It’s amazing to me the difference in fuel burn rates between planes. A plane like that has barely any space for fuel storage and yet it’s more than enough for a large portion of the time. Then you have the Viper and Hornet where you better not EVER use the burner if you’re not carrying at least one, if not 2 or 3, external tanks.
And if you have a full load of stores, don’t expect more than about 30 mins combat persistence!
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The fifth and final mission of the mini-campaign is a patrol against air assets…again…scaled to being within the realms of possibility for a light attack aircraft. The entire campaign…though somewhat basic (and no voiceovers…just text message) is good for those of us that aren’t Yeager-like behind the stick…
Taking of with gun pods and AA missiles…
Looks like our action is going to consist of enemy helicopters coming into the contested zone…
Enroute along the familiar area between Tbilisi and the contested zone…
Soon we spot an enemy helicopter coming up the valley floor at low altitude. Respecting its forward firing gun pods we loop around behind him…
First missile misses…second missile is a hit. Again…lots of switches to throw to get the heat seekers working correctly…
A couple more helicopters enter the zone and we dispatch them with gun runs…
I’m using an extended smoke mod that I really like…adds a lot of smoke persistence and quantity… Not sure if it is an FPS hit…but whatever…
Upon destruction of the final helicopter we are cleared back to base…
And that completes the mini-campaign! A fun little series of missions for the L-39Z…
Campaign for download:
By: Warriorbear09 - Georgian Pre-Civil War
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Congrats. Seems like you are ready for the next step.
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Looks Like They’re Listening Chris!!!
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That is interesting to read and watch. It is a no-brainer to use off the shelf software for such a cost effective training solution even if it isn’t exactly perfect. It goes a long way towards getting familiar with the cockpit real-estate…pretty nifty.
Moving on with our Ukraine Pilot Training - we’ve spent some time doing some basic flying in the Yak-52, gotten familiar with the L-39, and done a mini combat tour in the L-39ZA. Since we are headed towards flying Western equipment…next in line for our training will be the C-101EB as we adopt Western style avionics and cockpit architecture. As many of you know, I’m probably the biggest fan of the C-101 module for DCS World - it is really well done and worth every penny.
The first training mission for the C-101EB is a long one. I clocked it at about 50 minutes give or take. It is a complete introduction to the C-101 cockpit and explains a bit of the why and how of some of the procedures. You really have to settle in for this mission and accept that you may already know some of the stuff, but it is a superbly constructed training mission that feels closer to reality than many of the other module training missions that skim over a lot of details. Again, this is part of the reason I like the C-101 module so much is that you can tell a lot of love and passion was invested in the project.
Our slightly modified training skin for the Ukrainian Air Force…
The gorgeous C-101EB front and rear cockpits. Not slinging mud at the L-39, but my sense of relief at seeing a familiar avionics layout is palpable. Note - I did not invest in the NS430 cockpit mount for the EB…but you will see it later in the CC…
The tutorial sweeps through the cockpit from left to right. Different stages address the pre-start cockpit switch layouts and start…and they are very thorough. I think there are more than forty steps to the pre-start check where you are ensuring the cockpit is set up for start.
A nice touch is the visible and audible GPU connection when you are using ground electric power…
The tutorials go a bit beyond just where to put switches…with some components getting a nice description of the why and how of certain systems…
I might need the smaller text VR mod…I think one exists out there…
Finally got to the engine start portion and we are up and running…
Putting the flaps and speedbrake (air brake?) through the tests…
So after about 45-50 minutes we are through all the checks. Obviously, sim pilots are probably not going to exhaustively check every system everytime they fly. Nor would a real pilot take this long - familiarity and flows and not having to listen to an explanation of things would distill this mission down to maybe 10 minutes in a more real-world scenario. No flying on this mission though…just cockpit and procedures familiarization.
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Me looking at the cockpit of a new module and thinking of everything I must unlearn about previous ones…
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I always liked this module - did lots of navigation exercises in it just to enjoy the flying. When they added the highly detailed training missions I tried them, but they were just too long. I agree, you have to be ready for them and in the right frame of mind, else you are not going to make it through the first one, let alone the whole series.
*like to add that by that time I was pretty conversant with the EB cockpit and procedures in any case, which probably didn’t help.
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C-101EB Training Flight 2
Here we go with our second flight in the C-101EB. This one is the Basic Visual Flight that will walk us through the pre-takeoff routine and the specifics of takeoffs, pattern work, and landings. We will also do some light airwork…
The briefing alludes to the fact that this mission must be flown to fairly exacting standards to meet both the precision requirements and the unfolding of the mission triggers in the proper order…
The briefing slides are nice…detailing the training area and some charts for takeoff and landing data…
The onscreen instructions are just the outline of the extensive verbal instructions you will receive from the instructor. Again, these are not quick and dirty training missions…but fairly comprehensive missions that take a good commitment of time to accomplish.
After takeoff expect a vector to proceed to the maneuver area…
Once in the training area you will be walked through some maneuvers…including 30, 45, and 60 degree bank turns. You’ll be expected to maintain limits such as +/- 200’ of altitude…so these are some pretty fun and exacting missions…
The 60 degree bank turns are the hardest of course…with a good bit of additional back pressure on the stick required…and a fair bump on the throttles to maintain the desired airspeed…
The training area is just to the east of Novo…
After the steep turns you will do one clean stall…
Then back to the base for the visual pattern. The tutorial gives nice tips throughout…giving target altitudes, airspeeds, and configuration prompts…
Another fantastic mission that teaches a lot about the characteristics of the 101EB…
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Nice. So basically, this is the campaign one should expect for a ‘basic’ jet trainer module. It does what it should and teaches you what you would learn in the jet as an up and coming air force pilot.
Outstanding! 
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Yes. It is a challenge (I’m guessing) to create a mission for a module that has just the right mix of learning and tempo and not have it be exhausting either. Many (most?) people who fly DCS I would guess are aviation enthusiasts…so I think there are users that would enjoy more than just getting in the aircraft and blasting around and just learning how to drop bombs and fire missiles without knowing a bit more about the aircraft they are flying. I’m also guessing that the developers from AvioDev are enthusiastic about their module and so want to show off all the love they put into it…so realistic checks that show the depth of systems modeling are probably something they are enthusiastic about. The confluence of too much detail and not enough is a tough on to nail. There is also that fact that once you’ve learned how a VOR works in one module…you pretty much know how it works in any module…so suffering through explanations in subsequent modules is probably what puts people off on the more long-winded training type missions. I really enjoy them though…and appreciate the hard work that went into creating them. I look at modules as “experiences”…and enjoy learning about them in detail. I have so many unflown modules because I don’t really like to do things half-measure…so I have to decide to learn a module and commit to that time and effort.
C-101EB Training Flight 3
In Training Flight 3 we will take a look at setting up the navigation radios and instruments in the C-101EB. Again, this is a mission with some cliff notes text guidelines on the screen, but really complete and lengthy voice descriptions of what is going on. Light on action - deep on information.
This is basically a cockpit setup mission that goes over the different navigation radios (VOR and TACAN) and shows how to set up the preset frequencies, how to test the navigation displays (HSI / RMI needles) and what they should look like in normal operation. This includes going over the audio panel to learn how to pull the knobs and listen when you tune and ID different radios…
I totally forgot that the UHF radio has a cover that you can roll up to open. Under it you will find the buttons for the setting the preset radio frequencies…
Lots of steps with a lot of the instructor explaining things in your ear…really nicely done…
You’ll adjust courses and observe changes to the Sperry HSI and learn about the VOR and TACAN modes…
This mission is a cockpit setup for the follow on mission…you never actually leave the runway…it is just a navigation equipment familiarization mission. I’m assuming our next mission will put these concepts into action in flight…
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C-101EB Training Flight 4
Today we take the C-101EB on a short IFR flight with an instrument departure, arrival, and instrument procedure to landing…
The mission starts on the runway with some light housekeeping in the cockpit to set us up for the departure and arrival…
We are cleared for takeoff with instructions to turn and intercept a VOR radial outbound…
Intercepting the 080 radial outbound for 10 DME…
At ten miles we are given instructions to proceed back to the VOR. Intercepting the course inbound after the teardrop type course reversal…
ILS is intercepted and heading down the localizer and glideslope…
Runway comes into sight just at the inside marker…
Looks like I put my landing flaps out above the flap extension speed…
Another well constructed mission requiring a good bit of precision flying.
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C-101EB Training Flight 5
In the previous IFR flight mission, I was wondering why the tutorial didn’t mention using the flight direction - alas…there is an entire tutorial dedicated to its basic usage…
The mission is a short cross country from Kobuleti to Kutaisi…
Getting ready for takeoff - the pre-liftoff voiceovers go over some of the pertinent details and what your clearance will be…
AvioDev does a great job in their tutorials…walking you through setting up the VHF and navigation radios…
Setting up for the departure…
Off we go following the 10 degree pitch commands on the flight director…
As usual…specific instructions help get you through the tutorial…
The tutorial goes over several of the flight director modes…and ends up with an ILS approach into Kutaisi…
Straight out of the FlightSafety checkride…expect a go-around at the last minute on the ILS approach…
Cleared to come back around for the visual pattern…
Down and safe…one more mission in the books…
19 Likes
I have missed those AARs! Keep 'em coming!
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With initial training complete in the C-101EB it is time to move on to the combat capable C-101CC. So far our path to becoming an F-16 pilot has gone: Yak-52 > L-39 > C-101EB
C-101CC Training Mission 01
Our mission this morning will be a cold start of the C-101CC. Having already become familiar with the aircraft using the C-101EB procedures, this should be a fairly close replica to that procedure. This is a fantastic little mission put together by @Rudel_chw who has also created a slew of other training missions for the C-101 module and others. He does a fantastic job with his missions…
The procedure goes through all of the normal preflight items we hit when we did the -EB variant so this will be quick and dirty…with the flashlight helping us illuminate the cockpit until the sun fully rises…
The rear cockpit of the -CC…
Highlighted areas take you through the procedure…
Electrical power on and getting ready to start the engine light-off procedure…
The -CC resembled the -EB in most ways but there are some changes that are quickly obvious such as the weapons and guns arming panels…
Also, my C-101CC has the option for the payware NS430 to be mounted…
As we get ready to start up a sexy Mirage comes taxiing in…
Quickly we have everything up and running…ready to head to the next lesson…
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Your AAR’s are excellent! Thank you for sharing.
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C-101CC Training Mission 02
Our second CC training mission will be another of @Rudel_chw’s series - this time we will do a complete start, taxi, and circuit of the airfield. Rudel’s briefings are very detailed and the parameters for each mission are very specific…so pay close attention and refer to them throughout the flight.
The goal will be to hit each waypoint in the pattern at a precise altitude and airspeed…
The briefing with all of the expectations…and we will be scored on the flight…
The ramp technician looking at his manifest and determining that we should unload the air-to-air missiles that were slung under the wing. No need for the FNG to be hauling those around the pattern…
Rudel populates his missions with lots of cool objects and I think he uses a script (MOOSE?) to create random air traffic. It definitely adds life to the missions. These guys are talking about whether to drive to Taco Bell or have it DoorDashed in…
Started up and taxiing out…
Looking for tires on top of the wings of the bombers…
Off we go…trying to hit the speeds and altitudes and waypoints correctly by referencing the supplied pattern chart…
Grrrr…off altitude a bit…although I think I discovered why in the next mission…
On the downwind…
Final approach. I need to read the manual and see if extended speedbrake is a normal thing on final or if it should be retracted. I’ll check. Sometimes planes run them extended to provide for the engine to be spooled up more in the event of a go-around…
I think I slightly missed WP2 and got some deductions…50/100…
With that flight out of the way…on to:
C-101CC Training Mission 03
Now that we have proven we can takeoff and land somewhat successfully we will embark on a short cross country to show off some of the navigation smarts we learned in the C-101EB…
Our route will take us down the coast from Anapa to Gelendzhik (I wish these missions took place in NTTR)…
Lots of instructions to take note of. I do think the instruction for WP4 is incorrect with regards to the intercept radial…but otherwise all is good. Again…graded on accuracy of the flight…
Why do they keep putting missiles on my wings? They are just begging for a mishap…!
Burger King today? And reviewing the map before starting…
Random traffic…
Dialing in the VOR frequency from which we will be tracking position via radials…
Flight director set up for heading mode and we will intercept that 290 radial…
Off we go…
That way lies Crimea…lurking in the back of my mind…
Picking up the radial and focusing on maintaining the tolerances…did I mention how much I love the C-101 panel? So much nostalgia for me.
The GPS providing a good “cheat” to back up the VOR navigation…
Switching the preset COM frequency to G-Town…
I hit my waypoint at what I thought was the right limits…but there might be a mistake in the briefing vs. reported conditions. ATC advised a different altimeter setting than what was in the briefing, so I used the ATC provided altimeter setting. Once I reset to the briefed altimeter setting I was no longer out of limits. This is also a problem in some cases with reported runway in use…as the mission briefing or architecture may be set for a certain runway…but ATC sometimes issues a different landing direction. Perhaps in the time between when these missions were created and now (DCS verson 2.x.x) something changed or got reset in the environmental settings…
With the adjustment to the altimeter setting to the briefed values…my altitude now falls within limits. I also got smart and mapped my heading bug to my HOTAS so instead of having to reach down and spin it…I can just use a coolie hat to slew it left and right to match the desired headings…
Keeping an eye out for random traffic…lots of stuff happening at Gelendhzik…
Initially I set up for a downwind to runway 20 as advised by ATC…but then noticed other traffic was using 02…so modified my plan…
100 for the mission! I know bombing stuff and shooting things down is fun…but so is flying a profile according to plan… I guess I didn’t get a mark of for being off on one altitude at one waypoint…
I guess my IFF was working…
In the blocks…watching an An-24 on the missed approach…
Fun cross country with a great mission design as always by @Rudel_chw…
17 Likes
C-101CC Training Mission 04
I think we have a handle on navigating in the C-101EB and CC at this point. So time to move on to making things go boom.
Our first weapons mission will be learning to use the guns and rockets on the 101CC. This mission is taken from the official AvioDev training missions. Nicely formatted, this mission is an air-start mission that puts you in active-pause while the narrator goes through the various cockpit setup parameters and explains how to use the dive angle tables in the aircraft to set up for rocket attacks. If my absolute life depended on it, I’m sure I would become very proficient at using altimetry, dive angle, and airspeed to become super proficient, but…by and large I’ve always used the “fire one rocket…adjust from there” technique of putting rockets and guns onto the target.
The tutorial…as are all the AvioDev tutorials…are really well done and thorough…
Using the provided guidance for dive angle, airspeed, and release altitude the rockets landed in the ballpark for sure…
Next we went back into active-pause and briefed on the use of the cool 30mm DEFA cannon…
Once we blew up some stuff on the red smoke and green smoke ranges we were cleared to keep practicing on the orange smoke range…
Fun was had by all and there was no death by target fixation…
17 Likes
C-101CC Training Mission 05
Next up we drop some bombs from the C-101CC…
As usual, the voiceover guides us through the setup for setting depression angle, airspeed, dive angle, and release altitude…
Headed to the target range…
Flipping switches on the armament panel and setting the depression angle…
Trying to hit the appropriate dive angle, speed, and release altitude…it is pretty challenging…
Target in sight through the sight glass…
Bombs away…
My bombs sail long…this stuff is hard with this aircraft. Looking forward to CCIP at some point…!
One thing I really enjoy about the C-101EB and CC is that they require strict energy management. You can just thrust your way out of a situation…so pulling off target and coming back around requires finesse on the stick. AvioDev did a great job of giving some critical angle of attack cues with some mild shaking of the cockpit prior to the rudder pedal vibrations.
Coming around for the second pass I adjust to a steeper profile and set my reticle a bit shorter…
Still slightly short…but enough to get some kills and damage…
Back to base we go…
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Great screen AAR as usual Beach!
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Friday Night Two-For-One Special…
C-101CC Training Mission 06
For this mission…we take off into the scud to launch some Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles at a ship.
From what I understand (that is really not saying much), the Sea Eagle implementation in the C-101CC is kinda sketchy…and not all that super useful unless the ship has a known, fixed location. From what I gather from Wiki…the Sea Eagle is a turbojet driven anti-ship missile (around Mach .84) with a 100km+ range (probably depending on launch altitude)… The real missile has preprogrammed modes, path following, or I think a simple “Maddog” aim and shoot mode…but the AvioDev Sea Eagle only allows for attacking a preplanned point through the mission editor waypoint editing page… (maybe there are some advanced map scripts or something that would allow for targeting on the fly…but I’m unaware of them)…
We are given a wingman in case our two missiles are not enough…
Pretty simple training mission…just flip some switches and let it loose…
Quite a roll moment when you just release one…
The sea-skimming missile goes down among the wave-tops until it reaches a terminal pop-up phase where it climbs and descends down onto the target…
Of course the target ship will try to shoot them down…
But both of our missiles get through…so our wingman isn’t required…
C-101CC Training Mission 07
The second mission is a very short air-to-air missile and guns training scenario…
There is a brief introduction with some prompts on where to place the switches in the cockpit and some pointers…
There are safety switches for both the missiles (weapons release) and the gun trigger…so don’t forget both…
With the A-50 down…time to go after the L-39… I’d be surprised if a human L-39 would lose out to the C-101CC given that the L-39 has more speed and power (I think)… But the AI is pretty forgiving and eventually I get on his tail…
Leaving the scene of the crime…
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