chucksguides

March 2021 - Calm before the Storm

Hi folks,

We are now approaching mid-March, so I thought I would share a few details about what my plans are for this month.

First, I want to thank you all for your kind words and warm reception for the Hornet guide update. I know it took me a while to get there, I know it will likely be outdated when the Hornet gets further updated in the not-too-distant future, and I know I'll have to revisit the plane (again... and again).

2021-03-12 15:26:22 +0000 UTC View Post

F/A-18C Hornet Guide Update #3

Hi folks!

I've been neglecting the Hornet for a few months now, but since I had a little bit of time during February I decided to pick up the slack and bring it up to snuff. I know more features are planned to be released with the incoming DCS 2.7 version, but I think what we have now should keep you busy for a bit. The page count increased from 540 to 620+ pages... but I know it will eventually keep growing as Eagle Dynamics eventually finishes the F/A-18. 

2021-03-04 12:38:02 +0000 UTC View Post

Secret Documents #72: F/A-18C Hornet Guide Update - SEA Radar Mode

Hi folks!

The SEA radar mode is quite similar to the GMT (Ground Moving Target) air-to-ground radar mode. In this case, this allows you to track ships better and use Harpoon anti-ship missiles without needing a preset waypoint or having to use the targeting pod's limited range. 

With SEA mode also comes a little extra with how to use Harpoon missiles in conjunction with the air-to-s...

Secret Documents #71: F/A-18C Hornet Guide Update - GMT Radar Mode

Hi folks!

This week, we talk about an additional air-to-ground radar mode: GMT (Ground Moving Target). This mode allows you to track moving ground targets like tanks, which is very useful when using Maverick missiles. Of course, in reality you wouldn't just fire a missile at a moving target you haven't identified visually... This shows how critical the integration of various sensors is. You wouldn't want to blow up an ice cream truck by mistake, eh? 

2021-02-23 11:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post

Secret Documents #70: F/A-18C Hornet Guide Update - AZ/EL

Hi folks!

In this post, we will explore a bit about the AZ/EL (Azimuth/Elevation) page. It is primarily a complementary page to the RDR ATTK display, but it also includes a few interesting functions such as the automatic identification of radar contacts. 

Feel free to consult the attached pdf to see the draft.

Secret Documents #69: F/A-18C Hornet Guide Update - JHMCS

Hi folks!

Time to talk about the JHMCS!

Recently, the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System received a few updates. Here is how I divided the new JHMCS section:

Overall, this section should be more in-line with what is currently modelled at the moment. Next comes the AZ/EL page.

Feel f...

Hornetbruary - Month of the F/A-18

Hi folks!

Just letting you know that the update for the Hornet guide is currently underway. Here is a non-exhaustive overview of what I plan to include:

• Add a JHMCS-specific section with MIDS Settings
• Add AZ/EL page
• Add Datalink updates
• Include Auto IFF function
• Add GMT radar mode (with relevant Maverick tutorial)
• Add SEA radar mode (with relevant Harpoon tutorial)
• Update defensive systems
• Add ECM
• Add TX...
  2021-02-06 01:19:42 +0000 UTC View Post

Update for the P-51D Mustang Guide

Hi folks!

This Mustang guide was originally the very first guide I ever wrote for DCS... and the first DCS module I ever bought. I still remember how weird it felt to have a WWII module to that standard back in 2012... and how badly I wanted an environment for this plane to fight in. Now, a few years later, we get to fly across the English Channel on the beaches of Normandy, escort bombers, strike panzer columns and duel Messerschmits and Focke-Wulfs above the clouds. The P-51 never get...

Secret Documents #68: P-51D Mustang Guide Update - Cockpit, Start-Up, Takeoff & Landing

Hi folks!

The improvements to the Spitfire guide made me want to also revisit the P-51 Mustang. I have learned a lot from my previous work on the P-47, and I will put these lessons to good use. This document showcases the updated cockpit description, start-up procedure... and finally the takeoff and landing phases. The new document will go live on February 2nd. Then... what next? I'll let you guess.

2021-01-29 19:59:47 +0000 UTC View Post

Update for the Spitfire Mk IX Guide

Hi folks!

This Spitfire guide was in dire need of a coat of new paint. The procedures are more or less the same, but I got rid of a few repetitions and cleaned up much of the cockpit & start-up sections. Most sections have been significantly improved, to a point where a changelog isn't very useful. 

Interestingly, a kind soul managed to provide me with some rare documentation on real life bombing procedures for the Spitfire, so I've added a bit of information on the profi...

Secret Documents #67: Spitfire Mk IX Guide Update - Cockpit, Start-Up, Takeoff & Landing

Hi folks!

On the World War II front, I decided it was time to add a few improvements to the Spitfire guide. As I was doing some research on the upcoming DCS Mosquito, I felt the urge to set the template for what this new document will look like. There are many improvements on the cockpit, start-up, takeoff & landing sections. More will come before the update is released. Grab a coffee, relax and enjoy the read.

2021-01-23 11:00:04 +0000 UTC View Post

Update for the UH-1H Huey Guide

Hi folks!

We start 2021 with a brand new overhaul of the Huey. First written in May 2015, the document's new version now includes better procedures, pictures, and system descriptions (especially the armament, radio and navigation sections)... increasing the page count from 95 to 175+ pages. I tried to bring it up to the Mi-8 guide's standard, and I hope to do even better with the Mi-24 Hind, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and AH-64 Apache Longbow.

The addition of multicrew makes this helicop...

Secret Documents #66: UH-1H Huey Guide Update - Weapons, Radios & Navigation

Hi folks!

This time, I fleshed out the Weapons, Radio & Navigation sections. I had fun doing the XM60 gunsight part, especially since I have found very few online tutorials that explained the proper aiming procedure with the fixed sight. There's a tiny bit of math involved, but I think it provides a reliable and accurate method to use those frontal guns. Once again, my main objective was to go into a level of detail that was sufficient but not overwhelming.

2021-01-15 15:31:43 +0000 UTC View Post

Secret Documents #65: UH-1H Huey Guide Update - Start-Up, Powerplant & Ancillary Systems

Hi folks!

I've wrapped up a few different sections together: the start-up procedure, and the Powerplant & Ancillary systems. I did not want to go into too much detail, but I wanted to go in a similar level of detail to the Mi-8 guide's. Hopefully I found the right balance. 

Feel free to consult the attached pdf to see the draft.

Secret Documents #64: UH-1H Huey Guide Update - Cockpit

Hi folks!

I've been wanting to give the Huey guide a coat of fresh paint for a long time. There are a bunch of improvements in the pipeline, but the first one is an overall re-do of the cockpit and equipment description. It should look a little more "pro", hopefully. 

Feel free to consult the attached pdf to see the draft.

Strapping in 2021

Happy new year to each of you!

Looking Back - A Year of Resilience

2020 is finally over. I re-read my first post from a year ago, full of blind optimism. We've lived through strange times since then, haven't we? 

COVID has been  merciless. The pandemic has been a grim reminder of how many things I take for granted. It's been a year that has cost us all dearly. Industries ruined, p...

Update for the AJS-37 Viggen Guide

Merry Christmas everyone!

We're finally there. The first version of this guide was done about four years ago, which sort of feels like a lifetime by now.  A lot has changed since then; DCS has grown to unprecedented heights and I've tackled on projects I didn't think were possible. I've learned a lot along the way, and there inevitably comes a time where I have to improve existing documents. The Viggen guide represented one of the last first-generation of guides I did for DCS... an...

Secret Documents #63: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Navigation

Hi folks!

Release date is almost upon us! In this last "secret document" of 2020, we explore the Viggen's navigation systems. I think one of the most misunderstood aspect of the Viggen is doing "fixes", and the difference between a "navigation fix" (which shifts all waypoints in your flight plan to correct drift error) and a "target fix" (which only shifts the selected Target Point (M#), leaving the rest of the flight plan unaffected). Both of these fix types can be done in two methods:...

Secret Documents #62: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Recce

Hi folks!

One of the Viggen’s (often) overlooked and obscure roles is reconnaissance, also referred to as “recce”. Naval reconnaissance was one of the primary roles of the SF-37 and SH-37 (aerial reconnaissance & maritime patrol variants of the Viggen) during the Cold War period, especially since Sweden and the Soviet Union were separated by the Baltic Sea.

Within the DCS envir...

Secret Documents #61: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Bombs

Hi folks!

The bombing tutorials I created back in 2017 needed a lot of love. The previous version had lots of repetitions and were too thorough in certain areas and too vague in others. This time, I tried a new concept for the bombing stuff: one flight plan will be used for five different delivery methods. Same waypoints, but different profiles. Please let me know if you think it makes things better or if it's not really useful. 

I also plan to add hyperlinks to navigate more...

Secret Documents #60: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Anti-Air & Anti-Ship

Hi folks!

More weapons. More tutorials. More coffee.

Here, we explore the anti-ship missile procedures for the RB-04E and the RB-15F. There are many options available (especially for the RB-15F), so it was pretty challenging to make it readable. On the air-to-air front, we will talk about the AKAN gunpods and RB-24/74 missiles with different ranging methods.

Feel free to consult th...

Secret Documents #59: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - ARAK, AKAN, RB05, RB75, BK90 & LYSBOMB

Hi folks!

This draft touches upon some of the coolest weapons at the Viggen's disposal. The ARAK rockets, AKAN gun, RB05 remote-controlled missile, RB-75 Maverick-lookalike air-to-ground missile, BK90 Mjolnir cluster munitions and even LYSBOMB illumination bombs. Lots of clarifications, a better breakdown of each attack profile... I hope you'll like this one.

Feel free to consult the att...

Christmas Reading

Hi folks!

Christmas is coming, and the Viggen guide update with it! On the 25th of December, my gift to the flight sim community will be 500+ pages worth of Viggen stuff, with a few surprises thrown in the mix.

Secret Documents #58: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Weapon Intro

Hi folks!

This time, we dive deep into critical principles such as mission planning, QFE, sighting mechanics and other fun stuff.

Feel free to consult the attached pdf to see the draft.

Secret Documents #57: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Radar

Hi folks!

Initially, the Viggen guide's radar section was pretty barebones. This time around, we will go in more depth in regards to the different modes and how to recognize radar returns. Hopefully, this revamped radar section will clear up any questions newcomers have.

Feel free to consult the ...

Secret Documents #56: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Master Modes

Hi folks!

Most of you that are used to western jets have typically three Master Modes to deal with: Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground and Navigation. The Viggen is very similar in that regard, but it goes a bit further by adding two different Landing modes (LANDN NAV, used for instrument approaches, and LANDN P/O, use for visual approaches), a Standby Mode and a mode specifically designed for reconnaissance missions (SPA, for Spaning, swedish for Reconnaissance).  

2020-12-09 11:01:00 +0000 UTC View Post

Secret Documents #55: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - CK37 Computer

Hi folks!

The Viggen's CK37 (Central Kalkylator 37) aircraft computer is one of the first flight computers ever integrated with an aircraft. The CK37 can be seen as the "central nervous system" linking the large number of individual systems together. The computer is programmed to handle primary flight data, presentation for avionics, navigation, as well as sight and weapon calculations.

This is one of the most complex beasts of the plane, so I tried to break it down in different m...

Secret Documents #54: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Engine & Fuel

Hi folks!

During the early days of the Cold War, the swedish military was very much aware that an invasion from the Soviet Union would likely knock out most airports in the country within minutes. A network of secondary bases using roads and highways was spread throughout Sweden, and for which the Viggen's capabilities were well suited. One of the Viggen's main appeal is its ability to operate from literally anywhere in most conditions. The afterburner gives the aircraft some incredible...

Secret Documents #53: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - TILS

Hi folks!

The TILS (Tactical Instrument Landing System) is slightly different from a standard ILS system. Unlike a normal ILS with a large array for glideslope and localizer constructed near the runway threshold, the TILS system is a single, smaller unit placed next to the runway.

The system consists of a transmitter unit on the airfield and a receiver unit mounted on the aircraft. The receiver interprets the signal from the transmitter and creates a steering command. The slight o...

Secret Documents #52: AJS-37 Viggen Guide Update - Landing

Hi folks!

The Viggen landing procedures are now explained more thoroughly for both airbase landings and road base landings where no airfield codes are available. We will explore the two landing Master Modes: NAV, which is used for an instrument approach, and P/O (Precision Approach Radar / Optical), which is used for a visual approach. The Viggen's CK37 flight computer is truly a wonder of engineering in that regard; it could tell the pilot very accurately how to perform a precise appro...