejection.
De-Fog Lever
The de-fog lever can be moved forward and back to provide de-fogging to the canopy.
34
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Right Console
NUCLEAR CONSENT Switch

PLAIN Cipher Switch
HUD Control Panel Interior LIGHTING Control Panel
SNSR PWR Control Panel AIR COND Control Panel ANT SEL Panel
ENGINE ANTI ICE Switch
Secure Voice Panel
AVIONICS POWER Panel

ZEROIZE Switch OXYGEN Panel
VOICE MESSAGE Switch
Sensor Power Control Panel

The sensor control panel consists of four switches. They are all power switches to turn off and on power to the
chin pod stations, the fire control radar, or FCR, and the radar altimeter.
HUD Remote Control Panel

As the name implies, the HUD control panel determines what and how information is displayed to the HUD.
Operation is covered in detail in the HUD section below.
Interior Lighting Control Panel

The interior lighting panel consists of three knobs that turn on and control the brightness of the cockpit
instruments. Most of the lighting is green to support night vision systems. The primary consoles knob controls
the lighting of the left and right consoles. The primary instrument panel knob sets the lighting for the instrument
panel and auxiliary panels. The primary data entry display knob controls the lighting of the DED and PFLD
displays.
The dim bright switch sets the AoA indexer, nose wheel steering / aerial refueling lights, the DED, ECM control
panel, MFDs, PFLD, and threat warning indicators to either bright or dim.
The flood instrument knob controls the flood light intensity on the instrument panel and the flood consoles knob
controls flood light intensity on the left and right consoles.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 35
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Air Cond Control Panel

The Environmental Control System Panel is split between setting the cockpit temperature and setting the bleed
air source. The temp control has no real function in a simulation, but the air source knob has options of off that
closes all engine bleed air valves; normal sets the ECS for automatic operation; dump equalizes air pressure to
the outside air pressure; and ram closes the bleed air valves and dumps cockpit pressure.
Secure Voice Panel

The secure voice system is used in conjunction with the UHF and VHF radios to provide secure voice
communications.
Voice Message Switch

The voice message inhibit switch allows you to silence all aircraft voice messages when set to inhibit.
Oxygen Panel
The oxygen regulation panel controls the flow of O2 to the facemask. The supply lever enables the system to be
off, supply air in the on setting, or also include pressure breathing for G with the PBG setting. The dilute lever
can be set to normal O2 mixture or 100% 02, and the emergency lever can set the system between emergency,
normal, and mask test. At the top of the panel is a gauge that indicates the PSI of the O2 system.
Engine Anti Ice Switch

The anti-ice system prevents ice buildup on probes and the engine. It is activated by placing the switch in the
ON position or it can be set to AUTO and will automatically turn one if ice is detected. Off disables the system.
ANT SEL Panel

The two switches of the antenna select panel allow you to select the upper, both, or just lower antennas for IFF
and the UHF radios.
Avionics Power Panel

The avionics power control panel has the following functions:
• Power to the modular mission computer, or MMC.
• Power to the store stations, or ST STA.
• Power to the two MFDs.
• Power to the upfront controls, or UFC.
• There is also a map power switch, but this is not used in the Block 50 Viper.
• Power to the GPS receiver.
• And power to the data link, or DL.
36
[F-16C Viper] DCS
• The inertial navigation system, or INS, knob has selections for off, stored and normal ground
alignment, normal INS navigation, in flight alignment, and attitude, or ATT, mode that allows you
correct INS alignment by flying a stable attitude to allow the GPS to update the INS.
• Last is the multifunctional information distribution system, or MIDS, knob that can turn off the MIDS
radio or zeroize all data.
13.
Zeroize Switch
In an emergency, the zeroize switch can erase all sensitive data from all systems like secure voice, GPS keys,
and others.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 37
DCS [F-16C Viper]
HANDS-ON CONTROLS (HOTAS)

The Hands-On Controls, sometimes referred to as Hands on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS), allows control of key
systems while never taking your hands off the flight controls. Switches on the throttle and stick allow hands-on
interface with the fire control system and perform various weapons delivery functions. Some of these switches
are multipurpose and their function at any one time depends upon master mode, weapons delivery mode, and
the sensor of interest (SOI).
Stick
The primary function of the control stick is to provide pitch and roll commands to maneuver the aircraft. Pushing
and pulling on the stick affects aircraft pitch (moves the horizontal tails) and moving the stick from side to side
inputs roll (moves the flaperons and horizontal tails).
The stick has several buttons and hats that allow you to manipulate the various systems without having to take
your hands off the stick.
WPN REL Button Trim Switch

(4-way)
Display Management Switch

Target Management Switch (4-way)
(4-way)
NWS A/R DISC

Trigger (2-position) MSL STEP Button
Countermeasures Management
Switch (4-way)
Expand/FOV Button
WPN REL Button. Press and hold to release air-to-ground weapons, including bombs, rockets, and air-to-
surfaces missiles.
Trigger Switch. Squeezing to the first detent fires the laser if a targeting pod is equipped. Squeezing the trigger
past the detent fires the gun if selected and armed.
38
[F-16C Viper] DCS
NWS A/R DISC MSL STEP Button. This button has different functions depending on the state of the aircraft:
• Nose-wheel Steering. On the ground, momentarily depressing the button activates and engages
nose-wheel steering. Depressing the button a second time disables nose-wheel steering.
• A/R Disconnect. When in flight and the AIR REFUEL switch in the OPEN position, depressing the
button disconnects boom latching.
• Missile Step. When in flight, depressing the button in EO or A-A mode selects the next weapon
station. Depressing the button in A-M Mode cycles between CCRP, CCIP and DTOS. A long press of
the button switches between missile types in A/A mode.
TRIM Button. Positioning the button forward and aft trims the aircraft nose up and nose down. Positioning the
button left and right trims the aircraft left wing down and right wing down.
Display Management Switch (DMS). The DMS is used to control Sensor of Interest (SOI) selection.
Direction Duration HUD FCR TGP WPN

Short SOI to HUD SOI to HUD SOI to HUD
Fwd
Long
Short SOI to MFD SOI MFD Swap SOI MFD Swap SOI MFD Swap
Aft
Long
Next LFT MFD Next LFT MFD Next LFT MFD
Short Format Format Format
Left
Long
Next RT MFD Next RT MFD Next RT MFD
Short Format Format Format
Right
Long
Target Management Switch (TMS). The TMS controls target designation and data management for the radar,
AGM-65 Maverick missile, and the targeting pod.
Direction Duration HUD FCR TGP WPN HSD

DTOS/EO-Vis RWS Spotlight
Short Designate / ACM BORE
Point Track Track Designate
Fwd
Long
Short Target Reject Target Reject Target Reject Drop
Aft
Long
Short Interrogate All Polarity Swap Polarity Swap
Left
Long Interrogate Tgt
TWS bug step
Short / ACM rotary
Area Track
Right TWS/RWS
Long Swap
EAGLE DYNAMICS 39
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Countermeasures Management Switch (CMS). The CMS controls deployment of countermeasures and
operation of the ECM pod if installed.
Direction Function
Fwd Dispenses selected manual program
Aft Gives consent in SEMI and enables AUTO dispense modes
Left No function
Right Disables AUTO dispense mode
Expand/FOV Button. Pressing this button cycles through the available field-of-view for the sensor or system
that is currently selected.
Paddle Switch (not shown). This switch interrupts the autopilot while switch is depressed.
40
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Throttle
The engine is controlled by a throttle mounted above the left console with detents at OFF, IDLE, MIL, and MAX
AB. The OFF position terminates engine ignition and fuel flow. The IDLE position commands minimum thrust
and is used for all ground starts and air starts. From IDLE to MIL, the throttle controls the output of the engine.
Forward of the MIL position, the throttle controls the operation of the afterburner.
The throttle also contains switches that provide various systems control. As with the control stick, the HOTAS
functions of the throttles vary in functionality depending on the state and operational modes of the aircraft.
Those are discussed in the appropriate sections of this document.
UHF VHF Transmit Switch MAN RNG/UNCAGE

(4-Way) Knob/Switch (Rotate, Depress)
DOG FIGHT Switch

(3-Position, Slide)
SPD BRK Switch

(3-Position, Aft
Momentary)
ANT ELEV Knob

RDR CURSOR/ENABLE Switch
(Rotate, Center Detent)
(Depress, Multidirectional)
UHF VHF Transmit Switch. The switch initiates UHF (aft) and VHF (forward) transmissions. Depressing
inboard (right) short (less than .5 seconds) filters datalink information on the FCR display. Depressing outboard
(left) short toggles datalink tracks on and off.
Manual Range/Uncage/Gain (MAN RNG/UNCAGE) Control. This has different functions depending on the
master mode and selected system. Rotating the knob controls zoom level for Targeting Pod video. Depressing
the switch commands the AIM-9 or AGM-65 seeker to uncage.
Dogfight/Missile Override (DOGFIGHT) Switch. DOGFIGHT is a three-position switch that overrides any
mode except emergency jettison. Returning the switch to the center returns to the last selected Master Mode.
• DOGFIGHT (outboard): This provides symbology on the HUD for both 20mm gun firing and A-A
missile delivery.
• Missile Override (inboard): This position provides symbology for A-A missile firing only.
Antenna Elevation (ANT ELEV) Knob. The ANT ELEV knob is used to manually set the radar antenna
elevation angle.
Cursor/Enable (CURSOR/ENABLE) Control. This control is used for slewing of the fire control radar cursor or
TGP/weapon video. Depressing the control changes the BORE/SLAVE option for the AIM-9 and AIM-120
missiles in A-A master mode. Depressing the control will step through PRE/VIS/BORE options for the AGM-65
missiles in A-G master mode.
Speedbrake Switch. The open (aft) position allows the speed brakes to be incrementally opened. The closed
(forward) position closes the speedbrakes.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 41
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Sensor of Interest (SOI)

The SOI is the sensor or display for which the hands-on controls are currently active. Similar functions are
activated by the same switches, whenever possible, to provide consistent operation regardless of the SOI or
mode selected. Further operation of these switches is detailed in the appropriate mode discussions later in this
guide.
The current SOI can be identified by the box around the MFD screen or the asterisk in the top left of the HUD.
SOI Box
SOI Asterisk
The SOI is changed from display to display with the Display Management Switch (DMS). Basic functionality as it
applies to SOI is:
Display Management
Switch
• DMS FWD. SOI transitions to the HUD if in A-G Master Mode

• DMS AFT. SOI transitions from the HUD to the highest priority MFD. DMS Aft again swaps SOI to
the other MFD.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
UPFRONT CONTROLS (UFC)

The upfront controls (UFC) include the Integrated Control Panel (ICP) and the Data Entry Display (DED). These
provide for quick access of either navigation control, radio frequencies and channels and fire control system
modes and data. Most of your time will be spent using the ICP to control these functions but less frequently
used functions, such as power and audio volume, are located on console panels.
Data accessed through the ICP is displayed on the DED.
The upfront controls are available during normal operations when the C&I knob (IFF Control Panel) is set to the
UFC position. This provides for control of communications, navigation, and IFF primarily via upfront controls. In
the event of failure of the upfront controls, the BACKUP position provides for alternate operation of the radios
and IFF, using their cockpit panels.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 43
DCS [F-16C Viper]

The ICP provides master mode selection, control of communication, navigation and identification (CNI)
equipment, data entry of weapons delivery related information, and HUD power/intensity control.
COM 1 (UHF), COM 2 (VHF), IFF

and LIST Override Buttons Master Mode Buttons
Reticle Depression Control

HUD Symbology
Brightness Knob
Recall (RCL) Button
ENTR Button
Priority Function
Pushbuttons and
Numeric Keyboard
HUD FLIR/TFR Controls
(not used)
HUD Raster Bright

Knob (not used)
HUD Raster Contrast

Knob (not used)
DED Increment /
Decrement switch
Data Control Drift Cutout / Warning Mode Select
Switch (DCS) Reset Switch (M-SEL) Button
Master Mode Buttons. Depressing these buttons selects the Air-to-Air or Air-to-Ground master mode. This
configures the aircraft systems and displays for the selected attack mode in one easy step. Depressing the
same button a second time returns to the previous mode.
Override Buttons. Four override buttons provide for quick selection and control of high priority systems. These
override the current DED page to show the page that corresponds to the depressed button. Depressing the
button a second time returns to the previous page.
• COM 1 selects the UHF (primary) radio page
• COM 2 selects the VHF (aux) radio page
• IFF selects the IFF page
• LIST displays a list of less frequently used pages that may be selected by depressing the
corresponding number on the keyboard
Priority Function Buttons. Depressing one of the nine labeled buttons on the keypad selects the associated
page for that frequently used function. The keyboard may then be used to enter or change data.
Data Control Switch (DCS). This switch is used to move the asterisk on DED pages, sequence through
different data fields, toggle wind data on the CNI page, and return to the CNI page from other pages.
DED Increment/Decrement Switch. This switch increases or decreases values for the field selected on the
current DED page. Values that can be increased or decreased are identified by an up and down arrow next to
them on the display. The DCS is used to cycle between available fields.
Mode Select (M-SEL) Button. This button is used on some pages to cycle through available modes.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Enter (ENTR) Button. Depress this to enter the numbers typed into a field with the keyboard.
Recall (RCL) Button. Depress this button once to erase the last digit that was entered, i.e. backspace key.
Depress it a second time to restore the originally entered value.
Symbology Brightness (SYM) Knob. Rotate this knob to turn the HUD on and adjust the symbology
brightness.
Reticle Depression (RET DEPR) Control. This knob raises and lowers the depressible reticle when it is
displayed on the HUD. Values from 0 to 260 milliradians can be set.
Drift Cutout (DRIFT C/O)/Warn Reset (WARN RESET) Switch. This switch is used to reset flashing warnings
displayed on the HUD and to center the flight path marker and pitch line when they drift out of view from
crosswinds or sideslip.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 45
DCS [F-16C Viper]

The DED shows a digital readout of communications, navigation and IFF (CNI) systems data. Different pages
are called up and manipulated using the controls on the ICP as described above.
CNI Page
This page shows the current UHF and VHF channel or frequency, steerpoints, system time, IFF status, and
TACAN channel. Wind data can be turned on and off by toggling the DCS switch to SEQ. Hack time is
displayed below system time when enabled at the Time page. The CNI page is displayed at power-up and can
be accessed any time by toggling the DCS to RTN.
Current Steerpoint
UHF Radio Channel/Freq
Wind Direction/Speed
VHF Radio Channel/Freq System Time
Hack Time
IFF Status
TACAN Channel
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
COM 1 and COM 2 Page

See the Radio Communications section for a detailed description.
LIST Page
Depressing the LIST button calls up a list of additional pages that may be accessed for display on the DED.
Depress the character on the keyboard that corresponds to the desired page.
An additional list may be accessed by selecting the 0-MISC option.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 47
DCS [F-16C Viper]
T-ILS Page
See the TACAN and ILS Navigation section for details.
ALOW Page
This page allows you to set the altitudes the ALTITUDE – ALTIUTUDE aural alerts are played by the Voice
Message Unit (VMU). It is accessed from the ALOW (2) priority function button.
CARA ALOW. The VMU provides an ALTITUDE – ALTITUDE aural warning when descending through the
CARA ALOW altitude. The AL value will also flash on the HUD. This message is based on radar altitude and
requires an operational radar altimeter to function.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
To enter a new altitude, DMS up or down until the asterisks are at the CARA ALOW field. Type the new altitude
with the ICP keypad and depress ENTR. The new setting will be visible on the HUD.
Radar Altitude
CARA ALOW Setting
MSL FLOOR. The VMU also provides an ALTITUDE – ALTITUDE aural warning when descending through the
MSL FLOOR altitude. This message is based on barometric altitude.
To enter a new altitude, DMS up or down until the asterisks are at the MSL FLOOR field. Type the new altitude
with the ICP keypad and depress ENTR.
Both messages are inhibited when the landing gear are down.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 49
DCS [F-16C Viper]
STPT Page
This page shows information on the currently selected steerpoint. It is accessed from the STPT (4) priority
function button.
Auto-Step Option
Steerpoint Number
Latitude
Longitude
Elevation
Time on Station
(if applicable)
Auto-Step Option. Positioning the DCS switch right to SEQ toggles between manual (MAN) and Automatic
(AUTO) advancement to the next steerpoint in sequence. With MAN selected, steerpoints are selected using
the Increment/Decrement switch on the ICP. With AUTO selected, the next steerpoint is selected when the
aircraft is within two nautical miles of the current steerpoint and range is decreasing.
Steerpoint Number. The current steerpoint is displayed. Steerpoints may be selected using the
Increment/Decrement switch or by typing in the desired steerpoint number with this field highlighted.
Latitude. The latitude of the selected steerpoint. New coordinates may be entered using the keypad when this
field is highlighted.
Longitude. The longitude of the selected steerpoint. New coordinates may be entered using the keypad when
this field is highlighted.
Elevation. The elevation in feet of the selected steerpoint. A new elevation may be entered using the keypad
when this field is highlighted.
Time on Station. If applicable, the desired time on station / time on target may be entered into this field.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
TIME Page
This page shows the current date and time used by the aircraft’s avionics systems. It is accessed from the Time
(6) priority function button.
System Time
Hack Time
Delta TOS
Date
System Time. This is the time used by aircraft systems for navigation. System time is automatically entered
into the avionics system based on GPS data. No manual entering of system time is required. However, to enter
a new system time, position the DCS switch up or down until the asterisks are next to the system time field.
Enter the time using the ICP keypad and depress the ENTR pushbutton.
Hack Time. This allows for an additional time reference independent of system time. Examples of its use
include setting a backup time reference for local, or some other pre-arranged time or using it as a stopwatch for
low level navigation.
To enter a new time, position the DCS switch up or down until the asterisks are next to the hack time field. Enter
the time using the ICP keypad and depress the ENTR pushbutton. The new hack time will be displayed here
and on the CNI page.
Depressing the INC/DEC switch up to INC starts the timer. Depressing it again stops the timer.
Depressing the INC/DEC switch down to DEC resets the timer to zero.
Delta Time on Station (TOS). This allows you to update the Time on Station for all steerpoints from one place.
This could be useful if, for example, the planned time on target for all aircraft in a strike package changes. TOS
may be updated by entering a delta TOS value on the DED. The entered time will be added to or subtracted
from all TOS values. Enterable values range from -23:59:59 to 23:59:59.
Date. A new date may be entered here using the MM/DD/YY format.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 51
DCS [F-16C Viper]
BNGO Page
This page allows entry of a bingo fuel value. Voice Message and HUD warnings will be based on the amount of
fuel in pounds entered here. It is accessed by selecting option (2) from the LIST menu.
Bingo Setting
Fuel Remaining
Bingo Setting. The desired bingo fuel setting may be entered here. When total fuel remaining decreases
below this value, “Bingo-Bingo” will be heard through the pilot’s headset, the letters FUEL will be displayed in
the lower left of the HUD and the letters FUEL will flash in the center of the HUD. The flashing warning may be
reset by positioning the DRIFT C/O switch on the ICP to the WARN RESET position. All three warnings may be
reset by entering a bingo level lower than current fuel remaining.
Fuel Remaining. Total fuel remaining in pounds.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
NAV Page
This page shows the status and health of the navigation system. It is accessed by selecting option (4) NAV from
the LIST menu. Cycle between the NAV STATUS and NAV COMMANDS page by toggling the DCS right to
SEQ.
EGI Accuracy
GPS Accuracy
Mission Duration
GPS Key Status
EGI Filter Mode
GPS Reset
GPS Zeroize
EGI Accuracy. This is an estimation of total nav system accuracy. Possible options are HIGH (less than 50 ft),
MED (less than 600 ft), or LOW (greater than 600 ft).
GPS Accuracy. This is an estimation of GPS system accuracy. Possible options are HIGH (less than 50 ft),
MED (less than 600 ft), or LOW (greater than 600 ft).
Mission Duration. This is an enterable number that represents the desired number of consecutive days of
GPS keys. This affects the GPS Key Status listed below.
GPS Key Status. The validity of loaded GPS keys for the number of entered days. Possible options are KEY
VALID (valid daily keys), KEY INVALID (invalid daily keys), INSUFF KEYS (insufficient keys for entered mission
duration), KEY NOT VERIFIED (key validity unknown), 2 HOUR ALERT (keys expire in 2 hours or less), Blank
(no keys loaded).
EGI Filter Mode. Reception mode of the GPS receiver. This may be toggled between AUTO and INS by
depressing any keypad number.
GPS Reset. The GPS Receiver may be reset by highlighting this field and depressing the M-SEL (0) button on
the keypad.
GPS Zeroize. The GPS data may be erased (zeroized) by highlighting this field and depressing the M-SEL (0)
button on the keypad. This erases crypto data from the GPS and INS memory.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 53
DCS [F-16C Viper]
MAN Page
See the Air to Air Gunnery section for a detailed description.
INS Page
See the INS Alignment section for a detailed description.
DLNK Page
See the Link 16 Datalink section for a detailed description.
CMDS Page
See the Defensive Systems section for a detailed description.
MODE Page
This page allows a backup capability to change master modes in the event of a master mode button failure. It is
accessed by selecting option (8) MODE from the LIST menu.
Depressing any ICP number key or sequencing the DCS switch right to SEQ toggles the highlighted field
between A-A and A-G. Depressing the M-SEL (0) key selects that master mode.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
MAGV Page
This page allows manual entry for Magnetic Variation, or number of degrees between magnetic north and true
north. This data is used by the aircraft navigation system. It is accessed by selecting option (0) MISC from the
LIST menu, then pressing 2 to select the MAGV page.
Two options are available: AUTO (automatic) and MAN (manual). These may be toggled by pressing any
number key on the ICP or positioning the DCS Switch right to SEQ.
In AUTO, magnetic variation is set based on values stored in the navigation system for the aircraft location. In
MAN, a new value may be entered manually by highlighting the field and entering the desired value.
LASR Page
See the Targeting Pod section for a detailed description.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 55
DCS [F-16C Viper]
MULITFUNCTION DISPLAYS (MFD)

Two color multi-function displays (MFD), left and right, provide video and text data for the following systems:
• Fire Control Radar
• Targeting Pod
• AGM-65 Weapon Video
• Stores Management Set
• Horizontal Situation Display
• Data Transfer Equipment
• Tests
• Flight Controls
Systems are controlled through option select buttons (OSBs) around the display screen of each MFD. Each
OSB interacts with the text displayed next to it to toggle through functions or select different sub-pages.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Horizontal Situation Display (HSD)

The HSD displays a plan-view of your current tactical situation with the symbols representing your aircraft
position (Ownship), current steerpoint, active flight plan, and range rings.
Flight Path Steerpoints
Current Steerpoint
Ownship Marker
Tactical information is also displayed based on pre-planned threat locations, information received through
onboard sensors, or information received through the Link 16 datalink. See the section on Link 16 for details.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 57
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Stores Management Set (SMS)

The Stores Management Set (SMS) MFD page and subpages allow for viewing, configuration and status
monitoring of loaded stores. Different options are available depending on the type of weapons that are selected.
An Inventory page is available that shows the stores loaded on each station and allows modification if required.
A Selective Jettison page is also available that allows selected stores to be jettisoned in an unarmed state.
Functions of the SMS page that relate to normal employment of weapons are covered in the following sections:
A/A Guns SMS Page
AIM-9 SMS Page
AIM-120 SMS Page
Bombs SMS Page
A/G Guns SMS Page
Rockets SMS Page
Inventory Page
Stores inventory can be viewed or changed by selecting the OSB adjacent to INV. This displays loaded stores
by station, starting with station 1 at the bottom left, and ending with station 9 at the bottom right. The type of gun
ammunition and number rounds remaining is displayed at the top right.
58
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Inventory Page Selection

Gun Rounds Remaining
and Type
Station 5
Station 4 Station 6
Station 3 Station 7
Station 2 Station 8
Station 1 Station 9
EAGLE DYNAMICS 59
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Selective Jettison (S-J) Page

This page allows jettison of selected stores in an unarmed state. This provides more flexibility in the stores that
are jettisoned than is available with the Emergency Jettison button, that jettisons all jettisonable stores.
The S-J Page is accessed by selecting the OSB adjacent to S-J at the bottom right. Jettisonable stores are
displayed and available for selection. Depressing the OSB next to the store highlights it for jettison.
If more than one jettisonable store is loaded on a station, for example stores on a TER-9 rack, one depression
of the OSB highlights the store and another depression highlights both the store and the rack.
Operating Mode
Highlighted Stores
S-J Mode Selection
The highlighted stores are jettisoned when the Weapons Release button on the stick is depressed.
Weapons Release
Button
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
HEAD-UP DISPLAY (HUD)

The Head Up Display, or HUD, is one of your most important instruments and provides valuable information as
to your aircraft flight performance and weapon / sensor information. In later sections of this guide we will
discuss aspects of the HUD that are specific to certain weapons and sensors, but the HUD does have a
common set of information that is almost always displayed.
Boresight Cross
Flight Path Marker
Steering Cue
Horizon Line
Steerpoint Symbol
Current G
Attitude Bars
Airspeed Scale
Baro Altitude Scale
Master Arm Status
Mach Radar Altitude
Max G Altitude Low Setting
Operating Mode Slant Range

Bars Time to Go
Bearing / Distance
to Bullseye Distance to Steerpoint /
Steerpoint Number
Roll Indicator
All information is displayed on a combining glass mounted in the forward field of view at eye level. The
symbology is focused at infinity and superimposed upon the outside world along the flightpath of the aircraft.
The HUD remote control panel (right console) provides control of the HUD set.
Together, the remote and integrated control panels control the symbology displayed. HUD data is displayed as
a function of the selected master mode and submode. The display surface has a total field of view of 30
degrees wide by 20 degrees high.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 61
DCS [F-16C Viper]
HUD Remote Control Panel

As the name implies, the HUD control panel determines what and how information is displayed to the HUD. The
panel consists of eight switches.
Scales Switch. When set to VV/VAH, the vertical velocity scale, velocity scale, altitude scale, and heading
tape are displayed. When set to VAH, all the scales are displayed except the vertical velocity scale. Off
removes all scales but digital readouts.
Flightpath Marker Switch. When set to ATT/FPM displays both the flight path marker and attitude reference
bars. When set to FPM, just the flight path marker is displayed. Off removes both.
DED Data Switch. This switch allows data from these displays to visible on the HUD, based on DED or PFLD
selection. Off displays neither.
Depressible Reticle Switch. The depressed reticle switch controls selection of the primary and secondary
standby reticles on the HUD. Standby displays the standby reticle and removes all other HUD symbology.
Primary displays the primary reticle but does not remove any HUD symbology. Off does not display either
reticle.
Velocity Switch. The airspeed switch allows airspeed to be displayed as calibrated airspeed, true airspeed, or
ground speed.
Altitude Switch. This switch allows the altitude tape to indicate radar altitude, barometric altitude, or
automatic. When set to automatic, radar altitude is displayed when above ground altitude is below 1,500 feet
and barometric altitude when above.
Brightness Control Switch. The HUD brightness switch has default brightness settings for day and night and
an auto brightness function that will adjust accordingly.
Test Switch. The HUD test switch can display a pattern when set to on or hash marks to best set field of
view/Design-Eye Seat Height when set to step.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
NAVIGATION
EAGLE DYNAMICS 63
DCS [F-16C Viper]
The F-16C uses a variety of navigation methods to direct you to mission locations. Depending on the mission or
stage in the mission, you may use different navigation sources. While we have reviewed many of the navigation
systems in the Cockpit Controls chapter, this Navigation chapter will review the practical application of these
systems.
Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) Navigation

The EGI is the primary navigation system of the F-16C and provides accurate attitude, navigation, and vertical
and horizontal steering information. The Up Front Controls (UFC) are the primary interface device to the EGI.
In this Navigation chapter we will discuss the practical application of using the EGI for navigation purposes.
INS Alignment
The navigation system can be aligned by a variety of methods on the ground or in the air. This is started by
positioning the INS knob on the Avionics Power panel to the desired position. The INS knob is set to NAV when
the alignment is complete.
The Normal (NORM) Alignment is the primary alignment mode. The NORM alignment requires approximately
eight minutes to fully accomplish.
The Stored Heading (STOR HDG) Alignment allows for a quick alignment in 30 seconds or less in some
conditions. This can only be used if the aircraft has been set up specifically for this alignment beforehand.
An Inflight Alignment (INFLT ALIGN) can be performed in flight if GPS data is available. Only limited
navigation information is available until the alignment is complete.
The Attitude (ATT) Alignment can be used inflight to restore attitude information if it is lost due to electrical
failure. Navigation information is not available until a NORM or INFLT ALIGN is performed.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Normal Gyrocompass (NORM) Alignment

A full INS alignment in the NORM position should be accomplished prior to every flight. This is normally started
just after engine start and avionics power-up to allow time for the full alignment to complete prior to taxi.
1. Position the INS knob to the NORM position.

This begins the INS alignment and calls up the INS page on the DED. The progress of the alignment may be
monitored from here.
Time Into Alignment Alignment Status
Latitude
Longitude
System Altitude Ground Speed

True Heading
Time Into Alignment. This is the elapsed time in minutes and decimal seconds since the INS alignment
began.
Alignment Status. This is an estimate of the alignment quality. Values count down from 99 with the following
meanings:
• 99 – Initialization
• 90 – Valid attitude data, coarse align begins
• 79 – Valid heading data
• 70 – Degraded navigation state, steady RDY displayed on DED, steady ALIGN displayed on HUD
• 60-20 – Estimated position error compared to fully aligned state; 60 = 6.0 times normal, 20 = 2.0
times normal
• 10 – INS fully aligned, RDY flashes on DED, ALIGN flashes on HUD
• 6 – INS fully aligned and enhanced to 0.6 times normal precision with GPS data or other techniques
Latitude. Latitude of start position.

Longitude. Longitude of start position
System Altitude. Altitude used by the fire control computer for air to ground weapons delivery
True Heading. Last known true heading or heading derived during alignment
Ground Speed. Current ground speed.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 65
DCS [F-16C Viper]
2. Enter the latitude, longitude and altitude for the starting location.
The last known coordinates and estimate of altitude are displayed when the alignment begins, however the data
must be re-entered even if it is still correct.
If the data is accurate, use the DED switch to highlight each line and press ENTR for each in turn. If the data is
not accurate, enter the correct data for each field with the ICP keypad.
Failure to enter the data will flag the alignment as degraded and not allow important monitoring functions to take
place. Navigation, weapons delivery and targeting pod pointing errors may also result.
The alignment will stop and start again if the data is entered later than two minutes into the alignment.
3. Monitor alignment progress and switch INS knob to NAV.

The RDY on the DED and ALIGN on the HUD will begin to flash when the alignment is complete. This should
happen in 8 minutes or less. Position the INS knob to NAV to accept the alignment.
Alignment Status
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Stored Heading (STOR HDG) Alignment

A Stored Heading alignment option is available to allow a faster INS alignment in certain situations. This can be
useful for ‘scramble’ missions or for situations when your play time is limited.
This alignment assumes a full gyrocompass alignment was already performed before the aircraft was last shut
down and the aircraft has not been moved. The previously computed true heading is stored in the Inertial
Navigation Unit (INU), a component of the INS, and is used to give the alignment process a head start. The
new alignment should take about 90 seconds.
1. Position the INS knob to the STOR HDG position.

This begins the INS alignment and calls up the INS page on the DED. The progress of the alignment may be
monitored from here just as on a normal alignment.
Time Into Alignment Alignment Status
Latitude
Longitude
System Altitude Ground Speed

True Heading
2. Verify, but do not enter the latitude, longitude, altitude and true heading for the starting location.
3. Monitor alignment progress and switch INS knob to NAV.
The RDY on the DED and ALIGN on the HUD will begin to flash when the alignment is complete. This should
happen in about 90 seconds. Position the INS knob to NAV to accept the alignment.
Alignment Status
EAGLE DYNAMICS 67
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Inflight (INFLT) Alignment

It is possible to lose your INS alignment inflight due to electrical failure, battle damage or switchology errors. A
new alignment may be obtained while airborne provided the INS is functional and GPS data is available. If GPS
is not available, the inflight alignment will not complete.
1. Position the INS knob to OFF for 10 seconds.
2. Maintain straight, level and unaccelerated flight.
3. Position the INS knob to the INFLT position.
This begins the inflight INS alignment and calls up the INFLT ALIGN page on the DED. No action or data entry
is required on this page if GPS data is available. An initial heading may be entered based on standby magnetic
compass reading or other outside sources but this is not required.
Initial Heading
The STBY mnemonic will replace the max G indication in the HUD, showing that coarse alignment of the inertial
platform is in progress. Horizon line, pitch ladders and compass information may be displayed but will not be
accurate.
Alignment Status
68
[F-16C Viper] DCS
4. Maintain straight, level and unaccelerated flight for approximately one minute, until ALIGN appears in the
HUD.
Alignment Status
This indicates that coarse alignment is complete and fine alignment is in progress. Attitude information
becomes available in the HUD and ADI, and the aircraft may be maneuvered normally.
Shortly after attitude information appears, the flight path marker, steering cue, aircraft heading, and HSI
navigation data become available. Reliability of the data increases as the alignment progresses.
5. Switch INS knob to NAV after Max-G replaces ALIGN in the HUD.
Replacement of ALIGN with Max-G shows that the alignment is complete. The mission may proceed normally
from there.
Max-G
EAGLE DYNAMICS 69
DCS [F-16C Viper]
HUD Indication
You can view your current heading on the top or bottom of the HUD, depending on the selected master mode.
The heading scale shows your current magnetic heading indicated by the central caret.
The Steering Cue shows the heading to your selected steerpoint. If you turn the aircraft to align the Flight Path
Marker with the Steering Cue, you will be flying to your steerpoint.
Flight Path Marker

Steering Cue
Steerpoint Symbol
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Horizontal Situation Display (HSD) Indication

When there is an active steerpoint, it will be displayed on the HSD as a solid circle. Other steerpoints will be
displayed as empty circles with lines connecting them all to show the route. The ownship marker shows your
aircraft’s current position.
Flight Path Steerpoints
Current Steerpoint
Ownship Marker
EAGLE DYNAMICS 71
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) Indication

The HSI is your primary gauge to assist in navigation to steerpoints, TACAN beacons, and radio beacons.
While you will likely be using HUD symbology for most of your navigation purposes, a firm understanding of the
HSI is necessary for access to additional navigation data that is not present on the HUD or DED displays, and
in case of battle damage.
Lubber Line
Range Indicator
Course Indicator
To - From Indicator
Bearing Pointer
Course Pointer Course Deviation Indicator
Heading Marker
Aircraft Symbol
Compass Card
Course Deviation Scale
Course Set Knob
Heading Set Knob
Current Mode
Mode Selector
Compass Card. Arrayed around the periphery of the HSI, this is a compass that rotates such that the top of the
compass indicates the aircraft’s magnetic heading.
Aircraft Symbol. In the center of the gauge is the aircraft symbol that always remains static. All HSI displays
are in reference to this symbol.
Lubber Line. This is a fixed line that runs from the aircraft symbol to the top of the gauge. This line represents
current aircraft heading in relation to the compass card.
Range Indicator. Indicating range in nautical miles, this three-place drum indicator provides slant distance from
your aircraft to the selected steerpoint or TACAN station.
Bearing Pointer. This arrow-shaped indicator moves around the outside of the compass card and points to the
current steerpoint or TACAN station. Located 180-degrees from the Bearing Pointer head is the tail that
represents the reciprocal bearing.
Heading Set Knob. Located in the lower left portion of the gauge, when rotated, this knob allows you to set the
position of the Heading Marker on the compass card.
Heading Marker. Shown as two thick lines on the outside of the compass card, this marker can be moved
around the compass card using the Heading Set Knob. After being set, this marker rotates with the Compass
Card to provide a heading to the selected magnetic bearing.
Course Set Knob. Positioned in the lower right corner of the gauge, this knob, when rotated, allows you to set
the course numeric in the Course Selector Window and move the course arrows around the compass card.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Course Indicator. This window displays the course set using the Course Set Knob numerically in degrees.
Course Pointer. Set by the Course Set Knob, these two lines represent the set course and reciprocal course
on the compass card.
Course Deviation Indicator. This line that runs through the center area of the gauge provides an indication of
how accurately you are flying on the set course line. When the line runs through the aircraft symbol in the center
of the gauge, you are on course. If it is to either side, you need to correct your heading to place the aircraft back
on the course line.
To-From Indicator. These two triangles along the intended course line indicate the course the aircraft will fly to
or away from the selected TACAN station or steerpoint.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 73
DCS [F-16C Viper]
TACAN (TCN) Navigation

The Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system is a world-wide array of omni-directional beacons with unique
frequency codes used primarily by military aircraft. Civilian aircraft use a similar system called VOR’s (VHF
omni-direction Beacon) on a different frequency range. Many VOR stations are collocated with a TACAN. These
stations broadcast both signals so they can be used by military and/or civilian aircraft. These stations are known
as “VORTACS”.
TACAN beacons can not only be set on the ground, but they can also be attached to aircraft and even ships
(aircraft carriers). TACAN serves as a useful means to quickly navigate to a defined location.
The TACAN is part of the MIDS radio system and must be activated by rotating the MIDS LVT knob on the
Avionics Power Panel to the ON position. TACAN audio tone volume is controlled on the AUDIO 2 panel.
The currently selected TACAN station is always displayed on the bottom right of the DED CNI page. You can
see station 1X is selected in this example.
Before navigating using TACAN though, you will want to do the following:
74
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Select TACAN Station

1. To select a new station, depress the T-ILS priority function button on the ICP. That displays the TACAN/ILS
page on the DED. Information on the TACAN system is displayed on the left half of the page.
2. On the ICP, toggle the DCS switch down to highlight the CHAN field. Use the ICP keypad to type in the new
channel. Press ENTR to accept the changes.
In this example, channel 25 is entered. The system has identified it as beacon GTB, a TACAN station at Tbilisi.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 75
DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. If required, you may change the band by typing 0 (M-SEL) into the CHAN field or scratchpad and depressing
ENTR. This toggles the band between X and Y.
4. On the ICP, toggle the DCS right to cycle through the following options: REC, T/R, A/A REC, or A/A T/R.
REC. Your TACAN operates in receive mode only and provides bearing, course deviation, and station
identification.
T/R. The TACAN acts in a transceiver mode (send and receive) and provides bearing, range, deviation and
station identification. This will be your most common selection.
A/A REC. TACAN operates in Air-to-Air mode and can only receive bearing, course deviation and station
identification for a TACAN-equipped aircraft.
A/A T/R. TACAN operates in Air-to-Air transceiver mode and provides bearing, range, deviation, and station
identification with a TACAN-equipped aircraft.
In most cases, you will keep the TACAN set to the T/R mode.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
5. Toggle the DCS left to RTN. This will return you to the CNI page where your new TACAN channel is
displayed at the bottom right.
Navigate to Selected TACAN Station

Once a valid TACAN station has been entered on the DED, the station is within operative range, steering
information is available on the HIS.
Press the Mode selector until TCN is displayed in the mode field. Operation is identical to steerpoint navigation
except the bearing pointer points to the TACAN station instead of the steerpoint.
Lubber Line
Range Indicator
Course Indicator
To - From Indicator
Bearing Pointer
Course Pointer Course Deviation Indicator
Aircraft Symbol
Course Deviation Scale

Compass Card
Heading Marker
Course Set Knob
Heading Set Knob
Current Mode
Mode Selector
Note: TACANs are considered reliable for only 130 nm, so the maximum distance between TACAN stations is
generally 260 nm.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 77
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Instrument Landing System (ILS) Navigation

The landing approach using the Instrumented Landing System (ILS) is generally used under Instrument Flight
Rules (IFR) conditions due to night or bad weather. When used, the ILS provides vertical and horizontal
steering information to help you fly down the correct glide slope and heading to a safe landing. The ILS
frequency is set using the Up Front Controls (UFC) and ILS steering is selected on the HSI. Steering
information is then presented on the HUD, ADI and HSI instruments. The ILS provides steering for a straight in
approach.
In addition to the instrument indications, the ILS has a localizer audio signal. The ILS provides an audio cue
when flying over either the outer or inner landing beacons. You can control the audio levels on the Audio 2
control panel.
Most, but not all runways, allow landings from either direction but will depend on the wind direction. The ILS
system should be used for the appropriate landing runway as directed by ATC.
The ILS system must be activated by rotating the ILS knob on the Audio 2 Control Panel out of the OFF
position.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
The ILS operates between 108.1 and 111.95 MHz. The frequency for any runway equipped for ILS may be
seen on the Mission Planner map before mission start or in-game using the F10 map view. Click any airfield
and the information will be displayed.
In the next example, we will set the system up for a landing at Vaziani runway 31, using frequency 108.75.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 79
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Select ILS Frequency

1. To select a new station, depress the T-ILS priority function button on the ICP. That displays the TACAN/ILS
page on the DED. Information on the ILS system is displayed on the right half of the page.
2. On the ICP, toggle the DCS switch down to highlight the FREQ field. Use the ICP keypad to type in the new
frequency.
Press ENTR to accept the changes.
3. Then, toggle the DCS switch down to highlight the CRS field. Use the ICP keypad to type in the course that
matches the active landing runway.
Press ENTR to accept the changes.
In this example, we set the system up for a landing at Vaziani runway 31, using frequency 108.75. CMD STRG
is highlighted indicating the ILS signal is being received.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Navigate with ILS Glide Slope and Localizer

Once a valid ILS station has been entered, the station is within operative range, and ILS is selected on the
Navigation Mode Select Panel, you will be provided steering information on the ADI and HSI to the selected
station (much like TACAN).
Selecting one of the PLS (Precision Landing System) modes on the HSI is required before ILS deviation data
(localizer and glide slope) can be displayed on the HSI, HUD, and ADI.
HSI Indications
Depress the Mode Select button on the HSI until either PLS NAV or PLS TCN mode is displayed.
Manually Selected Course

Range to STPT
or TACAN
STPT or TACAN Bearing
Localizer Deviation
Indicator Course Pointer
PLS Mode Indicator
Mode Selector
Operation is identical to steerpoint navigation except the bearing pointer points to the ILS localizer instead of
the steerpoint.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 81
DCS [F-16C Viper]
ADI Indications
The ADI provides indications that show your position in relation to the glideslope.
Glideslope Localizer and Glideslope Bars

Deviation
Scale
Glideslope
Indicator
Localizer and Glide Slope Bars. When the horizontal bar is centered on the ADI, you are flying down the glide
slope projected by the ILS vertical steering component. If the bar is above the center of the ADI, it indicates that
you are below glide slope and you need to increase altitude. The vertical localizer bar indicates if you are left or
right of runway alignment. If the bar is right of ADI center, fly to the right to center it. For a proper glide slope
approach, you want the two bars centered and forming a perfect cross on the ADI (aka “center the bars”).
Glide Slope Deviation Scale and Glide Slope Indicator. Located along the left side of the ADI, this fixed
scale and moving caret indicator displays the position of the glide slope in relation to the aircraft. Basically, the
caret is the glide slope. If it is high, you are low. For example: if the caret is on the bottom dot, you are above
the glide slope. The common terminology would be “you are 2 dots high”. Conversely, if the caret is on the first
dot above middle you are below the glide slope. The term would be “you are 1 dot low”. It is a general rule that if
you go more than 1 dot low or more than 2 dots high you go missed approach and try again.
Glide Slope and Localizer Warning Flags (not visible). When displayed, this indicates that there is a problem
in receiving adequate ILS glide slope or localizer signal.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
HUD Indications
The HUD also shows your position in relation to the glideslope. Command Steering guidance is also provided if
CMD STRG is highlighted on the ILS DED page.
Localizer and
Glideslope Bars Command Steering
Flightpath Marker
Command Steering Symbol. This symbol will be displayed on the HUD to guide you through the approach
when valid localizer data is received. A tic mark appears on the symbol when nearing the center of the
glideslope to indicate the pitch steering data is valid.
Localizer and Glide Slope Bars. These bars serve the same function as those on the ADI. When the
horizontal bar is centered on the Flight Path Marker (FPM), you are flying down the glide slope projected by
the ILS vertical steering component. If the bar is above the center of the FPM, it indicates that you are below
glide slope and you need to increase altitude. The vertical localizer bar indicates if you are left or right of runway
alignment. If the bar is right of FPM center, fly to the right to center it. For a proper glide slope approach, you
want the two bars centered and forming a perfect cross on the FPM (aka “center the bars”).
EAGLE DYNAMICS 83
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Autopilot
The two autopilot switches allow you to set and hold pitch and roll. Any combination of switch settings may be
used.
PITCH – ALT HOLD. This maintains the aircraft at a constant altitude. The aircraft will attempt to maintain the
current altitude from when the switch is set but may not be able to capture the desired altitude if the aircraft is in
a climb or dive. An altitude within the control authority of the autopilot will be commanded. The altitude may be
changed by depressing the paddle switch on the stick, flying to a new altitude, and releasing the paddle switch.
PITCH – ATT HOLD. This maintains the aircraft’s current pitch attitude, nose up or nose down. The autopilot
will not engage if the pitch angle exceeds +- 60 degrees, however, the switch may remain engaged. The stick
may be used to change the attitude in this mode.
ROLL – HDG SEL. This causes the aircraft to fly the heading selected on the HSI. Roll commands are limited
to a 30 degree bank or a 20 degree per second roll to capture the desired heading. The autopilot will not
engage if the roll angle exceeds +- 60 degrees, however, the switch may remain engaged.
ROLL – ATT HOLD. This maintains the aircraft’s current roll attitude, nose up or nose down. The autopilot will
not engage if the roll angle exceeds +- 60 degrees, however, the switch may remain engaged. The stick may be
used to change the attitude in this mode.
The switches are held in place until they are returned to the OFF position or any of these situations occur:
• AIR REFUEL Switch – OPEN
• ALT FLAPS Switch – EXTEND
• Landing Gear Handle – DOWN
• STBY GAINS Caution Light – ON
• TRIM/AP DISC Switch - DISC
Holding the paddle switch on the stick depresses disengages the autopilot until the switch is released.
84
[F-16C Viper] DCS
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
EAGLE DYNAMICS 85
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Overview
In order to receive radio communications from other mission entities and have your transmitted messages
received, it is vital that you have your radios set up properly! If not, you will be essentially talking to yourself.
Radio Frequencies
The current frequency for the UHF (COM 1) and VHF (COM 2) radios are shown on the DED CNI page.
When a mission is created, each agency is provided a VHF or UHF frequency. Each frequency corresponds to
a preset channel on your radios but you may also manually enter them. These are generally noted in the
mission briefing and should be set on your radios at the start of the missions.
Generally, the following rules apply:
• Your flight is most often assigned a VHF frequency. You will use the corresponding channel for intra-
flight communications.
• Other friendly flights operate on a common UHF frequency assigned to the operating area. When set
correctly, you will hear radio communications from other flights operating in the area. AWACS will
usually be on this common frequency.
• The JTAC is most often assigned a unique VHF or UHF frequency.
• Each airbase ATC is assigned a unique VHF or UHF frequency.
• Each tanker is assigned a unique VHF or UHF frequency.
As such, you may have to juggle multiple frequencies during a mission. The frequency preset features on the
radio will become a big help.
86
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Preset Frequency Change

1. Depress the COM 1 or COM 2 override button on the ICP.
2. Type in the desired preset channel and press ENTR
3. The radio will now transmit and receive on the new preset frequency.
With a preset channel selected, you may now cycle through available channels.
4. Toggle the DCS up or down until the arrows are displayed next to the preset channel.
5. Use the Increment/Decrement switch to change the channel.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 87
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Manual Frequency Change

1. Depress the COM 1 or COM 2 override button on the ICP.
2. Type in the new frequency with the ICP keypad and depress ENTR
3. The radio will now transmit and receive on the new frequency.
88
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Radio Commands
Commands or requests to and from other agencies must be made through the radio system. On the ground, the
radio communications window may be accessed by a press of the [\] backslash key. Once airborne,
communications are only initiated using the HOTAS controls:
UHF VHF Transmit Switch.
• Forward: VHF (Aux) radio [RCTRL + \]
• Aft: UHF (Prim) radio [RALT + \]
• Up: No function
• Down: No function
UHF VHF Transmit Switch

(4-Way)
There are two optional modes of using the radio that depend on the "EASY COMMUNICATION" OPTION under
the GAMEPLAY tab.
Easy Communication Not Enabled

This is the more realistic mode and requires you to know the correct modulation / frequencies for each recipient.
You must select the correct channel pre-set or manually enter the frequencies on the correct radio.
Easy Communication Enabled

The radio communications window is accessed by a press of the \ backslash key (this is for US keyboards;
other language keyboards may vary). Upon doing so, the list of radio command recipients is displayed along
with the function (Fx) key required to view its sub-command window.
When the radio menu is displayed, recipients are color-coded as follows:
• Recipients on which at least one of the radios is tuned to are colored white.
• Recipients on which at least one of the radios can be tuned to, but are not currently on the correct
frequency, are colored gray.
• Recipients that cannot be contacted due to range or terrain masking / earth curvature are colored
black.
Each will also have their modulation / frequency listed. When you select a recipient, the appropriate radio will
automatically be tuned to communicate with the selected recipient.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 89
DCS [F-16C Viper]
After a recipient has been selected to communicate with, the appropriate radio will be automatically tuned to the
correct frequency.
Using the Mic switch, recipients will be color-coded according to their being on the same modulation as the
selected radio.
90
[F-16C Viper] DCS
PROCEDURES
EAGLE DYNAMICS 91
DCS [F-16C Viper]
Cold Start
There are two methods you can use to start a cold and dark aircraft. The first, and easiest, is the Auto-Start. By
pressing [Left Win + Home], the aircraft will be started automatically for you. To cease the Auto-Start, you can
press [Left Win + End].
Being a DCS title though, the aircraft really shines when you take advantage of the detailed systems modeling,
like manually starting the aircraft.
1. MAIN PWR switch BATT

Keyboard Command: N/A
a. Verify the FLCS RLY light is on

The amount of power available from the battery is limited so
do not leave the MAIN PWR switch in BATT or MAIN PWR
for more than 5 minutes. Start the engine or apply external
power if more time is needed.
2. FLCS PWR TEST switch TEST and hold

a. Verify lights on ELEC Panel:

• FLCS PMG on
• TO FLCS on
• FLCS RLY light turns off
b. Verify lights on TEST Panel:

• FLCS PWR (4) on
This test verifies operation of the Flight Control Computer
with the aircraft battery as the power source.
3. FLCS PWR TEST switch Release

92
[F-16C Viper] DCS
4. MAIN PWR switch MAIN PWR

Verify lights on:

• ENGINE
• HYD/OIL PRESS
• ELEC SYS
• SEC
• FLCS RLY
14.
5. EPU GEN and EPU PMG lights Confirm off

Illumination of either light indicates criteria for EPU activation

are met. The EPU will activate and create a hazardous
condition if the EPU safety pin is removed by the ground
crew.
Turn the MAIN PWR switch to OFF and abort the aircraft (re-
start the mission) if the lights are on.
6. JFS switch START 2

The JFS RUN light illuminates within 30 seconds indicating

the Jet Fuel Starter is operational. Engine rpm should start
to increase.
Power is applied to the Flight Control System relays when
the JFS Switch is set to either position. The FLCS RLY light
should turn off and the FLCS PMG light and ACFT BATT TO
FLCS light should illuminate.
7. At 20% RPM - Throttle Advance to IDLE

Keyboard Command: RShift + Home
Advance throttle to IDLE after 20 percent rpm is reached.

The engine should light-off within 10 seconds and engine
RPM and FTIT should increase. Only the RPM and FTIT
indicators function until the standby generator is on line.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 93
DCS [F-16C Viper]
8. SEC caution light Off

The SEC caution light goes off at 20 percent rpm.
9. ENGINE warning light Off

The standby generator becomes operational at

approximately 60% RPM. This should extinguish the
ENGINE warning light.
Five to ten seconds after the standby generator comes on
line, the main generator comes on line and the standby
generator goes off line.
Checking the SEAT NOT ARMED caution light and three
green WHEELS down lights are on prior to the main
generator coming on line confirms the emergency busses are
being powered by the standby generator.
10. JFS Switch Confirm Off

The JFS should have automatically shut down at

approximately 55% RPM. Turn the JFS off if that did not
occur.
11. ENGINE INSTRUMENTS Check

Normal indications after engine start are:

• HYD/OIL PRESS warning light – Off
• FUEL FLOW – 700-1700 pph
• OIL pressure – 15 psi (minimum)
• NOZ POS – Greater than 94 percent
• RPM – 62-80 percent
• FTIT – 650⁰ C or less
• HYD PRESS A & B – 2850-3250 psi
94
[F-16C Viper] DCS
12. PROBE HEAT Check

a. PROBE HEAT switch – PROBE HEAT

• Verify PROBE HEAT caution light off.
• Illumination means one or more probe heaters are
inoperative or a failure of the monitoring system
has occurred.
b. PROBE HEAT switch – TEST

• PROBE HEAT caution light should flash 3-5 times
per second.
• The probe heat monitoring system is inoperative if
this does not occur.
c. PROBE HEAT switch – OFF
13. FIRE & OHEAT DETECT button Test

Verify ENG FIRE warning light and OVERHEAT caution light

illuminated when button is pushed.
This checks for continuity of the fire and overheat detection
loops.
14. MAL & IND LTS button Test

All cockpit warning, caution and indicator lights should

illuminate when the button is depressed.
Voice Message System (VMS) audio alerts should play in
priority sequence (i.e., PULLUP, ALTITUDE, WARNING,
etc.). A brief LG warning horn should be heard prior to the
WARNING and CAUTION words.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 95
DCS [F-16C Viper]
15. AVIONICS POWER Panel Set

a. MMC Switch – MMC

b. ST STA Switch – ST STA
c. MFD Switch – MFD
d. UFC Switch – UFC
e. GPS Switch – GPS
f. DL Switch – DL
g. MIDS LVT Knob – On
This applies power to the aircraft’s avionics and begins
running built-in-test (BIT) checks.
16. EGI/INS Knob ALIGN NORM

This begins alignment of the EGI/INS ring laser gyro

navigation system. A normal alignment takes eight minutes
or less to accomplish if the aircraft remains stationary.
The knob should be set to NAV prior to taxi.
See the INS Alignment section for details.
17. SNSR PWR Panel Set

a. LEFT HDPT Switch – OFF

b. RIGHT HDPT Switch – As Required
c. FCR Switch – FCR
d. RDR Alt switch – RDR ALT
Set RIGHT HDPT On if a Targeting Pod is installed on the
hardpoint.
Radar and Radar Altimeter transmission is inhibited until the
aircraft becomes airborne. Activation of these systems may
be delayed until just before takeoff if desired.
96
[F-16C Viper] DCS
18. HUD Control Panel As Desired

Set switches to display you desired HUD symbology and

format.
19. C&I Knob UFC

This enables control of primary communications, navigation

and identification functions from the upfront controls.
20. ECM panel As Required

21. Throttle SPD BRK switch Cycle and Close

This verifies proper operation on the speedbrakes. Confirm

visually and monitor speedbrake indicator.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 97
DCS [F-16C Viper]
22. WHEELS down lights Check three green

This indicates all three landing gear are down and locked.
23. SAI Set

Pull and rotate knob to uncage the stand-by attitude

indicator.
24. Engine SEC Mode Check

a. ENG CONT switch – SEC

b. SEC caution light – On
c. RPM – Stabilized.
RPM may drop up to 10 percent from PRI value before
stabilizing. Stabilized SEC idle rpm may be up to 5 percent
lower than that in PRI.
d. Throttle - Snap to MIL and then snap to IDLE when rpm
reaches 85 percent. Check for normal indications and
smooth operation.
e. NOZ POS - 10 percent or less within 30 seconds after
selecting SEC
f. ENG CONT switch – PRI
g. SEC caution light – Off
h. NOZ POS – Greater than 94 percent
This checks engine operation in the Secondary Engine
Control (SEC) mode. This mode is selected in the case of
failure of the engine-mounted digital computer that controls
scheduling of engine fuel flow.
98
[F-16C Viper] DCS
25. FLCS BIT Initiate and

Monitor
a. Flight Controls – Cycle

This is done in preparation for running the Flight Control
System (FLCS) bit check. Maximum stick inputs warm and
remove air bubbles from the hydraulic fluid
b. Position BIT switch to BIT.
The RUN light on FLCP illuminates. At successful
completion of BIT (approximately 45 seconds), the RUN light
goes off, the BIT switch returns to OFF, and the FAIL light
and FLCS warning light remain off. A BIT pass message
appears on the FLCS MFD page.
Other tasks may be completed while the FLCS BIT runs.
26. FUEL QTY SEL knob Check

a. TEST - FR, AL pointers indicate 2000(+-100) pounds and

totalizer indicates 6000 (+-100) pounds. FWD and AFT
FUEL LOW caution lights illuminate.
b. NORM - AL pointer indicates approximately 2810 pounds.
FR pointer indicates approximately 3250 pounds.
c. RSVR - Each reservoir indicates approximately 480
pounds.
d. INT WING - Each wing indicates approximately 550
pounds.
e. EXT WING - Each external wing tank indicates
approximately 2470 pounds for full tanks.
f. EXT CTR - FR pointer indicates approximately 1800/1890
pounds for full tank. AL pointer drops to zero.
g. FUEL QTY SEL knob - As desired
EAGLE DYNAMICS 99
DCS [F-16C Viper]
27. DBU Check

a. DIGITAL BACKUP switch - BACKUP. Verify that DBU

ON warning light illuminates.
b. Operate controls - All surfaces respond normally.
c. DIGITAL BACKUP switch - OFF. Verify that DBU ON
warning light goes off.
This checks operation of the digital backup software. It is
used if problems arise with the primary FLCS software.
28. Trim Check

a. TRIM/AP DISC switch - DISC

• Stick TRIM button - Activate in roll and pitch
• No control surface motion
• No TRIM wheel or indicator motion
b. TRIM/AP DISC switch - NORM

• Stick TRIM button - Check and center
• Control surface motion
• TRIM wheel and indicator motion
c. Rudder trim check.

• YAW TRIM knob - Check and center
29. MPO Check

a. Stick - Full forward and hold; note horizontal tail

deflection.
b. MPO switch - OVRD and hold; confirm that horizontal tail
trailing edges move farther down.
c. Stick and MPO switch – Release; confirm that the
horizontal tail returns to its original position.
100
[F-16C Viper] DCS
30. EPU FUEL quantity Check 95-102 percent

This indicates the percentage of hydrazine remaining.
31. EPU Check

a. OXYGEN - 100%
b. Engine rpm - Increase 10 percent above normal idle
c. EPU/GEN TEST switch - EPU/GEN and hold. Check
lights:
• EPU AIR light – On
• EPU GEN and EPU PMG lights - Off (may come
on momentarily at start of test)
• FLCS PWR lights - On
• EPU run light - On for a minimum of 5 seconds
• EPU/GEN TEST switch – OFF
d. Throttle – IDLE
e. OXYGEN – NORMAL
This check verifies EPU electrical power is available in case
of an emergency. It may be delayed until just before takeoff
if desired.
32. Avionics Program as required

Use the time on the ground as your INS aligns to check and
set your systems for the assigned mission. Things to
consider include SMS pages and profiles, radio channels
and frequencies, navigation data, bingo fuel settings, ALOW
settings and any other system applicable to the mission.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 101

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Taxi
Whether you have completed a cold start or are starting the mission in a “hot” aircraft, your next step will be to
taxi to the runway.
When you are ready to start rolling, slowly advance the throttle [PAGE UP] or [Num+] and use the rudder pedals
to steer left [Z] and right [X]. Reduce throttle by pressing [PAGE DOWN] or [Num-]. Press [W] to apply wheel
brakes.
1. Canopy Close and Lock

Keyboard Command: LCtrl + C
2. Altimeter Set and Check

Verify altitude displayed on your HUD matches the altitude

on your altimeter.
Check that the altimeter readings in ELECT and PNEU are
+-75 feet of a known elevation and are +-75 feet of one
another.
3. Exterior Lights As required

102
[F-16C Viper] DCS
4. EGI Knob NAV

Verify flashing RDY is visible on the DED INS page or

flashing ALIGN is visible on the HUD if full alignment is
desired.
See INS Alignment section for details.
5. NWS Engage
Press the NWS/AR Disc button on your stick. The NWS/AR

light right of the HUD should illuminate to indicate NWS is
engaged.
6. Throttle Advance
A throttle setting just beyond idle will be required to begin

rolling. Return throttle to idle after desired speed is reached.
7. Brakes and NWS Check

Gently test the brakes and nosewheel steering immediately

after your aircraft begins to move forward.
Heat may build up quickly if brakes are used for an extended
period so do not ride the brakes to control taxi speed. Use
one firm application of the toe brakes to slow the aircraft.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
8. Heading and Flight Instruments Check

Verify aircraft heading updates as your aircraft turns and that

all instruments behave as expected.
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Before Takeoff
A series of last-minute checks should be made just prior to entering the runway. Some airfields have arm/dearm
areas you may temporarily park at to keep the taxiway clear for other traffic. You may also perform these
checks while parked on the taxiway.
1. PROBE HEAT switch PROBE HEAT

This should be done at least two minutes prior to takeoff if

icing conditions exist. Delay selection of probe heat as long
as possible prior to takeoff if icing is not expected to prevent
overheat and damage to probe components.
2. ALT FLAPS Switch Verify NORM

3. Trim Check
Pitch and yaw trim - Centered

Roll trim - As required
This is a final verification the trim settings are correct for
takeoff and have not been inadvertently changed.
4. ENG CONT switch Verify PRI (gd down)

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DCS [F-16C Viper]
5. Canopy Verify closed, locked, light off

6. STORES CONFIG switch As Required

In general:
CAT I: Air to Air loadouts without external wing tanks.
CAT III: Air to Ground loadouts, or any loadout with external
wing tanks.
7. Speedbrakes Verify closed

8. IFF Set and check

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9. External Tanks Verify Feeding

Wing external fuel tanks should feed first and have a lower
quantity than at engine start. The internal wing tanks should
be full.
If three external tanks are installed, verify that the centerline
tank is feeding. This action checks that pressurization is
available to all tanks.
10. FUEL QTY SEL knob NORM

The FUEL QTY SEL knob must be set to the NORM position
to allow the automatic forward fuel transfer system, trapped
fuel warning, and for the BINGO fuel warning computation to
be based on fuselage fuel.
11. Flight Controls Cycle

This is to verify freedom of movement and ensure controls

are not obstructed.
12. OIL Pressure Check psi

Normal indication is 15-65 psi
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13. All warning and caution lights Check

Verify no unexpected indications.
14. TGP Stow (if installed)

Targeting Pod is stowed by selecting STBY on the Targeting

Pod Control Page.
This is done prior to takeoff and before landing to prevent
foreign object damage to components.
15. Ejection safety lever Arm (down)

This arms the ejection seat and allows ejection when the
ejection handle is pulled. This is delayed for as long as
possible to prevent inadvertent ejection on the ground.
Egress through other means is usually preferable.
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Takeoff
Once lined up for takeoff on the directed runway, you may perform a final run-up check:
1. Brakes Hold
2. Parking Brake Verify disengaged

3. Throttle 90% RPM

Check for normal engine indications:

• HYD/OIL PRESS warning light – Off
• OIL pressure – 25-65 psi (must increase as RPM
increases)
• FTIT – 935⁰ C or less
• HYD PRESS A & B – 2850-3250 psi
4. Brakes Released
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5. Throttle Advance to desired thrust

Engine FTIT and RPM should stabilize within 5-15 seconds

while on the takeoff roll. Check for normal acceleration and
normal engine indications.
6. NWS Disengage at 70 Knots

Gently pull back on the stick and establish takeoff attitude (8-12 degrees) at approximately 10 knots below
takeoff speed for mil-power or 15 knots below takeoff speed for AB.
Acft Weight (lbs) 20,000 24,000 28,000 32,000 36,000 40,000 44,000
TO Speed (KIAS) 128 142 156 168 178 188 198
Low stick forces are needed for rotation. Pulling back on the stick early may lead to uncontrollability due to early
lift-off at low speed and increase the distance needed to take off.
Ensure a positive rate of climb is established and raise the landing gear. The trailing edge flaps retract at the
same time as the landing gear and may cause the aircraft to settle and scrape the runway when lift is lost.
The landing gear should be up and locked before exceeding 300 knots. Higher airspeeds may detach wiring
and other components or cause structural damage to the landing gear doors.
Crosswind Takeoff
When taking off in a crosswind, the aircraft will want to weather-vane into the wind (turn into the wind). This will
have the result of raising the upwind wing. To counteract, you want to use a slight amount of left or right stick
into the wind direction. This will help keeping the wing level. You will also want to use a little rudder input to
keep a straight takeoff roll down the center of the runway.
During rotation, be careful to smoothly blend rudder input to establish a proper crab angle into the wind. With a
proper crab angle, the Flight Path Marker (FPM) should be aligned down the runway when becoming airborne.
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Normal Flight
There are no specific procedures to follow once airborne. You will need to rely on your own understanding of
aircraft systems and basic flight to keep the aircraft in one piece and accomplish the mission.
In-Flight Checks
At frequent intervals, check the aircraft systems, engine instruments, cockpit pressure, and oxygen flow
indicator and system operation. Monitor fuel in each internal and external tank to verify that fuel is transferring
properly by rotating the FUEL QTY SEL knob and checking that the sum of the pointers and totalizer agree, and
that fuel distribution is correct.
Trimming the Aircraft

The Flight Control System does a great job of maintaining aircraft trim but there are some situations where you
will need to manually trim the aircraft. When out of trim, you will notice the aircraft wanting to pitch, roll or yaw
(roll being the most common).
The trim switch on the stick is used to move the control stick to a new "neutral "position. For example: if the
nose wants to raise, you can input some nose down trim that will move the neutral point forward to a new
position. This relieves you from maintaining continuous pressure on the stick to maintain level flight when out of
trim.
Trim Switch
The most common need for trim is when stores are released that cause an asymmetric configuration. For
example, releasing a bomb from a left wing station but not the right will cause a roll to the right, in the direction
of the heavier wing. Roll trim will be required for the aircraft to maintain wings level flight with no stick input.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
Air Refueling
Some missions may require air refueling to ensure you have enough fuel to reach the target and return safely to
base. Even if more fuel is not required, you may wish to top off your tanks to allow more options in the target
area, like a low altitude, high speed ingress or more liberal use of the afterburner.
Tanker locations will be noted in the mission briefing or displayed on the Mission Planner screen. Tankers are
also equipped with air to air TACAN to help with the rendezvous. If in doubt, you may also request a vector to
the nearest tanker from AWACS.
You should announce your intent to refuel before approaching the tanker using the communications menu.
The tanker will respond with their current altitude and airspeed and clear you to the pre-contact position.
Continue to fly the rendezvous using radar or TACAN as a guide.
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The following steps should be taken to make your aircraft safe before approaching the tanker.
1. MASTER ARM Switch OFF

2. LASER ARM Switch OFF

3. Emitters OFF/STBY
Electrical signals from emitters like ECM, Radar or Radar

Altimeter may present a hazard to tanker aircraft and
personnel. Use them during the rendezvous if required but
turn them off prior to reaching the pre-contact position.
This can be done using the individual panels for each system
or with the RF Switch. When set to silent, all electronic
signals for the aircraft are disabled, to include the radar, radar
altimeter, data link, TACAN transmit, and ECM. In quiet mode
though, the radar, TACAN, and data link transmit but all other
emissions are inhibited.
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Take the following steps to configure the aircraft for refueling.
4. AIR REFUEL Switch Open

This should be done 3-5 minutes prior to refueling with

external fuel tanks to depressurize the tanks and allow them to
be filled.
Flight control gains change to takeoff and landing settings to
allow fine control.
5. AR status light Verify RDY

6. HOT MIC / CIPHER switch HOT MIC

This allows direct communication through the refueling boom.
7. Exterior lights As required

At night, exterior lights should be set to DIM and STEADY

settings and the Anti-Collision light should be set to OFF.
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8. DED Bingo Page Monitor

As a technique, you may choose to pull the Bingo page up on

the DED by selecting LIST→2 on the ICP. Your total fuel load
will be displayed. This allows you to verify you are tasking fuel
without going heads-down to the fuel quantity indicator.
Take the pre-contact position directly behind the boom and report you are ready to refuel.
The boomer will clear you to the contact position. Use small, smooth control inputs and add a very slight
amount of throttle. Be patient and allow that power change to move you forward.
Allow the boom to pass just left or right of your canopy, about 2-3 feet above your head. This serves as a good
first check that you are at the proper height relative to the tanker. Continue to move slowly forward, maintaining
alignment with the yellow stripe painted on the bottom of the tanker.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
Fly formation on the tanker and allow the boom operator to fly the boom into the refueling receptacle behind the
cockpit on your aircraft. Use the director lights on the bottom of the tanker to maintain a position within the limits
of the boom.
Centerline Stripe
D - Down F - Forward
A - Aft
U - Up
The lights are directive, meaning they tell you the direction to travel and not your current position. In other
words, preface the D, U, F and A with the word Go. If the light moves toward the D, go down and if it moves
toward the U, go up. If the light moves toward the A, go aft and if it moves toward the F, go forward.
The boomer will announce ‘contact’ and ‘you are taking fuel’ when the connection is established. The AR/NWS
light next to the HUD will illuminate. Monitor your fuel transfer on the DED or Fuel Quantity indicator.
It is likely you will unintentionally disconnect at some point in the process, especially on your first few attempts.
If this happens, return to the pre-contact position and try again.
Perform the following steps when refueling is complete.
1. A/R DISC button on stick Depress

This unlatches from the boom.

Verify the DISC light is illuminated next to the HUD.
2. AIR REFUEL Switch CLOSE

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3. AR Status Lights All OFF

4. Fuel Quantity Check

Verify proper transfer and balance after refueling is complete.
5. AR Status Lights All OFF

6. Emitters As Required
Emitters like ECM, Radar or Radar Altimeter were turned off

prior to refueling. If this was done on the individual cockpit
panels, set them back to the desired positions.
If this was done using the RF Switch, set the switch to the
desired position.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
7. MASTER ARM Switch As Required

8. LASER ARM Switch As Required

9. Exterior lights As Required

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Descent/Before Landing
You should set up the aircraft in preparation for landing the aircraft.
1. Fuel Check quantity/transfer/balance

2. Landing Light On
3. Altimeter Set and Check

Verify altitude displayed on your HUD matches the altitude on

your altimeter.
Check that the altimeter readings in ELECT and PNEU are +-
75 feet of a known elevation and are +-75 feet of one another.
4. Attitude references Check

Attitude indications for ADI, HUD and SAI should agree.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
5. ANTI ICE Switch As required

6. TGP Stow (if installed)

Targeting Pod is stowed by selecting STBY on the Targeting

Pod Control Page.
This is done prior to takeoff and before landing to prevent
foreign object damage to components.
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Landing
After completing a sortie, perhaps the most challenging part may still await you… the landing.
7 1
1. Initial Approach. Align your aircraft with the landing runway at 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) and 300
knots calibrated airspeed (KCAS).
2. Overhead Break. Break left or right over the desired touchdown point, set throttle to about 80% RPM, and
open the speedbrakes. Fly the break at about 70 deg of bank and 3-4 G. Align the HUD Flight Path Marker with
the Horizon Line to maintain a level turn.
3. Downwind Leg. Roll out on the downwind leg opposite the landing heading at about 200-220 KCAS and
1,500 feet AGL. Extend the landing gear and confirm three green gear down indications. Reduce speed as
required to prevent excessive airspeed buildup in the base turn and trim to an angle of attack (AOA) of 11
degrees.
4. Base Turn. Initiate the base turn when abeam the rollout point. You may estimate this position by starting the
turn when your wingtip is at the end of the runway when viewed from the cockpit. Lower the nose to 8-10
degrees and fly the turn at 11 degrees AOA.
5. Final Turn. Use your throttle to control airspeed while using the stick maintain 8-10 degrees nose low and 11
degrees AOA through the turn. Roll out on final and raise the nose to maintain proper glide path. The goal is to
roll out in line with the runway at approximately 300 feet AGL one mile from the touchdown point. Align the HUD
EAGLE DYNAMICS 121

DCS [F-16C Viper]
flight path marker and 2.5-degree pitch ladder with the runway threshold to ensure proper glidepath while
maintaining 11-degrees AOA.
6. Short Final. When over the overrun, the portion of the runway before the primary surface starts, shift the
flight path marker forward to a point 300-500 down the runway. Gently pull back on the stick to flare and reduce
the descent rate but do not level off. Pull the throttle back to idle and touchdown with a maximum AOA of 13
degrees. More than 15 degrees during the landing roll-out may cause the speedbrakes or engine nozzle to
contact the runway so use gentle stick inputs to avoid overcontrolling the aircraft.
7. Roll-Out. Maintain 13 degrees nose-up attitude for two-point aerodynamic braking until your airspeed has
reduced to approximately 100 knots. Reduce back stick pressure and lower the nosewheel to the runway. Open
the speedbrakes fully and maintain full aft stick for maximum braking effectiveness.
Apply moderate to heavy braking to slow the aircraft. Engage nosewheel steering when below 30 knots unless it
is required earlier to prevent departure from the runway.
Crosswind Landing
When landing in a crosswind, you should maintain wings-level and allow the aircraft to crab through touchdown.
At touchdown, quickly correct with rudder to maintain alignment down the runway. After touchdown, the aircraft
will want to weathervane into the wind, so you must compensate with rudder use or differential braking. A small
amount of left or right stick into the wind direction may be required to help keep the wings level.
Perform the landing roll-out as described above but maintain two-point aerobraking until below 80 knots or
aircraft control becomes a problem.
High rudder pedal force may cause an abrupt yaw as nosewheel steering is engaged. Center the rudder before
engaging nosewheel steering if possible.
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After Landing
When the aircraft is safely back on the ground it is time to start powering down systems and preparing for
shutdown. These tasks may be performed as you taxi clear of the runway. You may also pull into an arm/dearm
area to complete the tasks if desired.
1. PROBE HEAT switch OFF

Leaving heating applied to the probe without airflow to cool it

may damage probe components.
2. ECM Power OFF

3. Speedbrakes Close
4. Ejection safety lever Safe (up)

The ejection seat is safed after landing to prevent

inadvertent ejection. A ground egress is usually preferable
to ejection in an emergency on the ground.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
5. IFF MASTER knob STBY

6. LANDING TAXI lights As required

7. Armament Switches Off, Safe, or Normal

This should be accomplished before ground personnel

approach the aircraft.
8. Avionics Off
This may be delayed until you are stopped at the parking

location if you wish to record data or maintain INS alignment.
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Engine Shutdown
Perform the following after coming to a stop in your parking location. This is much simpler than aircraft start-up
because the order is less critical and proper operation of the systems are not being checked.
1. Throttle Off
Keyboard Command: RShift + End
This terminates ignition and shuts off the fuel supply to the
engine. The engine spools down and the generator drops
offline. Caution and Warning lights are to be expected.
2. JFS RUN light Confirm Off

3. EPU GEN and EPU PMG lights Confirm off

Check after main generator power drops offline. Lights on

may indicate impending activation of the EPU and a
hazardous condition.
4. MAIN PWR switch Off

Delay placing MAIN PWR switch to OFF until after engine

rpm decreases through 20 percent. This delay should allow
the exhaust nozzle to remain open and makes it easier for
the crew chief to accomplish the post flight inspection.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
5. OXYGEN REGULATOR Off and 100%

This closes the regulator valve and prevents damage from

foreign objects or small particles entering the system.
6. Canopy Open
Keyboard Command: LCtrl + C
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APG-68 FIRE CONTROL RADAR
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
Overview
Perhaps the most important sensor of the F-16C is its AN/APG-68 Fire Control Radar (FCR). The AN/APG-68 is
an all-weather, coherent, multimode, search-and-track sensor that uses programmable digital processors to
provide great flexibility in air-to-air tasks. It features pulse-doppler, look-down / shoot-down capability for both
Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and close in, Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) situations. The radar can locate and
track targets within 60⁰ left and right of the nose and 60⁰ up and down.
Air-to-Air Modes
The FCR provides two basic A-A modes for target detection, acquisition, and tracking:
Combined Radar Mode (CRM). This mode combines air-to-air submodes used for search under one interface.
Submodes are:
• Range While Search (RWS)
• Track While Scan (TWS)
Air Combat Mode (ACM). This mode combines all submodes for automatic target acquisition under one
interface. Submodes are:
• 30° x 20°
• Boresight
• 10° x 60°
• Slewable
Single Target Track (STT) is an additional mode entered by locking a target in RWS or ACM submodes.
Air-to-Air weapon employment using the radar is discussed in the following sections:
Air to Air Gunnery
AIM-9M/X Employment
AIM-120 Employment
We will first discuss aspects of the radar that spans multiple modes, and then later we will discuss radar
functions specific to unique applications/weapons.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
The air-to-air radar display uses a standard B-scope format in which the ownship (your aircraft) is in the bottom
center of the display. As such, all indications on the b-scope are ahead of the ownship. Targets on the scope
are displayed in range from the closest being at the bottom and the more distant being toward the top. Contacts
left and right of the ownship are represented as being indicted left and right of the center of the display to
indicate azimuth.
Steerpoint
Radar Display Range
Range Scale
Target Symbols
Acquisition Cursor and

Min Max Search Altitude
Elevation Caret
Azimuth Caret
Ownship Bearing
and Range
Fire Control Radar (FCR) Display
Important, basic components of the display include:

Radar Display Range. The currently selected range displayed on the MFD is shown on the left of the display.
This can be increased or decreased by depressing the adjacent OSBs or by slewing the acquisition cursor to
the top or bottom of the display.
Target Symbols. Target symbols are displayed as solid squares (bricks). The horizonal position of the target
symbol indicates angular position in respect to ownship heading. The vertical position indicates range.
Acquisition Cursor. Consisting of two parallel, vertical lines, this cursor is moved in response to Cursor/Enable
Switch commands on the throttle. When in a RADAR search mode, the altitude band being covered by the
RADAR beam is indicated above and below the cursor.
Targets are locked by slewing the cursor over the target symbol and commanding TMS Up on your stick.
Range Scale. The right side of the b-scope represents RADAR range. The scale includes marks for ¼, ½, and
¾ of the selected radar range.
Antenna Azimuth and Elevation Caret. The current radar azimuth is shown by a T symbol on the bottom of
the display. The current radar elevation is shown by a T symbol on the left of the display. The carats move
along scales that show the full ±60⁰ sweep range of the antenna.
Ownship Bearing and Range. This shows the bearing and range from your own aircraft to the Bullseye.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 129

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Modes are selected by depressing the OSB adjacent to the current mode. A menu of all available air-to-air
modes is displayed on the left side of the display. Depress the OSB adjacent to the desired mode to select it.
Radar Mode
Mode Selections
Fire Control Radar (FCR) Mode Selection
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Combined Radar Mode (CRM)

This mode is selected by default at power-up. It is designed to reduce pilot workload by combining air-to-air
submodes used for search under one interface. Submodes are:
• Range While Search (RWS)
• Track While Scan (TWS)
The RWS and TWS submodes may be cycled by depressing the OSB adjacent to the submode.
Radar Mode
Radar Submode
Combined Radar Mode (CRM)
These may also be cycled using the HOTAS by holding TMS right for more than one second.
Target Management
Switch
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
Range While Search (RWS) Submode

The Range While Search (RWS) submode is used for long-range acquisition and engagement. The pilot can set
the acquisition range (10, 20, 40, 80, or 160 nautical miles) and change the azimuth width and elevation.
Targets may be acquired and tracked in two ways: Situational Awareness Mode (SAM) acquisition or Single
Target Track (STT) acquisition.
1. Situational Awareness Mode (SAM) acquisition. Target acquisition and lock is initiated by placing the
acquisition cursor over a target, positioning the TMS on the stick forward once, then releasing the TMS. This
starts the Situational Awareness Mode (SAM) acquisition sequence.
During acquisition, the antenna is directed to the last known target position, and a 4-bar, ±10-degree Spotlight
search is performed.
Acquisition Cursor
Target
Spotlight Scan
Spotlight Scan
If a target is not under the acquisition cursor when TMS forward is released or no target is detected, the scan
coverage reverts to the previous scan pattern.
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After a successful acquisition, the SAM mode is entered. The target is tracked but the radar continues to scan
the area and display additional targets. This is commonly referred to as ‘designating’ or ‘bugging’ a target.
An AIM-120 AMRAAM will guide on the bugged target even without an STT lock.
Additional Target
Acquisition Cursor
Bugged Target
Scan Limit Lines
Situational Awareness Mode (SAM)
SAM mode may be exited with TMS aft on the stick.

Positioning TMS forward with the acquisition cursor over the SAM target enters Single Target Track (STT)
mode.
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
2. Single Target Track (STT) acquisition. Target acquisition and lock is initiated by placing the acquisition
cursor over a target, positioning the TMS on the stick forward twice in quick succession, then releasing the
TMS. The acquisition sequence is the same as above except only one target is tracked.
The radar now focuses all its energy on a single target and provides constant updates. However, the radar will
no longer detect other contacts and the enemy may be alerted by this radar lock.
Closure Rate
Aspect Angle
Airspeed
Ground Track
Altitude
Locked Target
Single Target Track (STT)
STT mode may be exited with TMS aft on the stick. TMS Aft once returns to SAM mode with the target bugged.
TMS Aft twice returns to RWS mode.
This mode is discussed in the Single Target Track (STT) section below.
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Track While Scan (TWS) Submode

This mode combines the information unique to RWS and STT modes. Generally, the TWS display is very
similar to the RWS display, however, each contact has a vector line that points in the direction of the contact’s
heading and a digital altitude indication below it. It permits having detailed target data on a contact while still
being able to scan for other targets.
TWS has several restrictions. The radar will attempt to build track files for each contact, but given a large scan
volume, there will be a sizable refresh time between scans. During each scan the radar will try to predict the
position of the contact for the next scan. If, however the target takes evasive, high-G maneuvers and quickly
changing its trajectory and speed, the radar can lose the track by making an incorrect track file prediction. Using
such a defensive tactics, the hunter can quickly become the hunted.
TWS, when combined with the AIM-120, provides a powerful ability to engage multiple targets quickly.
Nevertheless, the target tracking reliability is less than that of SAM and even more so than STT. Unlike STT
though, a TWS launch with AIM-120 will not provide the enemy aircraft with a radar lock and launch indication.
As such, the first warning the enemy pilot will likely get is when the active radar seeker of the AIM-120 goes
active near the target.
Radar Mode
Radar Submode
Track While Scan (TWS) Submode
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
Track files are established on up to 10 targets based on information received on each radar sweep. The radar
scan volume options are identical to those used for RWS but are reduced to 3-bar, ±25 degrees when a target
is designated.
Four types of target symbols are available to help sort contacts in order of priority: Search Target, Track
Target, System Target and Bugged Target.
Search Target. These are radar contacts that have not been resolved well enough to build a track. These are
displayed as a small box in much the same way as in RWS.
These targets disappear after a few sweeps if a track cannot be obtained. If a valid track is obtained, usually
after being detected on two consecutive sweeps, the contact becomes a Track Target.
Track Target. These targets are displayed as large filled boxes with a velocity vector line showing their
direction of travel. Their altitude is displayed just below each contact. Up to 10 of these tracks may be present
at one time.
Track Target
Search Targets
Track targets can be considered the baseline contact type. Other options become available after a contact has
reached this stage. Contacts that are determined to be friendly through IFF interrogation or other means may be
left as a Track Target. Contacts that require closer attention can be transitioned to System Targets.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
System Target. The propose of system targets is to ease designation and tracking of the contacts considered
most important. These are displayed as empty boxes and include the velocity vector line and altitude.
Track targets can be transitioned to system targets in two ways: either place the radar cursor over a track target
and TMS Up on the stick to transition only that target or TMS Right on the stick to transition all track targets to
system targets if no other system targets are displayed.
System Targets
One option that then becomes available is establishment of a Cursor Target. This is done by positioning the
cursor over any system target.
Cursor Target
Scan Limit Lines
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
This transitions the scan to 3-bar, ±25 degrees centered on that target to provide faster updates and reduce the
chance of losing the track. This does not designate the target for AIM-120 employment but increases its priority
for radar updates.
The priority target can be changed by slewing the cursor to another system target. Slewing away from all
system targets returns to the normal scan.
System targets can be designated as the bugged target by placing the radar cursor over it and TMS Up on the
stick. This transitions the scan to 3-bar, ±25 degrees centered on the bugged target to provide faster updates
and reduce the chance of losing the track.
Bugged Target
Scan Limit Lines
Bugged Target. This is the highest priority of all the tracked targets and the target an AIM-120 missile fired at
that moment will engage. It is displayed as a contact with a circle around it.
TMS Right will also select the closest system target as the bugged target. Subsequent presses of TMS Right
will cycle through all displayed system targets, making each the bugged target in turn.
With this in mind, engagement of multiple targets with AIM-120 missiles can be carried out as follows: Transition
the track targets you wish to engage to system targets. Bug the highest priority system target and fire the
missile. Cycle through system targets and fire a missile at each in turn when it is bugged.
Additionally, the bugged target may be transitioned to an STT track by selecting TMS Up with the cursor over
the bugged target.
Selecting TMS Aft from STT returns to the TWS mode. Each subsequent TMS Aft downgrades the status of
the track files.
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Air Combat Mode (ACM)

The Air Combat Mode (ACM) automatically acquires aircraft at short ranges. This mode is used most often
when the target is already acquired visually. The pilot flies the aircraft to position the target in the proper
position for radar acquisition.
Different scan patterns are available in the four different submodes:
• Boresight (BORE)
• 10°x 60° (Vertical Scan)
• 30°x 20° (HUD Scan)
• Slewable
The radar locks the first target it detects within each submode’s search pattern. Maximum acquisition range is
10 nautical miles for all ACM submodes except Boresight, where acquisition out to 20 nautical miles is possible.
Each submode has its own strengths and weaknesses and is best used in different situations.
ACM may be entered in two ways:
1. Position the Dogfight/Missile Override (DOGFIGHT) Switch on the throttle to DGFT. This selects ACM
automatically.
or
2. Depress the OSB next to the radar mode and select ACM from the options on the left of the screen.
Radar Mode
Mode Selection
ACM Radar Mode Selection
EAGLE DYNAMICS 139

DCS [F-16C Viper]
The 30° x 20° submode is entered in a non-radiating (NO RAD) state by default when ACM mode is selected.
The radar is activated when a submode is selected by either cycling through submodes on the MFD or using
the Target Management Switch (TMS) on the stick.
Submode Selection
ACM Radar Submode Selection
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
HOTAS functions of the TMS in ACM radar mode and the radar as SOI are:
Target Management
Switch
• TMS Up
o Boresight (BORE) Submode
15.
• TMS Down
o Without target lock: 10°x 60° (Vertical Scan)
o With target lock: Target Reject and 30°x 20° (HUD Scan) NO RAD
16.
• TMS Right
o 30°x 20° (HUD Scan)
17.
• TMS Left
o No function
EAGLE DYNAMICS 141

DCS [F-16C Viper]
30° x 20° (HUD Scan) Submode

The 30° x 20° HUD scan pattern searches an area slightly larger than the HUD field of view. The lock range is
10 nautical miles. The radar automatically locks on to the first target in this zone. When locked, the target is
automatically tracked in STT mode.
There is no special HUD symbology for this submode.
Scan Zone
This submode is less precise than the BORE submode and may take longer to achieve a lock because of the
larger target area for the radar scan to cover.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Boresight (BORE) Submode

The BORE scan pattern searches a small one-beamwidth area located 3° below the HUD’s gun cross. An
additional Boresight Cross is displayed on the HUD at the center of the radar scan zone to aid in positioning
the target in the radar beam.
Scan Zone
BORE Cross
BORE is useful for quickly locking a target within visual range (WVR) and allows a degree fine control as to the
target being locked. The first target detected within 20 nautical miles is locked and automatically tracked in STT
mode.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 143

DCS [F-16C Viper]
10° x 60° (Vertical Scan) Submode

In the 10° x 60° vertical scan submode, the radar searches an area with 10 degrees in width and 60 degrees in
the vertical. The scan center is 23° above the HUD’s gun cross. This mode is indicated by a vertical line
extending from the gun cross to the bottom of the HUD.
HUD Line
Scan Zone
The lock range is 10 nautical miles. The radar automatically locks on to the first target in this zone. When
locked, the target is automatically tracked in STT mode.
This mode is most often used during air combat maneuvering (ACM) dogfights. During such fights, you are
often trying to place the target on the lift vector and "pull" the target into the HUD. When in this mode, you can
often lock on to the target earlier, even when it is well above the HUD frame.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Slewable Submode (later in early access)

The scan pattern is approximately 20° high x 60° wide. When selected, the scan is centered directly in front of
the aircraft on the horizon. The scan is slewable via the CURSOR/ENABLE control on the throttle until a target
is acquired. The amount of slew is limited by the radar gimbal limits.
As with the other submodes, the radar automatically locks on to the first target in this zone. When locked, the
target is automatically tracked in STT mode.
This mode is useful when you have a direction to look, for example ‘bandits 2 o’clock high’, but have not picked
them up visually yet.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 145

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Single Target Track (STT) Mode

After you have locked the target from RWS or ACM submodes, the radar will change to STT mode. The radar
now focuses all its energy on a single target and provides constant updates. However, the radar will no longer
detect other contacts and the enemy may be alerted by this radar lock.
The MFD display in STT mode remains much the same as RWS mode with these differences: The locked
radar target is displayed as a circled triangle symbol with a flight vector line. The target’s altitude is displayed
below the target symbol. The top of the display shows aspect angle, ground track, calibrated airspeed, and
closure rate.
Closure Rate
Aspect Angle
Airspeed
Ground Track
Altitude
Locked Target
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Expand (EXP) Feature

The radar provides the ability to enter an expanded field of view display that allows sorting and resolution of
closely grouped contacts. This can be thought of as a zoom feature that provides a 4:1 scale view centered
around the radar cursor. This feature is available in all radar modes.
The expanded display may be toggled on or off by selecting the OSB next to NORM/EXP or by depressing the
Expand/FOV Button (pinky switch) on the stick while the FCR is sensor of interest.
Normal Display
Closely Grouped
Cursor Contacts
Expand/FOV Button
The expanded display features a 2 nm x 2 nm reference box centered on the cursor. Basic functions and
symbology are unchanged from the normal display.
Expanded Display
Cursor
2nm x 2nm Box
EAGLE DYNAMICS 147

DCS [F-16C Viper]
IFF Interrogation
The Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system allows interrogation of aircraft to determine if they are friendly or
hostile. This is done by transmitting a coded signal aimed at a specific radar contact or volume of space within
the selected radar azimuth and elevation. Transponders in friendly aircraft receive this signal and reply with the
correct coded response.
Contacts are classified based on the response and symbols identifying contacts as friendly or hostile are
displayed on the radar screen. The IFF system is not radar dependent so interrogation of contacts is still
possible with the radar off.
The IFF Master Switch must be set to NORM or LOW on the IFF panel to enable IFF interrogation.
Master Switch
Interrogation is initiated by HOTAS command in one of two modes:

• Scan. Press TMS Left short (1 second or less) to interrogate all contacts in the radar scan volume.
• Line of Sight (LOS). Press TMS Left long (more than 1 second) to interrogate the locked target or
immediate area around the radar cursor.
Target Management
Switch
18.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
If the contact is friendly a green circle is drawn around the contact for three seconds. If no reply is received, no
indication is displayed, and the contact is classified as unknown. These contacts may be assumed to be hostile
depending on the rules of engagement (ROE) in your current scenario.
Friendly Reply
No Reply
Interrogator Mode
EAGLE DYNAMICS 149

DCS [F-16C Viper]
LINK 16 DATALINK
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Overview
The aircraft relies on the Multifunction Information Distribution System (MIDS) radios that allow the transmission
and reception of data over the Link 16 Tactical Data Information Link (TADIL) network. Link 16 allows NATO
and other services to share data with each other.
Link 16 is part of the MIDS radio system and must be activated by rotating the MIDS LVT knob on the Avionics
Power Panel to the ON position. The DL switch next to the knob is not applicable to this block of the F-16C and
may be left OFF if desired.
The primary purpose of Link 16/MIDS is to provide a near-realtime picture of the tactical area around the pilot’s
aircraft. Data from ownship sensors, other friendly fighters on the network, and surveillance assets like AWACS
are correlated to create a unified situational awareness picture. This in turn allows a more coordinated
engagement and less chance of fratricide.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 151

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Display Symbology
Each trackfile is represented by a symbol on the HSD and Radar Display. Depending on the shape and color,
you can determine whether it is friendly or hostile, and what the source of the track is; onboard systems,
offboard donors, or a combination of the two.
Friendly Tracks
Hostile Tracks
Horizontal Situation Display (HSD)
Vector Line
Symbol
31
Altitude
Symbol. The basic symbol changes shape and color to represent different information. See below for
examples.
Vector Line. This line points in the direction the track is heading.
Altitude. This displays the track’s altitude in thousands of feet
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
The Radar Display presents the information in much the same way as the HSD but includes an additional
identifier when a target is ‘bugged’ as the primary target by another donor aircraft on the network. This is a great
aid to target sorting as it allows the pilot to prioritize targets not being engaged by other aircraft in the area.
Hostile Track Bugged

by Wingman 2

by Multiple Donors
by Wingman 3

Friendly Tracks by Ford 11
Radar Display
Bugged Target ID
2
Vector Line
Symbol
31
Altitude
The Bugged Target ID shows the aircraft that is currently targeting a hostile track and may be interpreted as
follows:
2, 3, or 4. These identify the member of the pilot’s flight that is currently bugging the target.
FD11, EN23, CY14, etc. The first and last letters of the callsign and flight position number is displayed when a
target is bugged by a donor that is not a member of the pilot’s flight. For example, FD11 identifies Ford 11,
CY14 identifies Chevy 41, and so on.
M. The target is bugged by multiple donors.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 153

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Bugged targets are identified differently on the HSD than on the radar display. A dashed cyan Wingman
Lockline is drawn from wingmen to their currently bugged targets. Wingman Locklines are only displayed for
flight members and not for all donors on the network.
Bugged Target IDs are shown on the radar display only and Wingman Locklines are displayed on the HSD only.
Hostile Track Not

Targeted by Wingmen
Hostile Tracks Targeted

by Wingmen
Wingman Locklines
Wingman Tracks
Link 16/MIDS can receive and display three types of track files:
• Surveillance Tracks. These are tracks provided by data sources like AWACS and radar ground
stations.
Hostile Unknown Suspect Friendly
Surveillance
Tracks
31 25 21 29
154
[F-16C Viper] DCS
• Fighter Tracks. These are tracks provided by donor aircraft, other fighters providing track data, on
the network. They are all correlated against each other to avoid duplicate trackfiles. These are
visually identical to surveillance tracks.
19.
Fighter
Tracks
31 25 21 29
• Precise Participant Location and Identification (PPLI) Tracks. These show the location and
status of members of the pilot’s own flightand up to four additional donor aircraft.
20.
Other
Wingman
Donor
PPLI Tracks 2
29 22
Trackfiles from each of these three sources (offboard) are then correlated with the sensors of the player’s
aircraft (onboard). This is termed Multi Source Integration (MSI).
Tracks
Correlated
with
Onboard 31 25 21 29
Sensors
Other
Wingman
Donor
PPLI Tracks
Correlated
with 2
Onboard 29 22
Sensors
EAGLE DYNAMICS 155

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Radar Display Filtering

Track symbols displayed on the FCR page may be filtered using the UHF/VHF Transmit switch. This affects
tracks displayed on the radar display only and does not affect those displayed on the HSD.
UHF VHF Transmit Switch
Positioning the switch inboard short (less than .5 sec) rotates between three filter options
ALL. All symbols are displayed
FTR+. Surveillance tracks are removed
TGTS. Surveillance and PPLI tracks are removed.
Positioning the switch outboard short (less than .5 sec) selects NONE and removes all datalink tracks.
Selecting outboard short again returns to the previously selected filter option.
The current option is displayed at the bottom left of the radar display.
Filter Option
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
DLNK DED Pages

Three datalink (DLNK) pages are available on the DED to monitor and verify configuration of the Link 16
system. The first page is accessed by depressing the LIST button on the ICP and selecting ENTR (E). The next
page can be selected by toggling the DCS right to the SEQ position.
Network Status
Page 1 displays network status and time references.
GPS Time Reference
Pilot Entered Time
Network Time Reference

Network Synchronization Status
GPS Time Reference. All Link 16 network participants must work off a common time reference. This is
provided by GPS clock data when this is set to ON.
Pilot Entered Time. If GPS is not used or not available, network participants may enter a time based on a pre-
arranged reference.
Network Time Reference. If enabled, this identifies the aircraft as the network controller. This is normally set
to OFF.
Network Synchronization Status. This displays the quality of time synchronization with the network.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 157

DCS [F-16C Viper]
MIDS Radio Options

Page 2 sets MIDS radio options, including channels for data reception and transmission power.
Fighter Channel Selection Callsign
Mission Channel Selection Flight Lead Identifier
Surveillance Channel Selection Transmission Power
Fighter, Mission and Surveillance Channel selection. This selects the MIDS channel data from flight
members, other flights and AWACS aircraft is received on. These are pre-set and do not need to be changed.
Callsign. This is the identifier for data coming from the aircraft.
Flight Lead Identifier. If enabled, this identifies the aircraft as the flight lead.
Transmission Power. This selects the power output for the MIDS radios.
Flight Management
Page 3 allows management and identification of flight members on the network.
Own Flight Position

Flight Member Track Numbers
Flight Member Track Numbers. These identify the tracks for members of a flight. These are pre-set and do
not need to be changed.
Own Flight Position. This identifies the aircraft’s position in the flight.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
LITENING AT TARGETING POD
EAGLE DYNAMICS 159

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Overview
The targeting pod provides you the ability to view, track, or designate targets day or night. There are two live
video modes: Charge Coupled Device (CCD) (like a TV display) and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) in both
Black Hot and White Hot submodes.
The main function modes and submodes for the TGP include:
• Standby (STBY)
21.
• Air-to-Ground (A-G)
22.
o Slave (Ground)
o AREA Track
o POINT Track
o INR Track
o Laser Spot Search (LSS)
23.
• Air-to-Air (A-A)
24.
o Slave (Body)
o POINT Track
o RATE Track
25.
• HUD
26.
Each of these modes also has a Control Page that provides you with the ability to configure TGP features.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
TGP Activation
The following switches must be set on the Avionics Power Panel for all TGP features to function:
• MMC switch – MMC
• ST STA switch – ST STA
• MFD switch – MFD
• UFC switch – UFC
• EGI/INS – NORM
Power is applied to the TGP from the Sensor Control Panel:

• RIGHT HDPT switch – RIGHT HDPT
Select TGP from the MFD Menu to access the TGP page.
TGP Page Select
When the TGP is initially activated, the Standby page will be displayed with a “NOT TIMED OUT” message
displayed in the upper center portion. Time is needed to run automatic power-up self tests and for the FLIR
sensor to cool down.
A “FLIR HOT” message is displayed in white text on a black background with half the text height as the “NOT
TIMED OUT” message. After about three minutes, the message will be removed, video will appear, and the
Standby mode page will be selected.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 161

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Standby (STBY) Mode

This will be the first TGP mode screen displayed upon activation of the TGP. After the “NOT TIMED OUT”
message has been removed (after 3 minutes), the mode may be exited by selecting one of the other two TGP
modes or the standby control page.
The following OSB functions may be displayed:
Override Select
STBY Control Page Select

Current Mode
Radar Altitude
Sensor Type
Field of View and Laser Spot Search Code

Zoom Factor
Current Mode. This is the mode the TGP is currently in.

Field of View. Depressing this OSB toggles between Narrow Field of View (NFOV) or Wide Field of View
(WFOV). These views can vary between the CCD and FLIR sensors in the TGP.
• FLIR field of view:
o Wide Field Of View (WFOV) is 4-degrees x 4-degrees
o Narrow Field Of View (NFOV) is 1-degree x 1-degree
• CCD field of view:
o Wide Field Of View (WFOV) is 3.5-degrees x 3.5-degrees
o Narrow Field Of View (NFOV) is 1-degree by 1-degree
Zoom Factor. Within an FOV selection, you may additionally adjust the zoom-factor by zooming in and out
with the RANGE knob on the throttle. The zoom range goes from 0Z (no zoom) to 9Z (highest level of zoom
within FOV). Objects within the TGP field of view double in size from 0 to 9 zoom.
OVRD Select. Depressing this OSB overrides any current mode and returns to STBY. The last selected mode
is returned to when OVRD is selected a second time.
STBY Control Page Select. Depressing this OSB selects the STBY Control Page. Options and functions are
described below.
Radar Altitude. The current radar altitude is displayed.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Sensor Type. Displayed in the upper right corner, this text field indicates the current video mode that the TGP
is collecting in. The three options include:
• WHOT. Using the FLIR camera, hot objects appear lighter than a cooler background.
• BHOT. Using the FLIR camera, hot objects appear darker than a cooler background.
• TV. The Charge Coupled Device camera displays this image. This is a daytime, electro-optical
camera.
Laser Spot Search Code. This is the laser pulse rate frequency (PRF) code the TGP will attempt to locate in
laser spot search (LSS) mode.
Mode Selection
You may change modes by depressing the OSB 1 adjacent to STBY. The following options will be displayed
depending on Master Mode:
Current Mode
A-A Mode Select A-G Mode Select
STBY Mode Select
A-A Mode Select. Depressing this OSB selects A-A mode.

A-G Mode Select. Depressing this OSB selects A-G mode.
STBY Mode Select. Depressing this OSB selects STBY mode.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 163

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Air-to-Ground (A-G) Mode

When A-G mode is first entered, the TGP will boresight at 150 mils below the zero sight line of the aircraft,
directly forward and slightly down. The following elements may be displayed:
Field of View and Zoom Factor

AGM-65 Handoff Submode
Current Mode
SPI Coordinates/Elevation
Grayscale
Situational Awareness Cue
Gain Control
Crosshairs
FOV Indicators
Track Mode
Slant Range to SPI
Laser Code
AGM-65 Handoff Submode. This OSB toggles between MAN and AUTO for AGM-65D/G Maverick hand off
mode.
• MAN. The AGM-65 will be slaved to the Line of Sight of the TGP but will not automatically be handed
off the lock. Pilot must manually change SOI to AGM-65 and command lock manually.
• AUTO. TMS right will hand off the lock to the AGM-65 if the target contrast and size meets criteria of
missile lock.

SPI Coordinates/Elevation. The lat/long coordinates and elevation in feet of the current System Point of
Interest (SPI) is displayed. This is usually the point in the center of the crosshairs at ground level.
164
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Grayscale. When pressed, it displays a 10-stage gray scale bar at the bottom of the display. When enabled,
the label changes to GRAY ON.
Situational Awareness Cue. The SA cue provides you a reference to indicate the TGP’s current line of sight
in reference to the pod’s longitudinal (boresight) axis, which is coincidental with the aircraft longitudinal axis.
The cue is represented as a small square that can move to any spot within the display. The position of the SA
square represents the current TGP line of sight.
Gain Control. Pressing this OSB toggles between manual and automatic gain control for the FLIR video.
• MGC. If selected, level control arrows are displayed on the OSBs below (not shown). Gain may be
controlled with the physical gain rocker switch on the top left of the MFD. The current selected gain is
indicated on the top left corner of the TGP page (not shown).
• AGC. Gain is adjusted automatically, and the level control arrows and gain indicator are both
removed.
Note: The AGC/MGC label and associated OSB labels are displayed even if the TGP is in TV mode.
Crosshairs. Line of sight for targeting and laser fire.
Field of View (FOV) Indicators. These four corner brackets are only shown when WIDE FOV is enabled and
indicate the portion of the image that will be displayed if NARO FOV is enabled.
Track Mode. If the TGP is in a track mode, this field will indicate the track mode it is in. Types include:
• AREA. The TGP has been space stabilized on an overall scene, but is not tracking a specified
object. If AREA track cannot be maintained due to aircraft masking, it reverts to INR mode and will
return to the AREA track location if track can be reestablished by unmasking.
• POINT. The TGP has established a track on a specific object/target and is stabilized on it. It will
continue tracking even if the target is moving. When tracking in POINT mode, a box is drawn around
the edge of the object being tracked. The object does not need to be bounded and the box will not
expand to encompass the entire object—it remains a fixed size. If the object cannot be tracked due to
aircraft masking, it will revert to INR mode, but will return to the POINT track if track can be
reestablished by unmasking.
• INR. When in Inertial Rate (INR) mode, the TGP will remain fixed on a geographic reference point.
INR is automatically selected if a point track is broken or line of sight is masked.
Slant Range to SPI. This indicates the slant range in nautical miles to the SPI. The preceding letter indicates
the source of the range data.
• L. Laser (priority over all other sources)
• T. TGP passive ranging
• (blank). Sensor that is not the TGP is providing range (for example, FCR A-G ranging)
Laser Code. If the laser is firing (flashing L), the targeting pod laser code being used should display the code
as set on the LASR DED page. This is an octal value of 1 to 8 with a range between 1111 and 2888.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 165

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Override Select
A-G Control Page Select
Radar Altitude
Sensor Type
North Arrow
Laser Spot Search Code
Track Polarity
Snowplow Mode
Meterstick
Cursor Zero
Sighting Option
Laser Status
Time to Go
A-G Control Page Select. Depressing this OSB selects the STBY Control Page.
camera.
North Arrow. The north arrow cue consists of the letter N with an arrow, displayed on the top right corner of
the TGP base page. The arrow points to magnetic north in 1.4-degree increments relative to the TGP cross
hairs line of sight.
Track Polarity. For either FLIR or TV, depressing this OSB toggles between Neutral Track (NT) and White
Track (WT). When TV is selected, the OSB cycles between NT, WT, and Black Track (BT).
• NT mode allows both white and black targets to be point tracked. This is the default A-G mode.
• WT only allows white point targets to be tracked. This is the default A-A mode
• BT allows black point targets to be tracked.
Depressing this OSB twice within 0.5 seconds toggles the Laser Spot Tracker (LST) function on and off.
166
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Snowplow Mode. This mode is available in NAV and A-G modes while the TGP is not tracking. This mode is
available when SP is displayed adjacent to the OSB (not shown). When SP is pressed, both the FCR and TGP
are commanded to snowplow mode.
In snowplow mode, the TGP LOS is commanded straight ahead and angled downwards to point to the ground
ahead at ½ of the currently selected FCR scale (for example, if selected FCR scale is 40nm, the TGP will look
at the point on the ground 20nm ahead). Because the location determined by the reticle is snowplowing, the SPI
itself will also snowplow.
Slewing is disabled; however, it is possible to ground-stabilize by pressing TMS-fwd. This will exit SP mode and
enter a normal AREA track.
Meterstick. The meterstick is a number to the right of the reticle that indicates the length of the ground under
the crosshair, in meters.
Cursor Zero. Pressing CZ erases the cursor slew and returns the SPI to the currently selected steerpoint.
Sighting Option. This OSB will cycle between TGT-OAP1-OAP2 where OAP is the Offset Aim-Point (OAP)
which can be added to each steer point. An OAP can be useful if the target is obscured by weather, but the
OAP is in the clear. By selecting OAP1 or 2, the TGP slaves to the clear OAP and the aiming can be confirmed,
although the steering and weapon delivery calculations will be to the target.
Laser Status. This displays the current state of the laser designator.
• (blank). Laser not armed
• L. Laser armed.
• Flashing L. Laser firing.
Time to Go. This shows the time to the next event depending on the aircraft status. Time to reach the
steerpoint is displayed if in NAV master mode. Time to release weapon is displayed if in A-G mode if a target
has been designated in an auto-delivery mode. Time to impact is displayed if a weapon has been released.
Weapons delivery using the TGP in A-G mode is covered in the Laser Guided Bombs section.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 167

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Laser Ranging
One very important feature of the Targeting Pod’s laser designator is the ability to measure the slant range to
the target. The laser is fired and the time it takes to receive the reflected laser energy is measured, providing a
precise range. This information is then fed to the Fire Control Computer to update the stored target elevation
and greatly improve the accuracy of the computed firing solution.
This can and should be done when possible for all weapons delivery types, not just laser guided bombs. To
facilitate this, the TGP automatically slaves to the pipper while in gun, rocket and bomb CCIP modes, and to the
target designator while in CCRP and DTOS modes.
These weapons delivery modes are discussed fully in the Air-to-Ground Employment section.
To take a laser range, the Laser Arm Switch must be set to ARM. Laser firing is inhibited with the switch set to
OFF.
The Laser status is displayed as an L on the HUD and TGP display when the Laser Arm switch is set to arm.
The laser is fired by squeezing the trigger on the stick to the first detent. The L flashes when the laser
designator is firing. Releasing the trigger stops lasing.
Laser Status
168
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Air-to-Air (A-A) Mode

The TGP is automatically commanded to the radar line-of-sight when A-A master mode is selected, and the
radar is tracking a target. If the radar is not tracking an aerial target, the pod directs its line-of-sight straight
ahead at minus-3 degrees elevation.
From the boresight, you may slew the TGP crosshair using the CURSOR switch on the throttle. When slewing,
the TGP camera moves in a space stabilized manner. When in this slewed mode, but not tracking a target,
“RATES” is indicated on the display. After being slewed, the crosshairs will be reduced to half-size.
If the valid air target passes within the narrow field of view area (represented by the four corner markers), the
TGP will attempt to track the target and place a cross “+” on it. If the target flies outside the narrow field of view
area, the cross will disappear.
If you then command TMS Forward Short HOTAS command (command point track), the target will be centered
in the crosshair and a box will be drawn around the target to conform to its size. When in this mode, “POINT”
will be displayed as well as the tracking cross. To exit POINT track, the user may command INR track (TMS
Right) or return to slave mode (TMS Aft).
The following elements may be displayed:
Override Select
A-G Control Page Select

Current Mode
Radar Altitude
Field of View and
Zoom Factor Sensor Type
Situational Awareness Cue Laser Spot Search Code
Crosshairs
FOV Indicators Track Mode

EAGLE DYNAMICS 169

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Crosshairs. Line of sight for targeting and laser fire.
Field of View (FOV) Indicators. These four corner brackets are only shown when WIDE FOV is enabled and
indicate the portion of the image that will be displayed if NARO FOV is enabled.
A-G Control Page Select. Depressing this OSB selects the STBY Control Page.
camera.
Track Mode. If the TGP is in a track mode, this field will indicate the track mode it is in. Types include:
• RATES. When in A-A mode and the slew function is released, the TGP will automatically enter
RATES mode (indicated in the tracking-type field).
• POINT. As with A-G mode, the user may command a Point track over an object. This mode is also
used for radar locked targets.
Situational Awareness Cue. The SA cue provides you a reference to indicate the TGP’s current line of sight
in reference to the pod’s longitudinal (boresight) axis, which is coincidental with the aircraft longitudinal axis.
The cue is represented as a small square that can move to any spot within the display. The position of the SA
square represents the current TGP line of sight.
Weapons delivery using the TGP is covered in the Air to Air Employment section.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
HOTAS Commands
The following HOTAS commands are available when the TGP is sensor of interest (SOI):
TMS Fwd. Enter AREA track when depressed, then POINT track when released. If POINT track fails, it
remains in AREA track.
TMS Aft. If TGP is tracking, break track and return to slave mode (i.e. slaved to A/G SPI or A/A FCR line of
sight). If TGP is already in slave mode, cursor zero (i.e. return to boresight position).
TMS Left. Toggle FLIR polarity between white hot and black hot.
TMS Right (Maverick not selected). Enter AREA track mode.
TMS Right (Maverick selected). Attempt Maverick handoff.
Trigger (First Detent). Fire Laser.
Trigger (Second Detent). Fire laser for 30 seconds if in CCIP bombing mode. (See Laser Ranging section.)
Expand/FOV. Toggle FOV between Wide and Narrow.
Trigger Target Management

Switch (TMS)
Expand/FOV
Manual Slew. The TGP view can be slewed to scan the scene and search for targets using the cursor controls
on the throttle. Manual slew is available is either in Slave mode or in one of the tracking submodes (i.e. area
track or point track).
Cursor/Enable Switch
EAGLE DYNAMICS 171

DCS [F-16C Viper]
LASR DED Page

The laser code for TGP designation and LST search are set on the LASR DED page.
1. Select the LIST page and press 0 to bring up the MISC page.
2. Then, press 5 to select the LASR page.
3. Type in the new TGP laser code or LST code on the keypad and depress ENTR.
The TGP will now fire the laser designator at the new TGP code or search for laser spots with the new LST
code. Position the DCS left to return to the CNI page.
The laser designator on the Targeting Pod must be set to match the code on the bomb. See the section on the
Bomb Seeker Laser Code for procedures.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
HELMET MOUNTED CUEING SYSTEM
EAGLE DYNAMICS 173

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Overview
The Helmet Mounted Cuing System (HMCS) is a bolt-on kit to the flight helmet that always allows the pilot to
view aircraft and weapon information on the helmet visor. This is referred to as the Helmet Mounted Display
(HMD).
It also allows the slaving of sensors and weapons to the helmet’s line of sight. This is a particularly effective
system when paired with the AIM-9X high off-boresight dogfight missile. The helmet can slave weapons and
sensor up to 80 degrees off boresight.
Power to the HMD is selected from the HMD control knob on the left auxiliary console. Rotating the knob
clockwise from the OFF position to INC (increase) provides power to the HMD. Continued clockwise rotation
increases HMD brightness.
Symbology on the HMD is only visible in the right eye. This may cause discomfort in VR so you may change the
way it is rendered in the DCS: World options F-16C Special tab. These options are available:
Weapons delivery using the HMCS is covered in the following sections:

AIM-9M/X HMCS Missile BORE Employment
AIM-9M/X HMCS Radar BORE Employment
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Non-Designated Mode
The basic features of the HMCS can be illustrated in the non-designated mode. This can be thought of as an
extension of the HUD, with much of the symbology mimicked on the HMD. These features apply to all HMCS
modes:
Acceleration (G) Barometric Altitude
Airspeed
Master Arm Status

Dynamic Aiming Cross
Master Mode
Distance to Steerpoint /
Bearing/Range Steerpoint Number
to Bullseye
Helmet Heading
Acceleration (G). Duplication of the current G.

Airspeed. Duplication of airspeed from HUD.
Master Arm Status. Master Arm Switch Position: OFF, ARM or SIM.
Master Mode. Current Master Mode.
Bearing/Range to Bullseye. Bearing and range from your aircraft to the Bullseye.
Altitude. Duplication of the HUD barometric altitude.
Dynamic Aiming Cross. While in A/A mode in the HMD, the aiming cross can be in one of three location on
the HMD, based on HMD view angle.
• When HMD LOS is 0 degrees of less above the stabilized horizon, the aiming cross is centered in the
HMD.
• When HMD LOS is between 0 and 30 degrees above stabilized horizon, the aiming cross is centered
between the airspeed and altitude indicators on the HMD.
• When HMD LOS is greater than 30 degrees above stabilized horizon, the aiming cross is centered
above the heading tape on the HMD.
Distance to Steerpoint / Steerpoint Number. Selected steerpoint and distance in nautical miles.
Helmet heading. Digital heading indication (XXX) of where helmet is pointed.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 175

DCS [F-16C Viper]
AIR-TO-AIR EMPLOYMENT
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Air Combat Preparation

Remember to anticipate what is coming up next and stay ahead of the curve. You do not have to wait until you
are about to make an attack to set the aircraft up.
When entering an area where you expect to encounter enemy aircraft, you will want to take the following steps:
1. Position the Master Arm Switch to ARM. Weapons may be released normally when in the ARM position. If
the Master Arm switch is placed in the SAFE position, weapon release is inhibited.
2. Press the A-A Master Mode Button on the ICP to place the fire control system in Air to Air Missile (AAM)
Mode.
This is one method for preparing the aircraft for an air-to-air attack. There are also two air-to-air override modes
that can be quickly selected using HOTAS commands. Those are described below.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 177

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Dogfight and Missile Override Modes

Two override modes are available to quickly configure the aircraft for an air to air engagement: Dogfight and
Missile Override. These modes are selected using the DOGFIGHT switch located on the throttle grip. It is a
three-position switch that overrides any mode except emergency jettison.
DOGFIGHT Switch
• DOGFIGHT (outboard). This mode provides symbology on the HUD for both 20mm gun firing and
AIM-9 Sidewinder missile delivery.
• MSL OVRD (inboard, unlabeled). This provides symbology for AIM-120 missile firing only. If no AIM-
120 is loaded, AIM-9s are selected.
• Center position. Returns to the last selected master mode.
Requests for master mode changes made using the ICP will be ignored while either of these modes are active.
Changes to missile or radar settings made while either override mode is active will be saved throughout the
mission. A common technique is to configure the displays, radar and missiles for each mode as desired during
ground operations. This provides three distinct weapon delivery options (Dogfight, Missile Override and Default)
without the need to remove your hands from the controls.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Dogfight Mode
With the switch in the DOGFIGHT (outboard) position, the HUD is configured for Gun and AIM-9 missile firing.
The left MFD is configured with the radar in ACM Boresight mode and the right MFD is configured with the
Dogfight SMS page.
The Dogfight HUD combines elements of the Missile and Guns HUD modes into one decluttered display. Note
that the heading bar, flight path marker and attitude bars are removed.
Missile Diamond
Acceleration (G) EEGS Gunsight
Dynamic Launch Zone
Calibrated Airspeed Baro Altitude
Missile Reticle
Master Arm Status Attitude Arc
Mode
Slant Range
Bullseye
See the sections on Air to Air Gunnery and AIM-9 Sidewinder Employment for details on each display and how
to use them.
Missile Override Mode

With the switch in the Missile Override (inboard) position, the HUD is configured for AIM-120 missile firing. The
left MFD is configured with the radar in RWS mode and the right MFD is configured with the Missile SMS page.
See the section on AIM-120 AMRAAM Employment for details on each display and how to use them.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 179

DCS [F-16C Viper]
M61A1 20mm Gun

The M61A1 20MM automatic gun system provides the pilot with a formidable weapon capability. It is a six-barrel
Gatling type gun mounted in the left strake of the aircraft. The system has a capacity of 512 rounds of
ammunition fired at 6,000 rounds per minute.
Gun Dispersion
Rounds fired from any gun system do not follow a perfectly straight path but are dispersed in a cone shaped
pattern after they leave the gun’s muzzle. The dispersion pattern becomes a larger and larger cone as slant
range increases. The density of rounds within the cone becomes less and less as the edge of the cone is
approached.
The average dispersion of the M61A1 is 8 mils diameter for 80% of the rounds fired and 12 mils for 100% of the
rounds fired.* USAF units maintain a boresight program to ensure gun systems installed on aircraft continue to
meet these specifications while in operational use.
One mil is equal to 1/1000 of a radian so 8 mils equals an 8 foot diameter circle at 1,000 feet range and 12 mils
equals a 12 foot diameter circle. The size of the circle continues to increase with range.
In practical terms, this means you have some leniency in accuracy when firing the gun. In this example, the
green gun pipper is a 4 mil diameter circle. This is where bullets are most dense within the cone. The red
shaded area is the 8 mil circle 80% of the rounds will pass through at the target range. The orange shaded area
is the 12 mil circle that 100% of the rounds will pass through at the target range.
*This is based on MIL-DTL-45500/1A that states “At a range of 1,000 inches, 80 percent of a 75 round (min.) burst shall be completely within an 8.0
inch diameter circle for accuracy” and the manufacturer’s data sheet that states “8 milliradians diameter, 80 percent circle”.
180
[F-16C Viper] DCS
The dispersion pattern of rounds fired from the gun is a circle only if the target is perpendicular to the flight path.
It resembles an ellipse when firing against a horizontal target on the ground.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 181

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Summary
1. Select AAM or DGFT master mode
2. Set Master Arm Switch to Arm
3. Acquire target using ACM radar mode (optional)
4. Fly the EEGS funnel and pipper onto the target
5. Squeeze the Trigger to the second detent to fire the gun
Air to Air Gunnery

There are two ways to get into the correct SMS configuration for air to air gunnery. They are:
1a. Select the Air-to-Air Gunnery operating mode on the MFD by depressing OSB 1 until GUN is
displayed.
or
1b. Position the Dogfight/Missile Override (DOGFIGHT) Switch to DGFT.
This provides symbology on the HUD for both 20mm gun firing and A-A missile delivery.
Gun Status
Operating Mode
Submode
Rounds Remaining
System Status
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
2. Verify A-A GUN symbology is displayed in the HUD.

The Enhanced Envelope Gun Sight (EEGS) provides different levels of information depending on whether the
radar is locked on the target.
Level I is a failure mode that only displays the Boresight Cross in the event of a Rate Sensor Unit (RSU) and
INS failure. It should almost never be encountered.
Level II provides a prediction of the bullet path when there is no radar lock. The Boresight Cross, EEGS
Funnel and Multiple Reference Gunsight (MRGS) Lines are provided.
Level III and IV are intermediate levels that lead to the Level V display. These are usually not seen by the pilot.
Level V is displayed after radar lock-on and a firing solution has been computed using that data. Additional
references in the HUD include the Target Designator, T-Symbol, Slant Range, Closure Rate and Level V
Pipper.
Boresight Cross
EEGS Funnel
Master Arm Status
EEGS Submode
MRGS Lines
Level II Symbology (no radar lock)
Boresight Cross. This symbol is always available and shows the boresight direction. This is the direction
rounds will travel before other influences like gravity or air resistance take effect.
EEGS Funnel. Each point along the funnel represents the target at a specific range for which the gun is
correctly aimed. In other words, an aircraft whose wings are the same width as the funnel is at the correct range
to be hit by rounds fired at that moment.
As the range decreases, the target size will increase. As this occurs, you must place the target higher in the
funnel in order to keep the target wingspan just touching the sides of the funnel. This results in placing the
target higher in the HUD or, more importantly, closer to the Boresight Cross which results in reduced lead for
the reduced range.
The target aircraft wingspan must be known for the funnel to provide accurate range information. See the
section on the MAN DED Page below for procedures.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 183

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Multiple Reference Gunsight Lines. The MRGS sight is composed of a series of five line segments pointing
toward the Gun Bore Line, and spaced in an arc near the bottom of the HUD. They aid in lining up long range,
high aspect shots by providing the correct lateral aiming solution so the target flies up the funnel.
When using an MRGS line, if the target is smaller than the line, it is either out of range or moving faster than
anticipated and requires extra lead. If the target is larger than the MRGS line, the target is moving slower than
anticipated and will require less lead.
Boresight Cross
EEGS Funnel
In-Range Cue
Target Range Caret
Target Slant Range

Level V Pipper Closure Rate
Target Aspect Caret
T-Symbol
Level V Symbology (with radar lock)
Target Designator. This symbol is centered on the locked radar target. The triangular Target Aspect Caret
shows the target’s aspect angle. Maximum effective gun range is shown by an In-Range Cue, two small lines
on the outside of the symbol. The position of the Target Range Caret indicates the slant range to the locked
target. Each o’clock position represents 1,000 feet of slant range, so:
• 12 o’clock = 12,000 ft
• 9 o’clock = 9,000 ft
• 6 o’clock = 6,000 ft
• 3 o’clock = 3,000 ft
Target Slant Range. The distance to the locked target. Tenths of a mile are displayed for ranges greater than
one mile. Hundreds of feet are displayed at ranges less than one mile.
Closure Rate. The rate of closure with the target in knots.
T-Symbol. This symbol shows two firing solutions for the locked target. The + symbol, or ‘one-G pipper’ shows
the lead angle against a non-maneuvering target. The small horizontal bar, or ‘nine-G pipper’ shows the lead
angle for a target turning at maximum sustained rate. These may be used as a backup in situations the Level V
Pipper is not displayed.
Two maneuver potential lines are displayed on either side of the one-G pipper. The longer the lines, the greater
the out-of-plane maneuver potential of the target.
Level V Pipper. This represents the gunfire solution computed for the target’s current range and rates. The
goal is to stabilize this pipper over the target and fire.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
3. Maneuver your aircraft to frame the target aircraft within the EEGS funnel.
Each point along the funnel represents the target at a specific range for which the gun is correctly aimed. In
other words, an aircraft whose wings are the same width as the funnel is at the correct range to be hit by rounds
fired at that moment.
Place the enemy aircraft in the funnel so that the wingtips touch the edges or the Level V Pipper is stabilized
over the target.
4. Squeeze the trigger all the way to the second detent to fire the gun when the wingtips touch the
funnel (Level II) or Pipper is over the target (Level V).
Slant range greatly affects gun effectiveness. As the rounds come out of the gun, they will gradually disperse
and lose velocity. Increased dispersion and loss of velocity reduce the accuracy and effectiveness of the gun.
The top of funnel represents the minimum range of approximately 600 feet. The bottom of the funnel represents
the maximum range of approximately 3,000 feet. If the target is smaller than the bottom of the funnel, it is out of
range.
Boresight Cross
EEGS Funnel
MRGS Lines
Level II Symbology (no radar lock)
EAGLE DYNAMICS 185

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Boresight Cross
Level V Pipper
Level V Symbology (with radar lock)
An additional symbol known as the Bullets at Target Range (BATR) Symbol is displayed after rounds are
fired. The BATR is displayed as the first real or simulated round passes the target range and is removed after
the last round has passed. This is only available with a radar lock and EEGS Level III, IV or V symbology
displayed.
BATR Symbol
186
[F-16C Viper] DCS
MAN DED Page

The EEGS Funnel feature of the gunsight must be calibrated for the target aircraft wingspan to provide an
accurate estimation of the target aircraft range. That data is entered on the MAN DED Page.
The page is accessed by selecting option (5) MAN from the LIST menu.
Target Wingspan
Range
Time of Fall
Target Wingspan. With this field highlighted, a new target wingspan may be entered using the ICP keypad.
This will adjust the width of the EEGS Funnel to provide accurate range when the target wings are bracketed
within.
Manual ballistics data for weapons not integrated into the F-16 avionics may also be entered here if desired.
This data is found in ballistics manuals for each munition type. Use of this feature is very rare.
Range. This data field is for manual entry of bomb range, or the horizontal distance a bomb is expected to
travel under specific conditions.
Time of Fall. This data field is for manual entry of bomb time of fall, or the length of time a bomb is expected to
take to impact the ground under specific conditions.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 187

DCS [F-16C Viper]
AIM-9M/X Sidewinder
The AIM-9 is a short-range, infrared-guided missile best used in a dogfight. It is fire-and-forget and can be used
with or without a radar lock. The primary indication of a seeker lock is a higher-pitched lock tone. The seeker
can also be uncaged to ensure the seeker is tracking the target when it has first been sensor-slaved to the
target.
Note that the AIM-9 can be decoyed by flares and it’s a good idea to ensure you have a good seeker lock
before launching an AIM-9 with flares in the seeker field of view.
Summary
1. Select AAM or DGFT master mode
3. Acquire target using radar (optional)
4. Maneuver until target is in launch zone
5. Depress Uncage switch to command missile track (if required)
6. Verify missile diamond is on target and lock tone is audible
7. Depress Weapon Release switch to fire missile
188
[F-16C Viper] DCS
AIM-9M/X Employment
There are two ways to get into the correct SMS configuration for firing an AIM-9. They are:
1a. Select AIM-9s on the MFD by depressing OSB 7 until AIM-9s are displayed.
or
1b. Position the Dogfight/Missile Override (DOGFIGHT) Switch on the Throttle to DGFT.
This overrides any other master mode and configures the displays for air combat. The DOGFIGHT position
provides symbology on the HUD for both 20mm gun firing and A-A missile delivery. The MSL position provides
symbology on the HUD for A-A missile delivery only.
Operating Mode
Field of View
Selected Weapon
Line of Sight
Argon Cooling Status
Available Stations
The number and type of missiles is displayed next to OSB 7. The stations with missiles loaded are displayed at
the bottom and the selected station is boxed. Step through available stations with the MSL Step button or by
selecting the adjacent OSB.
SPOT/SCAN commands the missile seeker to either scan in a narrow field of view (SPOT) or wide field of view
(SCAN). The wider field of view is achieved by seeker nutation around the line of sight. Detection range is
decreased when SCAN is used.
SLAVE/BORE commands the missile to either follow the radar line of sight (SLAVE) or keep looking straight
ahead down the boresight (BORE). Depressing and holding the CURSOR/ENABLE control on the throttle
overrides the current selected option. Releasing the control returns to the option selected on the MFD.
WARM/COOL activates or deactivates argon cooling of the seeker. This should be set to COOL prior to an
engagement to cool the seeker and increase detection sensitivity. COOL is selected automatically when
entering DGFT or MSL Override mode. Argon supply duration varies depending on outside air temperature,
pressure and bottle charge level at installation, but the average duration is 90 minutes.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 189

DCS [F-16C Viper]
2. Verify A-A Missile symbology is displayed in the HUD.

The air-to-air HUD provides information on the status and targeting of air to air missiles. Most of the symbology
from the NAV mode is retained but several new features are added to aid in target acquisition and missile
launch.
The Missile Diamond indicates the position of the AIM-9 seeker head. This starts at the seeker boresight
position but unlatches to follow the radar line of sight or track a locked target when a lock is achieved.
The Missile Reticle shows the seeker field of view. This will be shown as different sizes depending on the
SPOT/SCAN field of view setting chosen on the MFD.
Missile Diamond
Missile Reticle
Master Arm Status
Missiles Remaining
3. Acquire target using radar (optional)

Perhaps the most common and easiest way to target an aircraft with the AIM-9 is to acquire a target with one of
the ACM Radar Modes. This slews the AIM-9 seeker to the radar target if SLAVE is selected on the missile.
This results in an AIM-9 lock if the target is in range and other IR detection conditions are met.

Fly the missile reticle in the HUD over a target. If the missile detects enough IR energy from the target, target
detection is indicated by an audio missile detection tone (growling sound).
5. Depress Uncage switch to command missile self-track

When the AIM-9 seeker detects a target, it can be uncaged by pressing the Cage/Uncage button on the
throttle to allow the seeker lock on and follow the target within the confines of the missile seeker’s field of view.
The Missile Diamond latches to the target when locked.
190
[F-16C Viper] DCS
6. Verify missile diamond is on target and lock tone is audible

The missile growl will become high pitched when the target is locked. A Target Designator Box will be present
over a target locked with radar. If firing against a radar target, the Missile Diamond should be over the Target
Designator box. The Slant Range to the radar locked target is displayed if radar is used.
Dynamic Launch Zone
Target Designator Box
Missile Diamond
Slant Range
The Dynamic Launch Zone (DLZ) will be displayed on the right side of the HUD when a target is designated
with the radar. Monitor the DLZ and assess the threat situation to determine the optimal missile firing point. The
HUD symbology flashes when target is within maximum range against a maneuvering target.
Range Scale
Maximum Missile Range

vs Maneuvering Target
Closure Rate and Range
Minimum Missile Range
7. Depress the Weapon Release switch to fire the missile.

The missile will intercept the target and the next missile in sequence will be selected. The AIM-9 is a fire and
forget weapon so there is no need to continue tracking the target.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 191

DCS [F-16C Viper]
AIM-9M/X HMCS Missile BORE Employment

The HMCS allows the AIM-9M or AIM-9X missiles to slave to the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) Aiming Cross
when BORE mode is selected on the missile. This is useful in situations where no radar lock is possible or
desired. This can be thought of as normal AIM-9 employment, except the HMD line of sight is used instead of
the HUD line of sight. The mechanization is otherwise the same.
1. Turn on the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) symbology.

Power to the HMCS is selected from the HMD Symbology control knob on the left auxiliary console. Rotating
the knob clockwise from the OFF position to INC (increase) provides power to the HMD. Continued clockwise
rotation increases symbology brightness.
or
2b. Position the Dogfight/Missile Override (DOGFIGHT) Switch on the Throttle to DGFT.
Symbology and functions are identical to non-HMCS employment. Set the Line of Sight mode to BORE to use
the HMCS for AIM-9M/X targeting without radar.
Operating Mode
Field of View
Selected Weapon
Line of Sight
Available Stations
192
[F-16C Viper] DCS
2. Acquire the target in the HMD.

With the AIM-9 set to BORE and the HMCS on, the seeker will follow the Dynamic Aiming Cross in the HMD
display. The aiming cross is treated as the boresight position. Simply look at the target instead of flying the
aircraft all the way into position for an AIM-9 lock.
Remember, you will still be constrained by the missile seeker gimbal limits when looking around. The Missile
Diamond shows where the missile seeker is looking. If you look too far off the aircraft boresight the seeker will
not be able to follow and the diamond will not be visible.
The other symbology on the display intentionally mimics the symbology from the HUD.
Missile Diamond
Master Arm Status

Missiles Remaining /
System Mode
EAGLE DYNAMICS 193

DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. Depress Uncage switch to command missile seeker track.

When the AIM-9 seeker detects a target, it can be uncaged by pressing the Cage/Uncage button on the
throttle. This allows the seeker to lock on and follow the target within the confines of the missile seeker’s gimbal
limits. The Missile Diamond latches to the target when the seeker has locked on.
Target
Missile Diamond
4. Verify missile diamond is on target and lock tone is audible.

The missile growl will become high pitched when the target is locked. The Missile Diamond should be latched
to the target and no longer follow the Aiming Cross.

The missile will track the target and the next missile in sequence will be selected. The AIM-9 is a fire and forget
weapon so there is no need to continue tracking the target.
194
[F-16C Viper] DCS
AIM-9M/X HMCS Radar BORE Employment

The HMCS also allows the Fire Control Radar to slave to the HMCS Aiming Cross when ACM BORE radar
mode is selected. This can be thought of as normal AIM-9 employment, except the HMD line of sight is used
instead of the HUD line of sight. The mechanization is otherwise the same.
1. Turn on the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) symbology.

Power to the HMCS is selected from the HMD Symbology control knob on the left auxiliary console. Rotating
the knob clockwise from the OFF position to INC (increase) provides power to the HMD. Continued clockwise
rotation increases symbology brightness.
or
2b. Position the DOGFIGHT Switch on the Throttle to DGFT.
Symbology and functions are identical to non-HMCS employment. Set the Line of Sight mode to SLAVE to use
the HMCS and radar for AIM-9M/X targeting.
Operating Mode
Field of View
Selected Weapon
Line of Sight
Available Stations
EAGLE DYNAMICS 195

DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. Select ACM BORE radar mode and acquire the target in the HMD.
With the ACM BORE radar mode selected and the HMCS on, the radar will follow the Dynamic Aiming Cross
in the HMD display. The aiming cross is treated as the boresight position. Simply look at the target instead of
flying the aircraft all the way into position for a radar lock.
Remember, you will still be constrained by the radar gimbal limits when looking around. The ACM BORE
Symbol shows where the radar is pointing. If you look too far off the aircraft boresight the radar will not be able
to follow and the ACM BORE Symbol will not be visible.
Note that the Missile Diamond is outside the HMD display. The missile seeker slaves to the radar line of sight
later when a radar lock is achieved.
The Slant Range to the locked target is displayed after radar lock.
The other symbology on the display intentionally mimics the symbology from the HUD.
ACM BORE Symbol
Master Arm Status
Missile Diamond Dynamic Aiming Cross
Missiles Remaining /
System Mode Slant Range
196
[F-16C Viper] DCS
4. Achieve radar lock in ACM BORE Mode.

The radar will lock the first target detected within the ACM Bore Symbol. A Target Designator Box will be
present over a target locked with radar.
With the AIM-9 line of sight set to SLAVE, the seeker will slew to the radar line of sight. When the AIM-9 seeker
detects a target, it can be uncaged by pressing the Cage/Uncage button on the throttle. This allows the seeker
to lock on and follow the target within the confines of the missile seeker’s gimbal limits. The Missile Diamond
latches to the target when the seeker has locked on.
Dynamic Launch Zone

Missile Diamond
Slant Range
The Dynamic Launch Zone (DLZ) will be displayed on the right side of the HMD when a target is designated
with the radar. Monitor the DLZ and assess the threat situation to determine the optimal missile firing point. The
HMD symbology flashes when target is within maximum range against a maneuvering target.
Range Scale

EAGLE DYNAMICS 197

DCS [F-16C Viper]
5. Verify missile diamond is on target and lock tone is audible.

The missile growl will become high pitched when the target is locked. The Missile Diamond should be latched
to the target.

The missile will intercept the target and the next missile in sequence will be selected. The AIM-9 is a fire and
forget weapon so there is no need to continue tracking the target.
198
[F-16C Viper] DCS
AIM-120 AMRAAM
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is an Active Radar-Homing (ARH) air-to-air missile that can self-guide to a target using
the miniaturized-radar in its nose cone. The missile can also be guided by the radar in both Single Target Track
(STT) and Situational Awareness (SAM) modes. Because of the active seeker, the pilot can engage multiple
targets at once and not be restricted to supporting the missile its entire time of flight.
The AIM-120 is a medium range missile and can engage targets outside 20 nm. However, engagement range is
highly dependent on target aspect, engagement altitude, launch speed, and post-launch maneuvers of the
target. As such, the engagement range of the AIM-120 can be less than 10 nm in some situations.
In close range air combat, the AIM-120 can also be launched in BORE mode with no need of support from the
radar. Once the missile is launched, it will seek out the first target it detects within the AIM-120 reticle on the
HUD. Be careful of friendlies!
Summary
1. Select AAM or MSL master mode
3. Acquire target using radar (optional but recommended)
5. Depress Weapon Release switch to fire missile
EAGLE DYNAMICS 199

DCS [F-16C Viper]
AIM-120 Employment
There are two ways to get into the correct SMS configuration for firing an AIM-120. They are:
or
1b. Position the Dogfight/Missile Override (DOGFIGHT) Switch on the Throttle to MSL.
This overrides any other master mode and configures the displays for air combat. The MSL position provides
symbology on the HUD for A-A missile delivery and selects the longest range missile type loaded.
Operating Mode
Selected Weapon
Line of Sight
Available Stations
The number and type of missiles is displayed next to OSB 7. The stations with missiles loaded are displayed at
the bottom and the selected station is boxed. Step through available stations with the MSL Step button on the
stick or by selecting the adjacent OSB.
SLAVE/BORE commands the missile to either follow the radar line of sight (SLAVE) or keep looking straight
ahead down the boresight (BORE). This may also be cycled using the CURSOR/ENABLE switch on the throttle.
• In BORE, no targeting data is received from the aircraft. The missile uses its own radar to acquire and
track the target.
• In SLAVE mode, targeting data is provided via datalink until the missile is in position to track the
target with its own radar.
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2. Verify A-A Missile symbology is displayed in the HUD.

The air-to-air HUD provides information on the status and targeting of air to air missiles. Most of the symbology
from the NAV mode is retained but several new features are added to aid in target acquisition and missile
launch.
Missile Diamond
Master Arm Status

Allowable Steering
Missiles Remaining Error Circle
The status of the Master Arm switch and Missiles Remaining are displayed at the lower left.
The Missile Diamond indicates the missile line of sight. This starts at the seeker boresight position but follows
the radar line of sight or track a locked target when SLAVE mode is selected, and a lock is achieved.
The Allowable Steering Error Circle (ASEC) shows the zone in which the Attack Steering Cue (ASC) should
be located prior to launch to hit the target with a given probability kill. The ASC is displayed after radar lock. The
ASEC shows the maximum, angular steering error probability. In other words, he circle increases in size when
the distance to the target intercept point decreases, which means that as the distance decreases, the missile
can be launched with greater steering error.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 201

DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. Acquire target using the radar

Typically, a target will be locked using RWS, TWS, or any ACM radar submode and the AIM-120 set to SLAVE.
When the locked target is outside the HUD field on view as shown below, a Target Locator Line (TLL) extends
from the Gun Cross and points directly at the target. The Relative Angle is displayed next to the Gun Cross
showing the number of degrees in tens between the cross and the target.
The Allowable Steering Error Circle (ASEC) changes size and the Attack Steering Cue (ASC) becomes
visible. The Slant Range is displayed after target radar lock.
Relative Angle Off

Radar Target Locator Line
Allowable Steering
Error Circle
Dynamic Launch Zone
Attack Steering Cue
Slant Range
The Dynamic Launch Zone will be displayed on the right side of the HUD and right side of the radar display
when a target is designated with the radar.
Range Scale

Radar Activation Range
Axx = Time to Missile Radar Active

Txx = Time to Missile Impact
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4. Maneuver until Attack Steering Cue (ASC) is inside the Allowable Steering Error Circle (ASEC)
The size of the Allowable Steering Error Circle will vary depending on the target range and aspect. Ensure
that the Attack Steering Cue is located as close to the Allowable Steering Error Circle center as possible
when firing to achieve the best performance out of the missile.
When the target enters the HUD, the Target Designator Box will be displayed over the target and the Missile
Diamond will track that location.
Missile Diamond
Dynamic Launch Zone
Allowable Steering
Error Circle
Attack Steering Cue
Monitor the Dynamic Launch Zone and assess the threat situation to determine the optimal missile firing point.
5. Depress and hold the Weapon Release switch to fire the missile.
The missile will track the target and the next missile in sequence will be selected.
The AIM-120 may also be employed in BORE mode without a radar lock on the target. This is used when a
quick shot must be taken or no radar emissions are desired. The missile radar will go active at launch and
guide on the first target it detects so use this mode with care.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 203

DCS [F-16C Viper]
AIR TO GROUND EMPLOYMENT
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Attack Preparation
Prior to reaching the target area and conducting your attack, you will want to configure several aircraft systems
ahead of time so that you can most efficiently communicate and set up your attack. When at a minimum of 40
nm from the target, you will want to take the following steps:
1. Position the Master Arm Switch to ARM. Weapons may be released normally when in the ARM position. If
the Master Arm switch is placed in the SAFE position, weapon release is inhibited.
2. Position the Laser Arm Switch to ARM. This is required to enable firing of the laser designator. Laser firing is
inhibited with the switch set to OFF.
2. Place the fire control system in A-G mode by pressing the A-G Master Mode Button on the ICP.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 205

DCS [F-16C Viper]
M61A1 20mm Gun Strafe

The M61A1 20MM automatic gun system provides the pilot with a formidable weapon capability. It is a six-barrel
Gatling type gun mounted in the left strake of the aircraft. The system has a capacity of 512 rounds of
ammunition fired at 6,000 rounds per minute.
Summary
1. Select A-G Master Mode
3. Set Laser Arm Switch to Arm if laser ranging updates are desired
4. Select STRF submode on SMS MFD
5. Fly the Pipper onto the target
6. Squeeze the Trigger to the second detent to fire the gun
Target Attack
Upon selection of the A-G master mode, the SMS Air-to-Ground (SMS A-G) page is displayed on the right MFD.
Based on the priority weapon, the information on the SMS A-G page can vary. Follow these steps to achieve
the correct configuration and attack ground targets with the gun:
1. Select the STRF submode on the MFD by depressing OSB 1 until GUN is displayed.
Gun Status
Operating Mode
A-G Strafe Submode
Rounds Remaining
In-Range Cue Distance
System Status
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2. Verify STRF symbology is displayed in the HUD.

The Strafe Reticle is the default air to ground gunsight and provides aiming information required to fire the gun
effectively. The center of the reticle is the aiming pipper and represents where the gun rounds will go assuming
the target is within range. Using the pipper, it is simply a case of “putting the thing on the thing” and pulling the
trigger.
Line of sight range is indicated by the digital range numeric on the bottom right of the HUD and the ranging
reticle that winds or unwinds within the reticle. The position of the ranging reticle indicates the slant range to the
pipper’s position on the ground. Each quarter circle tick on the strafe reticle represents 3,000 feet of slant range,
so:
• 12 o’clock = 12,000 ft
• 9 o’clock = 9,000 ft
• 6 o’clock = 6,000 ft
• 3 o’clock = 3,000 ft
The in-range cue position may be set by the pilot provide an additional visual cue for the effective range against
the planned target.
Gun Cross
Strafe Reticle
Ranging Reticle
In-Range Cue Pipper
Master Arm Status
A-G Strafe Submode Slant Range
EAGLE DYNAMICS 207

DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. Maneuver your aircraft to position the pipper on target.

One technique is to place the pipper short of the target and allow it to track along the ground until it reaches the
target. This will happen naturally as slant range decreases.
Laser ranging may be performed to improve the computed firing solution if a targeting pod is installed. See the
Laser Ranging section for more information.
4. Squeeze the trigger all the way to the second detent to fire the gun when the pipper is over the target
and you are within effective range.
In this example, the pipper is on-target at a slant range of about 5,500 feet as shown by the position on the
ranging reticle.
Slant range greatly affects gun effectiveness. As the rounds come out of the gun, they will gradually disperse
and lose velocity. Increased dispersion and loss of velocity reduce the accuracy and effectiveness of the gun.
Effective engagement range is generally from 2,500 to 7,000 feet. For armored vehicles, closer is better, and
you should attack from behind the target where its armor is weakest.
When lining up a shot, be careful to avoid target fixation. Target fixation can lead to you not noticing an unseen
threat or pressing the attack too close. Don’t make yourself an easy target for the machine gun on the top of
that APC!
Once you have reached the minimum attack range, break off in both the horizontal and vertical to avoid hostile
return fire. You may also wish to release flares in case an infrared-SAM near the enemy target has been
launched at you, but you did not see it.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
In-Range Cue Update

The position of the In-Range Cue on the reticle may be updated by selecting the OSB next to the In-Range Cue
distance on the SMS page.
Type in the new in-range cue distance using the OSBs on the left and right of the display and select ENTR. You
may correct numbers entered in error by selecting RCL or return to the SMS page without making changes by
selecting RTN.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 209

DCS [F-16C Viper]
You will be returned to the SMS page and the new value will be displayed. The cue will be placed on the HUD
Strafe Reticle at that new distance.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
2.75” Rockets
Aerial rockets pack more punch than the 20mm gun but are still best used as an area suppression weapon.
These come with different warhead options for different purposes including High Explosive (HE), High Explosive
Anti-Tank (HEAT), and Armor Piercing (AP). White Phosphorus (WP) rounds may also be used for incendiary
effect or to mark targets on the ground with their distinctive white smoke.
Summary
4. Select Rockets and desired options on SMS MFD
6. Depress the Weapons Release button to fire the rockets
Target Attack (CCIP)

the correct configuration and attack ground targets with rockets in CCIP mode:
1. Select the Rockets on the MFD by depressing OSB 6 until rockets are displayed.
Rocket Status
Operating Mode
Submode
Rockets Remaining
and Type
Single/Pair Option
System Status
EAGLE DYNAMICS 211

DCS [F-16C Viper]
2. Verify CCIP release mode is selected (OSB 2) and set desired Single/Pair option (OSB 8).
Rockets may be fired with either Single (SGL) or Pair (PAIR) selected. With SGL selected, rockets will be fired
from only one launcher. With PAIR selected, rockets will be fired from each rocket launcher, assuming
launchers are loaded on station 3 and 7.
Submode
Rockets Remaining
and Type
Single/Pair Option
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
3. Verify CCIP Rockets symbology is displayed in the HUD.

CCIP mode is perhaps the most intuitive means to put a weapon on target and mostly involves placing the
“death dot” of the CCIP pipper over the target and releasing the weapon… put the thing on the thing.
The center of the CCIP pipper represents where the rockets will go assuming the target is within range. Line of
sight range is indicated by the digital range numeric on the bottom right of the HUD. An In-Range Cue will be
displayed over the CCIP pipper when slant range is less than 8,000 feet and rockets are most effective.
Gun Cross
CCIP Pipper
Master Arm Status
Slant Range
CCIP Submode
EAGLE DYNAMICS 213

DCS [F-16C Viper]
4. Maneuver your aircraft to position the CCIP pipper on target.

One technique is to place the pipper just short of the target and allow it to track along the ground until it reaches
the target. This will happen naturally as slant range decreases. Monitor slant range displayed in the bottom right
of the HUD and watch for the in-range cue to appear over the pipper.
5. Depress the Weapon Release button to fire the rockets when the CCIP pipper is over the target and
you are within effective range.
The In-Range Cue is a line over the CCIP pipper that is displayed when slant range is less than 8,000 feet. In
this example, the pipper is on-target and the in-range cue is displayed.
In-Range Cue
When lining up a shot, be careful to avoid target fixation. Target fixation can lead to you not noticing an unseen
threat or pressing the attack too close. Don’t make yourself an easy target for the machine gun on the top of
that APC!
Once you have reached the minimum attack range, break off in both the horizontal and vertical to avoid hostile
return fire. You may also wish to release flares in case an infrared-SAM near the enemy target has been
launched at you, but you did not see it.
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Unguided Bombs
Unguided bombs that the F-16C can employ fall into three categories: General Purpose (GP), Cluster, and
Training.
General Purpose Bombs

MK 82 LDGP. The standard MK 82 is a low drag “slick” bomb, also referred to as a Low Drag General Purpose
(LDGP) bomb. The bomb is aerodynamically streamlined with four conical tail fins for flight stability. The bomb
has a thin steel jacket that contributes to fragmentation effects.
The MK 82 may be carried singly on a Wing Weapons Pylon (WWP) or three may be loaded on a Triple Ejector
Rack (TER)
The MK 82 serves as the basis for several other bombs including the MK 82AIR, GBU-12, and GBU-38.
MK 82 AIR. This version of the MK 82 adds the BSU-49/B high drag tail assembly, also called a “ballute”. This
allows the bomb to rapidly slow down after release. By slowing down, you can release such a retarded weapon
at low altitude and not be caught in the blast effect of the weapon. You can choose to release the MK 82AIR in
either retarded or “slick” (no ballute deployed) modes. To drop as a slick, select only a nose fuze, and to release
retarded, select nose/tail or tail fuze setting on the SMS page.
MK 82 SE. This ‘Snake Eye” version of the MK 82 pre-dates the MK 82 AIR and uses fins that deploy from the
Mk-15 tail assembly to slow the bomb’s fall. You can choose to release the MK 82 SE in either retarded or
“slick” modes. To drop as a slick, select only a nose fuze, and to release retarded, select nose/tail or tail fuze
setting on the SMS page.
MK 84 LDGP. The MK 84 is the big brother of the MK 82 and it weighs 2,039 lbs with 945 lbs of H-6 or Tritonal
high explosive. Although most effective against unarmored and lightly armored targets, the MK 84 can also be
effective against armored targets when dropped in close proximity. The MK 84 can only be mounted on a WWP
and cannot be loaded on a TER.
The MK 84 forms the basis for other bombs including the GBU-10 and GBU-31 that the F-16C also carries.
Cluster Bombs
CBU-87. The CBU-87 Combined Effects Munitions (CEM) weighs 950 lbs and is an all-purpose cluster bomb.
The SUU-65 Tactical Munitions Dispenser that makes the body of the bomb contains 202 BLU-97/B Combined
Effects Munitions (CEM) bomblets and they are effective against lightly armored and unarmored targets. The
dispersal footprint of the bomblets depends on the Height of Function (HOF) and RPM spin setting set with dials
on the bomb and displayed on the SMS page. However, the general bomblet footprint coverage is 200 by 400
meters.
The CBU-87 can be mounted singly on a WWP. Only two may be loaded on a TER when wing external fuel
tanks are installed due to clearance constraints. This is commonly referred to as a ‘slant load’.
Each BLU-97/B CEB consists of a shaped charge, a scored steel casing, and a zirconium ring, for anti-armor
and anti-personnel fragmentation and incendiary effects. Each CEB is designed to fragment into 300 fragments.
Given the top attack angle of the weapon, the CEB can be effective against the generally light armor covering
the top of an armored vehicle such as a tank.
CBU-97. The CBU-97 is a 1,000-pound class weapon containing sensor-fused sub-munitions in a SUU-66B
Dispenser for specifically attacking armor. This Sensor Fused Weapon (SFW) contains 10 BLU-108/B sub-
munitions, and 40 "hockey puck" shaped skeet infrared sensing projectiles.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 215

DCS [F-16C Viper]
As with the CBU-87, the dispersal footprint of the bomblets depends on the Height of Function (HOF) set with
dials on the bomb and displayed on the SMS page. The RPM is not applicable on this dispenser. The same
carriage restrictions as the CBU-87 apply: one per WWP and two per TER.
Training Bombs
BDU-33. The BDU-33 is a miniaturized training bomb that mimics the ballistics of larger general purpose
bombs. The BDU-33 contains a small smoke charge to help round spotting.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Unguided/Laser Guided Bombs SMS Page

The A-G SMS display and procedure for setting up an attack with guided or unguided bombs is very similar for
all types. The initial set-up will only be covered once, with differences in CCIP, CCRP submodes covered in
separate sections below.
Summary
2. Select bombs and set desired options on SMS A-G MFD
the correct configuration and attack ground targets with GP bombs in CCIP mode:
1. Select the desired weapons on the MFD by depressing OSB 6 until the weapons you want to release
are displayed.
Weapon Status
Operating Mode Bombs Remaining

and Type
Submode
Selected Profile
Single / Pair Option

and Release Pulses
Fuzing Option
Release Interval Distance
Release Pulses Requested
System Status
EAGLE DYNAMICS 217

DCS [F-16C Viper]
2. Select the desired profile for the selected weapons.

Two different profiles are pre-set by default. These include typical settings for delivery mode, fuze arming
option, bomb impact spacing, and release quantity. If a profile already matches your planned attack profile, you
are all set; no more changes are required! If not, follow the steps that follow in this section to set the profile up
to your liking.
Selecting the OSB next to the current profile to cycle between the two options: PROF1 and PROF2.
Selected Profile
Changes to settings made while a profile is selected are saved for later use. These should typically be set or
verified as part of aircraft startup, although they may be changed at any time.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
3. Select your desired release submode (OSB 2).

If a submode other than the one you want is selected, you may depress OSB 2 to display the following options:
• CCIP – Continuously Computed Impact Point
• CCRP – Continuously Computed Release Point
• DTOS – Dive Toss
• LADD – Low Altitude Drogue Delivery
• MAN – Manual
Then, select the OSB next to your desired submode. That will set the new active submode and return you to the
SMS A-G page.
Submode Options
You may also cycle between submodes by depressing the Missile Step (MSL STEP) button on your stick.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 219

DCS [F-16C Viper]
4. Set desired bomb fuzing option (OSB 18).

Bombs are typically equipped with two fuzes, one in the nose and one in the tail. These are sometimes set with
different impact delay settings to provide the pilot with the choice of how the fuze functions and when the bomb
detonates after impact. Sometimes an instantaneous detonation is desired for fragmentation effects and
sometimes a delayed detonation is desired to allow target penetration or cratering.
Selecting OSB 18 cycles between three fuze arming options: NOSE, TAIL and NSTL (Nose/Tail). This is
typically set to NSTL (Nose/Tail) for redundancy unless a specific effect is desired when the weapon detonates.
Fuzing Option
There are also some special cases where the fuze option changes how the weapon behaves after release:
MK 82 AIR/SE:
• NSTL – High Drag
• NOSE – Low Drag
• TAIL – High Drag
CBU-87/97:
• NSTL – Bomblets dispense using settings displayed on SMS page
• NOSE – Bomblets dispense immediately after release
• TAIL – Dud
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
5. Set desired Single/Pair option (OSB 8).

Bombs may be released with either Single (SGL) or Pair (PAIR) selected. With SGL selected, bombs will be
released from only one station. With PAIR selected, bombs will be released from both opposite stations,
assuming identical bombs are loaded on stations 4 and 6 or 3 and 7.
Single/Pair Option
EAGLE DYNAMICS 221

DCS [F-16C Viper]
6. Set the desired release interval distance if more than one bomb is to be released. (OSB 9).
The timing between release pulses is computed by the aircraft to space multiple weapons in a ‘stick’ along the
ground at the specified distance. Valid distances range from 10-999 feet. This setting has no effect if only one
bomb or one pair of bombs is released.
Interval Distance
Type in the new impact spacing distance using the OSBs on the left and right of the display and select ENTR.
You may correct numbers entered in error by selecting RCL or return to the SMS page without making changes
by selecting RTN.
Impact Spacing Distance
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
7. Set the number of release pulses if more than one bomb is to be released. (OSB 10).
This sets the number of release pulses sent to the weapons stations when the Weapon Release button is
depressed. For example, a setting of 1 releases only one bomb or pair of bombs at a time while a setting of 4
releases four bombs or pairs of bombs at a time. This is commonly known as a ‘ripple release’.
Release Pulses
Type in the desired number of release pulses using the OSBs on the left and right of the display and select
ENTR. You may correct numbers entered in error by selecting RCL or return to the SMS page without making
changes by selecting RTN.
Release Pulses
EAGLE DYNAMICS 223

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Unguided Bombs CCIP Attack

The Continuously Computed Impact Point (CCIP) mode is a computed visual delivery mode with manual
weapon release. This mode allows a high degree of flexibility since the point on the ground at which the weapon
will impact is continuously indicated by a CCIP Pipper on the HUD. No target designation is required. Place the
thing on the thing and drop the bomb.
Summary
4. Select Bombs and desired options on SMS MFD
6. Depress the Weapons Release button to expend weapons
1. Verify CCIP symbology is displayed in the HUD.

If the CCIP impact point does not lay within the HUD field of view, the Time Delay Cue (TDC) is shown as a
short, horizonal line on the Bomb Fall Line. The CCIP Pipper is outside the HUD field of view when this is
displayed. A second, ‘post-designate CCIP’ technique may be used in this situation but that will be covered in
the next section.
Flight Path Marker
Bomb Fall Line

Marker
Time Delay Cue

Pull-Up Anticipation Cue
Master Arm Status
CCIP Submode Slant Range
CCIP Pipper
224
[F-16C Viper] DCS
2. Maneuver your aircraft to position the CCIP Pipper on target.

When the TDC is no longer displayed on the Bomb Fall Line, the pipper is in the HUD field of view. That will be
the impact point if the bombs are released immediately.
One technique is to place the FPM ahead of the target and the pipper just short of the target. Fly the Bomb Fall
Line over the target and allow the pipper to track straight up the line. This will happen naturally as slant range
decreases.
Flight Path Marker
Bomb Fall Line
Target
CCIP Pipper
Marker
Monitor the Pull-Up Anticipation Cue to ensure it does not go above the Flight Path Marker. The Pull-Up
Anticipation Cue (PUAC) provides a visual representation of the altitude required for the bomb fuze to arm or
altitude to initiate a pull-up to avoid impacting the ground, whichever is more immediate. It moves up toward the
Flight Path Marker (FPM) as the aircraft loses altitude. Releasing a bomb with the FPM below the PUAC will not
give the bomb time to arm and result in a dud.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 225

DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. Depress the Weapon Release button to release the bombs when the CCIP pipper is over the target.
The pipper will be at the center of the ‘stick’ if more than one bomb is released in a ripple delivery. Hold the
Weapons Release button long enough to ensure all weapons come off. The FPM flashes after weapons are
released.
Target
CCIP Pipper
Marker
Pull up immediately and take evasive action to avoid flying into bomb fragments and to avoid enemy fire.
226
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Unguided Bombs CCIP Attack (Post-Designate)

An additional option for CCIP bombs delivery is available for situations where the target cannot be within the
HUD field of view at release. This can sometimes happen on attacks from a shallow dive angle or high altitude.
The steps to enter CCIP mode are the same as described above. The difference is in when you depress and
hold the Weapons Release button.
1. Maneuver your aircraft to position the CCIP Pipper on target.

When the Time Delay Cue is displayed on the Bomb Fall Line, the pipper is not in the HUD field of view,
however you will still place the pipper over the intended target.
You will designate that location as the target by depressing and holding the Weapons Release button. The fire
control computer will do the rest.
Time Delay Cue
Bomb Fall Line
CCIP Pipper
Target
EAGLE DYNAMICS 227

DCS [F-16C Viper]
2. Depress and HOLD the Weapons Release button.

The HUD symbology displayed is identical to that used for a CCRP delivery. Keep the Flight Path Marker
aligned with the Steering Line. This will align your aircraft with the target even though the target will be out of
sight.
A Solution Cue is displayed at the top of the Steering Line. It will fall down the line as the range decreases and
the weapon is about to be released.
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker

Steering Line
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
3. Keep the Weapons Release button held until after the Solution Cue passes the Flight Path Marker.
Keep flying the Flight Path Marker over the Steering Line as the Sulution Cue continues to track downward. The
bombs are released when the Steering Cue passes the Flight Path Marker.
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker

Steering Line
Hold the Weapons Release button long enough to ensure all weapons come off. The FPM flashes after
weapons are released. Pull up immediately and take evasive action to avoid flying into bomb fragments and to
avoid enemy fire.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 229

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Unguided Bombs CCRP Attack

The Continuously Computed Release Point (CCRP) mode provides computed, automatic release of bombs.
This can be done from a dive, but also from wings-level or a nose-high attitude.
This mode requires a target designation point from which to build the bombing solution. Command steering is
provided to the appropriate weapon release point and the weapon will release automatically at the proper time
such that the weapons hit the target.
Summary
5. Set desired steerpoint number or designate target with TGP
6. Center FPM on Steering Line
7. Depress and hold Weapons Release button to expend weapons at computed point
1. Verify CCRP symbology is displayed in the HUD.

The fire control system provides a Steering Line (SL) to provide steering to the designated target. By placing the
Flight Path Marker (FPM) on the SL and holding down the Weapon Release Button, the weapon will release at
the proper time and account for wind.
Solution Cue Gun Cross
Target Locator Line Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Target Designator
Master Arm Status Slant Range

CCRP Submode
Time to Release
A Solution Cue is displayed at the top of the SL. It will fall down the line as the range decreases and the
weapons are about to be released.
When the Target Designator (TD) is outside the HUD field on view as shown above, a Target Locator Line (TLL)
extends from the Gun Cross pointing directly at the target. The relative angle is displayed next to the Gun Cross
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
2. Designate the desired target.

In order to calculate a bombing solution in CCRP mode, a target first must be designated. This can be done by:
• Selecting a Steerpoint that was placed at the target location
• Designating a target with the Targeting Pod (if installed)
Updates to the target location may be made by slewing the TD Box in the HUD or slewing the TGP cursors onto
a new position with the Cursor/Enable Control on the Throttle.
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Target Designator
Time to Release
EAGLE DYNAMICS 231

DCS [F-16C Viper]
3. Depress and HOLD the Weapon Release button.

Keep the Flight Path Marker aligned with the Steering Line. This will align your aircraft with the target even
though the target will be out of sight.
Time to release counts down at the lower right of the HUD.
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Time to Release
When the Solution Cue begins to move down the Steering Line, about 10 seconds prior to release, depress and
hold the Weapon Release button on the stick. This provides the fire control computer consent to release the
weapons.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Time to Release
weapons are released.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 233

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Laser Guided Bombs

The development of laser guided weapons has dramatically improved the accuracy of weapon guidance and
delivery. With the assistance of build-up guidance kits, general GP bombs are turned into laser-guided bombs
(LGBs). The kits consist of a computer- control group (CCG), guidance canards attached to the front of the
warhead to provide steering commands, and a wing assembly attached to the aft end to provide lift. LGBs are
maneuverable, free-fall weapons requiring no electronic interconnect to the aircraft. They have an internal semi-
active guidance system that detects laser energy and guides the weapon to a target illuminated by an external
laser source. The designator can be located in the delivery aircraft, another aircraft, or a ground source.
All LGB weapons have a Computer Control Group (CCG), a warhead (bomb body with fuze), and an airfoil
group. The computer section transmits directional command signals to the appropriate pair of canards. The
guidance canards are attached to each quadrant of the control unit to change the flight path of the weapon. The
canard deflections are always full scale (referred to as "bang, bang" guidance).
The LGB flight path is divided into three phases: ballistic, transition, and terminal guidance. During the ballistic
phase, the weapon continues on the unguided trajectory established by the flight path of the delivery aircraft at
the moment of release. In the ballistic phase, the delivery attitude takes on additional importance since
maneuverability of the LGB is related to the weapon velocity during terminal guidance. Therefore, airspeed lost
during the ballistic phase equates to a proportional loss of maneuverability. The transition phase begins at
acquisition. During the transition phase, the weapon attempts to align its velocity vector with the line-of-sight
vector to the target. During terminal guidance, the LGB attempts to keep its velocity vector aligned with the
instantaneous line-of-sight. At the instant alignment occurs, the reflected laser energy centers on the detector
and commands the canards to a trail position, which causes the weapon to fly ballistically with gravity biasing
towards the target.
GBU-10 Paveway II. This Guided Bomb Unit (GBU) weighs 2,562 lbs and is basically a laser-guided version of
the Mk-84 unguided bomb with a general purpose warhead. The laser detector on the nose of the seeker
detects the reflected energy of the designating laser at the set laser code. Once dropped, the wing-like airfoil
surfaces at the rear of the bomb extend and are used to maneuver the bomb to the laser designation point.
Rather than smooth and constant input of course-corrections to reach the target, the bomb uses a series of
discreet input corrections and this is often referred to as “bang bang” guidance mode.
GBU-10 can only be hung from a MAU-12 ejector rack on stations 3, 4, 6, and 7.
Suitable targets for the GBU-10 are large and/or hardened targets that require an accurate and powerful strike.
Such targets often include bridges, bunkers, and hardened command posts.
GBU-12 Paveway II. This GBU is the laser-guided version of the Mk-82 unguided, general purpose bomb. The
GBU-12 guides using the same principles as the GBU-10, the only difference being the bomb the LGB is based
on.
The GBU-12 can be mounted singly on a MAU-12 ejector rack at stations 3, 4, 6, and 7. Only two may be
loaded on a TER when wing external fuel tanks are installed due to clearance constraints. This is commonly
referred to as a ‘slant load’.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Bomb Seeker Laser Code

The seeker head on each laser guided bomb is set to track only a specific laser pulse rate frequency (PRF)
code. These are manually set by the weapons load crew during ground operations and may not be set from the
cockpit during flight.
To replicate this, the laser code may be set using the mission editor. In this example, the laser code on each
bomb seeker head is 1564.
An additional method to set the bomb seeker laser code is included on the in-game kneeboard. You may
access this using keyboard command RSHFT+K, then use the [ ] (bracket) keys to access the page. Use the
keyboard commands listed to the right of each digit to change the laser code.
Bomb seeker laser codes can only be changed using this method on the ground prior to engine start and with
the STA POWER switch on the right console OFF.
The laser designator on the Targeting Pod must be set to match the code on the bomb. See the section on the
LASR DED Page for procedures.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 235

DCS [F-16C Viper]
SMS Page
The A-G SMS display and procedures for setting up an attack with guided or unguided bombs are identical. See
the section on the Bombs A-G SMS Page for procedures.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Laser Guided Bomb CCRP Attack

The Continuously Computed Release Point (CCRP) mode provides computed, automatic release of bombs.
This can be done from a dive, but also from wings-level or a nose-high attitude. The laser guided bomb attack is
identical to unguided bombs with the addition of laser designation with the Targeting Pod (TGP)
This mode requires a target designation point from which to build the bombing solution. Command steering is
provided to the appropriate weapon release point and the weapon will release automatically at the proper time
such that the weapons hit the target.
The bomb laser code must match the TGP laser designator laser code. See the sections on Bomb Seeker
Laser Code and Laser Designator Code for procedures.
Summary
3. Set Laser Arm Switch to Arm
5. Set desired steerpoint number or designate target with TGP
6. Center FPM on Steering Line
7. Depress and hold Weapons Release button to expend weapons at computed point
8. Lase target at least 8-12 seconds prior to impact
1. Verify CCRP symbology is displayed in the HUD.

The fire control system provides a Steering Line (SL) to provide steering to the designated target. By placing the
Flight Path Marker (FPM) on the SL and holding down the Weapon Release Button, the weapon will release at
the proper time and account for wind.
Solution Cue Gun Cross
Target Locator Line Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Target Designator
Master Arm Status Slant Range

CCRP Submode
Time to Release
A Solution Cue is displayed at the top of the SL. It will fall down the line as the range decreases and the
weapons are about to be released.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 237

DCS [F-16C Viper]
When the Target Designator (TD) is outside the HUD field on view as shown above, a Target Locator Line (TLL)
extends from the Gun Cross pointing directly at the target. The relative angle is displayed next to the Gun Cross
2. Verify TGP is configured for target search and laser fire.

Select A-G mode on the TGP to configure it for target acquisition and weapon guidance. The line of sight will
slave to the current steerpoint when CCRP delivery mode is selected.
The TGP display may be made the sensor of interest (SOI) by positioning the Display Management Switch
(DMS) Down on the stick. The current SOI can be identified by the box surrounding the display.
Radar Altitude
Current Mode
Field of View and Situational Awareness Cue

Zoom Factor
Sensor Type
Laser Spot Search Code
Crosshairs
Track Mode Laser Status
The TGP crosshairs may then be slewed to a new position using the Cursor/Enable Control on the Throttle.
Slewing the Target Designator with the HUD as SOI will also slew the TGP crosshairs.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
3. Locate and designate the desired target.

In order to calculate a bombing solution in CCRP mode, a target first must be designated. This can be done in
two ways:
• Select a Steerpoint that was placed at the target location. The Target Designator box on the
HUD will be placed at the steerpoint. The TGP will slave to that location when CCRP mode is
selected.
• Locate a target with the Targeting Pod. With the TGP SOI, position the TMS Down on the stick to
undesignate. The TGP will return to the boresight position near the center of the HUD. Fly or slew the
TGP line of sight to the desired target location. TMS Up to designate. The Target Designator box on
the HUD will be placed at that location.
Updates to the target location may be made by slewing the TD Box in the HUD or slewing the TGP cursors onto
a new position with the Cursor/Enable Control on the Throttle. The Targeting Pod line of sight is used to
calculate the bombing solution regardless of the track mode used.
Command an area track with TMS Up to stabilize the crosshairs over the target. A Point Track may also be
commanded using TMS Up on the stick to aid in targeting if desired.
Crosshairs
Laser ranging may be performed prior to weapon release to improve the computed firing solution. See the Laser
Ranging section for more information.
The laser designator may be fired with any sensor type selected and from any track mode. The Laser status is
displayed as an L near the bottom of the display when the Laser Arm switch is set to arm.
The laser is fired by squeezing the trigger on the stick to the first detent. The L flashes when the laser
designator is firing.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 239

DCS [F-16C Viper]
4. Execute a CCRP bombing delivery.

Weapons delivery for laser guided bombs is identical to unguided bomb CCRP delivery.
The Steering Cue will fall down the Steering Line as the range decreases and the weapon is about to be
released. Time to release counts down at the lower right of the HUD.
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Master Arm and

Laser Status
Time to Release
Target Designator
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
5. Depress and HOLD the Weapon Release button.

When the Solution Cue begins to move down the Steering Line, about 10 seconds prior to release, depress and
hold the Weapon Release button on the stick. This provides the fire control computer consent to release the
weapon.
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Time to Release
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DCS [F-16C Viper]
Solution Cue
Flight Path Marker
Steering Line
Time to Release
weapons are released.
Execute a 30-45 degree check turn to the left or right to avoid overflight of the target and possible TGP gimbal
roll. Continue to track the target in the TGP and update the crosshair aimpoint if necessary.
Crosshairs
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
7. Lase the target with the TGP.

Squeeze the Trigger on the stick to lase the target no later than 8-12 seconds prior to impact. The L flashes
when the laser designator is firing. At impact, the screen will wash out from the IR energy of the explosion.
Switch to a wide field of view for an assessment and documentation of target damage. Set up for a re-attack if
necessary or exit the area.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 243

DCS [F-16C Viper]
AGM-88 HARM
The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) is a supersonic, passive radar-guided air-to-ground
missile intended to strike air defense radar sites and vehicles. The missile has an onboard radar receiver that
homes in on radar energy emitted by ground-based radars, making it fire-and-forget. The pilot can designate
targets using the missile’s onboard radar receiver, or using the separate HARM Targeting System (HTS) pod
(not yet implemented). The HARM may be loaded on stations 3, 4, 6, or 7, but is only flight-certified for stations
3 and 7.
The HARM can be targeted using its onboard radar receiver in one of three modes: position known (POS),
HARM-as-sensor (HAS), or datalink (DL). Currently, only HAS is implemented in DCS.
Communication with the HARM missile is managed by the aircraft launcher interface computer (ALIC) onboard
the LAU-118 pylon. The ALIC provides HARM sensor video to the SMS, and allows the SMS to hand off threat
types to the AGM-88. The AGM-88 will home in on threats matching the handed-off threat type after launch.
Symbology
SMS Format
Master mode Inventory
Weapon type
Weapon status
AGM-88 power
BIT
Station
Weapon status
Master mode: Toggles between A-G and STRF (gun strafe) air-to-ground modes.
Inventory: Pressing this OSB displays the Inventory page.
Weapon type: Displays “AG88” for AGM-88 HARM, and the number of missiles loaded.
Weapon status: Displays “RDY” when the AGM-88 is ready for launch.
AGM-88 power: Displays “PWR ON” or “PWR OFF”. Pressing commands spin-up or spin-down to all loaded
AGM-88 missiles.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
BIT: Commands execution of a built-in test. The status of each station will be updated following completion of
the BIT.
Station: Displays the stations on which HARMs are loaded. The station selected for launch is boxed. Above the
station number is a character indicating the missile degrade state for that station: “D” for degraded or “F” for
failed. No character above the station number indicates a functioning missile.
WPN Format
The AGM-88 HARM can be targeted using its onboard sensor in one of three modes: position known (POS),
HARM-as-sensor (HAS), or datalink (DL). (Currently only HAS is supported in DCS.) Each mode has its own
WPN format.
HAS Mode
Search filter
FOV
Threat table HARM UFC
Sub-mode DTSB
Threat types Scan counter
Scan time
Restart search
Boresight ALIC video

time
TDC
Station
Sub-mode: Displays “HAS” in HARM-as-Sensor sub-mode.

Threat table: Displays the current threat table (TBL1, TBL2, or TBL3). Pressing cycles through the three tables.
Pressing the TMS switch left when the WPN page is SOI also cycles through threat tables.
FOV: Displays the missile field of view: “CTR” for center, “LT” for left, “RT” for right, and “WIDE” for wide.
Pressing cycles through FOV settings. The FOV setting controls which portion of the missile’s forward
hemisphere it searches. Pressing the FLCS pinky switch also cycles FOV settings.
Search filter: Pressing this OSB allows the pilot to toggle on and off threats within the current threat table.
Reducing the number of threats that the ALIC is searching for reduces the time for each scan cycle.
HARM UFC: Pressing this OSB displays the HARM page on the DED, where threat tables can be modified.
DTSB: The detected target status box lists detected threat types. When a new threat is detected, its type (e.g.,
“2” for SA-2) is added to the DTSB.
Scan counter: This counter increments after each successive scan made by the AGM-88.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 245

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Restart search: Pressing this OSB cancels the current scan cycle and begins a new one.
ALIC video: Detected threats are displayed in this area. Only threats from the active threat table are displayed.
ALIC video is ground stabilized and referenced to missile boresight line. Threats displayed as characters
representing their type (e.g., “2” for SA-2). If the threat is active (radiating), the letter “A” follows the threat type.
If the threat is tracking (guiding an in-flight missile), the letter “T” follows the threat type. If the threat is not
radiating (memory threat), or multiple threats of the same time are co-located, no “A” or “T” is shown.
Pressing TMS forward commands designation of the threat under the TDC. The ALIC video display will switch
to a non-ground-stabilized display of the targeted threat, with crosshairs indicating missile boresight.
Station: Shows which stations have AGM-88s loaded. The station selected for next launch is boxed. A “D” or
“F” is displayed over the station number to indicate a degraded or failed missile.
TDC: The target designator cursor is slewed over a target the pilot wishes to designate, using the cursor control
on the TQS. Pressing TMS forward commands designation of the threat under the TDC, and hands off the
threat type to the AGM-88.
Boresight: Indicates the missile boresight axis.
Scan time: Shows worst-case scan time. The ALIC will repeatedly scan for threats according to the chosen
parameters. Reducing the number of threats to be scanned using the SRCH OBS, or reducing the FOV, will
reduce the scan time and therefore decrease the amount of time before a threat is detected.
Threat types: The five threat types for the current threat table (TBL1, TBL2, or TBL3) are shown along the left
side. If a threat is designated, its type is highlighted. The adjacent OSBs have no function in the HAS sub-
mode.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
HUD
FOV box
A-G mode
FOV box: Indicates the end-game field-of-view of the HARM. The FOV box flashes when the aircraft is within
the missile maneuver zone, target handoff is completed, and the missile is ready to be fired.
HARM DED Page

The HARM DED page is accessed by pressing the LIST button on the UFC, then the 0/M-SEL button to select
MISC, and then the 0/M-SEL button again to select HARM. Note that the HARM option is only displayed when
AGM-88 is the selected on the SMS.
Pressing INC/DEC cycles through the three threat tables (TBL1, TBL2, and TBL3). Each threat table can store
up to five numeric threat IDs. Pressing the dobber switch up or down moves the cursors between slots. Use the
numeric buttons on the UFC to enter a new threat ID. Threat IDs supported in DCS are:
ID Radar Type Platform
101 1L13 EWR
102 55Zh6 “TALL RACK” EWR
103 5N66M “CLAM SHELL” SR S-300PS / SA-10D “GRUMBLE”
104 64N6E “BIG BIRD” SR S-300PMU / SA-20 “GARGOYLE”
107 9S18M1 “SNOW DRIFT TAR Buk / SA-11 “GADFLY”
EAGLE DYNAMICS 247

DCS [F-16C Viper]
108 1S91 “STRAIGHT FLUSH” STR 2K12 “Kub” / SA-6 “GAINFUL”

109 9S80M1 Skorba / “DOG EAR” MRCC
110 30-N6 “FLAP LID” FCR S-300P / SA-10 “GRUMBLE”
115 9A310M1 TELAR Buk / SA-11 “GADFLY”
117 9A33 TELAR 9K33 Osa / SA-8 “GECKO”
118 9A35M3 TELAR 9K35 Strela-10M3 / SA-13 “GOPHER”
119 9A331 TELAR Tor / SA-15 “GAUNTLET”
120 1RL144 “HOT SHOT” TAR 2S6 Tunguska / SA-19 “GRISON”
121 RPK-2 “GUN DISH” STR ZSU-23-4 Shilka
122 P-19 “Danube” / “FLAT FACE B” SR S-125 “Neva” / SA-3 “GOA”
123 SNR-125 “LOW BLOW” TR S-125 “Neva” / SA-3 “GOA”
124 Marconi DN 181 “Blindfire” TR Rapier FSA
125 Rapier FSA Launcher STR Rapier FSA
126 SNR-75 “FAN SONG” TR S-75 Dvina / SA-2 “GUIDELINE”
201 Thales Domino TR Roland
202 AN/MPQ-53 STR MIM-104 Patriot
203 AN/MPQ-50 SR MIM-23 Hawk
204 AN/MPQ-46 TR MIM-23 Hawk
205 Siemens MPDR 16 SR Roland
206 AN/MPQ-55 CWAR MIM-23 Hawk
207 Gepard radar STR Flakpanzer Gepard
208 AN/VPS-2 RR M163 Vulcan ADS
301 Admiral Kuznetsov-class CV / Project 11435
302 Admiral Kuznetsov-class CV (2017 overhaul)
303 Moskva-class CG / Project 1164
306 Grisha-class FL / Project 1124.4
309 Rezky-class FF / Project 1135M
312 Molniya-class FSG / 1241.1MP
313 Piotr Velikiy-class CGN / Project 1144.2
315 Ticonderoga-class CG
319 Neutrashimy-class FFG / Project 11540
401 Oliver Hazard Perry-class FFG-7
402 USS Carl Vinson CVN-70
248
[F-16C Viper] DCS
403 USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71

404 USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72
405 USS George Washington CVN-73
406 USS John C. Stennis CVN-74
407 USS Tarawa LHA-1
(“EWR” means early-warning radar, “SR” means surveillance radar, “TR” means tracking radar, “TAR” means
target acquisition radar, “STR” means search and tracking radar, “MRCC” means mobile air target
reconnaissance and command center, “FCR” means fire control radar, “TELAR” means transporter erector
launcher and radar, “CWAR” means continuous-wave acquisition radar, “RR” means ranging radar.)
Preparation
Prior to departure, set up your threat tables as necessary. The threats you expect to fire against must be
present on at least one threat table for the HARM to detect them. Most of the time, you will be able to use one
of the default threat tables:
TBL1 (modern SAMs) TBL2 (AAA, SR SAMs) TBL3 (older SAMs)
10 (SA-10 FCR) 19 (SA-19 TAR) 3 (SA-3 TR)
BB (SA-20 SR) 15 (SA-15 TELAR) S (SA-3 SR)
CS (SA-10 SR) 8 (SA-8 TELAR) 6 (SA-6 STR)
11 (SA-11 TELAR) A (ZSU-23-4 STR) 2 (SA-2 TR)
SD (SA-11 TAR) DE (DOG EAR MRCC) 13 (SA-13 TELAR)
If your expected threat does not appear on any of these tables, you will need to add it to one of the tables. You
will also improve your ability to efficiently employ HARMs if you consolidate expected threats onto a single
table.
To edit threat tables, first select air-to-ground master mode by pressing the A-G button on the ICP. Then, on the
SMS format, select AG88 as the active weapon type. Display the HARM page on the DED by pressing the LIST
button on the ICP, then the 0/M-SEL button to select MISC, and the 0/M-SEL button again to select HARM.
Use the INC/DEC buttons on the ICP to select a threat table, then use the dobber to place the cursor over a
threat you wish to edit. Use the ICP to enter a new threat number, then press the ENTR button.
Prior to employing HARMs, press the A-G button on the ICP to select air-to-ground master mode. Ensure that
the SMS and WPN formats are visible on an MFD. From the SMS format, power on the HARMs:
EAGLE DYNAMICS 249

DCS [F-16C Viper]
Prior to firing a HARM, ensure the MASTER ARM switch is in ARM.
Employment using HARM-as-sensor (HAS) mode

HARM-as-sensor (HAS) mode is a target-of-opportunity employment mode using the HARM’s onboard radar
receiver. The HARM detects air defense radar signals and transmits that information to the aircraft. The pilot
can then select a radar to attack, and launch a HARM against it. With this mode, distance to the target is not
known, only bearing, so the HARM does not loft, which decreases its effective range.
The ALIC is in HAS mode when the master mode is A-G, AG88 is
the selected weapon on the SMS page, and “HAS” is displayed as
the active sub-mode on the WPN page.
Press OSB1 if necessary to cycle to HAS sub-mode. Ensure that

the WPN page is SOI; if not, press DMS aft to change SOI to the
WPN page.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Press OSB1 (HAS) to return to the HAS page.
You can further reduce scan time by using the pinky switch (or
OSB3) to cycle through FOV options until you find an appropriate
FOV.
Point your aircraft (and the missile seeker) in the direction of your
expected threat. As each scan cycle completes, detected threats
will be shown in the ALIC video area and placed into the DTSB.
Slew the cursor over the detected threat, then press TMS forward to
designate it. The HAS display will change to indicate the designated
threat.
Note that you can designate and fire against any threat that
appears on the HAS display, but many radar operators will cycle
their radars on and off, or track different targets. This will result in
the HARM being unable to continue tracking the target, and the
missile will become ineffective.
To increase probability of kill, you may wish to wait until the threat
radar is guiding a missile at you (“T” appears next to threat type on
HAS display) before firing, since a radar operator is less likely to
cease tracking you while guiding a missile. However, this strategy
comes with its own obvious risks!
Verify the proper threat is highlighted, “RDY” is displayed in the

SMS and WPN pages, and the FOV box in the HUD is flashing,
then press and hold the pickle button to fire the missile.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 251

DCS [F-16C Viper]
DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS
252
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Overview
You will often find yourself as the target of enemy weapon systems. The aircraft includes several defensive
systems to assist you in your fight to keep alive that includes expendable countermeasures of chaff and flares
and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM).
Azimuth Indicator (RWR)

Detected radars are displayed on the Azimuth Indicator (aka Radar Warning Receiver).
The Azimuth Indicator is a circular-shaped display on the left of the front dash that provides you a visual
representation of radar emitters around your aircraft. The display is in plan view with your aircraft in the center.
As threats are displayed around the center of the display, the icons represent the azimuth direction to the threat.
For example: an icon of the left side of the display would indicate an emitter located off your left. In addition to
the icons, an audio system will alert you to the status of the radars detected (search, track, and launch).
The locations of radar emitters on the display do not necessarily correlate to emitter range from your aircraft.
The distance of the threat icon from the center of the display indicates radar signal strength. The closer the icon
is to the center of the display generally indicates the closer the radar is to you. Any time a new emitter symbol is
displayed on the azimuth indicator status change tone is generated by the system. Special tones are also
generated for specific threats or critical threat modes of operation.
A symbol can have three states on the display:

• If a symbol is displayed with no circle around it, it indicates that the radar is in acquisition/search
mode. When a new emitter is detected, a new threat tone will be heard.
• If a symbol has a steady circle around it, it indicates that the radar is tracking/locked on to your
aircraft. When being tracked by an engagement radar, you will be provided a radar lock tone.
• If a symbol has a flashing circle around it, it indicates that the radar is supporting a missile that has
been launched at you. When being launched on by a radar-guided missile, you will hear a missile
launch tone and the LAUNCH light to the left will illuminate.
Indicator lights and buttons are located just to the left of the display.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 253

DCS [F-16C Viper]
HANDOFF. Not applicable.

LAUNCH. Illuminates when a missile launch is detected.
MODE. This button toggles between OPEN that can display the 16
highest priority threats or PRI that will only show the five highest threats.
UNKNOWN SHIP. Toggles display of emitter symbols of unknown
weapon systems on and off.
SYS TEST. Initiates the system self-test.
T (TGT SEP). Separates symbols that cover each other on the azimuth
indicator; the symbol with the highest threat priority remains in the right
place.
The Threat Warning Aux panel on the left auxiliary console is used to power the RWR on and off.
SEARCH. Not used.

ACT/PWR. Not used.
ALTITUDE. Not used.
POWER. Toggles RWR system power on and off.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
Countermeasures Dispensing Set (CMDS)

Selection and release of countermeasures (chaff and flare) is accomplished through a cockpit panel, HOTAS
controls, and a Data Entry Display (DED) page.
CMDS Control Panel

The left auxiliary console is dominated by the countermeasures dispensing system. This system provides
protection against tracking radar, air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. Protection is provided by ejecting chaff or
flare.
Status Display. The left side displays the status of the CMDS, GO or NO GO. The right side displays
DISPENSE READY when manual consent is required to dispense countermeasures in the SEMI or AUTO
mode.
RWR and JMR Source Switch. These do not control power to the RWR or ECM (Jammer) but rather enable
their data to be used by the CMDS for dispensing in the SEMI or AUTO modes.
MWS Switch. The missile warning system is not applicable to the block 50 f-16C.
JETT Switch. This enables jettisoning of countermeasures when positioned up to JETT. This switch functions
even when the CMDS is turned off.
Quantity Indicators. The quantity remaining of each countermeasures type is displayed. LO is displayed when
the bingo level set on the DED is reached. System failure messages are also displayed in these fields when
applicable.
CH (Chaff) and FL (Flare) Switch. These switches must be enabled to allow dispensing of chaff or flare
countermeasures.
PRGM Knob. This selects one of four pre-set countermeasures programs to be dispensed by HOTAS
command CMS forward on the stick.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 255

DCS [F-16C Viper]
MODE Knob. This selects the CMS operating mode.

• MAN – The selected manual program may be dispensed by positioning the CMS forward on the stick.
• SEMI – The aircraft systems determine the program to be dispensed based on the threat. Consent to
dispense must be given by positioning the CMS aft on the stick.
• AUTO – The aircraft systems determine the program to be dispensed based on the threat.
Countermeasures are dispensed automatically. This mode must also be enabled by positioning the
CMS aft on the stick. It may be disabled by selecting CMS right.
• BYPASS – This is selected to allow manual dispensing of countermeasures when failures prevent the
other modes from working.
HOTAS
On the stick, there is a four-place switch for countermeasures.
Countermeasures
Management Switch
Center. This is the OFF position and no dispense action is taken.

Forward. This dispenses the manual program selected on the CMDS Panel with the PRGM knob.
Aft. This gives consent to dispense the requested program when the MODE knob is in SEMI. This also enables
the AUTO mode when the MODE knob is in AUTO.
Left. No function.
Right. This disables the AUTO dispense mode.
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[F-16C Viper] DCS
CMDS DED Pages

The CMDS upfront controls are accessed from the LIST page by pressing 7 on the ICP. Pages may be cycled
through by positioning the DCS switch right to SEQ.
The default bingo quantities for CH (chaff) and FL (flare) are listed on the first page. These quantities may be
changed by placing the CMDS Mode knob in STBY and entering the new bingo quantity in each field.
Chaff Bingo Quantity

Feedback Message
Flare Bingo Quantity
Request Countermeasures Message
Not used
Bingo Message
Three voice message options may also be toggled on or off from this page.
Feedback (FDBK). This enables or disables the ‘Chaff Flare’ audio message that plays when a
countermeasures program has been initiated.
Request Countermeasures (REQCTR). This enables or disables the ‘Counter’ audio message that plays
when consent to release countermeasures is requested in the SEMI or AUTO mode.
BINGO. This enables or disables the ‘Low’ or ‘Out’ audio message that plays when the bingo quantity is
reached, or all countermeasures have been expended.
EAGLE DYNAMICS 257

DCS [F-16C Viper]
The next DED pages display the number of countermeasures and interval between release for each
countermeasure type. The values may be changed by manually inputting new quantities and intervals. The
CMDS Mode knob should be set to STBY before changing the programs using the DED pages.
The values shown are for the program displayed at the top right of the page. Any of the four programs may be
changed using the Increment/Decrement switch on the ICP to select each in sequence. The pages for chaff and
flare are identical so only the flare page is shown below.
Burst Quantity
Burst Interval Manual Program Selection
Salvo Quantity
Salvo Interval
Burst Quantity. The number of countermeasures released per burst.

Burst Interval. The interval in seconds between countermeasures per burst. This is usually a very small value.
Salvo Quantity. The number of bursts commanded when release consent is given.
Salvo Interval. The time in seconds between each burst.
In the example above, two flare will be released every second for 10 seconds.
258
[F-16C Viper] DCS
Good hunting!
The Eagle Dynamics SA team
EAGLE DYNAMICS SA © 2020
EAGLE DYNAMICS 259

DCS F-16C Early Access Guide EN

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What are the different countermeasures modes?

What are the different countermeasures modes?

How do you change the countermeasures programs?

How do you change the countermeasures programs?

Updated 3 November 2020

DCS [F-16C Viper]

BNGO Page ............................................................................................................................................ 52

Cold Start .................................................................................................................................................... 92

Laser Ranging ...................................................................................................................................... 168

Laser Guided Bombs ................................................................................................................................. 234

DCS: WORLD FUNDAMENTALS

Installation and Launch

Configure Your Game

Aircraft Selection Input Functions

Throttle Position Indication

Trim Position (mechanism used to reduce pressure on control)

Control Stick Position Indication

Pedals and Rudder Pedal Indicator

Wheel Brake pressure Indicator

Flight Path Marker

EGI Magnetic Heading

THE F-16C VIPER

Left Auxiliary Console Right Auxiliary Console

Left Console Right Console

AOA Indexer AR Status/NWS Indicator

RWR Control Panel/Display

Data Entry Display (DED)

Right Multifunction Display (MFD)

Miscellaneous (MISC) Panel Engine Instruments

Horizontal Situation Indicator

Head-Up Display (HUD)

Integrated Control Panel (ICP)

Data Entry Display

RWR Prime Control Panel/Azimuth Display

Left and Right Multifunction Display (MFD)

Miscellaneous (MISC) Panel

Airspeed and Mach Indicator

Angle of Attack Indicator

Attitude Director Indicator

Vertical Velocity Indicator

Horizontal Situation Indicator

Fuel Quantity Select Panel

Left Auxiliary Console

Miscellaneous Switches and Indicators

Alt Gear Handle

CMDS Control Panel

Miscellaneous Switches and Indicators

CMDS Control Panel

Threat Warning Aux Control Panel

ALT GEAR Handle

HMCS Control Panel

Right Auxiliary Console

FUEL Quantity Indicator

EPU FUEL Quantity

Pilot Fault List Display

Fuel Quantity Indicator

Hydraulic Pressure Indicators for System A and B

Pilot Fault List Display

Caution Light Panel

EPU Fuel Quantity Indicator