GPS Guided Weapons Employment

GPS Guided Weapons (GGW) can be employed in two ways in the F-14B(U). Either weapons employment can be pre-planned and programmed via the MDL, or Targets of Opportunity can be programmed into the GGWs in flight.

Unlike other contemporary fighters, the F-14B(U) does not have a dedicated TOO mode, but weapons employment on Targets of Opportunity is just as possible.

Associated equipment for GGW targeting and employment are the: Programmable Tactical Information Display (PTID), the Control Display Navigation Unit (CDNU), the Armament Control Panel (ACP) for the RIO, and the Vertical Display Indicator Group Replacement (VDIGR), Horizontal Situation Display (HSD), and the Bearing Distance Heading Indicator (BDHI) for the Pilot.

Pre-Planned Missions

The F-14B(U)'s Mission Data Processor (MDP) can store up to 8 Pre-Planned Missions per station. These Pre-Planned Missions include data for the Target (REFP), terminal attack parameters for the weapon to meet, Launch Acceptability Region data, and Pre-Planned Launch Point coordinates.

ACP Attack Mode Steering Options

The F-14B(U)'s Weapons Control Processor can provide two types of attack steering: Launch Point and Target Steering. The steering options are selected via the Armament Control Panel (ACP). Target Steering is presented when Manual Mode is selected on the ACP Delivery Mode rotary. Launch Point steering is presented when CPTR Pilot is selected on the Delivery Mode rotary.

In Manual mode, the HUD "Time to" (TMAX, TOPT, TMIN) displays are referenced to the ROPT release strobe. The first tick mark indicates MAX range of the GGW. The second tick mark indicates OPT range of the GGW. The final half-circle indicates MIN range of the GGW.

In Computer Pilot mode, the HUD "Time to" (TMAX, TREL, TMIN) displays are referenced to the LAR boundary and Launch Point. TMAX indicates time until the LAR boundary, TREL indicates time until the Launch Point, and TMIN indicates time until minimum range of the GGW.

Pre-Planned Launch Acceptability Region

The Pre-Planned Launch Acceptability Region (PPLAR) cue is developed using the launch and targeting data entered during mission planning. This static cue is intended to provide a representation of the selected mission as planned before flight. PPLARs are saved in each Pre-Planned Target Data Set if that Pre-Planned Mission has a Target associated with it. Up to 8 Pre-Planned Missions can be saved per station and reviewed via the JDAM Mission Page (JMSN). LAR data in the Pre-Planned Missions cannot be changed; however, target coordinates associated with the Pre-Planned Mission can be reprogrammed in flight, allowing for flexibility when using the PPLAR cue.

Pre-Planned Launch Point Cue

The Pre-Planned Launch Point cue is displayed only when a valid launch point for the GGWs exists. All GGW station launch points are shown on the PTID Tactical Page at the same time. This static, pentagon-shaped cue indicates the launch point defined during mission planning. It is intended to provide a reference with which to steer to the pre-planned release point. The Pre-Planned Launch Point cue is removed when a Pre-Planned Mission with a previously defined launch point has its Target Coordinates changed.

Bearing to Launch Point Cue

The Bearing-to-Launch Point Line cue is displayed only in PP mode when a valid launch point exists for the next launch GGW. This static cue indicates the aircraft heading into the pre-planned launch point and is represented by a line drawn outward from the launch point along the launch heading. It is intended to provide a simple means to achieve pre-planned release conditions by aligning the aircraft flight path with the launch point along the launch heading. GGW Launch Points can be hooked by the RIO on the PTID Tactical Page to provide Range and Time To Go (TTG) readouts in the PTID Buffer.

GGW Target Cue

The GGW Target cue indicates the location of the JDAM target relative to the aircraft for the priority next-launch GGW station. This cue is presented as a solid triangle when a PP mission is selected. The JDAM Target cue is intended to provide a graphical means of verifying correct target placement. This cue is displayed for all selected GPS Guided Weapons. A "+" sign with a number next to the Target Cue indicates which station the target cue is for. GGW Target cues can be hooked by the RIO on the PTID Tactical Page to provide Range and Time To Go (TTG) readouts in the PTID Buffer.

GGW Terminal Heading Cue

The Terminal Heading cue indicates the selected terminal impact heading oriented about the GGW target symbol. This straight-line cue is intended to provide a graphical representation of the terminal heading that the assigned JDAM weapon will attempt to achieve after launch. The Terminal Heading cue is displayed whenever the associated GGW Target cue is displayed.

ROPT Release Strobe

The Range Optimum (ROPT) Release Strobe functions as a Predictive Maximum Range cue. It represents the theoretical maximum launch range if the aircraft is heading towards the target. It is intended to provide the best-case absolute maximum launch range for the existing flight conditions. This dynamic cue facilitates a quick, direct on-axis targeting solution without taking into account terminal impact parameters.

The first tick mark indicates MAX range of the GGW. The second tick mark indicates OPT range of the GGW. The final half-circle indicates MIN range of the GGW.

Primary Release Modes

JDAM weapons may be delivered singly or in quantity in either the Manual or Computer Pilot delivery mode. Timing cues for GGWs reference a level delivery; the selection of Computer Pilot is primarily intended to provide Launch Point Steering cues on the VDIG-R. When all GGW-capable stations are selected, the default release sequence is 4 - 5 - 3 - 6. Ripple and Pairs settings on the ACP can theoretically be used with JDAM; however, due to fin actuation concerns, it is most ideal to release JDAMs only in 2-second intervals.

Single Release

Single JDAM release is achieved by selecting the desired station on the ACP. Stations 4 - 5 - 3 - 6 are available for JDAM carriage.

Quantity Release

Quantity releases of JDAMs are possible but not recommended. The ACP Setup for JDAMs for a quantity release is identical to any other unguided store.

Typical PTID Tac Page Cues for JDAM releases

PTID Tac Page Cues, Single Pre-Planned Target with Launch Point

(1) GGW Target. (Station 3 Weapon)

(2) ROPT Release Strobe.

(3) Station 3 Launch Point.

(4) Selected Station and Pre Planned Mission Selected on that station.

(5) Target Steering selected (Manual on ACP).

(6) JMSN Page.

(7) AWG-9 Radar Scan limits. In manual on ACP AWG-9 continues to run A/A tapes.

(8) Pre-Planned LAR.

(9) Current Radar Mode.

(10) TT: Time To Go To Hooked JDAM target.

(11) Hooked JDAM Target.

PTID Tac Page Cues, Multiple Pre-Planned Targets with multiple Launch Points

(1) GGW Target. (Station 5 Weapon)

(2) Next Launch GGW target (station 4 weapon). The next launch GGW target is the only one the LAR and ROPT release strobes are displayed for.

(3) Next Launch GGW target (station 4 weapon) and selected Pre-Planned Mission for that weapon.

(4) Launch Point steering (ACP: computer Pilot) is selected for station 4.

(5) ROPT release strobe.

(6) Computer Pilot is selected on ACP, AG Tapes are loaded, radar is in A/G ranging.

(7) Launch Point for Station 4 is hooked. Range and Time To Go for that launch point are displayed.

PTID Tac Page Cues, Single Target Of Opportunity without Launch point, with reprogrammed PPLAR

(1) GGW Target. (Station 3 Weapon)

(2) ROPT release strobe.

(3) Next Launch GGW target (station 3 weapon) and selected Pre-Planned Mission for that weapon.

(4) Target steering (ACP: Manual) is selected for station 3.

(5) Pre-Planned LAR without Launch Point. (Mission was programmed with new coordinates).

PTID Tac Page Cues, Single Target Of Opportunity without launch point, without PPLAR

(1) ROPT release strobe. Second tick mark: Optimum Range.

(2) ROPT release strobe. First tick mark: MAX Range.

(3) Next Launch GGW target (station 6 weapon) and selected Pre-Planned Mission for that weapon.

(4) Target steering (ACP: Manual) is selected for station 6.

(5) Station 6 Target.

Typical VDIG-R A/G Cues for JDAM releases

VDIG-R A/G Cues, Multiple Pre Planned Targets, Launch Point Steering

(1) Bomb fall line. (BFL).

(2) LANTIRN Triangle. Showing LANTIRN LOS.

(3) GGW Triangle. All Programmed GGW targets are shown as Triangles in the HUD.

(4) Current Radar Mode. "AG" indicates Air To Ground tapes are loaded and the radar is in A/G ranging mode.

(5) Bullseye to Own Aircraft.

(6) Attack mode selected on ACP. CP denotes Computer Pilot is selected.

(7) Weapon Selected on ACP weapons wheel. (GBU-31).

(8) "L" Denotes LANTIRN Laser is armed.

(9) Launch Point for selected station and distance to launch point are shown.

(10) TMAX indicates time to LAR boundary.

(11) Hooked GGW Triangle is shown on HUD. Denoted by "Whiskers".

(12) Command Heading to GGW Launch point.

VDIG-R A/G Cues, Target Steering

(1) Bomb Reticle (Shown in Manual Mode).

(2) LANTIRN Triangle. Showing LANTIRN LOS.

(3) Current Radar Mode. In Manual AWG-9 uses normal A/A radar modes. (TWSA).

(4) Bullseye to Own Aircraft.

(5) Attack mode selected on ACP. MAN denotes Manual is selected.

(6) Weapon Selected on ACP weapons wheel. (GBU-31).

(7) "L" Denotes LANTIRN Laser is armed.

(8) Selected Station Target and Distance to target is shown.

(9) TOPT indicates time to Optimum Launch Parameters. Before TOPT TMAX is displayed. TMAX references the ROPT release strobe MAX range tick mark. After TOPT, TMIN is displayed. TMIN references the ROPT release strobe MIN range tick mark.

(10) Hooked GGW Triangle is shown on HUD. Denoted by "Whiskers".

(11) Command Heading to GGW Target.

JDAM Mission Page (JMSN)

The PTID JDAM mission page provides the ability for the RIO to update and review the Pre Planned Missions used for JDAM employment. The Tomcat has the ability to store up to 8 Pre-Planned Missions per station. These Pre Planned missions contain Target Data, Launch Data and Terminal Impact Parameters. The Target coordinates of any pre planned mission can also be edited during flight via the CDNU.

(1) Selected Station, Loaded Weapon and Loaded Weapon status.

(2) Reference Point (Target) Coordinates and Elevation

(3) Toggles through Pre Planned Missions (PP)

(4) Terminal heading and Velocity of JDAM. Can only be pre planned in Mission Editor.

(5) Joint Precision Fuze. (No Function currently)

(6) After loading DTM (Data Transfer Module) or if Coordinates are changed in flight JDAM needs to be updated via usage of the UPDATE button.

(7) Selected Station (STA) is boxed.

(8) JDAM Power. Boxed if powered on. Once powered on an 8 minute timer will appear, that counts down to 5 at which point it disappears.

(9) Offset To Target (No Function)

(10) Reference Point (Target) edit is selected (Boxed). (No Function).

(11) Returns to SMS Page.

(12) Launch Point coordinates and Altitude. Cannot be edited in flight. Must be pre planned via Mission Editor.

(13) Currently selected Pre Planned Mission (PP1) and name set in Mission Editor.

Pre-Planned JDAM Employment

JDAM mission planning is achieved via the DCS Mission Editor. The F-14B Upgrade comes equipped with a Mission Data Loader system. This allows for the creation and distribution of custom DTMs (Data Transfer Modules). For each GGW-capable station, mission planners can pre-program up to 8 Pre-Planned Missions. A pre-programmed Pre-Planned Mission always includes a LAR and Terminal Impact Parameters for the GGW. Due to DCS limitations, the Terminal Impact Parameters cannot be properly accounted for in the calculation of the Pre-Planned LAR.

(1) With "Show all stations" and "Show all PP" the list below shows all 8 pre planned missions for each station. So 3-1 is pre planned mission 1 for station 3. Un-ticking either will show only pre planned missions for the selected station, or show only the selected pre planned mission for each station.

(2) Once a target point has been placed on the map or its coordinates entered manually, a target name can be specified. This target name is displayed on the JMSN page on PTID.

(3) The Launch and Terminal Parameters for each pre planned mission can be defined. Attack heading, launch altitude and launch speed (in ground speed) are stored in the pre planned missions. Terminal attack parameters are also stored per pre planned mission. Currently the LAR only accounts for the default impact angle of 65°.

Once a target has been placed on the map, the attack heading can be modified by dragging the triangle at the outside of the LAR to its desired location. The currently selected pre planned mission is highlighted in yellow. All other pre planned missions are shown in red. The currently selected launch point is denoted by a circle. This circle can be placed anywhere within the confines of the LAR. When employing multiple JDAMs in sequence it is recommended to place the launch points in sequence. The default JDAM release sequence is 4 - 5 - 3 - 6. It is recommended to place the launch points in that order.

Target Of Opportunity JDAM Employment

Targets of Opportunity may also be engaged with GGWs. In principle, the reprogramming of Pre-Planned Missions with TOO coordinates is simple.

Any flight plan waypoint stored in the CDNU can have its coordinates copied into the JMSN page via the WP Edit 2/2 page. The CDNU WP Edit 2/2 page provides the ability to send any coordinate to the JMSN page by depressing LSK 7. The coordinates will always be sent to the currently selected Pre-Planned Mission for the CDNU-selected station.

As such, it is desirable to select the JMSN page before coordinate transfer is initiated and confirm that the desired Pre-Planned Mission is selected.

Coordinates in the CDNU can be entered multiple ways:

• Either via normal waypoint entry through the flight plan.
• Through the High Precision Waypoint Edit page.
• Or with the LANTIRN pod.

Step by Step GGW TOO guide

1. A/G Selected on PDCP
2. A/G Hooked on Full PTID menu. (Jester does automatically).
3. Conduct normal ACP weapons setup (Sta Select, Fuze, Weapon Type).
4. Select Manual on ACP ATTACK options. Pilot gets TMAX, TOPT, TMIN timers.
5. LANTIRN Target Designated.
6. Depress S-7 (FOV) Hat on LANTIRN for 2 seconds. Waypoint 51 and up is created in flight plan.
7. Select newly created LTS waypoint on CDNU.
8. Horizontal scroll to Waypoint Edit 2/2 Page.
9. Open JMSN page via PTID Tac Page.
10. Select Desired Station and Desired Pre Planned Mission.
11. Confirm Elevation and Coordinates on CDNU depress LSK7 on CDNU (GGW) to transfer coordinates to JMSN page.
12. Depress Update on JMSN page to update JDAM.
13. Select Target Steering on PTID (PB9). Or Target Steering on BDHI (F4) key on CDNU.

Pre-Planned JDAM tutorial by Baltic Dragon