DCS GUIDE

F-5E3 TIGER II

LAST UPDATED: 02/08/2016

By Chuck

TABLE OF CONTENT

PART 1 INTRODUCTION & TRAINING STRUCTURE

PART 2 CONTROLS SETUP
PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES
PART 4 START-UP PROCEDURE
PART 5 TAKEOFF
PART 6 LANDING
PART 7 AERODYNAMICS & ENGINE MANAGEMENT
PART 8 RADAR OPERATION

PART 9 OFFENCE: WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

PART 10 DEFENCE: RWR AND COUNTERMEASURES
PART 11 RADIO TUTORIAL
PART 12 NAVIGATION
PART 13 AIR COMBAT TIPS
PART 14 OTHER RESOURCES

PART11CONTROLS
INTRODUCTION
SETUP
PART

In the late 1950s, the Air Force required supersonic fighters capable of carrying out ground attacks with conventional (non-nuclear) weapons. The key goal was to
combine high combat performance with easy mastering, low cost of maintenance and versatility. It became clear that a mass-produced fighter had to be cheap,
simple and low-maintenance aircraft. In 1953 the American Northrop Corporation started designing of a light fighter with a delta wing and bottom-mounted intake.
Edgar Schmued, the designer of the famous P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre, who had been working at Northrop Corporation since 1950, participated in new fighter
concept development. However, in 1955 the project was canceled for a number of reasons. The project continued as a privately funded program and from this the
F-5 eventually emerged.
Though primarily designed for the day air superiority role, the aircraft is also a capable ground-attack platform. The F-5A entered service in the early 1960s. During
the Cold War, over 800 were produced through 1972 for U.S. allies. Though the USAF had no acknowledged need for a light fighter, it did procure roughly
1,200 Northrop T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, which were directly based on the F-5A.
After winning the International Fighter Aircraft competition in 1970, a program aimed at providing effective low-cost fighters to American allies, Northrop
introduced the second-generation F-5E Tiger II in 1972. This upgrade included more powerful engines, higher fuel capacity, greater wing area and improved leading
edge extensions for a better turn rate, optional air-to-air refueling, and improved avionics including air-to-air radar. Primarily used by American allies, it remains in
US service to support training exercises. Many of you might be familiar with the infamous MiG-28 in the movie Top Gun, which was in fact a F-5 aircraft acting as
an adversary trainer in Red Flag exercises.
Overall, the Tiger II is an extremely pleasant aircraft
to fly. To some, it may seem like an outdated jet,
but it has appreciable ground strike capabilities. It
has no IFF (Identify-Friend-or-Foe) capabilities and
most target acquisition must be done visually.
However, the radar installed on the Tiger II gives a
well-trained pilot great situational awareness in
comparison to its nemesis: the MiG-21.
It is a robust, powerful little jet that has a well laidout cockpit that makes it very easy to find panels
and specific switches. Once you have a couple of
flight hours under your belt, you will understand
why this jet was such a resounding success in the
export market. It is the perfect happy medium for a
country that wants to protect its airspace but
doesn`t have the financial means to buy top-of-theline F-15s.
3

PART 2 CONTROLS SETUP

WHAT YOU NEED MAPPED

Flare-Chaff Button
(Grey button on RHS)

WEAPON RELEASE
(RALT+SPACE)

TRIM ELEVATOR PUSH

TRIM AILERON LEFT W DOWN
TRIM ELEVATOR PULL
TRIM AILERON RIGHT W DOWN

ZOOM IN SLOW
RADAR ACQ BUTTON (ENTER)
ZOOM OUT SLOW

RADAR TDC UP
RADAR TDC RIGHT
RADAR TDC DOWN
RADAR TDC LEFT

GUN TRIGGER
(SECOND DETENT)

ZOOM IN SLOW
Dogfight/Resume Switch FWD

UHF RADIO MICROPHONE BTN

Sp
Dogfight/Resume Switch AFT
Sp
Dogfight/Resume Switch
CENTER-PRESSED
Nosewheel Steering Btn

COMMUNICATION MENU

ZOOM OUT SLOW

SPEED BRAKE IN

ZOOM IN
SLOWBRAKE OUT
SPEED
Drag Chute T-Handle

Elev. Antenna UP
Range Select. Increase
Elev. Antenna DOWN
Range Select. Increase

ZOOM OUT SLOW

+ TOE BRAKES (MAPPED ON PEDALS)

PART 21 CONTROLS SETUP

CONTROLS SETUP
ASSIGNING PROPER AXIS IS IMPORTANT. HERE ARE A COUPLE OF TIPS.

TO ASSIGN AXIS, CLICK ON AXIS

ASSIGN. YOU CAN ALSO SELECT
AXIS COMMANDS IN THE UPPER
SCROLLING MENU.

TO MODIFY CURVES AND

SENSITIVITIES OF AXES, CLICK ON
THE AXIS YOU WANT TO MODIFY
AND THEN CLICK AXIS TUNE

PART 2 CONTROLS SETUP

CONTROLS SETUP
BIND THE FOLLOWING AXES:
PITCH (DEADZONE AT 0, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 0)
ROLL (DEADZONE AT 0, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 0)
RUDDER (DEADZONE AT 0, SATURATION X AT 100, SATURATION Y AT 100, CURVATURE AT 0)

THRUST CONTROLS ENGINE RPM

WHEEL BRAKE LEFT / RIGHT
NOTE: TO TURN ON THE GROUND, MAKE SURE NOSEWHEEL STEERING IS ENGAGED (GREY NOSEWHEEL
STEERING BUTTON ON YOUR HOTAS) AND THAT YOU KEEP IT HELD AS YOU PERFORM THE TURNS.

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Canopy Control Lever

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Flight Instruments Light

Control Knob

Fuel & Oxygen Switch

CAGE TEST/QUANTITY CHECK

Exterior Navigation Lights Control Knob

Compass switch
DIRECTIONAL GYRO
MAGNETIC
FAST SLAVE

Formation Lights Control Knob

Beacon Switch
BEACON/OFF

Engine Instruments Light

Control Knob

Console Lights Control Knob

Flood Lights Control Knob

Lighting Bright/Dim switch

Warning Lights Test Switch

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

IFF Master Switch

EMERGENCY/NORMAL/LOW/STANDBY/OFF

IFF Mode 3/A (ON/OUT)

IFF Mode C (ON/OUT)

IFF Test Light

IFF Reply Light

IFF Rad Test / Mon switch

IFF Identification/Microphone switch

IFF Code selector

ZERO/B/A/HOLD

IFF MODE 3/A Channel Wheel Selectors

IFF Audio/Light switch

IFF Mode 1 (ON/OUT)

IFF Mode 2 (ON/OUT)

IFF MODE 1 Channel Wheel Selectors

IFF switch (ON/OUT)

10

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Canopy Jettison Handle

Right Generator Switch
Oxygen Supply Quantity (Liters)

Oxygen Supply Pressure (PSI)

Battery Switch
Oxygen Supply switch ON/OFF
Left Generator Switch
Warning Panel
Oxygen Flow indicator
Oxygen Emergency Lever
EMERGENCY/NORMAL/TEST MASK
Oxygen Supply mode
(100% Oxygen/Normal Oxygen)

11

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Cabin Pressurization switch

UP: Ram Dump
MIDDLE: Normal
DOWN: Defog Only

Accelerometer (G)
Cabin Temperature Knob
External Fuel Centerline switch
External Fuel Pylons switch
Auto-balance switch
(Left/Neutral/Right)

Right Fuel Boost Pump switch

Boost Pump Crossfeed switch

Left Fuel Boost Pump switch

Engine Anti-Ice switch

Pitot Anti-Ice switch
Cabin Temperature Knob
Auto/Manual Cold/Manual Hot
Canopy Defog knob
Communication Antenna switch (Upper/Auto/Lower)

12

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Left/Right Engine
Tachometers (% RPM)

Auxiliary Intake Doors Indicator

Left/Right Engine Temperature (x100 deg C)

Right/Left Nozzle Position Indicators (%)

Oil Pressure (PSI)

Cabin Pressure Altitude (x1000 ft)

IP-1310/ALR RWS (Radar Warning System)

Dual Fuel Quantity Indicator (x100 lbs fuel)
Fuel flow meter (x1000 lbs/hour)

13

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) Mode Button (Priority/Open)

RWR Search Button
RWR Handoff Button (not functional)
RWR Launch Button
RWR Altitude Button (Low Alt/ Alt) (not functional)
Clock
Magnetic Compass
Magnetic Compass Light switch

Utility/Flight Controls Hydraulic Pressure Gauges (x1000 psi)

RWR Panel Audio Control

RWR Panel Lighting Dimmer Control
RWR T (Threat Priority) Button
RWR System Test Button
RWR Unknown Ship Button
RWR ACT/PWR Button
RWR Power Button

14

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Weapon Mode Selector

OFF
Missile
A-A1 Guns Mode (Manoeuvering Targets)
A-A2 Guns Mode (Non-Manoeuvering Targets)
Manual

Slip Indicator
Gun Reticle Depression Readout

Gun Reticle Depression Knob

Gun Reticle Intensity Knob

Gun Sight BIT-1/OFF/BIT-2 switch

Gun Sight Panel Lighting Control

15

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Radar Scale Brightness

Control Knob

Radar Pitch (Horizon Bar)

Control Knob

Right Engine Fire Light

Left Engine Fire Light

Radar Range Scale Light

(nm)

Radar Cursor Brightness

Control Knob
Radar Video Intensity Control Knob

Radar Vertical Elevation Scale

(angle in degrees)

Radar Brightness Control Knob

Radar Persistence Control Knob

Radar Horizontal Azimuth Scale
(angle in degrees)

16

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

UHF Radio Tone button

UHF Radio Volume

UHF Radio Modes

OFF
MAIN
BOTH
ADF

AN/ARC-164 UHF Radio Preset

Channel Indicator

AN/ARC-164 UHF Radio Preset

Channel Selector

AN/ARC-164 UHF Radio Frequency Tuning Knobs

TACAN Channel
Indicator

UHF Radio Frequency Mode

(Manual/Preset/Guard)
UHF Radio Squelch Switch (ON/OFF)
TACAN Radio Volume
TACAN Radio Mode (OFF, T/R, A/A REC. A/A T/R)
TACAN Radio Frequency Tuning Knobs

17

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Navigation Mode
DF/TACAN

Rudder Pedal Adjustment

(not functional)

Circuit Breakers Panel

18

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Flaps Position Indicator

Airspeed-Mach Indicator (x100 kts)

Pitch Trim Indicator

Drag Chute Handle

Attitude Indicator
Landing Gear Lever

Landing Gear/Flaps
Warning Silence
Button

Arresting Hook Button

Down Lock
Override
HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator)

Altitude Indicator (ft)

19

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Landing Gear Position Indicator Lights (Lit = Down)

Emergency Landing
Gear Lever

Angle-of-Attack Indicator (deg)

Backup Attitude Indicator
Vertical Speed Indicator
(x1000 ft/min)

Emergency Jettison ALL

switch

Missile Tone
Volume Knob

Interval Switch (0.06/0.10/0.14)

Bombs Arming Switch
(Safe/Nose/Tail/Nose Tail)

Guns, Missiles & Camera Switch

External Stores
(Bomb/Ripple/Safe/Rocket-Disp)

20

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Landing & Taxi Lights

UP = ON
DOWN = OFF
Armament Position Selector Switches

Left/Right Engine Start Switch

Select Jettison Position switch
(SELECT POSITION/OFF/PYLONS)
Armament Light Control Knob

Jettison Push Button

Left/Right Fuel Shutoff Valves Controls

21

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Nose Strut switch (Retract/Extend)

Flaps Lever
UP
THUMB SWITCH
FULLY DEPLOYED

Speed Brake Switch

Gunsight Cage switch
Microphone button
Flaps Selector Thumb switch
AUTO/FIXED/UP

Countermeasures switch

22

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Radar Acquisition Button

Radar Antenna Elevation Control
Pitch Damper Switch
Radar TDC (Target Designation Control)
Yaw Damper Switch

Radar Range Selector (10/20/40 miles)

Rudder Trim Knob

Radar Mode
OFF/STANDBY/OPERATE/TEST

23

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

Circuit Breakers Panel

Anti-G Switch (not functional)

Chaff Counter
Chaff Mode Selector
OFF/SINGLE/PROGRAM/MULTIPLE

Flare Mode Selector

OFF/SINGLE/PROGRAM)
Flare Counter

Flare Jettison Switch

24

PART 3 COCKPIT & GAUGES

25

PART 4 START-UP PROCEDURE

NORMAL ENGINE START

1.
2.
3.
4.

Battery ON (UP)
Left and Right Generators ON (UP)
Left and Right Booster Pump ON (UP)
Connect compressed air supply unit:
a) Press \ to open radio menu
b) Press F8 to select ground crew
c) Press F5 to select Ground air supply
d) Press F1 to connect air supply unit
5. Give a command to supply air for left engine motoring
a) Press \ to open radio menu
b) Press F8 to select ground crew
c) Press F5 to select Ground air supply
d) Press F3 to supply air (apply)
6. Once left engine RPM has reached at least 10 %, push
the LEFT ENGINE START button.
7. Set left engine throttle to IDLE by pressing
RALT+HOME. [Control: Throttle (LEFT) IDLE)]

3
2

4a
4d
5d

4c

4b

6b

6a

7a

7b

5d

26

PART 4 START-UP PROCEDURE

NORMAL ENGINE START

8. Within 35 seconds, left engine will stabilize to the following
parameters:
a) IDLE RPM (49-52 %)
b) EGT no less than 140 deg C
c) Nozzle position 60 to 79%
d) Fuel flow rate about 400 pph
e) Oil pressure between 5 and 20 psi
f) UTILITY hydraulic pressure between 2800 and 3200 psi
g) Auxiliary intake door position set to BARBER POLE (left
intake door open, right door closed)
9. Give a command to supply air for right engine motoring
a) Press \ to open radio menu
b) Press F8 to select ground crew
c) Press F5 to select Ground air supply
d) Press F3 to supply air (apply)
10. Once right engine RPM has reached at least 10 %, push the
RIGHT ENGINE START button.
11. Set right engine throttle to IDLE by pressing RSHIFT+HOME.
[Control: Throttle (RIGHT) IDLE)]
12. Within 35 seconds, right engine will stabilize to IDLE
parameters as shown in step 8). The Auxiliary intake door
position will be then set to OPEN (both intake doors are open).

10

11b
11a

8f

12

8a
8g
8b

8e
8c

8d

Left Engine
Intake Door
(OPEN)

27

PART 4 START-UP PROCEDURE

AIRCRAFT PREPARATION

13a

13. Disconnect compressed air supply unit:

a) Press \ to open radio menu
b) Press F8 to select ground crew
13b
c) Press F5 to select Ground air supply
d) Press F2 to disconnect air supply unit
14. Set radar MODE switch to STBY.
Caution: Radar will proceed to a warm-up phase. Radar
can overheat after more than 10 minutes spent on the
ground. Make sure you are taking off in less than 10
minutes or simply set the radar MODE switch to OFF
and set it back to STBY before takeoff (recommended).
15. Retract airbrakes by setting airbrake thumb switch FWD
16. Set flap mode to THUMB SWITCH (MIDDLE POSITION)
17. Set flap thumb switch AFT (AUTO)
18. Enable Yaw and Pitch Dampers (FWD)
19. Close canopy (Lever FWD)
20. Set OXYGEN SUPPLY switch to ON (FWD)
21. Set PITCH TRIM for Takeoff using elevator trimmer switch
[RCTRL+. And RCTRL+;] on your stick. It will vary with your
takeoff configuration.

13d
13c

15

16

17

14
19

21

18
20

Takeoff Pitch Trim Setting

No gun ammo & no stores: 6
Drop tanks + gun ammo + missiles: 7
Drop tanks + gun ammo + missiles + bombs + rockets: 8
Gun ammo + missiles + bombs + rockets + containers: 9

28

PART 4 START-UP PROCEDURE

AIRCRAFT PREPARATION
22. Set Altimeters pressure altitude to 0 using by rotating the
TEST knob.
23. Set Standby Attitude Indicator pitch trim to -3 deg as shown by
rotating the PULL TO CAGE knob.
24. Set Primary Attitude Indicator pitch trim to -3 deg as shown by
rotating its pitch trim knob.
25. Set PITOT HEAT and ENGINE ANTI-ICE switches ON (UP)
26. Remove Wheel Chocks by pressing:
a) /
b) F8 GROUND CREW
c) F4 WHEEL CHOCKS
d) F2 REMOVE
27. Press MASTER CAUTION light to reset it.
28. Press the RWS (Radar Warning System) POWER button

22
24

23

26

27

28

25

28

29

PART 4 START-UP PROCEDURE

AIRCRAFT PREPARATION
29. The right fuel tank has about 580 lbs more fuel than the right fuel tank for
a fully fueled aircraft without drop tanks. Depending on your fuel state
during flight, it is important to have a balanced fuel state.
Set AUTO-BALANCE switch to LEFT LOW. AUTO-BALANCE switch
will automatically revert to MIDDLE position once fuel
configuration is balanced.
30. Consult takeoff performance table below to obtain your rotation speed.
For a no guns, no missiles configuration, our rotation speed will be
about 145 kts.
31. Set throttle to 85 % RPM and start taxiing.
29

Takeoff Performance Table

Takeoff weight (lbs)

Stores, ammo

Center-of-Gravity Position, % MAC

15,000

None

18 to 17

143 to 145

15,500 to 16,000

Gun ammo + Missiles

14 to 13

153 to 155

17,000 to 18,000

Central fuel tank + gun ammo + missiles

12 to 11

164 to 168

19,000

3xFuel Tanks 150 + gun ammo + missiles

15 to 14

166 to 168

19,000 to 21,000

Bombs + rockets + Central fuel tank + gun ammo + missiles

15 to 14

168 to 175

19000 to 21000

Bombs + rockets + center fuel pods + gun ammo + missiles

15 to 13

168 to 175

22,000

3xFuel tanks 275 + gun ammo + missiles

15 to 13

178 to 180

23,000 and more

Bombs + rockets + gun ammo + missiles

15 to 14

Liftoff Speed (kts)

30

185 to 190

TAKEOFF
1.
2.

PART 5 TAKEOFF

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

12.

Taxi the aircraft by throttling up to 85 % RPM.

Steer the aircraft by HOLDING the Nose Wheel Steering button (S key binding) as you
turn using the rudder pedals.
Ensure you align yourself with the runway and advance a couple of yards to keep your
nose wheel straight and aligned.
Set Radar MODE switch to STBY.
On HSI (Horizontal Situation Indicator), set course to the takeoff runway heading (088) by
adjusting course with the CRS knob.
Set NOSE STRUT switch to EXTEND to gain an additional 3 degrees of Angle of Attack,
minimizing the runway length required for takeoff.
Set flaps to AUTO and ensure airbrakes are retracted.
Hold down brakes, increase throttle to 95 % RPM.
Release brakes and start rolling.
As the aircraft gains speed, set throttle fully forward
to engage afterburners.
Rotate at the required rotation speed obtained
from the takeoff performance (145 kts for a
11
no guns, no missiles configuration) by gently
pulling the stick aft.
Raise landing Gear.

6a NOSE STRUT RETRACTED

6b NOSE STRUT EXTENDED

31

PART 5 TAKEOFF

TAKEOFF

32

NORMAL 360-DEGREE LANDING APPROACH

1.

PART 6 LANDING

2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.

Start approach 3 nm from airport @ 1500 ft and

300 kts
Start reverse landing course @ 1500 ft and 300
kts
Set flap thumb switch to AUTO
Extend landing gear
Ensure green lights indicate landing is on
downlock
Decelerate to 165 kts while maintaining 1500 ft.
Use airbrakes if necessary.
Carry out turning to the landing course @ 1500 ft
and 165 kts
Descend at a rate of 1000 ft/min and slow down
to a final approach speed of 145 kts.

APPROACH SPEED FORMULA:

VAPPROACH = 145 + 5 (if gun ammo remaining) + (fuel qty remaining 1000)/200
Example for approach with 3000 lbs remaining with gun ammo
VAPP = 145 + 5 + (3000 - 1000)/200 = 160 kts
Example for approach with 600 lbs remaining without gun ammo
VAPP = 145 + 0 + (600 - 1000)/200 = 143 kts

9.

On final, decrease vertical speed to 400 ft/min.

Flare at 20 ft by gently pulling the stick aft and
touchdown at 135 kts.
10. Slowly lower the nose wheel and deploy drag
chute by pulling the chute handle. (shortcut: P)
Tap your toe brakes until you come to a full stop.
33

NORMAL 360-DEGREE LANDING APPROACH

Pull handle to deploy drag chute

PART 6 LANDING

AoA Indexer
Green = Good airspeed
Yellow = Too Fast
Red = Too Slow

Click and hold handle again to

release drag chute

AoA Indicator
Set needle to 3 oclock
position as shown

Click and hold handle again to

release drag chute

Landing Gear Lever

Push drag chute handle to reset position

34

PART 7 AERODYNAMICS &

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

AERODYNAMICS
The F-5s flight qualities are very good for a plane of this time. Its a highperformance multipurpose tactical fighter with a primary mission of air
superiority. It is equipped with wing leading and trailing edge flaps, which
provide increased lift and improved maneuvering performance. However,
during acceleration flaps are retracted in order to reduce drag and to provide
better acceleration. At high Mach numbers, particularly at 0.9-0.95 for clean
aircraft or near limiting Mach numbers for aircraft with stores, pitch control
sensitivity increases.
At the airspeeds above 360 KIAS the airplane is able to reach structural limiting
normal load while below 360 KIAS attainable g's are limited by the stall AOA. For
the F-5E-3 with shark-nose forebody and increased-area LEX wing stall occurs at
approximately 27-28 units AOA and is accompanied by the wing-rock or by the
wing-drop depending on flight conditions and configuration.

Flaps Lever
UP
THUMB SWITCH
FULLY DEPLOYED

At lower airspeeds airplane maneuvering performance rapidly degrades so it is

recommended not to let the airspeed fall below 300 KIAS while maneuvering.
This requirement can be neglected during maximum range gliding, landing
approaches and when performing tactical maneuvers which involve flying at low
airspeeds/high AOA.
The F-5s flaps have five control modes:
FULL: Flaps fully extended
EMERGENCY UP: Flaps fully retracted
THUMB SWITCH: Control of flaps is done with thumb switch instead.
The THUMB SWITCH on the throttle has three additional modes:
AUTO: Flaps operate automatically based on your Angle of Attack
and the signals from the CADC (Central Air Data Computer).
FIXED: Flaps in fixed position, ensuring minimum fuel consumption.
UP: Flaps fully retracted, ensuring maximum flying range.
I usually recommend to set the flaps lever to THUMB SWITCH and the thumb
switch to AUTO mode. It is much more efficient to let the flaps control
themselves automatically and reduces your workload significantly.

Flaps Selector Thumb Switch

AUTO
FIXED
UP

35

PART 7 AERODYNAMICS &

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

ENGINE
The J85-GE-21 turbojet engine was designed and manufactured by General Electric
Company USA. It is a compact, high performance, lightweight turbojet engine
comprising a nine-stage axial-flow compressor coupled directly to a two-stage turbine
and an afterburner with a variable area exhaust nozzle.
The J85 was originally designed to power a large decoy missile, the McDonnell ADM20 Quail. The Quail was designed to be released from a B-52 Stratofortress in-flight
and fly for long distances in formation with the launch aircraft, multiplying the
number of targets facing the SA-2 surface-to-air missile operators on the ground. This
mission demanded a small engine that could nevertheless provide enough power to
keep up with the jet bomber. Like the similar Armstrong Siddeley Viper being built in
England, the engine on a Quail drone had no need to last for extended periods of
time, so therefore could be built of low-quality materials.
Auxiliary (aux) intake doors on each side of the fuselage above the wing trailing edge
provide additional air to the engines for added thrust during takeoff and low-speed
flight (low dynamic pressure). The doors are automatically controlled by a signal from
the central air data computer (CADC). An AUX INTAKE DOORS indicator on the
instrument panel provides an indication of closed, intermediate, or open position of
the doors.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

COMPRESSOR SECTION
COMBUSTOR SECTION
TURBINE SECTION
AFTERBURNER SECTION
VARIABLE EXHAUST NOZZLE

6. AFTERBURNER MAIN FUEL MANIFOLD

7. TURBINE
8. ROTOR
9. FUEL NOZZLES
10. ENGINE ACCESSORY GEARBOX

Auxiliary Intake Doors (Open)

36

PART 7 AERODYNAMICS &

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

Air enters into a compressor through air inlet ducts located on the both sides of the
fuselage. The nine-stage compressor is equipped with variable stator vanes that reduce
the possibility of a compressor stall. Turning of the variable vanes is simulated in the
game. This has a significant effect on the simulation of the idle power and engine starting.

Utility/Flight Controls Hydraulic

Pressure Gauges (x1000 psi)
Left/Right Engine
Tachometers (% RPM)

The stall sensitivity of an engine is increased by foreign object damage, high angles of
attack at low airspeeds and high altitudes, abrupt yaw impulses at low airspeeds (below
approximately 150 KIAS), temperature distortion, engine anti-ice system in operation, and
ice formation on the engine inlet ducts or inlet guide vanes. Compressor stalls can also be
caused by component malfunctions; engine rigged out of limits; throttle bursts to MIL or
MAX power at high altitude and low airspeed; hot gas ingestion from other aircraft or
during gun firing at high altitudes and negative G conditions; and maneuvering flight with
landing gear down at altitudes above 30,000 feet.

Auxiliary Intake Doors

Indicator

Take note that sometimes you may not always know if the afterburner engaged
correctly. A good visual cue is to check the nozzle position indicator: close to fully
open means that the afterburner is engaged.

Left/Right Engine
Temperature
(x100 deg C)

Oil Pressure
(PSI)

Right/Left
Nozzle Position
Indicators (%)

Fuel flow meter (x1000 lbs/hour)

Dual Fuel Quantity

Indicator (x100 lbs fuel)
37

PART 7 AERODYNAMICS &

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

ENGINE RELIGHT PROCEDURE

In case of engine flameout (due to a partial compressor stall or other conditions listed on the
previous page), you may be able to restart your engine if the engine didnt seize completely. if
the aircraft airspeed is sufficient to provide enough airflow to drive the compressor blades even
without combustion, we can perform a windmilling engine start.
If both engines flamed out, always try to start the left engine first (utility hydraulic system is
powered by the left engine hydraulic pump).
2

Use the Airspeed Curve chart to determine if you are within a safe setting to restart your engine
(ideally, you want to be in the red area).
1. According to the graph, if we are flying at 20,000 ft and are flying at 150 kts, we will not
have enough airflow to restart it through windmilling.
2. Find desirable airspeed and altitude on the graph and dive to reach the proper
airspeed/altitude setting. We can dive to 18,000 ft and gain additional airspeed and reach
250 kts, which will allow us to generate 20 % RPM through windmilling, which puts us in the
stable airstart area on the graph.
3. Once airspeed/altitude conditions are respected and enough RPM is generated on the
engine, retard the throttle of the flamed out engine and set it to OFF (RALT+END for Left
throttle, RSHIFT+END for Right throttle).
4. Press the ENGINE START button of the flamed out engine.
5. Set throttle of the flamed out engine to IDLE (RALT+HOME for Left throttle, RSHIFT+HOME
for Right throttle).
6. Ignition of the flamed out engine should be performed within 25 seconds. Once RPM
increases, gradually throttle up.

3
6a

6b
3

38

PART 7 AERODYNAMICS &

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

CAUTIONS

Left Engine Fire

Right Engine Fire

L GENERATOR
Left generator failed or OFF

CANOPY
Canopy unlocked

R GENERATOR
Right generator failed or OFF

UTILITY HYD
Utility Hydraulic Pressure under 1500 psi or
hydraulic fluid overheat

SPARE
Not implemented in this F-5 variant

FLIGHT HYD
Flight Control Hydraulic Pressure under 1500
psi or hydraulic fluid overheat

EXT TANKS EMPTY

Fuel transfer from external tanks complete

IFF
Not implemented in this F-5 variant

OXYGEN
Oxygen level below 0.5 L or low oxy pressure

L FUEL LOW
Left engine fuel level below 400 lbs

ENGINE ANTI-ICE ON
Engine Anti-Ice system is on

R FUEL LOW
Right engine fuel level below 400 lbs

L FUEL PRESS
Left fuel boost pump pressure below 66.5 psi

INS
Not implemented in this F-5 variant

R FUEL PRESS
Right fuel boost pump pressure below 66.5 psi

AOA/FLAPS
Auto-flap system failure

AIR DATA COMPUTER

CADC or Pitot-static system failure

DIR GYRO
Not implemented in this F-5 variant

SPARE
Not implemented in this F-5 variant

DC OVERLOAD
DC System failure

SPARE
39
Not implemented in this F-5 variant

PART 8 RADAR OPERATION

RADAR CONTROLS
1. To turn on your radar, set the Radar Mode knob
to OPER.
2. To control the range of your radar, set the RADAR
RANGE to either 40, 20, 10 or 5 nm by using the
Radar Range Cw/Increase or Ccw/Decrease. Take
note that changing this RADAR RANGE will
automatically change the grid scale on your radar
display.
3. Your radar has a limited elevation angle to scan
the sky. You can tilt the radar antenna vertically
from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar Elevation
Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
4. To lock a target spotted on your radar, you can
control a TDC (Target Designation Caret) using the
Radar TDC Button Left/Right/Up/Down.
5. Once your TDC is on the desired target and you
are about 10 nm from it, press the ACQ
(Acquisition) button to spotlight the target. Radar
antenna will then start scanning 5 degrees in
azimuth and 1.5 degrees in elevation.
6. You can unlock a target by using the
DOGFIGHT/RESUME switch (R key by default).

Radar Elevation Antenna Tilt Control

TDC Control

Radar ACQUISITION Button

Dogfight/Resume switch
FWD (DM MODE)
CENTER-PRESS (RESUME SEARCH)
AFT (DG MODE)

Radar Mode Selector

Radar Range Selector

40

HOW TO FIND TARGET ALTITUDE IN RELATIONSHIP TO YOU

The radar elevation angle can be controlled by tilting the radar antenna.
However, your radar scanning cone only covers a definite azimuth and
elevation angle as shown below.

Difference of Height (hundreds of ft) = Elevation Angle (deg) x Range (nm)

Example: Target Range at 10 nm, spotted at 5 deg UP
H = 5 deg x 10 nm = 50 x 100 ft = Target is 5000 ft above you

Radar Elevation is the

same for 20 nm, 10 nm
and 5 nm range settings

45 deg

5.5 deg

Radar Range: 20nm

45 deg

Radar Range: 20 nm

5.5 deg

Radar Elevation Angle for 20 nm range setting

11 deg total

Radar Azimuth Angle for 20 nm range setting

90 deg total

45 deg

4 deg

Radar Range: 40 nm

45 deg

Radar Range: 40 nm
4 deg

PART 8 RADAR OPERATION

RADAR RANGE

Radar Elevation Angle for 40 nm range setting

8 deg total

Radar Azimuth Angle for 40 nm range setting

90 deg total

41

Many people confuse the radar scale with the elevation angle scale. Lets clear things up.
The radar does not actually guide your AIM-9 missiles: your missiles track infrared signatures. The radars only
use it to guide you to your target and possibly give you a firing solution.
The radar view you have is a TOP-DOWN view.
Target
The horizontal scale will tell you if the target is to your left or right.
The vertical scale will tell you how far the target is from you.
The (vertical) radar range grid scale varies if you change the radar range with the Radar Range Scale Control.
The uppermost horizontal line on the range scale is the maximal range. The other lines simply divide
this distance in fifths of this distance.
For example, a set max range of 20 nm would scale its range lines to 20 nm / 16 nm / 12 nm / 8 nm /
4 nm / 0 nm.
The radar is not able to differentiate between friendly or enemy contacts. Make sure you properly identify
your target before firing.
NOTE: A whole radar lock example will be shown for MSL (Missile), DM (Dogfight Missile) and DG (Dogfight
Guns) will be shown in the next WEAPONS AND ARMAMENT SECTION.
Radar Range Scale
Indicator (40 nm)

Current Radar Antenna

Elevation Angle (8 deg)

You

Horizontal Lines
Radar Range Grid (nm)

Radar Antenna
Elevation Control

40 nm

Current Radar Antenna

Elevation Angle Scale

PART 8 RADAR OPERATION

HOW TO INTERPRET THE RADAR

Contact located 20
degrees to your left

32nm

24nm
16nm
8nm
0 nm

Azimuth Scale

Contact located at a
range between 16 and
8 nm (about 12 nm)

Radar Range Scale

Control (set to 40 nm)

42

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

THE WEAPONS
A good loadout is not necessarily the biggest bomb: a good loadout is the one that
you know how to use and are most comfortable with and yet that remains flexible
enough to allow you to adapt to different targets and situations.
Unguided rockets
Guns
Air-to-Air Missile
AIM-9P SIDEWINDER
Unguided bombs
Ex: Mk-82, Mk-83, Mk-84, M117
PGM: Precision Guided Munition
LGB: Laser-Guided Bombs / GBU (Guided Bomb Unit)
Bomb is guided by a laser beam from operators on the ground, a
JTAC or your own TGP (targeting pod).
Ex: GBU-12
It is important to take note of the following:
You will have to acquire all your targets visually before you use your weapons.
The radar is a tool that will allow you to acquire a target visually. It will NOT guide
your missiles: it will only assist you in having a firing solution.
Your missiles are guided by infrared heat signatures, not radar.
Bombing is very difficult in the F-5 since you need to enter very precise input
parameters. The ones I recommend are those who work most of the time, but if
you want to bomb very precisely, I suggest that you consult this bombing chart
from the F-5E Weapon Delivery Manual from the 476th Virtual Fighter Group:
http://www.476vfightergroup.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=446
The real-life full flight manual of the F-5E is also available here on the website the
476th Virtual Fighter Group:
http://www.476vfightergroup.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=445

43

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

AIR-TO-AIR AIM-9 MISSILE MSL MODE

Radar Elevation
Antenna Tilt Control

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

On armament panel, set outer pylon switches UP.

Flip safety cover and set weapons arming switch to GUNS MSL & CAMR.
Adjust missile volume to your convenience.
Select gunsight mode to MSL (right click).
Set Radar Mode knob to OPER.
Set the RADAR RANGE to either 40 nm with the Radar Range Cw/Increase
or Ccw/Decrease and spot target by tilting the radar antenna vertically
from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar Elevation Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
7. Steer aircraft to align the target to the horizontal center of your radar
screen. As the target reaches 20 nm (middle of radar), switch RADAR
RANGE to 20 nm and keep track of target. Repeat process when target
reaches 10 nm and switch RADAR RANGE to 10 nm.
8. Lock target spotted on your radar, by controlling the TDC (Target
Designation Caret) using the Radar TDC Button Left/Right/Up/Down and
press the ACQ (Acquisition) button to spotlight the target.
9. Radar will enter TRACKING mode, which is a chase view instead of the
initial TOP DOWN view. Fly the aircraft to put the aiming cross at the
center of the radar screen.
10. If you lose lock, you can unlock a target by using the DOGFIGHT/RESUME
CENTER-PRESS switch (R key by default).
11. When in range, LK ON light and a IN RANGE light will illuminate and a red
dot (in-range marker) will appear next to the gunsight reticle. Missile
will have a solid IR lock when the missile growls louder.
12. Press WEAPON RELEASE button (RAlt+Space) to fire missile.

Radar ACQUISITION
Button

TDC Control

Dogfight/Resume switch
10

FWD (DM MODE)

CENTER-PRESS (RESUME SEARCH)
AFT (DG MODE)

Radar Mode Selector

Radar Range Selector

44

Range Scale: 40 nm

On armament panel, set outer pylon switches UP.

Flip safety cover and set weapons arming switch to GUNS MSL &
CAMR.
3. Adjust missile volume to your convenience.
Target 20 deg
4. Select gunsight mode to MSL (right click).
left high
5. Set Radar Mode knob to OPER.
6. Set the RADAR RANGE to either 40 nm with the Radar Range
Cw/Increase or Ccw/Decrease and spot target by tilting the radar
antenna vertically from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar Elevation
7a
Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
7. Steer aircraft to align the target to the horizontal center of your
radar screen. As the target reaches 20 nm (middle of radar), switch
RADAR RANGE to 20 nm and keep track of target. Repeat process
when target reaches 10 nm and switch RADAR RANGE to 10 nm.
8. Lock target spotted on your radar, by controlling the TDC (Target
Designation Caret) using the Radar TDC Button Left/Right/Up/Down
and press the ACQ (Acquisition) button to spotlight the target.
9. Radar will enter TRACKING mode, which is a chase view instead of
the initial TOP DOWN view. Fly the aircraft to put the aiming cross at
the center of the radar screen.
10. If you lose lock, you can unlock a target by using the
DOGFIGHT/RESUME CENTER-PRESS switch (R key by default).
11. When in range, LK ON light and a IN RANGE light will illuminate and a
red dot (in-range marker) will appear next to the gunsight reticle.
Missile will have a solid IR lock when the missile growls louder.
12. Press WEAPON RELEASE button (RAlt+Space) to fire missile.

Range Scale: 20 nm

Target to your
12 oclock high

Range Scale: 10 nm

RIGHT

Target 20
deg left
Radar Antenna
Elevation Angle (5 deg)

7b

7c

Move TDC on
target and press
ACQ button
(ENTER)

Target
Target

In-Range
Marker = FIRE!

TARGET LOCKED USING

ACQ KEY = RADAR IN
TRACKING MODE

Target Aiming Cross

Target is to our high left

Target Aiming Cross

Target is to our direct 12
oclock

Aiming Reference Point

12

VERTICAL

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

1.
2.

FORWARD

AIR-TO-AIR AIM-9 MISSILE MSL MODE

45 LK ON and IN RANGE
HORIZONTAL

= Target Radar
Locked and in range

AIR-TO-AIR AIM-9 MISSILE DM MODE

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.

8.
9.
10.

11.
12.

13.

On armament panel, set outer pylon switches UP.

Flip safety cover and set weapons arming switch to GUNS MSL &
CAMR.
Adjust missile volume to your convenience.
Select gunsight mode to MSL (right click).
Set Radar Mode knob to OPER.
Set the RADAR RANGE to 10 nm with the Radar Range Cw/Increase
or Ccw/Decrease and spot target by tilting the radar antenna
vertically from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar Elevation
Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
Steer aircraft to align the target to the horizontal center of your
radar screen and climb/dive accordingly to ensure a 0 deg elevation
difference (center zero elevation zero azimuth line).
When at less than 5 nm from target, engage Dogfight Missile (DM)
by pressing DOGFIGHT/RESUME SWITCH FORWARD (5).
Radar will automatically look for the nearest target and lock it.
Once radar lock has been done automatically in radar Dogfight
Mode, radar will then enter TRACKING mode, which is a chase view
instead of the initial TOP DOWN view. Fly the aircraft to put the
aiming cross at the center of the radar screen.
If you lose lock, you can unlock a target by using the
DOGFIGHT/RESUME CENTER-PRESS switch (R key by default).
When in range, LK ON light and a IN RANGE light will illuminate and
a red dot (in-range marker) will appear next to the gunsight
reticle. Missile will have a solid IR lock when the missile growls
louder.
Press WEAPON RELEASE button (RAlt+Space) to fire missile.

Radar Elevation
Antenna Tilt Control

Dogfight/Resume switch
8

FWD (DM MODE)

CENTER-PRESS (RESUME SEARCH)
AFT (DG MODE)

Radar Mode Selector

Radar Range Selector

46

3.
4.
5.
6.

7.

8.
9.
10.

11.
12.

13.

On armament panel, set outer pylon switches UP.

Flip safety cover and set weapons arming switch to GUNS MSL &
CAMR.
Adjust missile volume to your convenience.
Select gunsight mode to MSL (right click).
Set Radar Mode knob to OPER.
Set the RADAR RANGE to 10 nm with the Radar Range Cw/Increase
or Ccw/Decrease and spot target by tilting the radar antenna
vertically from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar Elevation
Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
Steer aircraft to align the target to the horizontal center of your
radar screen and climb/dive accordingly to ensure a 0 deg elevation
difference (center zero elevation zero azimuth line).
When at less than 5 nm from target, engage Dogfight Missile (DM)
Mode by pressing DOGFIGHT/RESUME SWITCH FORWARD (5).
Radar will automatically look for the nearest target and lock it.
Once radar lock has been done automatically in radar Dogfight
Mode, radar will then enter TRACKING mode, which is a chase view
instead of the initial TOP DOWN view. Fly the aircraft to put the
aiming cross at the center of the radar screen.
If you lose lock, you can unlock a target by using the
DOGFIGHT/RESUME CENTER-PRESS switch (R key by default).
When in range, LK ON light and a IN RANGE light will illuminate and
a red dot (in-range marker) will appear next to the gunsight
reticle. Missile will have a solid IR lock when the missile growls
louder.
Press WEAPON RELEASE button (RAlt+Space) to fire missile.

RIGHT

Target 20 deg
left high

7a

Radar Antenna
Elevation Angle (10 deg)

7b
Target

In-Range
Marker = FIRE!

Target

10

TARGET AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED

RADAR IN TRACKING MODE

Target Aiming Cross

Target is to our direct 12
oclock

Target Aiming Cross

Target is to our high right

Aiming Reference Point

VERTICAL

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

1.
2.

Range Scale: 10 nm

FORWARD

AIR-TO-AIR AIM-9 MISSILE DM MODE

12

HORIZONTAL

LK ON and IN RANGE = Target

Radar Locked and in range

47

AIR-TO-AIR GUNS DG & A/A1 MODE

Radar Elevation
Antenna Tilt Control

1.

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

On armament panel, flip safety cover and set weapons arming

switch to GUNS MSL & CAMR.
2. Select gunsight mode to A/A1 GUNS (right click).
3. Set Radar Mode knob to OPER.
4. Set the RADAR RANGE to 10 nm with the Radar Range
Cw/Increase or Ccw/Decrease and spot target by tilting the
radar antenna vertically from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar
Elevation Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
5. Steer aircraft to align the target to the horizontal center of your
radar screen and climb/dive accordingly to ensure a 0 deg
elevation difference (center zero elevation zero azimuth line).
6. When at less than 1 nm from target, engage Dogfight Guns (DG)
Mode by pressing DOGFIGHT/RESUME SWITCH AFT (6).
7. Radar will automatically look for the nearest target and lock it.
8. Once radar lock has been done automatically in radar Dogfight
Mode, radar will then enter TRACKING mode. At this point, you
should have picked up the target visually and refer to your
gunsight.
9. If you lose lock, you can unlock a target by using the
DOGFIGHT/RESUME CENTER-PRESS switch (R key by default).
10. When in range, LK ON light and a IN RANGE light will illuminate
and a red dot (in-range marker) will appear next to the
gunsight reticle. Align gunsight pipper on target.
11. The F-5s guns have a 2-stage trigger; first stage deploys the
smoke deflectors and second stage fires the guns. To fire guns,
Press GUN TRIGGER SECOND DETENT button (Space) to fire
guns.

Dogfight/Resume switch
6

FWD (DM MODE)

CENTER-PRESS (RESUME SEARCH)
AFT (DG MODE)

Radar Mode Selector

Radar Range Selector

48

AIR-TO-AIR GUNS DG & A/A1 MODE

On armament panel, flip safety cover and set weapons arming
switch to GUNS MSL & CAMR.
2. Select gunsight mode to A/A1 GUNS (right click).
3. Set Radar Mode knob to OPER.
4. Set the RADAR RANGE to 10 nm with the Radar Range
Cw/Increase or Ccw/Decrease and spot target by tilting the
radar antenna vertically from -30 to +30 deg by using the Radar
Elevation Antenna Tilt Down/Up.
5. Steer aircraft to align the target to the horizontal center of your
radar screen and climb/dive accordingly to ensure a 0 deg
elevation difference (center zero elevation zero azimuth line).
6. When at less than 1 nm from target, engage Dogfight Guns (DG)
Mode by pressing DOGFIGHT/RESUME SWITCH AFT (6).
7. Radar will automatically look for the nearest target and lock it.
8. Once radar lock has been done automatically in radar Dogfight
Mode, radar will then enter TRACKING mode. At this point, you
should have picked up the target visually and refer to your
gunsight.
9. If you lose lock, you can unlock a target by using the
DOGFIGHT/RESUME CENTER-PRESS switch (R key by default).
10. When in range, LK ON light and a IN RANGE light will illuminate
and a red dot (in-range marker) will appear next to the
gunsight reticle. Align gunsight pipper on target.
11. The F-5s guns have a 2-stage trigger; first stage deploys the
smoke deflectors and second stage fires the guns. To fire guns,
Press GUN TRIGGER

Pipper on Target

DG MODE ON

DG MODE OFF

TARGET AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED

RADAR IN TRACKING MODE
Range Scale: 5nm

6a

FORWARD

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

1.

LK ON and IN RANGE = Target

Radar Locked and in range

Radar Antenna
Elevation Angle (0 deg)

Target

RIGHT

Target straight
ahead, less than
1 mile away

6b

In-Range
Marker = FIRE!

49

AIR-TO-AIR GUNS A/A1 vs A/A2 GUNSIGHT MODE

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

To use A/A2 Guns Mode, simply repeat previous procedure but on step 2) select the A/A2 Gunsight mode.
Note: You can either select A/A1 or A/2 guns mode based on the target you are engaging. For fighters like the MiG-21, I recommend A/A1 mode. For bombers or
fighter-bomber aircraft like the Su-24, I recommend the A/A2 mode.
A/A1 Guns Mode: Primarily used in short-range air-to-air combats against maneuvering targets with different angular rates.
A/A2 Guns Mode: Primarily used in short-range air-to-air combats against unaccelerated constant rate maneuvering target.

50

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

AIR-TO-GROUND ROCKETS
1. Determine target altitude using the F10 map (in our
case 0 ft). Add target elevation to your dive bombing
table altitude parameters in the table below.
2. Set gunsight depression to approx. 14 mil using the
DEPR knob for a rocket run done with a 20 deg dive
angle
3. Set gunsight mode to MANUAL
4. Power on armament pylons with the rocket pods you
want to use.
5. Select external store release (RKT/DISP)
6. For a 20 deg rocket run dive, initiate dive from 5000
ft at 350 kts.
7. Use your altimeter, speed indicator and attitude
indicator to fly with correct bombing parameters. For
a 20 deg dive, maintain airspeed at 400 kts.
8. Launch rockets at 1500 ft above ground level by
pressing the WEAPON RELEASE BUTTON
(Ralt+Space).

Rocket Table

Parameter
3

Dive Angles (degrees)

20

30

5000

6000

Dive initiation speed (kts)

350 to 370

350

Release altitude (ft AGL)

1500

2000

Release speed (kts)

400

400

Reticle Depression (mils)

14

Dive initiation altitude (ft AGL)

51 10

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

AIR-TO-GROUND ROCKETS
1. Determine target altitude using the F10 map (in our
case 0 ft). Add target elevation to your dive bombing
table altitude parameters in the table below.
2. Set gunsight depression to approx. 14 mil using the
DEPR knob for a rocket run done with a 20 deg dive
angle
3. Set gunsight mode to MANUAL
4. Power on armament pylons with the rocket pods you
want to use.
5. Select external store release (RKT/DISP)
6. For a 20 deg rocket run dive, initiate dive from 5000
ft at 350 kts.
7. Use your altimeter, speed indicator and attitude
indicator to fly with correct bombing parameters. For
a 20 deg dive, maintain airspeed at 400 kts.
8. Launch rockets at 1500 ft above ground level by
pressing the WEAPON RELEASE BUTTON
(Ralt+Space).

Target

Align target with

reticle before bomb
release

8
Keep reticle under
target as you dive
Initiate dive at
about 350 kts

Maintain dive speed

of 440-450 kts

20 deg dive

Initiate dive at 5000

ft above target

20 deg dive

Drop bombs at 1500

ft above target

52
10

AIR-TO-GROUND UNGUIDED BOMBS

MK-82, MK-83, MK-84, M-117

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

1.

Determine target altitude using the F10 map (in our case 0 ft). Add target elevation to
your dive bombing table altitude parameters in the table below.
2. Set gunsight depression to approx. 80 mil using the DEPR knob
3. Set gunsight mode to MANUAL
4. Power on armament pylons with the bombs you want to drop.
5. Arm bomb fuses (NOSE & TAIL recommended)
6. Select external store release (BOMB for single bomb release or RIPL for ripple bomb
release)
7. If RIPL selected, set desired bomb release interval
8. For a 30 deg bomb run dive, initiate dive from 6000 ft at 350 kts.
9. Use your altimeter, speed indicator and attitude indicator to fly with correct bombing
parameters. For a 30 deg dive, maintain airspeed between 440 and 450 kts.
10. Release bombs at 2000 ft above ground level by holding the WEAPON RELEASE BUTTON
(Ralt+Space).

3
2

Dive Bombing Table

Parameter
7

Dive Angles (degrees)

20

30

Dive initiation altitude (ft AGL)

5000

6000

Dive initiation speed (kts)

350

350

Release altitude (ft AGL)

1500

2000

380 to 400

440 to 450

80

53

Release speed (kts)

4

Reticle Depression (mils)

79

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

AIR-TO-GROUND UNGUIDED BOMBS

MK-82, MK-83, MK-84, M-117

Align target with

reticle before bomb
release

Target

10
Keep reticle under
target as you dive
Maintain dive speed
of 440-450 kts

Initiate dive at
about 350 kts

9
30 deg dive
30 deg dive

Initiate dive at 6000

ft above target

10

Drop bombs at 2000

ft above target

10

54

PART 9 OFFENCE
WEAPONS & ARMAMENT

HOW TO JETTISON ORDNANCE

1. Select the pylon that you want to jettison (in our case, we will
select the central one).
2. Set the SELECT JETTISON selector to SELECT POSITION
3. Press the PUSH button.

2
3

55

PART 10 DEFENCE
RWR & COUNTERMEASURES

COUNTERMEASURES INTRODUCTION
Countermeasures are very simple to use. You have two countermeasure types at your disposal: flares and chaff. We will explore together what is used against
what, and how.
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 RWS (Radar Warning System) is for: to help you know what is firing at you so you can take the adequate action to
counter it.
Flares are used against missiles that track heat (infrared or
IR) signatures. Instead of going for the heat signature
generated by your engines, a missile will go for a hotter heat
source like flares.
Chaff is a form of passive jamming. Passive (reflected)
jamming is when a deceptive object or device reflects radar
waves. Chaff is simply a bundle of small pieces of metal foil
with reflective coating, which creates clusters of radar
signatures that prevent a radar to get a solid lock on the
aircraft itself.

YOUR RADAR IS
BEING JAMMED

RWS

56

PART 10 DEFENCE
RWR & COUNTERMEASURES

RWS RADAR WARNING SYSTEM

The RWS is basically a top-down view of your aircraft. The aircraft in the upper quadrants
are to your front while the aircraft on the lower quadrants are to your rear. To power the
RWS, simply press the POWER button.
Each symbol on the RWS has three states:
Symbol without circle: someones radar is looking for you but has no lock.
Symbol with circle: someones radar has a lock on you.
Symbol with flashing circle: a radar-guided weapon has been fired and is heading
straight to you.
Note: The symbol with a diamond represents the biggest threat to you. Keep in mind that
the RWS cannot distinguish between friendly or enemy contacts or missile launches.

RWS POWER SWITCH

MIG-21 CONTACTS

F-5 CONTACTS

57

PART 10 DEFENCE
RWR & COUNTERMEASURES

CHAFF AND FLARES

To deploy chaff and flares, you have to do the following:
1. Select the CHAFF mode selector and set it to SINGLE.
2. Select the FLARE mode selector and set it to SINGLE.
3. Press the FLARE CHAFF button on your throttle (Q) to pop flares and chaff.

CHAFF

1
CHAFF COUNTER

FLARE COUNTER

2
FLARE

58

PART 11 RADIO TUTORIAL

The AN/ARC-164 UHF radio set is used for wingmen,

support flights, air traffic controllers
Frequencies between 225.000 and 399.975 MHz
To communicate:
1. Set COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA to AUTO
2. Set UHF mode to MAIN
3. Set UHF frequency mode to MANUAL
4. Set UHF frequency manually
5. Transmit using the UHF RADIO MICROPHONE
BUTTON ( RAlt+\ ).

UHF PRESET
CHANNEL SELECTOR

NOTE: while you are in the air, the nose wheel

steering button on the stick [key binding: S] can
also be used as a push-to-talk button. This is a reallife feature of the aircraft.
4

59

PART 11 RADIO TUTORIAL

UHF RADIO FREQUENCY

(seen from F10 map)

60

NAVIGATION - INTRODUCTION

This needle shows

your heading: 296

PART 12 NAVIGATION

The F-5 does not come with fancy avionics: most of your navigation has to be done
visually. In order to know your heading, you have the Magnetic Compass and the HSI
(Horizontal Situation Indicator) at your disposal.
You can track TACAN beacons. The TACAN is a Tactical Air Navigation System used by the
military. TACAN beacons can be placed on ground stations, airfields or even aircraft
themselves like tankers. A TACAN beacon will provide you line-of-sight bearing and range
to the selected TACAN station.
You can also use the UHF/ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) radio, which provides
direction-finding capability but no range unlike the TACAN.

HSI
Horizontal Situation Indicator

Magnetic Compass
Heading: 296

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PART 12 NAVIGATION

TACAN NAVIGATION TUTORIAL

SENAKI

SENAKI-KOLKHI

1. In this tutorial, we will be tracking a TACAN beacon

located on Senaki-Kolkhi Airport (freq. 31X) while
following a course of 116. We do not necessarily
have to follow a course of 116 but this exercise will
show you how to track a beacon using a given
course, which can be useful when planning
multiple legs during a flight.
2. Set TACAN Mode to Transmit/Receive (T/R).
3. Set TACAN frequency to 31X. (Scroll mousewheel
on left and right knobs to set 31 and right click on
right knob to set X).
4. Set NAVIGATION MODE to TACAN.
5. On HSI, set course to 116 using the CRS knob.
6. Fly towards the direction indicated by the small
white triangle on the HSI. Align the CDI (Course
Deviation Indicator) lines to follow course 116.

Follow
White
Triangle

TACAN Frequency

CDI Lines not aligned

= Off Course

SENAKI

Distance to TACAN
beacon (nm)
CDI Lines Aligned
= On course 116

Follow
White
Triangle

Follow
White
Triangle

CDI Lines Aligned

= On course 116

62

ADF NAVIGATION TUTORIAL

PART 12 NAVIGATION

1. Read mission briefing to determine on what UHF frequency the

beacon will transmit. In our case, the beacon is located in a truck
placed NEAR Mozdok Airport and has a frequency of 355.5 MHz.
Take note that these special beacons are usually triggers done via the
mission editor and are not NDBs (Non-Directional Beacons) available
in the map.
2. Set UHF Radio Mode to ADF
3. Set UHF Frequency Mode to MANUAL
4. Set UHF frequency to 355.5 MHz
5. Set NAVIGATION MODE to DF (Direction Finder)
6. Fly towards the direction indicated by the small white triangle on the
HSI.
DF Flag on HSI means

Follow white
triangle on HSI

3
2

you are tracking an

ADF beacon
5

6
MOZDOK

Follow white
triangle on HSI

6
MOZDOK

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PART 13 AIR COMBAT TIPS

Since you will most likely be facing the MiG-21 in combat, here are a couple of tips.
The MiG-21 is all about energy and acceleration using hit and run tactics, while the F-5 has
excellent agility that makes it surprisingly dangerous in the turning fight.
The main advantage of the F-5 is that it can detect the MiG-21 more easily with its radar.
This allows you to plan your ambushes carefully. The MiG-21 is a superb climber, so dont
try to follow it in a climb. The F-5s roll rate can be very useful in scissor fights: use this to
your advantage.
Here is a very instructive video by WAT on the art of fighting in the MiG-21, which shows
the strengths and weaknesses of the F-5 as well..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ibrvzon1ByA

MiG-21
Faster Acceleration
Great energy fighter
Faster but has a 1300 KIAS Speed limit before
compressor stall occurs
Radar Guided missiles and Rear Aspect R-60 Fox-2's
(Infrared-guided missiles)
Less Situation Awareness since radar is a little more
primitive than the F-5Es
More important workload
Has IFF (Can identify Friend or Fore with the Radar)
Smaller Roll Rate than the F-5

F-5E
Simpler to use and operate
Better Canopy view for Situation Awareness
All-aspect Aim-9P5 Fox 2's (Infrared-guided
missiles)
No Radar-guided Missiles
Has a slightly better turn rate than the MiG-21
Better Radar than the MiG-21, but cannot identify
friend from foe (no IFF)
Can carry a lot of Air-to-Ground ordnance
More MiG-21 videos by Hadwell, one of the best
MiG pilots in multiplayer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXO-CdKUlRk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPh24YChcQw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0fHJUzb2E8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gH5cR7-x_Y
64

PART 14 OTHER RESOURCES

RESOURCES
Belsimteks F-5E3 Manual
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-uSpZROuEd3OEQtanFyQW01dE0
Full flight manual of the F-5E
http://www.476vfightergroup.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=445
476th Virtual Fighter Group Database
http://www.476vfightergroup.com/downloads.php
F-5E Weapon Delivery Manual from the 476th Virtual Fighter Group
http://www.476vfightergroup.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=446

476th Virtual Fighter Group Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/476vFG/videos
Bunyap Sims Test Flight Series F-5E Tiger II
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoiMNu5jyFzTWpTVFFz9wls4woqHzRloY
WinchesterDeltas F-5E Tiger II Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_AOkCka1dg
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvDfs6s4tbA
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