Hi Guys, I've reading a few interesting threads here regards Mavericks

As a Noob I would like to know or have views the following

In the real world what really is the Max No of targets that can be engaged with AGM65 in 1 pass.Is it a case the weapon technology make's it possible but:

1) It just isn't done (real world) or is it it?
2) There's never been a scenario where the one A10 has the opportunity to take six targets in one particular area

The reason, I have seen uTube clips where in the DCS A10C Sim, a pilot has engaged and destroyed 6 tanks in one pass, It did came across quite arcade.


In this Sim it seems targeting Pod is always used. I was wondering Why would you want to use Mav mode if in TGP you can inspect, engage targets at longer distances

Take it easy on me, just wan ta learn

I remember reading in Vipers in the Storm (anbout an F-16 pilot in Desert Storm) that they would lock up and fire at multiple targets with their mavericks so I guess it would be same for hog pilots too. I would want to make as few passes as possible to avoid being shot down.

I know Ice mentioned something about 'marking' the targets and the mav seekers slaved to the 'marks' and ripple them off and was meaning to post and ask how that works.

No idea in real life, but I would think they can do it if they want to. It is very much possible to do this in the sim, 6 Mavs in one pass. I'll leave the searching of the appropriate thread up to you

I use the TGP to properly ID the target, if it deserves a Maverick up it's tailpipe. I tend to hold on to my Mavs, since it is my only stand-off weapon. SAMs qualify for one straight away, and AAAs would depend upon the situation. Tanks can be taken out by the other ordnance carried by the A10 and also by the gun so no way would I fire a Mav at a tank. Same goes for soft targets like trucks. However, assuming you have six valid targets, you then use the TGP to locate each one, make a mark point, and then go to the Mav page and launch a Mav at each target.

Basically you go to the Mav page to launch a Mav, no way to do it via TGP that I know of

And it is easier to locate a target via TGP, set it as SPI, then hand that over to the Mav seeker head rather than using the seeker head to slew over the next target. It is do-able, but you need a stable aircraft, so it is a lot easier on the TGP.

How do you 'mark' multiple targets?

TGP, slew over a target, mark it (TMS Right Short), slew over another one, mark it, and again, and again. Then switch over to Mark mode on the CDU, and cycle through your mark points.

Sometimes it might even be a good idea to mark the target area so you can find it again quick even if the TGP goes Gimb Roll on you.

The real answer is 'it depends'. The real technique (before the pod, I don't know about now) was to boresight the 65 and aim it with your plane, stabilize, lock, fire. If you want to repeat, you had to have the appropriate mod for the maverick pylons and mavericks, and also time, since you're flying straight at the targets and in reality, you probably don't want to be getting anywhere near them.



The fulda gap was the only possibility for such a scenario so far, and it never happened (A-10's don't even carry 6 mavs into combat ... they carry 2 + 3-6 bombs, one munition per pylon).



It's certainly possible if you set things up right ahead of time and you're quick on your controls. Without the pod you might also need just a little bit of luck.

Why is this the case again? I remember reading about the inner Mav launch potentially harming the main landing gear, but is that true?

Do you cycle through them with HUD as SOI and DMS up and down as with changing Steerpoints?

Is there any visual response that you have marked an area/target?

A-10s generally don't carry 6 Mavs on flights, hell from my understanding 4 is also a stretch, so that bit is slightly arcady. Really the question of how many you can fire off in a single pass is only answered in how efficient you are at switching targets and how much stand-off range you want to maintain. As Ice mentioned, creating mark points on the target is one way. I personally like putting my TGP on the left screen and manually acquiring my specific target, then slaving my Mav to the target. But if I'm using a Mav it either means I'm trying to kill something at distance or I'm out of everything else to use.

IIRC, this is no longer a problem (nor would it have been a huge concern in the case of a fulda gap scenario I imagine). The main concern is drag, plus in most cases other weapons were just more effective. You could blow up 4 artillery pieces with a single bomb run, rippling your 4 mk82's with airburst fuse over them for example. That still leaves you with a pair of mavs, and only one weapon per pylon for less drag.

You could also try flying a mission where you're forced (forced! ) to fly at 29000' because of SAM/AAA threats, and your hard deck is 16000' (ie. you are not allowed to fly below this altitude - real deal, read about it in A-10's over Kosovo). You may occasionally spot a vehicle or two to attack, so all those mavs are no good. On the other hand, with a 10C you have the option of using JDAMs and LGBs.

Per the -1 T.O as part of the external stores limitation chart


2. Launching Maverick missiles from the inboard rail of a LAU-88A/A should be avoided to minimize paint and rain erosion
coating deteriorization

4. Do not load LAU-88 with live AGM-65s next to a targeting pod.


So it messes up the paint which isn't an issue if you need all 6. But you cant have the TGP as the rocket motor would damage it pretty good.

Eh?? If you're discouraged to put a Mav on the inboard rail of a LAU-88, and can't put a Mav on the OUTBOARD rail of a LAU-88 that is next to a TGP, then the best you could do is 3 Mavericks? Two on the LAU-88 on the wing opposite the TGP, one on the wing with the TGP on. Or just put one Mav per wing.

Lol, and here we have MP flights where everyone is mounting 6 Mavs.

Take the TGP off and you can go 2 on each 88.

Shooting six targets at once with fire and forget missiles sounds like a certain other, now out of service A/C I am fond of. Coincidence? I'm starting to think I can move on from September 2006 finally.

Honestly can't remember the last time I flew with more than two -65s, every time I have done so it's left me feeling all dirty.

With 2x -65s, 4x GBU/Mk-82, rockets and 30mm a flight of 4 aircraft can destroy (using a conservative estimate) around 40 armoured targets. Beyond a fulda gap scenario I really can't see any occasion you'd need to carry 6 Mavs, or even 4 for that matter.

Most missions I fly, even in a 2-ship flight one or both aircraft normally bring stores back home. With a realistic mission, there just won't be that many targets out there (at least not that you will be able to find), so you'll regularly end up heading home low on fuel long before you run out of ordnance.