DCS AV-8B Harrier Guide PDF
DCS AV-8B Harrier Guide PDF
DCS AV-8B Harrier Guide PDF
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• PART 1 – INTRODUCTION PART 9 – SENSORS
• PART 2 – CONTROLS SETUP PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
• PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES PART 11 – DEFENCE: RWR AND COUNTERMEASURES
• PART 4 – START-UP PROCEDURE PART 12 – RADIO TUTORIAL
• PART 5 – TAKEOFF PART 13 – AUTOPILOT
• PART 6 – LANDING PART 14 – NAVIGATION & ILS LANDING
• PART 7 – ENGINE MANAGEMENT PART 15 – AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING
• PART 8 – FLIGHT & AERODYNAMICS PART 16 – VREST PAGE
PART 17 – OTHER RESOURCES
Special thanks to Paul "Goldwolf" Whittingham for creating the guide icons.
2
The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II (Night Attack) is a single-
engine ground-attack aircraft that constitutes the second generation of
the Harrier Jump Jet family. Capable of vertical or short takeoff and
HARRIER II
landing (V/STOL), the aircraft was designed in the late 1970s as an Anglo-
American development of the British Hawker Siddeley Harrier, the first
AV-8B
The first-generation Harriers entered service with the Royal Air Force (RAF)
and United States Marine Corps (USMC) in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but
were handicapped in range and payload. In short takeoff and landing
configuration, the AV-8A (American designation for the Harrier) carried less than
half the 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) payload of the smaller A-4 Skyhawk, over a more
limited radius. To address this issue, Hawker Siddeley and McDonnell Douglas
began joint development of a more capable version of the Harrier in 1973.
The AV-8B Harrier II retains the basic layout of the Hawker Siddeley Harrier,
with horizontal stabilizers and shoulder-mounted wings featuring
prominent anhedral (downward slope). The aircraft is powered by a single Rolls-
Royce Pegasus turbofan engine, which has two intakes and four synchronized
vectorable nozzles close to its turbine. Two of these nozzles are located near the
PART 1 – INTRODUCTION
forward, cold end of the engine and two are near the rear, hot end of the
engine. This arrangement contrasts with most fixed-wing aircraft, which have
engine nozzles only at the rear. The Harrier II also has smaller valve-controlled
nozzles in the nose, tail, and wingtips to provide control at low airspeeds.
This makes it a very interesting experience since there are a lot of stuff
to do in it. You will not feel like you are flying a next-gen fighter jet, but
you will have a flexible aircraft that can give you lots of options. Think
of an hybrid between an A-10 on steroids with a helicopter. This is why
it is one of my favourite modules in DCS.
A lot of love was poured into this aircraft by RAZBAM, and it shows.
The Harrier being currently in early access, some features are missing
or simplified (RAZBAM said they were working on it, so please be
patient), but despite that the Harrier feels very much like a proper
study-level simulation that will have you learning ungodly amounts of
cool things about the (very much) insane minds of the British engineers
who first came up with the idea of the Harrier.
4
HARRIER II
CONTROLS SETUP
ASSIGNING PROPER AXIS IS IMPORTANT. HERE ARE A COUPLE OF TIPS.
AV-8B
NOTE: IN YOUR CONTROLS, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR “TRIM” CONTROLS SINCE THE DEFAULT VERSION OF THE GAME HAS YOUR TRIM HAT SET TO
CHANGING YOUR VIEW RATHER THAN TRIM THE AIRCRAFT. SINCE MOST OF YOU ARE PROBABLY EQUIPPED WITH A TRACKIR ALREADY, I SUGGEST YOU MAKE
SURE THE TRIM HAT SWITCH IS SET UP PROPERLY.
5
HARRIER II
CONTROLS SETUP
AV-8B
NOTES:
1. The Airbrake key must be mapped to “AIRBRAKE TOGGLE” (B by default) and will act as a toggle
switch.
2. I would personally not map anything to the flaps since they will be set in AUTO mode most of the
time.
6
HARRIER II
WHAT YOU NEED MAPPED
AV-8B
8
AV-8B
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES HARRIER II
9
HARRIER II
AV-8B
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
10
HARRIER II
AV-8B
11
Engine RPM Selector Switch
AFT = LOW
HARRIER II
FWD = HIGH
Note: Selector switch will make the engine tachometer
display either the low-pressure compressor speed (HIGH
AV-8B
speed) or the bypass fan speed (LOW speed) LIDS (Lift Improvement Devices System) Switch
AFT = NORMAL
FWD = RETRACT
Oxygen Switch
AFT = OFF
FWD = ON
12
Flood Lamps
Scroll mousewheel to change orientation
Seat Adjustment Switch
HARRIER II
• Pull to fire
AV-8B
Seat Checklist
• Remove three safety pins
• Emergency release handle down & locked
• Personal services connected
• Left hand & right hand risers connected
• Left hand & right hand lap belts connected
• Ground safety device on & locked
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
14
Throttle
HARRIER II
FWD = OFF
15
Air-to-Air Programming Switch ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) Dispense Switch
Not functional on AV-8B N/A variant AFT = Dispenses Chaff
FWD = Dispenses Flares
HARRIER II
COMMS Switch
UP = Selects COMM 1
DOWN = Selects COMM 2
16
Q-Feel Unit Switch
AFT = OFF
Yaw Stability Augmentation FWD = ON RPS (Rudder Pedal
Shakers)/YAW Switch
HARRIER II
System Switch Note: Since the Harrier’s aircraft control surfaces are
AFT = OFF hydraulically-actuated, stick force is not felt by the pilot unless AFT = OFF, RPS disabled
an artificial force feedback system, or “ Q-Feel” system gives the MIDDLE = ON, RPS enabled
AV-8B
FWD = ON
pilot a force feedback based on the aircraft’s airspeed, or “q”, FWD = TEST
which is the dynamic pressure of the aircraft.
Anti-skid Switch
Flaps Mode Switch
UP = TEST
UP = Cruise Mode
MIDDLE = ON
MIDDLE = Automatic Mode
DOWN = Nosewheel Steering
DOWN = STOL (Short Takeoff & Landing) Mode
N 0 180 180
15 15 195 195
30 30 210 210
45 45 225 225
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
60 60 240 240
75 75 255 255
90 90 270 270
19
Armament Delivery Mode
AUT: Automatic
CIP: CCIP, Continuously Computed Impact Point Weapon Manual Control
HARRIER II
DSL: Depressed Sight Line NORM: Normal
DIR: Direct N/T: Nose & Tail Fuzing
AV-8B
N: Nose Fuzing
Fuzing Control Weapon Quantity Control T: Tail Fuzing
Flood Lamps
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
22
MPCD (Multi-Purpose Color Displays) MPCD (Multi-Purpose Color Displays)
Mode Switch Symbology Brightness Control
Day/Night
HARRIER II
AV-8B
MPCD (Multi-Purpose
Color Displays) Gain
Control
23
MPCD Sub-Menus
• FLIR: NAVFLIR (Navigation Forward-Looking Infrared) Display
• EHSD: Electronic Horizontal Situation Display
HARRIER II
24
HARRIER II
AV-8B
MPCD MPCD
FLIR MENU DMT MENU
MPCD
STRS MENU
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
MPCD
MPCD
ENG MENU
TPOD MENU
MPCD
EW MENU 25
MPCD
EHSD (Electronic Horizontal Situation Display) MENU
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Waypoint Data
Bearing (degrees) Distance (Nm)
TACAN Data Time-to-Go to Waypoint (minutes:seconds)
Bearing (degrees) Distance (Nm)
Time-to-Go to TACAN Station (minutes:seconds)
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
26
RIGHT Refuel Light
HARRIER II
27
Indicated Altitude (ft)
HARRIER II Aircraft Pitch Ladder
Waypoint Data
(Distance in nm + Waypoint Number)
Angle of Attack (AOA)
Auxiliary Heading Indicator (T is
Mach Number shown when True Heading is used)
Max Gs attained
Depressed Attitude
Symbol (Witch Hat)
Side Slip
Indicator
Power Margin
and Water Flow
Indication
Warning Lights
• FIRE: engine fire detected
• LAW: Low Altitude Warning
• FLAPS: Flap system failure
• L TANK: Left fuel tank system overpressure
or overtemperature
• R TANK: Right fuel tank system overpressure
or overtemperature
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
Caution Lights
• L FUEL: left fuel system level is low (steady when less than 750 lbs,
flashing when less than 250 lbs)
• R FUEL: right fuel system level is low (steady when less than 750 lbs,
flashing when less than 250 lbs)
• 15 SEC: JPT (Jet Pipe Temperature) above normal lift rating (flashes
after 15 sec)
• MFS: Manual Fuel System ON
• BINGO: Fuel below bingo (return to base) setting
• H20: Less than 15 seconds of water injection remaining.
31
HUD Symbology HUD Day/Auto/Night HUD Video Brightness Knob
HUD Symbology
Reject Switch Brightness Knob Mode Selector
HUD Video Contrast Knob
HARRIER II
AV-8B
34
Tachometer: Compressor (HI) or fan (LO) RPM JPT (Jet Pipe Temperature) Nozzle Angle Threat Lights
Indicator (deg C) • SAM: SAM launch detected
Indicator (deg)
• CW: Ground Tracking
(Continuous Wave) radar is
HARRIER II
OFF / ON / Volume
Flood Lamps
Scroll mousewheel to change orientation
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
Canopy Handle
Key Binding: LCTRL+C
36
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Accumulator Pressure
(x1000 psi)
37
CAUTION / ADVISORY LIGHT PANEL
OXY WSHLD
OBOGS (On-Board Oxygen Generation Windshield hot
HARRIER II
System) malfunction
HYD 1 HYD 2
AV-8B
Hydraulic System 1 pressure greater than Hydraulic System 2 pressure greater than
1400 psi 1400 psi
L PUMP R PUMP
Left fuel boost pump pressure low Right fuel boost pump pressure low
L TRANS R TRANS
Low air pressure to left feeder tank Low air pressure to right feeder tank
Departure Resistance reduced (aircraft more Main transformer-rectifier failed Standby TRU (Transformer-Rectifier Unit)
prone to depart from controlled flight) inoperative or offline
.
HARRIER II
AV-8B
DC Voltmeter (Volts)
39
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Warning/Caution Annunciator
Lights Brightness Control Knob
BRT/RESET/DIM
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
IFF (Identify-Friend-or-Foe)
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
KY-58 Unit #2
Code/Mode Switch
(Not Simulated) IFF (Identify-Friend-or-Foe)
Emergemcy/Normal Switch
(Not Simulated)
Flood Lamps
AV-8B
Defogging Switch
FWD: Normal
MIDDLE: Defog
AFT: Maximum Defog
44
AV-8B
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES HARRIER II
45
Rear Swivelling Hot Stream
HARRIER II Engine Exhaust Nozzle
AV-8B
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
Engine Intake
Blow-In Doors
47
HARRIER II
AV-8B
48
HARRIER II
49
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Yaw Vane
Used to get direction of wind relative to you.
When hovering, you should make sure to keep it
straight to hover into the wind direction.
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
50
HARRIER II
AV-8B
LIDS: Strakes
52
Aircraft Designation 18: Side Number
The Tail Number you enter in the Mission Editor are actually the last three digits of VMA-231: Marine Attack Squadron 231
the aircraft’s Bureau Number (BuNo), or the USN/USMC serial number. For
HARRIER II
tactical aircraft, the BuNo is unrelated to the aircraft’s “Side Number” (the one
you see painted on the nose and flaps). The “Side Number” you see on the aircraft
AV-8B
is the first the first BuNo digits reversed so that there is no obvious correlation.
As an example: “810” entered in the Tail # field of the mission editor will give “18”
on the aircraft’s “Side Number”.
Note 1: You must contact the ground crew to equip either the Helmet Visor or
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). Using “\”, then F8 (Ground Crew), then F4
(Change helmet-mounted device) then either F1 or F2 for your desired helmet
type.
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
Helmet-Mounted Visor 54
Night Vision Goggles
HARRIER II
AV-8B
PART 3 – COCKPIT & GAUGES
5 56
4
HARRIER II
START-UP PROCEDURE
The Harrier is equipped with a GTS (Gas Turbine Starter), also referred to as APU (Auxiliary Power Unit). Many
aircraft use the APU to provide pneumatic pressure for the engine starter, but the Harrier uses an electrical
AV-8B
starter instead.
The GTS serves a dual purpose: to provide electrical power when the engine main generators are OFF and to
provide a starting mechanism for the engine. The GTS/APU has two operation modes:
• Mode 1: APU Generator Mode
This mode is used on ground to recharge the battery and supply electrical power to avionics systems. This
is achieved when the APU GEN switch is turned on.
• Mode 2: Starter Mode
This mode is used to spool the engine electrical starter and is automatically selected by the ENG ST switch.
DIRECT ENGINE START: If the ENG ST (START) switch is held and the
PART 4 – START-UP PROCEDURE
Take note that the GTS/APU cannot run both modes at the same time.
Additionally, if the APU is turned on before takeoff and the main
engine-driven generator is operating, the APU will automatically shut
down when the aircraft reaches 325 kts.
57
5
START-UP PROCEDURE
6
HARRIER II
1. Parking Brake Lever – ON (AFT)
2. Battery Switch – BATT (FWD)
8
AV-8B
14
9
11
13
2 10
4 3
12
58
HARRIER II
START-UP PROCEDURE
15. Optional: APU GENERATOR switch – ON
16. Optional: Confirm that APU advisory is ON
AV-8B
19
PART 4 – START-UP PROCEDURE
20a
20b
18
59
HARRIER II
START-UP PROCEDURE
21. Set Engine Start Switch – ENG ST
• On a direct engine start (GTS/APU is
AV-8B
29a
32
31
30
33
34
29b
61
INS ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE OVERVIEW
HARRIER II
INS ALIGNMENT OVERVIEW
The ASN-139 INS (Inertial Navigation System) has four
alignment modes:
AV-8B
63
HARRIER II
INS ALIGNMENT (GROUND)
36. Set IPP (Initial Present Position) if the aircraft is not pre-aligned, then start
GND INS (Inertial Navigation System) alignment phase. Steps preceded by
AV-8B
36d
36b
36c
64
HARRIER II
INS ALIGNMENT (GROUND)
36. Set IPP (Initial Present Position) if the aircraft is not pre-aligned, then start
GND INS (Inertial Navigation System) alignment phase. Steps preceded by
AV-8B
36e/g 36i
36i
65
HARRIER II
INS ALIGNMENT (GROUND)
36. Set IPP (Initial Present Position) if the aircraft is not pre-aligned, then start
GND INS (Inertial Navigation System) alignment phase. Steps preceded by
AV-8B
36k 36l
Alignment
complete
Alignment
in progress
66
HARRIER II
INS ALIGNMENT (SEA/SINS)
36. Start INS (Inertial Navigation System) alignment phase by connecting the
SINS (Sea INS) data cable to the aircraft. Then, start SEA INS (Inertial
AV-8B
36c
36c
36b
PART 4 – START-UP PROCEDURE
36c
67
36d
INS ALIGNMENT (SEA/SINS)
36d
36d
HARRIER II
36. Start INS (Inertial Navigation System) alignment phase by connecting the
SINS (Sea INS) data cable to the aircraft. Then, start SEA INS (Inertial
AV-8B
i) Set INS mode switch to IFA (In-Flight Alignment coupled with GPS).
j) Remove ground power / disconnect SINS cable.
36h
36g Alignment
complete
Alignment
in progress
68
HARRIER II
COMPLETE AIRCRAFT SET-UP
37. Set ALT switch – RDR (Radar Altimeter ON)
38. Set Radio 1 & 2 Volume Knobs
AV-8B
39 39
43
44
37
45 40
41 42
46
69
HARRIER II
TAXI
1. Ensure Anti-Skid Switch is set to ON (Middle
Position), and flaps are ON (MIDDLE position) and at
AV-8B
2 1
PART 5 – TAKEOFF
1
70
3
HARRIER II
TAXI
6. If you need to slow down, set Nozzle Control Lever between 45 and 60
degrees to better control taxi speed
AV-8B
Taking off and landing in the Harrier is one of the most interesting part of the aircraft: you can takeoff using a
conventional method, but you can also takeoff vertically or perform a rolling takeoff depending on how much
AV-8B
runway you have available or if you are operating on a FARP (Forward Arming & Refueling Point), an aircraft
carrier or an amphibious assault ship like the LHA-1 USS Tarawa.
Taking off in real life requires performance charts to estimate various parameters like the Nozzle Rotation
Airspeed (NRAS). The A1-AV8BB-NFM-400 (NATOPS FLIGHT MANUAL PERFORMANCE CHARTS) document
gives you charts and graphs to calculate everything you need.
72
HARRIER II
TAKEOFF PRINCIPLES
Flyco on the Eagle Dynamics forums graciously produced a data sheet giving
representative data for takeoff. This is accurate only for Standard Temperature and
AV-8B
73
CONVENTIONAL TAKEOFF
(CTO)
HARRIER II
3
12
5 2
74
CONVENTIONAL TAKEOFF
(CTO)
HARRIER II
AV-8B
11
Pitch Carets
11
Witch Hat
10
PART 5 – TAKEOFF
1. Set STO STOP stopper at 55 or 50 deg based on your Aircraft Weight NRS Nozzle Setting
(Max Gross Weight = 31000 lbs) (kts) (deg) 1
weight. For this tutorial, we will assume 95 % gross
AV-8B
2
3
5 2
76
6
SHORT TAKEOFF (STO)
Airspeed (kts)
HARRIER II
12. Set aircraft attitude: line up Witch Hat with the Pitch Carets
(currently set to a fixed value of 14, or 6 deg elevation).
AV-8B
12
CHECK THE ENGINES
Witch Hat SECTION TO KNOW
11 MORE ABOUT ENGINE
OPERATION & LIMITS
PART 5 – TAKEOFF
12
5
2 78
HARRIER II
VERTICAL TAKEOFF (VTO)
10. When clear of ground effect (20-25 ft), gradually reduce power
to establish hover.
AV-8B
79
ROLLING VERTICAL TAKEOFF
(RVTO) 2
HARRIER II
3
12
2 80
5
ROLLING VERTICAL TAKEOFF
(RVTO)
HARRIER II
11. As you start ascending, gradually reduce throttle and set Nozzles to 0
AV-8B
deg
12. After liftoff, set landing gear lever UP
13. Set Flaps switch to AUTO
14. Set Water H2O Water Injection Switch – OFF
(MIDDLE)
10
CHECK THE ENGINES SECTION
TO KNOW MORE ABOUT
ENGINE OPERATION & LIMITS
PART 5 – TAKEOFF
81
Example of Weight Calculation:
WEIGHT CALCULATIONS
HARRIER II
You approach the Tarawa loaded with the following WEIGHT REFERENCE SHEET
Vertical landing on a ship needs some weight:
preparation. You cannot land vertically AIRFRAME: 14,000 lbs WATER TANK: 500 lbs
• Airframe (14000 lbs) + Water Tank (500 lbs)
AV-8B
in any configuration: you need to make • Gunpod (1313 lbs) BOMBS WEIGHT
sure that you are light enough to be • 2 x Sidearms (2 x 200 lbs) MK82/GBU-12/MK38 800 lbs
able to hover without smashing • 2 x Mavericks AGM-65F (2 x 485 lbs)
yourself against the ship’s deck. • A targeting pod (445 lbs) MK-84/GBU-10/MK31 2000 lbs
• 4100 lbs fuel GBU-16 1243 lbs
To land successfully on a ship, your • A pilot + Equipment (300 lbs approx.)
weight must not exceed 20500 lbs. This MK-20 ROCKEYE 229 lbs
is why you’ll have to calculate your Your total weight is 22028 lbs, which is roughly 1500 lbs MK-83 9985 lbs
weight on landing. Redkite prepared over the limit. SUU-26 x 8 LUU-2 286 lbs
some nice sheets to help you do it.
MISSILES WEIGHT
AGM-65F/H MAVERICK 485 lbs
AGM-65G/K MAVERICK 674 lbs
SIDEARM 200 lbs
AIM-9 SIDEWINDER 118 lbs
ROCKETS WEIGHT
7 x FFAR 261 lbs
PART 6 – LANDING
83
HARRIER II
WEIGHT CALCULATIONS
In order to see what you have loaded, you
can consult the STORES page on your MPCD:
AV-8B
1
PART 6 – LANDING
84
Dump Fuel
STORES & FUEL JETTISON a. Calculate the Bingo Fuel you need to land: 4100 lbs – 1500 lbs = 2500 lbs
b. Set Bingo Fuel knob to 2500 lbs
HARRIER II
If we take an example where we are 1500 lbs overweight, we can either:
c. Set the Left and Right Fuel Dump switches FWD (DUMP)
• Fly until we burn the excess fuel
d. The fuel tanks will dump fuel until either BINGO FUEL target is reached or 2800 lbs remains
AV-8B
Jettison Ordnance
1. Set the Jettison Control white knob to STA (Selected Stations)
2. Press the « SEL » buttons at the stations you wish to jettison (try to
avoid having an asymmetric configuration)
3. Alternatively, you can set the Selective Jettison Control Knob to specific
preset positions like FUEL to select automatically external fuel tanks.
4. Press the JETT red button to jettison. c
b
3
PART 6 – LANDING
2
2
Selective Jettison Control
STA: Selected stations
STOR: Selected stores 1
SAFE: Safety Position
CMBT: Combat
FUEL: External Fuel Tanks 85
PUSHBUTTON: Jettisons selected ordnance
HARRIER II
VERTICAL LANDING (VL)
1. Set Anti-Skid Switch to ON (Middle Position)
2. Select VSTOL (Vertical Short Takeoff & Landing) Master
AV-8B
Mode Switch 2
3. STO STOP lever – CLEAR
4. Set Nozzle Position lever – 60 deg
5. Set flaps to STOL for a vertical landing
6. Set Water Injection switch – LANDING (DOWN)
7. Set Stabilator Trim – 4 degrees nose down
4
8. Set landing gear lever down when flying below 250 kts
3
6
7 1
5
PART 6 – LANDING
5
8
86
11a
VERTICAL LANDING (VL) Flight Path Vector
Variometer
HARRIER II
lever – 82 deg
10. Control your Flight Path Vector with your
throttle and your witch hat with your stick
pitch. Monitor constantly your variometer (sink
rate in feet per minute), your Jet Pipe
Temperature (J) and your engine RPM (R) in
order to not exceed limitations.
11. Set Flight Path Vector on ship deck on the 9
yellow line as you approach Yellow Line
12. As you slow down below 50 kts (carrier speed RPM (R) &
in our case is 20 kts), set witch hat 4 deg above JPT (J) 10 11b
horizon to set yourself in a hover attitude
13. Set Witch Hat 2 deg above horizon and stabilize
descent with throttle. Nose up/down to Demonstration by Redkite:
maintain enough airspeed to follow the carrier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWad6tuZXFg&index=10&list=PLml_c09ci
14. Touchdown gently by monitoring variometer ucvv3CIsWImCEqY5XIdbfPxu
and hit the brakes once landed.
Pitch Scale
13 14
PART 6 – LANDING
Witch Hat
12
87
AV-8B
PART 6 – LANDING HARRIER II
VERTICAL LANDING (VL)
88
SLOW LANDING (SL) SLOW LANDING (SL)
HARRIER II
VARIABLE NOZZLE FIXED NOZZLE
AV-8B
PART 6 – LANDING
89
CONVENTIONAL LANDING
(CL)
HARRIER II
2. Select VSTOL (Vertical Short Takeoff & Landing) Master Mode Switch
3. STO STOP lever – CLEAR
4. Set Nozzle Position lever – 0 deg 2
5. Set flaps to AUTO (25 deg)
6. Set Water Injection switch – OFF (MIDDLE) 4
7. Set landing gear lever down when flying below 180 kts 3
8. Set Flight Path Vector on end of runway
9. Set an AoA (Angle of Attack) of 10 to 12 degrees by using throttle to
control the AoA.
10. At 30 to 50 ft AGL: Set Witches Hat 2 degrees above the horizon and
control rate of descent with throttle
11. Touchdown when reaching runway threshold and cut throttle to
slow down.
12. Engage Nosewheel Steering HOTAS button when rolling straight and
6
pedals are neutralized
9
PART 6 – LANDING
1
5
4
7
5
90
CONVENTIONAL LANDING
(CL)
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Pitch Scale 10
Witch Hat
PART 6 – LANDING
91
HARRIER II
PEGASUS ENGINE
The AV-8B N/A also fields an updated version of the Rolls-Royce Pegasus 11-61 (F402-RR-408)
vectored-thrust turbofan engine.
AV-8B
In the 1950’s, there was a perceived need for combat runways for takeoff and landing, and which
could, if required, be dispersed for operation from unprepared and concealed sites. Naval interest
focused on a similar objective to enable shipborne combat aircraft to operate from helicopter-size
platforms and small ships, because of the high cost and expected vulnerability of large aircraft
carriers. During the 1950s, numerous projects and research programs were initiated in the United
States and Western Europe to study and validate alternative means of achieving the required short
or vertical takeoff (VTO) and landing characteristics. One of the answers of the industry to this
concern for short runway requirements resulted in the Pegasus.
Originally designed by Bristol Siddeley, the Pegasus was manufactured by Rolls-Royce plc and was
PART 7 – ENGINE MANAGEMENT
not only able to power a jet aircraft forward, but also to direct thrust downwards via four swivelling
nozzles. Lightly loaded aircraft equipped with this engine can manoeuvre like a helicopter. In
particular, they can perform vertical takeoffs and landings. The Pegasus features three low pressure
(LP) and eight high pressure (HP) compressor stages driven by two LP and two HP turbine stages
respectively. The Pegasus 11-61 (MK.107, aka -408) is the latest and most power version of the
Pegasus, providing 23,800 lbf (406 kN).
The Pegasus engine has multiple engine parameters. Engine RPM Fuel Flow
and Jet Pipe Temperature (JPT) can be monitored on the Heads-Up (ppm)
AV-8B
Throttle
Nozzle Angle
Engine RPM 93
Nozzle Position Lever
HARRIER II
DRY VS WET THRUST
You will often hear “Dry Thrust” and “Wet Thrust” when reading about
the Harrier. Is it related to water? Sort of. Is it related to flying over
AV-8B
94
HARRIER II
ENGINE RATINGS & LIMITS
The Pegasus engine of the Harrier requires constant
monitoring. The Pegasus is prone to overheating,
AV-8B
Swivelling
Overheating Heat Shield
Nozzles
95
ENGINE RATINGS & LIMITS
Power Margin Indicator
HARRIER II
The Power Margin Indicator indicates the limiting engine parameter, either
R (RPM) or J (Jet Pipe Temperature). The Hexagon gradually fills up as
AV-8B
JPT/RPM increases. The last leg of the hexagon continues in a straight line
and indicates an exceedance: avoid to remain in that engine setting for too
long.
PART 7 – ENGINE MANAGEMENT
mass being accelerated out of the engine, increasing thrust, but it also serves to cool the turbines.
Keep in mind:
1. Operating the engine within these higher limits can seriously reduce engine life and can cause premature
engine failure if overused
2. Water Injection will consume water from the water tank while it is used. When you run out of water, it’s
gone for good. If you are too heavy and need water injection to land and you have no more water in
reserve, you should dump fuel to reduce your weight.
3. Water injection is really used during takeoff and landing. There is no practical use for it in other phases of Water Injection Flow Water (H2O) Quantity (lbs)
flight. (Illuminated = Active)
4. Do not use water injection below ambient temperatures of 5 deg C, or at altitude above 10,000 ft.
PART 7 – ENGINE MANAGEMENT
5. Water injection will only be active if the Water Injection Switch is either to TO or LDG, and the engine is in a
power setting that exceeds limitations listed on the Engine Limitations page.
6. Water flow is stopped by reducing the throttle below 103 to 105 % RPM or by setting the Water Injection
Switch to OFF
• Hot Gas Ingestion (HGI) is a serious hazard to consider when flying vertically.
Avoid doing hover flights and descending too quickly: this can lead hot gas to
enter the engine intake and seriously reduce your power, which can be very
dangerous when landing or descending.
• Constantly monitor your engine parameters once in a while. The Pegasus CAN
break and WILL break if you don’t take good care of it.
• Always make mental calculations for your weight. Aircraft weight limitation
exceedance is a critical factor when doing a short or vertical landing, and it is
one of the main causes for botched vertical landings in DCS.
PART 7 – ENGINE MANAGEMENT
98
HARRIER II
ENGINE RELIGHT
In case of an engine flameout, you can attempt to restart it by
using the engine start procedure listed in the PART 4 – START-
AV-8B
Notes:
• Corrected fan speed is limited to 116.8 % below 10,000 ft
MSL and 110.5 % above 30,000 ft.
• When manual fuel is selected, pilot action is required to
maintain all engine limits since engine limiters will be
overridden by the pilot.
• Maximum engine overspeed is 122 % for 15 seconds or 124
%
PART 7 – ENGINE MANAGEMENT
99
PROHIBITED MANOEUVERS
HARRIER II
LIMITS
AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS
• Flaps – STOL: 300 kts
•
AV-8B
100
HARRIER II
LIMITS
ACCELERATION LIMITATIONS NOTE
• Maximum permissible acceleration in the takeoff and landing configuration is 0.0 g to 2.0 g.
AV-8B
101
HARRIER II
THE VIFF CONCEPT
VIFF (Vectoring In Forward Flight) basically involves pilots rotating the nozzles forward from the
usual in-flight horizontal position. In doing so, pilots can quickly deplete their airspeed and bleed
energy, causing their surprised pursuer(s) to overshoot, suddenly finding their windscreen devoid
AV-8B
of any prey they might have previously been chasing. After dropping altitude as a result of VIFFing,
the Harrier can now be free to turn the tables on the predator, making the hunter the hunted. In a
turning fight, this is an immense advantage for the Harrier’s pilot. But as soon as the pilot VIFFs his
opponent, he has to have had a plan for dealing with the bandit, or else he can be in for a world of
hurt; that isn’t a trick any combat pilot will fall for twice.
On paper, VIFFing sounds like a great idea. However, among VIFF’s disadvantages is the fact that it
can only really be used effectively in turning fights. If the pursuing aircraft is flying with a
wingman, or as part of a larger attack flight, the odds would be stacked fairly high against the
PART 8 – FLIGHT & AERODYNAMICS
Harrier. Additionally, after VIFFing, any other enemy fighters that are not engaged in the melee
between the Harrier and the first jet are placed in a prime position to take a shot at the jumpjet,
which takes time to rebuild energy from the very-taxing VIFF maneuver (i.e. regain airspeed).
102
INTRODUCTION Now… why would the Harrier need all these sensors? It seems a bit overkill, no? Well, not really. Each sensor is useful in specific
cases with specific weaponry for specific missions. The Harrier being operated by the United States Marine Corps, mission
versatility is one of the main reasons this aircraft was so relevant to the types of operations conducted by the USMC.
HARRIER II
The Harrier comes equipped with the following sensors:
AV-8B
system developed to provide precision strike capability. Litening II Targeting Pod (TPOD)
Target designation is achieved by using a laser
designator/range finder or an infrared laser marker, which
can be created by the pod itself. It is also capable of
displaying a FLIR thermal imagery.
103
Sensor Select Switch
INTRODUCTION AFT = DMT: LST/TV
FWD = INS: IRMV/EOMV
HARRIER II
The sensors will make more sense to you once you start using them in the LEFT = MAP Center/Decenter
Weapons Tutorial section. RIGHT = FLIR/HUD-BH/WH
DOWN (PUSHED) = HUD Scene Reject/TPOD
AV-8B
SCREEN
PART 9 – SENSORS
CONTROLLER
DISPLAYS TDC (Target Designation Caret) Control Switch
LEFT/RIGHT/FORWARD/AFT/DOWN (ACTION)
104
HARRIER II
AV-8B
MY SENSORS CONTROL SETUP
TRIM PITCH UP
TRIM BANK LEFT
TRIM PITCH DOWN
TRIM BANK RIGHT
ZOOM IN SLOW
Bomb Pickle TDC DOWN (ACTION)
ZOOM OUT SLOW
TDC FORWARD
TDC RIGHT
TDC AFT
TDC LEFT
105
HARRIER II
NAVFLIR
1. NAVFLIR is powered by the FLIR switch (UP). The FLIR requires a
cooldown time of approx. 5 minutes: NOT RDY legend on either
AV-8B
4b
4c
Sensor Select Switch
AFT = DMT: LST/TV
FWD = INS: IRMV/EOMV
LEFT = MAP Center/Decenter
RIGHT = FLIR/HUD-BH/WH
PART 9 – SENSORS
106
HARRIER II
ARBS & DMT IN A NUTSHELL DMT: TV MODE DMT: LASER MODE
The ARBS’s Dual Mode Tracker (DMT) has two main functions: TV
and LST (Laser).
AV-8B
The LST (Laser) function will allow you to slave your DMT to a laser-
designated point by troops on the ground or friendly aircraft
equipped with a laser designator (which can be done with the TGP).
PART 9 – SENSORS
2. Press the Sensor Select Switch AFT to toggle LST/TV DMT: TV Mode
Mode of the DMT to TV. DMT feed will appear on your TDC (Target Designation Caret) Control Switch
MPCD displays. LEFT/RIGHT/FORWARD/AFT/DOWN (ACTION)
3. At first, TV Mode tracks your aircraft’s flight path
vector (where your nose is pointing).
4. Press the « TDC DOWN Action Position » button to DMT TV Target Tracking Point
slave the DMT to a designated target. (Slaved & Locked)
5. Once target is designated, you can slew the DMT
6. Press the « AG Target Undesignate/NWS/FOV Toggle » Flight Path Vector
to un-designate a target.
4
5
PART 9 – SENSORS
1a
1b
1c
110
HARRIER II
AN/AAQ-28 LITENING II TARGETING POD
2. In order to use the TDC (Target Designation Caret), you must click on
the OSB next to TDC to make it active/underlined.
TDC (Target Designation Caret)
AV-8B
3. You can slew your TDC using the TDC LEFT/RIGHT/FWD/AFT controls.
4. Select desired Laser Mode, Laser Options, Arm Laser (Slaved)
5. Fire Laser
6. Press the « AG Target Undesignate/NWS/FOV Toggle » to un-
designate a target.
3
4a Laser Mode (Training/Marker/Laser) TDC (Target Designation Caret) Control Switch
LEFT/RIGHT/FORWARD/AFT/DOWN (ACTION)
5 Laser Firing Button
CCD(TV)/FLIR Mode
111
LSS: Laser Spot Track Mode
HARRIER II
LASER CODES
1. Each time the aircraft is on the ground (Weight on Wheels ON), the Laser Code
resets to 1111 automatically.
AV-8B
2. To change your laser code, you need to do it through the DMT (Dual Mode
Tracker) page regardless of the TPOD mode.
3. Go in MPCD « DMT » page, then click OSB next to CODE.
4. Enter laser code on the keypad, then press ENT.
5. New laser code will be visible on scratchpad.
5
PART 9 – SENSORS
112
INTRODUCTION BOMBS
WEAPON TYPE WEAPON TYPE
HARRIER II
MK-82 LD 500 lbs unguided low-drag bomb GBU-12 500 lbs laser guided bomb
AV-8B
MK-82SE 500 lbs unguided low-drag retarded GBU-16 1,000 lbs laser guided bomb
(Snake Eye) bomb
MK-82 AIR 500 lbs unguided low-drag ballute BDU-33 25 lbs unguided training bomb
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
equipped bomb
MK-20 Unguided cluster bomb
Rockeye
Note: GBU stands for Guided Bomb Unit.
TRIM PITCH UP
TRIM BANK LEFT
TRIM PITCH DOWN
TRIM BANK RIGHT A/A Mode FWD: Sidewinder (Boresight)
A/A Mode DOWN: Gun
A/A Mode AFT: Sidewinder (SEAM)
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
ZOOM IN SLOW
Bomb Pickle TDC DOWN (ACTION)
ZOOM OUT SL
CAGE/UNCAGE (MAVERICK)OW
Trigger: Fire Gun/Launch
Sidewinder, Sidearm
TDC FORWARD
TDC RIGHT
TDC AFT
TDC LEFT
114
BOMB DELIVERY MODE
CCIP & CCRP (AUTO)
HARRIER II
AV-8B
115
HARRIER II
UNGUIDED BOMB - CCIP
1. Set HUD Master Mode to A/G (Air-to-
Ground)
4
AV-8B
Panel).
5. Select CIP (CCIP) Armament Mode
6. Set Fuzing to desired mode (N IN for this
tutorial)
7. Set desired Bomb Quantity (total bombs to
be dropped)
8. Set Multiple parameter to the number of
pylons used (how many bombs dropped at
a time; we will use 2 in order to avoid
asymmetrical loadouts).
9. Set desired Interval (distance between
bombs dropped).
10. Set Master Arm Switch - ON (UP) 9
11. Perform a 45 degree dive on the target and 8
fly to align the vertical CCIP line with the 10
target.
12. At first, the CCIP cross will be dashed: this
means your aircraft is not yet stabilized and
ready to drop its bombs.
13. When CCIP cross becomes a solid cross, 5
you can drop your bombs when the CCIP
cross is aligned on your target. 6 4
7
14. Press the Bomb Pickle button (RALT+SPACE)
to drop your bombs
116
HARRIER II
AV-8B
UNGUIDED BOMB - CCIP
13
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
Target
12 Full CCIP Cross
In range: This is where
CCIP Vertical Line your bombs will drop
Dashed CCIP Cross
Not in range
14
117
4
HARRIER II
UNGUIDED BOMB - CCRP 1
10
9
8
6 4
7
118
14 15
HARRIER II
UNGUIDED BOMB - CCRP
11. Set DMT (Dual Mode Tracker) Power Switch ON (UP)
12. Press the Sensor Select Switch AFT twice to toggle
AV-8B
15. Once target is designated, you can slew the DMT more CCRP Vertical Line
precisely using the TDC LEFT/RIGHT/FORWARD/AFT
controls. You will be tracking the ground, NOT the Flight Path Vector
target.
CCRP Mode
14
15
as possible.
17. The time to release is indicated on the HUD.
18. When time is about 10 seconds before release,
hold down the Bomb Pickle button
(RALT+SPACE). Keep these aligned!
19. As you fly over Release Point cue (will be
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
120
4
HARRIER II
LASER-GUIDED BOMBS (GBU) 1
The TPOD (Targeting Pod) is used as an alternate sensor to the DMT (Dual Mode
Tracker). We will use it to lase the target. Laser-guided bombing can also be
AV-8B
10
9
8
6
7
4
121
Targeting Pod
HARRIER II
LASER-GUIDED BOMBS (GBU) Laser Code
11. Set laser code to 1688: Press the Sensor Select Switch AFT to 16
toggle LST/TV Mode of the DMT to LST (Laser) and press the OSB
(Option Select Button) next to CODE, then set required laser code 15
AV-8B
16
12a
12c
12b
122
HARRIER II
LASER-GUIDED BOMBS (GBU) CCRP Vertical Line
18. Fly level and manoeuver to align the vertical CCRP Mode
CCRP line with your flight path vector as much
AV-8B
123
AIM-9M SIDEWINDER
AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE
HARRIER II
Mode) will rotate its seeker head around to have Seeker has locked on target
a greater field of view.
• Boresight mode will make the seeker head look
straight in front of you with a reduced field of
view. 1
3. When within firing range, the seeker growling will
become high-pitched and seeker circle will become full.
4. Press the Trigger (Fire Gun - SPACE) button to fire
missile.
125
HARRIER II
GAU-12 GUN POD (AIR-TO-AIR)
1. Set Master Arm Switch – ON (UP)
2. Press the A/A Mode DOWN: Gun switch on your
AV-8B
Rounds Remaining
127
HARRIER II
GAU-12 GUN POD (AIR-TO-GROUND)
1. Set HUD Master Mode to A/G (Air-to-Ground)
2. Go in MPCD main MENU
4
AV-8B
Rounds Remaining
128
HARRIER II
GAU-12 GUN POD (AIR-TO-GROUND)
7 Gun Pipper Pipper unwound
IN FIRING RANGE
AV-8B
CCIP Mode
8
Gun Selected
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
129
4 7
HARRIER II
ROCKETS (+ GAU12 GUN POD) 1
8
6
5
130
4
ROCKETS (+ GAU12 GUN POD)
Rocket Pipper
HARRIER II
Gunpod Pipper 11
Gun rounds will land there
AV-8B
Pipper unwound
10 IN FIRING RANGE
CCIP Mode
38 Rockets Selected
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
12
131
AGM-122 SIDEARM Sidearm Selected
AIR-TO-SURFACE ANTI-RADIATION MISSILE
HARRIER II
SA-8 Radar is
tracking us
AV-8B
SA-8 Radar is
tracking us 4
132
AGM-122 SIDEARM
AIR-TO-SURFACE ANTI-RADIATION MISSILE
HARRIER II
AV-8B
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
133
AGM-65F/G MAVERICK (IRMV) 4
AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE
HARRIER II
1
with the upper OSB (Option Select Button) or by pressing the pylon
SEL buttons on the ACP (Armament Control Panel).
6. As soon as the Maverick missile is selected, it will begin its
cooldown phase, which will last 3 minutes. STBY indicates the
cooldown phase in in progress, while RDY indicates that the
Maverick is warmed-up and ready for use.
7. Set Master Arm Switch - ON (UP) and set FUZ (fusing) switch to
either IN, D1 or D2.
7
15
AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE
HARRIER II
15a
the Maverick.
14. Press the Sensor Select Switch FWD (INS:
IRMV/EOMV) to select the IRMV feed
15. Press the OSB next to FOV to narrow the
field of view.
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
14a
Maverick Uncaged
and Locked on Target
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
Target
Maverick Locked
Distance to Target (nm)
16
17
137
AGM-65E MAVERICK (LMAV) 4
AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE 1
HARRIER II
Note: We will have to use a Targeting Pod (TPOD) to obtain a laser for
AV-8B
them with the upper OSB (Option Select Button) or by pressing the
pylon SEL buttons on the ACP (Armament Control Panel).
5. As soon as the Maverick missile is selected, the CAGED maverick
page will appear with its laser code.
6. Set Master Arm Switch - ON (UP) and set FUZ (fusing) switch to IN
5
4
Fuzing at SAFE will prevent the 138
missile from being fired. Set to IN.
AGM-65E MAVERICK (LMAV) Laser Code
AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE
HARRIER II
12
7. Set laser code to 1688: Press the Sensor Select Switch AFT to toggle 11
AV-8B
LST/TV Mode of the DMT to LST (Laser) and press the OSB (Option
Select Button) next to CODE, then set required laser code on the Laser Code
keypad (standard code is 1688), then press ENT. Default laser code
1111 is an initialization code and will not work. 13
8. Power up the Targeting Pod:
10
a) Click on the OSB next to the “TPOD” page in the main
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
MPCD MENU
b) Clicking the OSB next to STBY
c) The Targeting Pod will start its initialization for 3 minutes.
d) After initialization, the pod starts FLIR cooling, which takes
approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Pod will display F-NOTRDY
(FLIR Not Ready) indication when FLIR cooling is
incomplete. 7 CODE MENU Laser Firing 9
9. In order to use the TDC (Target Designation Caret), you must click
on the OSB next to TDC to make it active/underlined.
10. Select desired Laser Mode (CCD/FLIR)
11. Select desired Laser Options (LASR)
12. Arm Laser (ARMED) and slew your TDC over the target using the
TDC LEFT/RIGHT/FWD/AFT controls.
13. Fire Laser to lock targeting pod on target and lase it.
TDC (Target Designation Caret) Control Switch
LEFT/RIGHT/FORWARD/AFT/DOWN (ACTION)
12
8a
8c
8b 139
14 Weapon Cage/Uncage Switch
AGM-65E MAVERICK (LMAV)
AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE
HARRIER II
Maverick.
15. The seeker head will automatically scan for the
laser.
16. Once the Maverick seeker has found the laser
and you are in range to fire, the Maverick feed
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT
16
Laser Found!
140
AV-8B
PART 10 – OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT HARRIER II
AIR-TO-GROUND MISSILE
AGM-65E MAVERICK (LMAV)
141
HARRIER II
INTRODUCTION
Countermeasures are very simple to use. You have three countermeasure types at your disposal: flares, chaff and an ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) jammer. We will explore
together what is used against what, and how.
AV-8B
Missiles can generally track you using 2 things: radar signature (radar waves are sent on you and you reflect them, which is called a “radar signature”) and heat signature (like the
exhaust of your engines). Countermeasures will only be effective against the kind of weapon it was meant to counter; a heat-seeking missile will not care if you deploy electronic
countermeasures against it since it tracks heat, not radar signatures. This is why it is important to know what is attacking you in order to counter it properly. This is what the RWR
PART 11 – DEFENCE: RWR & COUNTERMEASURES
(Radar Warning Receiver) is for: to help you know what is firing at you so you can take the adequate action to counter it. Keep in mind that the Harrier does not have a MLWS
(Missile Launch Warning System), so you cannot know when a missile has been fired at you and is actively tracking you.
ZOOM IN SLOW
ZOOM IN SLOW TDC DOWN (ACTION)
TDC DOWN (ACTION) ZOOM OUT SLOW
ZOOM OUT SLOW CAGE/UNCAGE (MAVERICK) ACTUAL COCKPIT
CAG
E/UNCAGE (MAVERICK)
THRUSTMASTER
WARTHOG
143
AN/ALR-67(v) RWR
(RADAR WARNING RECEIVER)
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Your RWR will tell you what is around you with a top-down view, both
friendly and enemy contacts. The closer the symbol to the center of the
circle, the stronger the radar signal strength.
intervals. The circles do not represent range but signal strength and
priority. Each detected signal displayed consists of two parts: an
alphanumeric code that identifies signal type, and a symbol that indicates
emitter platform and priority. The RWR is also displayed on your Heads-
Up Display in a top-down view (up is forward, down is aft)
To power up the RWR, just set the RWR selector to ON. You can access
the RWR by going in the main MPCD menu and clicking “EW”.
RWR Coverage MiG-21 radar is tracking you to your right
Threat Lights
MiG-21 radar is tracking
• SAM: SAM launch detected
you to your aft right • CW: Ground Tracking
(Continuous Wave) radar is
locked on aircraft
• AI: Air Intercept radar is locked
on aircraft (flashes if launch is
detected)
• AAA: Anti-Aircraft Artillery gun
radar is locked on aircraft.
145
AN/ALR-67(v) RWR
(RADAR WARNING RECEIVER)
HARRIER II
AV-8B
Note: “U” symbol stands for “Unknown”, which is sometimes attributed to ships.
3. To dispense chaff or flares, use the ECM DISPENSE Expendables Dispenser Control Knob
AFT/FWD/RIGHT switches (8, 7 and 0 key bindings) OFF: No Power
4. Flare & Chaff counters are available on the EW RWR AUT: Dispenser selected automatically
page. UP: Dispensers on top of aft fuselage used first
DOWN: Dispensers on bottom of aft fuselage used first
RWR: Option not available
P = Program, S = Single
The DECM Jammer pod needs to be equipped on the ground and is externally
mounted on the aircraft. It uses the ALQ-126B Charger Blue to counter pulse threats
and the ALQ-162 Compass Sail to counter CW (Continuous Wave threats) like SARH
(Semi-Active Radar Homing) missiles like the AIM-7 Sparrow.
PART 11 – DEFENCE: RWR & COUNTERMEASURES
The Charger Blue provides deceptive jamming against pulse-doppler threats in the
E-J bands (2-18 GHz frequency range), which includes most radars on fighter aircraft
from the 1960’s. However, the Charger Blue does not have any capability against CW ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) Dispense Switch
threats, therefore it is paired with a Compass Sail, which jams radar waves in the H-J AFT = Dispenses Chaff
bands (6-20 GHz frequency range) in a 120-degree beam width. FWD = Dispenses Flares
LEFT = Mini Jammer Engaged (Not Functional)
To use DECM, set the ECM Control Knob in the desired position (STBY when not RIGHT = Dispenses all countermeasure types
needed, RCV if you want to avoid detection, and RPT when being actively tracked by
a radar).
ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) Control Knob
OFF: Removes power to DECM pod
STBY: Powers DECM pod but does not emit signal
BIT: DECM pod Built-In Test
RCV: Smart Standby (pod emits based on signal received)
RPT: Continuous jamming signal (repeat)
The Harrier has two radios installed: COM1 and COM2. They are
independent and have 26 preset channels each. The preset COMM1 & COMM2
frequencies are set in the mission editor. Preset Frequencies
You can control the radio through two interfaces: the Up-Front Control
(UFC) and through the ACNIP and V/UHF Radio Set Control (RCS). The
radio has 2 operating modes: through UFC (Upfront Control) or
MANUAL (through the ACNIP and RCS). You can toggle between UFC
and MANUAL mode with the MODE switch on the ACNIP panel. Take
note that the MANUAL mode is primarily used as an emergency mode
for in-flight failures of the UFC.
V/UHF Radio Set Control Panel
PART 12 – RADIO TUTORIAL
KY-58 Unit #2
Code/Mode Switch
(Not Simulated) IFF (Identify-Friend-or-Foe)
Emergemcy/Normal Switch
(Not Simulated)
Option Display Unit (ODU) 3 Option Display Unit (ODU) 4 Option Display Unit (ODU) 5
Toggles Squelch. “:” means Toggles cipher modes: PLN Cipher code index to use when
Squelch is active. (plain), CIPH (cipher) and DLY not in PLN (plain) mode. Not
(delay). Not simulated. simulated since DCS does not
have encrypted communications. COMMS Switch
UP = Selects COMM 1
152 2
DOWN = Selects COMM
SAAHS Altitude Hold Mode Switch
AFC: Automatic Flight Control
Yaw Stability Augmentation
System Switch
HARRIER II
The autopilot of the Harrier is not very complicated to use.
1. Make sure you have all your Yaw, Pitch and Roll SAS swiches
AV-8B
ON
2. Set aircraft in desired altitude/attitude and make sure that the SAAHS AFC (Automatic Flight
following conditions are respected or the autopilot will Controls) Mode Switch
automatically disengage AFT = RESET
• You are not in a steep climb/descent (+/- 2000 ft per MIDDLE = OFF
minute) FWD = ON
• Airspeed must be greater than 160 kts
• Your bank angle must be lesser than +/- 20 deg Roll Stability Augmentation
• Your pitch angle must be between -15 deg to +20 deg System Switch
3. Engage desired AFC Mode using the AFC switch (and the ALT
HOLD switch if required)
4. You can use your trim controls while the autopilot is engaged
to fine-tune your aircraft attitude. Pitch Stability Augmentation
5. You can disengage the SAAHS using the Emergency SAAHS System Switch
Disconnect Switch or by simply setting the ALT HOLD & AFC
switches OFF (AFT).
SAAHS:
PART 13 – AUTOPILOT
AFC Modes
STABILITY AUGMENTATION
AFC Switch Only - Engaged & ATTITUDE HOLD SYSTEM
AFC mode provides pitch attitude hold, roll attitude hold, and
heading hold. You can see this as an “Attitude Hold”.
153
HARRIER II
NAVIGATION INTRODUCTION
Navigation in the Harrier is mostly done through the EHSD (Electronic Horizontal Situation Display), which is a top-down view that displays your
heading and navigation aids such as TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) beacons and waypoints entered before flight in the mission editor.
AV-8B
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
154
HARRIER II
MAPM: MOVING MAP
on:
1. Select the EHSD page on
either MPCD
2. Press the OSB next to
MAPM to select the
Moving Map menu.
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
155
HARRIER II
MAPM: MOVING MAP
MOVING MAP (MAP MENU SELECTED, MOMENTARY)
AV-8B
157
HARRIER II
MAPM: MOVING MAP
waypoint/TACAN/aircraft waypoint/TACAN/aircraft
158
TCN Centers Map on selected TACAN
TACAN bearing pointer Waypoint Data
WAYPOINT NAVIGATION Bearing (degrees) Distance (Nm)
HARRIER II Time-to-Go to Waypoint (minutes:seconds)
1. Select the EHSD page on either MPCD
2. Press the OSB next to WYPT to set tracking 2
Waypoint Selected (Boxed)
AV-8B
mode to WAYPOINT.
3. To select a waypoint, press the OSB (Option Waypoint Waypoint Increment OSB 3
Select Button) to increment or decrement the Bearing Pointer
waypoint number.
4. Make sure the HUD Master Mode is set to
NAV to be able to track your waypoint
Waypoint Selected (Waypoint 3) 3
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
You
4
Waypoints 159
HARRIER II
WAYPOINT NAVIGATION
Heading Tape
Selected Waypoint
AV-8B
Tracking Waypoint 3
29.4 nautical miles away
WAYPOINT Selected
Tracking Waypoint 3
Your current 29.4 nautical miles away
heading
Time to waypoint
160
HARRIER II
HOW TO ADD WAYPOINTS 4
Number 3.
6. “* 4” should appear on the UFC, meaning a new waypoint
numbered “4” has been created.
NOTE: Waypoint 4 has been created but has no coordinates yet.
3b
3a
Waypoint 3
Waypoint 2 5 6
Waypoint 1
Waypoint 0
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2
HARRIER II
HOW TO EDIT WAYPOINTS
1. We will want to edit Waypoint 4, which has been
created but does not have any coordinates associated 3a
5
AV-8B
with it yet.
2. Select the EHSD page on either MPCD
3. Click on the OSB next to “DATA” to select the EHSD
data sub-menu (will become boxed when selected)
4. Make sure WYPT ODU (Option Display Unit) is selected
(“:” next to it)
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
Waypoint 1
Waypoint 2
162
HARRIER II
HOW TO EDIT WAYPOINTS 7
10. On the UFC, press « 6 » (E) to select East coordinates, type « 0562025 », then
« ENT » to enter them. Don’t forget to add the 0 at the beginning.
11. And that’s it! You have edited Waypoint 4’s coordinates. If you click on the OSB
next to DATA to de-selected it (not boxed), you can see that Waypoint 4 is now
visible in the sequence if the SEQ option is enabled.
9
Waypoint 4
11 Coordinates
Waypoint 4 10
163
HARRIER II
AV-8B
HOW TO EDIT WAYPOINTS
164
4
HOW TO EDIT WAYPOINT
WITH MOVING MAP & TDC
HARRIER II
5
What if you already have a waypoint with coordinates and
AV-8B
6
Desired New Waypoint 4 Location
Waypoint 1
7. Press the Sensor Select Switch – FWD (INS) to slave the TDC
AV-8B
10. Once you are satisfied with its location, click on the OSB next to Sensor Select Switch
Previous Waypoint 4
DATA to de-select the data sub-menu. AFT = DMT: LST/TV
Location Current New Waypoint 4 Location 7
FWD = INS: IRMV/EOMV
LEFT = MAP Center/Decenter
RIGHT = FLIR/HUD-BH/WH
DOWN (PUSHED) = HUD Scene Reject/TPOD
9b
10a
9a
9c
8
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HARRIER II
TACAN NAVIGATION
1. Determine the TACAN frequency you want to track by opening the map with F10 and by clicking on the airport you
want to track. The frequency of the TACAN beacon for Senaki-Kolkhi is 31X.
2. Select the EHSD page on either MPCD
AV-8B
3. On the UFC (Up-Front Control) Panel, press the TCN button and press the ON/OFF button if the ON indication is
extinguished.
4. Press the T/R ODU (Option Display Unit) button to set it to Transmit/Receive. The “:” symbol indicates that it is selected.
5. Press “31” on the scratchpad and press “ENT” to enter frequency.
9
6. Press the X/Y ODU to toggle the right letter of the TACAN frequency (31X in our case).
7. If you are tracking an aerial TACAN beacon (i.e. on a tanker), press the A/A ODU button to select air-to-air mode. The
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
“:” symbol indicates that the mode is selected. Otherwise, make sure A/A is not selected (no “:” symbol). 1
8. Press the OSB next to TACAN to select tracking mode to TACAN. Once selected, TCN should be boxed.
9. Set the HUD Master Mode switch to NAV.
10. Once frequency is set and options are set, you can track the TACAN beacon via the EHSD (Electronic Horizontal
Situation Display) page and the HUD (Heads-Up Display).
3 TACAN ON
4 : = Selected
TACAN
6 Frequency
7
5
1
8 3
167
TACAN NAVIGATION
Heading Tape
HARRIER II
Time to TACAN
TACAN Heading
Your current
heading
168
AWLS/ILS TUTORIAL DEFAULT AWLS CHANNEL LIST
CHANNEL AIRPORT/AIRBASE RUNWAY TACAN FREQUENCY GLIDE SLOPE
HARRIER II
The AWLS (All-Weather Landing System) is a similar system to the ILS
(Instrumented Landing System) in concept. You have a guidance system that
01 Kobuleti 07 67X 3.0
AV-8B
will help you to land in bad weather conditions. The AWLS channels are
preset; you need to use the ones associated to each airfield using the table to 02 Vaziani 14-32 22X 3.0
the right. The AWLS can be used with a TACAN station to provide you
03 Kutaisi-Kopitnari 08 44X 3.0
additional information about range and time to arrival, but the AWLS can also
be used as is. 04 Senaki-Kolkhi 09 31X 3.0
05 Batumi 13 16X 3.0
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
169
HARRIER II
AWLS/ILS TUTORIAL
The AWLS tutorial will be set to Senaki-Kolkhi,
which is set Channel 4 to runway 09 (course: 095)
Runway Course:
AV-8B
with a glide slope of 3.0. We will use the TACAN 095 deg To Runway 09
station 31X too even if it is optional.
This is you
1. On UFC (Up-Front Control) scratchpad, press
the AWL button and the ON/OFF button to turn
on the ALWS system.
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
Beacon (nm)
Velocity vector
AWLS Selected Steer aircraft to set the
Time to AWLS azimuth steering bar on
Beacon the center of the
velocity vector.
PART 14 – NAVIGAGION & ILS LANDING
13
14
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HARRIER II
INTRODUCTION
Why? Well, one of the main reasons for the difficulty behind refueling is
the skill required to do formation flying. Flying in formation with
another aircraft requires much more practice than you would initially
think. Another reason is pure physics: there is this thing called “wake
turbulence”. An aircraft flies through a fluid: air. Just like with any fluid,
if you have something that displaces itself through it at a certain speed,
the fluid will become disrupted (turbulence). Wingtip vortices and
PART 15 – AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING
jetwash are both effects of this simple concept. Wake turbulence is the
reason why airliners need to wait a minimum time between takeoffs:
flying through disrupted air will destabilize the aircraft and it is unsafe,
especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing.
173
TYPES OF AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING
• There are four main air-to-air refueling techniques used in military aviation:
• Probe-and-drogue (refueling probe must be inserted in the tanker’s drogue basket)
HARRIER II
• Flying Refueling Boom (guided by boom operator aboard the tanker)
• Buddy Refueling (two fighters can refuel one another independently without a tanker)
AV-8B
• Nose-Probe refueling
The Harrier is equipped with a Probe-and-Drogue system, so air-to-air refueling will only be performed
from either an Il-78M, a KC-130 or a S-3B tanker.
Refueling Probe
KC-130
Refueling Boom
Drogue Basket
F-105 Thunderchiefs being refueled by Tornado GR4 being refueling by a S-3B 174
a Boom system during the Vietnam War Probe-and-Drogue system
HARRIER II
AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING DEMO
1. Consult mission briefing to know on which radio frequency you need to contact the tanker.
In our case, we will use the frequency 250 MHz on the V/UHF radio.
AV-8B
2. Find tanker using TACAN frequency as shown in the NAVIGATION - TACAN section.
3. Set your radio to 250 MHz and turn radio VOL knobs ON, and press “/” to communicate
with TEXACO (tanker callsign).
4. Select Tanker – Texaco (F6) communication menu, and then select “Intent to Refuel” 2
5. TEXACO should give you a pre-contact altitude (in our case 18,000 ft).
6. Set Master Arm Switch – OFF (DOWN)
7. Set Flaps to CRUISE
8. Set A/R switch to OUT. READY light should illuminate.
4a
8
3
4b
Pre-contact information:
rendez-vous at 18,000 ft 175
5
9
HARRIER II
AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING DEMO
9. Make sure refueling probe has deployed correctly.
10. When you are less than 0.1 nm away from tanker, position yourself as
AV-8B
shown on picture.
11. When in position, use your radio menu to select “Ready Pre-Contact” (F1).
12. The tanker’s pilot should answer you with “Cleared Contact” and should
10
deploy his drogue basket and start to accelerate to cruising speed.
13. Fly formation with the tanker (between 190-300 KIAS) and approach the Probe Retracted Probe Deployed
drogue basket very slowly (make sure you remain about 2-3 kts faster than
the tanker) with gentle inputs. Make sure AOA (Angle of Attack) is within
safe operating limits (13 deg max)
14. Keep the aircraft trimmed at ALL TIMES. Approaching untrimmed is living
hell. 11
15. Insert your probe into the drogue basket by using your reference points.
PART 15 – AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING
16. Additional drag should be generated by the drogue once you have contact
with the drogue: your aircraft will slightly decelerate. Once the probe is
taking fuel, the tanker pilot should tell you “You’re taking fuel”.
17. Keep formation with the tanker until your refueling is complete. Refueling 15 Use this vertical line as a reference
point for lateral movements
should be complete when the RIGHT and LEFT Refuel lights are flashing or
steady.
18. Detach your probe form the basket by throttling down and set A/R switch
to IN. READY light should extinguish.
LEFT Refuel Light Keep the basket and fuel line at this
• Flashing: internal left wing tank or left external distance from the READY light to make
tank is full. sure it is aligned with the probe.
17
• Illuminated (steady): both left wing and left
external tanks are full. 176
AIR-TO-AIR REFUELING DEMO
Of course, all of this seems much easier said than done. You will
HARRIER II
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdJ2qXYdzdw
The next slide will give you a couple of tips to help you catch that
basket and slurp that delicious jet fuel like a crack addict.
177
HARRIER II
TIPS AND TRICKS
• Remaining CALM is key for a successful refueling. If you lose
your cool, take a break and try again once you are relaxed. Silk
AV-8B
VERTICAL
In this case, the tanker’s speed is 335 kts. Make sure that you
Airspeed (kts)
keep a constant speed.
• Once my speed matches the tanker’s, I can gradually accelerate
to a speed that is 2-3 kts faster (338 in our case), approaching HORIZONTAL RUDDER
the basket very slowly. At that part, the ONLY two things I am
STICK
watching are my AIRSPEED and the REFERENCE POINT (NOT
THE BASKET). Nothing else matters.
Horizon Line
• Once I am approaching the basket, I make sure to avoid
inducing rolling motions while displacing myself with the
rudder and the vertical stick input ONLY. This way, your aircraft
stays straight and delicately drifts left or right based on the Keep the basket and fuel line at this
rudder input, while you can fine-tune your vertical attitude distance from the READY light to make Flight Path Marker
with your stick. sure it is aligned with the probe.
178
HARRIER II
VREST
If you go in the main Menu page, then
select the VREST (Vertical/Short Takeoff &
Main Page VREST Page Selector VREST Main Page
AV-8B
H2O (Water
PART 16 – VREST PAGE
Weight) in lbs
179
HARRIER II
VREST SUB-MENUS
VL & VTO (VERTICAL LANDING & TAKEOFF) Pages VL & VTO Pages – Interface with UFC (Up-Front Controller)
AV-8B
ALTM: Altimeter
Barometric Pressure
Setting (in Hg)
PART 16 – VREST PAGE
CRUS (CRUISE) Page CRUS Page – Interface with UFC (Up-Front Controller)
Note: * means that existing altitude is
greater than optimum altitude.
CAS: Calibrated
Airspeed (kts)
Mach Number
CALT: Cruise
Altitude (ft)
Range (nm)
PART 16 – VREST PAGE
RFUL: Remaining
Fuel (lbs)
BNGO (BINGO) Page ABNG: Altitude Bingo (Max Bingo Fuel BNGO Page – Interface with UFC (Up-Front Controller)
Performance at existing altitude).
AV-8B
CAS: Calibrated
Airspeed (kts)
Mach Number
CALT: Cruise
Altitude (ft)
Range (nm)
RFUL: Remaining
Fuel (lbs)
Note: All these parameters are calculated for the BINGO flight profile. BINGO is “an order to proceed and land at the field specified, utilizing a 183
bingo profile. Aircraft is considered to be in an emergency/fuel critical situation. Bearing, distance, and destination shall be provided."
HARRIER II
USEFUL RESOURCES
A1-AV8BB-NFM-000
NATOPS Flight Manual
AV-8B
A1-AV8BB-NFM-400
NATOPS Flight Manual Performance Charts
https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=193603
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