Hornet’s All New Advanced Avionics

Impressive new updates are coming to F/A-18c Hornet for DCS World to help extend the effectiveness of it’s operating arsenal. The new features will include Ground Moving Target (GMT) and SEA radar modes. This update will also benefit from the new defensive systems and the Transmit Designate (TXDSG) option on the Situational Awareness display. We will also see the implementation of much expanded defensive systems like countermeasure programs and electronic warfare capabilities. 

Ground Moving Target (GMT) Radar Mode

The task of locating feasible ground targets can be extremely taxing even to the most advanced pilots. This is why the Ground Moving Target (GMT) Air-to-Ground (A-G) radar mode is here to help. When enabled, this mode detects moving ground units and allows you to designate them for tracking. Please be aware that the GMT will not track stationary targets. 

When paired with the AGM-65F Maverick and laser-guided bombs, GMT can be a useful tool for detecting, tracking, and engaging mobile targets.

SEA Radar Mode

Whilst the general MAP Air-to-Ground radar mode has been available for some time, we will soon introduce the SEA A-G mode. This mode allows the radar to detect and track ships out to 80 nm. This is particularly useful for engaging ships using the AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles with specific range and bearing targeting. SEA mode can also be interleaved to display MAP ground returns.

When a target has been designated in SEA mode, the targeting pod can also be slaved to the target.

Defensive Systems Update

We are pleased to announce several new defensive features planned for the next update. These include the addition of Semi/Automatic (S/A) and AUTO expendable countermeasure programs, the Airborne Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ), and jammer effects on the radar.

Transmit Designate

We’ll be adding the Transmit Designate (TXDSG) option on the Situational Awareness (SA) display. When enabled, it allows you to transmit suits to ground designation points and Launch & Steering (L&S) targets for flight members and friendly aircraft on the same Link-16 network.