I've looked at the sticky thread which explains how to use missiles. I think I have done just about everything, though I am never able to launch.

Laser designator is on, TV slewed over target, set to track moving targets, weapon stations with missiles selected. Or so I think.

This is what I have done:







I believe if I forgot something it would be found on this panel:



I also have mapped my joystick to switch to the cannon, though I am unable to switch to it. Is there anything else I need to do to arm the cannon?

Also, in the options menu there is a KA-50 Game and KA-50 Real. Does KA-50 Game = game/easy mode while Real = full simulator mode?

Master Arm switch is down..?

You have to switch Master Arm to on.

And it looks like you have Vikhrs selected (outboard pylons) since the number showing is 12. You need to select the inboard pylons (then 40 will probably show)..

Oh..and if you are trying to launch Vikhrs..you have to hold the button down for like 1 second or more before it will launch. But since you don't have a launch authorized cue "C", I'm guessing master arm isn't ON (up)..

Master and Weapon Arm should both be up, correct?

I am going to modify my mission. I didn't think Strykers with TOWs could hit me from that far.

Edit: Set both to the up position and I see the "C" on the HUD under/right of TA. I line up the two circles but still can not launch either the missiles or rockets. I will double check and see if my joystick settings saved.

Edit 2: Yes, I mapped the buttons wrong. How long can I leave the laser on? I assume it will burn out like the Su-25T?

Launching:


Result:

Re: laser

Once I'm up and running towards the first waypoint on each mission, I set master arm and the laser to on (up). I left one or both off, too many times. I haven't had any issues with the laser being on the whole time.

T

Did you have one trouser leg rolled up and squinting with one eye whilst whistling 'I'm Popeye the sailor man'? You know how hard these Russian types like to make their aircraft to fly

The laser does in fact have a duty cycle otherwise it seems to burn out. The duty cycle is detailed in the BS manual, but normally you won't ever encounter a problem unless you make multiple trips to the FARP to reload Vihkrs within one mission. Everytime it's failed on me range data wouldn't be displayed and the Vikhr launch reticle's range slider would be absent. In that case you have to land, shut down completely and let the repair sequence cycle through.

I don't know if this makes a difference or not in the laser "life", but I leave my laser off until I'm about to employ weapons, or update the nav system. Otherwise I'll use my Shkval to recon without it, just to make sure I have plenty of laser pulses left for when it counts.

I've had the laser fail a handful of times on very long missions but I've never been sure if it burned out or I had battle damage.

Having the laser switch on is different than having the laser on. The switch just arms the system. The laser is automatically fired when you 1) press the lock button and 2) launch a laser-guided weapon, like the Vikhr or the Kh-25L. You can leave the switch on all day, just don't pressing lock or fire a Vikhr until the cooldown timer on the left side of the HUD has expired.

Yes, the laser on the Su-25T always bugged me, but I've never had a problem with the 50's laser and I turn it on as a leave the base, along with flicking on master arm and setting up my CM program.



The Jedi Master

If I'm not mistaken Weapon Arm is only for Jettison.

So, no -- Master Arm UP - weapon arm Down.

(If I'm wrong I'm sure one of the vets will correct me.)




Don't you lose a lot of info from the HUD when you activate Master Arm? Do you just fly by the analog instruments?


Edit: Never mind -- I was mistaken there, Master Arm doesn't change the HUD - I must have been thinking of uncageing the Shkval.

Melcar, you are correct - the Weapons Arm switch on the front panel arms weapons when they are jettisoned. I'm not sure if it applies to all stores, or just Vikhrs/rockets.

It depends on squadron/pilot SOP, but I'd recommend leaving the switch unarmed: don't want to accidentally blow up a friendly if you have to jettison with them near your sights.