I'm happy to see the Scooter getting some love. I was in one of the last active (non-reserve) Navy squadrons to fly them. A few interesting bits that some folks may not know: The leading edge slats are not powered. They ride on curved tracks with roller bearings and will always extend due to gravity when the aircraft is stopped on the ground. When in forward flight, the air pressing on the leading edge will push them back into the wing. When in flight and the angle of attack is great enough, they roll forward and downward again due to aerodynamic pressure from underneath. Pilots have said that they can deploy unevenly sometimes (not exactly at the same time), which takes some getting used to. Also, you can feel the bump through the airframe when they reach the end of travel, either out or in which, in a dogfight situation will happen often. I'm pretty sure that the Blue Angels A-4s had the slats locked in the retracted position. I don't know if any other use case scenarios warranted this. The refueling probe is in front of the right intake. If there is a malfunction during refueling that sprays raw fuel into the intake, it can snuff the engine. We lost one of ours that way. I've seen the strait probes and I've seen those with a "z" bend in them which places the nozzle farther to the right. I imagine that the bent version was to combat the snuffing issue, but I don't know for certain. Lastly, the nose gear strut is nitrogen-charged and very springy. When taxiing, if you bump the brakes, the nose easily dives and springs back up. The strut with gear down is longer than with gear up. There is a rod which is connected near the wheel to a point inside the wheel well behind the strut. The geometry of its placement is such that when the gear swings forward to retract, that rod compresses the strut so that it fits into the wheel well. The fuselage separates at roughly the center of the wing to facilitate engine removal. In photos, look at the point where the dorsal of the vertical stabilizer begins and you might see the joint. The two halves are held together with a ring large bolts spaced strategically around the circumference of that joint. There is a service cart which accepts the aft section so that it can be rolled away from the rest of the plane. Most of the engine is exposed at that point, but can still be started and run. Google "A-4 Skyhawk Engine Removal" and browse images until you see this. Cheers.
The A-4 is a winner pronto. As a veteran A4 scooter pilot, I can tell you your assessment is on point. The cockpit gives you way more visibility than you might say because in VR my right eye looks "behind" what my left can't see, so I have no problem with the bars blocking my LOS. The Shrikes are broken since November (ED fault) still waiting for phantom release so we get the new shrikes that work on the A4. The A-4 is my favourite, anyone who agrees should check out TeTeTe CV-31's mod, excellent modern essex carrier
for the shrikes to work you have to aim as low as possible because they are technically installed upside down now(not on purpose lol)hope this helps because i was facing the same issue but now it works fine
I actually really enjoy this type of content - comparing strengths and weaknesses of planes, because it's what I spend most of my DCS time thinking about and trying to figure out. It's a good way to have a new appreciation for an aircraft. So I'd say please do make more videos like this!
Great video, the examples made it very clear. I'd like to see a few of the common pitfalls of the A4. Like.. What does every new A4 pilot do wrong? [EDIT] Maybe a series, A4 vs insert-cold-war-airframe-here.
I started really flying the a4 again sort of as "my plane while I waited for the F4 release" but in the process have really come to love the jet itself and read a few books on it that all really make me want to learn more about it
I like your audio commentary. The ones I've seen in the past have been text on the screen. Maybe you've been doing the audio commentary for a while, I don't know. I usually don't watch your videos because I listen while I'm working, so text doesn't work for me.
you are absolutely right, hopped on ECW right after watching this video, stumbled a bit at first remembering all of the controls, then did a perfect barracks run with three bombs (too bad it was blue lmao) and killed 3 aircraft all in one sortie thank you very much for reminding me how much fun it is
Great video ! I would love to see more versus videos comparing planes and helicopters on Enigma server. I have learned F5E, MiG 15,19,21, Mirage F1, Gazelle and Hind. On Syria map I take MiG 21 for its radar and IFF and MIG 15 on Caucasus. What a pity Mirage F1 does not have IFF. I don’t like to be on a headset with GCI. I talk all day at work. Hunting Hinds with Gazelle and the other way around is a lot of fun. PS I have also learned F16 for Growling Sidewinder, but that fox 3 spam got old pretty quickly. Mirage M2000C for Tempest Blue Flash and it’s too bad that server is pretty much dead now
Yes, i likes this style of videos. Lots to learn from and its packed with usefull info. Hoping you do one with F-14, that plane scares me. I am NOT comfortable flying it on any server really.
I'm not sure if you make tutorials, but I would love to see one on A-4 navigation, especially on ECW. I can't firgure out the NAV computer other than if the waypoints are preloaded 😅.
From memory when I actually tried to figure it out, the A-4's sustained rate isn't actually that good, in fact it was pretty poor - maybe that was me coming in with too much fuel, not sure. In any case the thing that makes them hard to deal with is how quickly they change direction rather than sustained turns. They are a fucking *nightmare* in the Su-25 or MiG-15 because neither of those jets can roll to save their life, especially outside of a very narrow speed range, while the A-4 rolls so quickly it's a legit hazard to its pilot. Even in the 21 it's difficult to get guns on it. They're definitely some of the most frustrating things I've had to deal with no matter what jet I'm in, and the tiny size makes them quite hard to see as well.
I really like the a4 but what putts me off is that it's very difficult to be precise with the drops or rockets like zunis. What I mean is the fact that the plane doesn't roll on the crosshairs but above it and when diving it's highly difficult to correct it to get the accuracy for the computer. @Joemate Any advice you could give in that regard?
It’s all in the line up, give you self time by climbing to more than 10k and then dropping down at a steep angle. There’s also a special setting to reduce the roll rate to make it less twitchy.
I would really like it if ED picks up the F-4 and includes it as a free Full Fidelity module included with DCS. It has the ability for Naval air ops including carrier stuff, and it's simple enough for most beginners to pick up rather quickly, on top of that; it's a blast to fly.
F-4? You mean the A-4 right? Since A-4 is a very much a community effort i think the major hurdle is licensing and stuff, DCS is a commercial product after all. However, they did acknowledge it in their 202X and beyond videos.
What I am also thinking, I can’t find any historical documents on its sustained turning capability. But as of right now it currently holds better rate performance than both the F-5 and the mig-21 ingame.
Why you say the A-4 will be irrelevant when the F4 comes out? These 2 are totally different aircraft and both will have their point in Enigma's (and other cold war scenarios)
@@Joemate23 still very different, the F4 is a heavy beast and will be a sitting duck when low and slow, you'll also have to see how the workload is when flying it alone, might not be everyone's cup of tea. Mig21 and Mig19 are also both fighters and still people are flying Mig19 because of it's unique features. Same will happen with Mig17.
I'm happy to see the Scooter getting some love. I was in one of the last active (non-reserve) Navy squadrons to fly them. A few interesting bits that some folks may not know:
The leading edge slats are not powered. They ride on curved tracks with roller bearings and will always extend due to gravity when the aircraft is stopped on the ground. When in forward flight, the air pressing on the leading edge will push them back into the wing. When in flight and the angle of attack is great enough, they roll forward and downward again due to aerodynamic pressure from underneath. Pilots have said that they can deploy unevenly sometimes (not exactly at the same time), which takes some getting used to. Also, you can feel the bump through the airframe when they reach the end of travel, either out or in which, in a dogfight situation will happen often. I'm pretty sure that the Blue Angels A-4s had the slats locked in the retracted position. I don't know if any other use case scenarios warranted this.
The refueling probe is in front of the right intake. If there is a malfunction during refueling that sprays raw fuel into the intake, it can snuff the engine. We lost one of ours that way. I've seen the strait probes and I've seen those with a "z" bend in them which places the nozzle farther to the right. I imagine that the bent version was to combat the snuffing issue, but I don't know for certain.
Lastly, the nose gear strut is nitrogen-charged and very springy. When taxiing, if you bump the brakes, the nose easily dives and springs back up. The strut with gear down is longer than with gear up. There is a rod which is connected near the wheel to a point inside the wheel well behind the strut. The geometry of its placement is such that when the gear swings forward to retract, that rod compresses the strut so that it fits into the wheel well.
The fuselage separates at roughly the center of the wing to facilitate engine removal. In photos, look at the point where the dorsal of the vertical stabilizer begins and you might see the joint. The two halves are held together with a ring large bolts spaced strategically around the circumference of that joint. There is a service cart which accepts the aft section so that it can be rolled away from the rest of the plane. Most of the engine is exposed at that point, but can still be started and run. Google "A-4 Skyhawk Engine Removal" and browse images until you see this.
Cheers.
Man, that merge with the F1 @ 5:45 A good dogfight is like a chess match. It was very picturesque in this particular clip.
The A-4 is a winner pronto.
As a veteran A4 scooter pilot, I can tell you your assessment is on point.
The cockpit gives you way more visibility than you might say because in VR my right eye looks "behind" what my left can't see, so I have no problem with the bars blocking my LOS.
The Shrikes are broken since November (ED fault) still waiting for phantom release so we get the new shrikes that work on the A4.
The A-4 is my favourite, anyone who agrees should check out TeTeTe CV-31's mod, excellent modern essex carrier
Veteran as in DCS or IRL?
for the shrikes to work you have to aim as low as possible because they are technically installed upside down now(not on purpose lol)hope this helps because i was facing the same issue but now it works fine
I actually really enjoy this type of content - comparing strengths and weaknesses of planes, because it's what I spend most of my DCS time thinking about and trying to figure out. It's a good way to have a new appreciation for an aircraft. So I'd say please do make more videos like this!
Very cool vid, like the way you explain the pros and CONS with background examples!!
I like this format where you share your thoughts on aircraft - your thoughts and examples are very clear.
Great video, the examples made it very clear. I'd like to see a few of the common pitfalls of the A4. Like.. What does every new A4 pilot do wrong? [EDIT] Maybe a series, A4 vs insert-cold-war-airframe-here.
I started really flying the a4 again sort of as "my plane while I waited for the F4 release" but in the process have really come to love the jet itself and read a few books on it that all really make me want to learn more about it
Cool video, I liked that fight against the Mig15, interesting seeing one type against a variety of planes like this :)
I like your audio commentary. The ones I've seen in the past have been text on the screen. Maybe you've been doing the audio commentary for a while, I don't know. I usually don't watch your videos because I listen while I'm working, so text doesn't work for me.
Only done one other like that but I took it down as it was out dated information, glad you liked it!
A-4E hybrid sorties are really great.
Drop some bombs and get into some fights.
Nice vid, the longer clips of fights and commentary adds a lot.
That was cool, it’s good to hear about how the jet does in a specific environment like ECW!
Made me want to get back in the A4 again. Been on a modern kick lately but I’ve recently had an itch for Cold War jets. Great video!
you are absolutely right, hopped on ECW right after watching this video, stumbled a bit at first remembering all of the controls, then did a perfect barracks run with three bombs (too bad it was blue lmao) and killed 3 aircraft all in one sortie
thank you very much for reminding me how much fun it is
Great video ! I would love to see more versus videos comparing planes and helicopters on Enigma server. I have learned F5E, MiG 15,19,21, Mirage F1, Gazelle and Hind. On Syria map I take MiG 21 for its radar and IFF and MIG 15 on Caucasus. What a pity Mirage F1 does not have IFF. I don’t like to be on a headset with GCI. I talk all day at work. Hunting Hinds with Gazelle and the other way around is a lot of fun.
PS I have also learned F16 for Growling Sidewinder, but that fox 3 spam got old pretty quickly. Mirage M2000C for Tempest Blue Flash and it’s too bad that server is pretty much dead now
Love this video. Great to learn the strengths of aircraft off better pilots than I
Yes, i likes this style of videos. Lots to learn from and its packed with usefull info.
Hoping you do one with F-14, that plane scares me. I am NOT comfortable flying it on any server really.
It would be my pleasure doing it on my favourite jet in the game!
@@Joemate23
Looking foward to it o7
But once you learn it, you can see why it's so loved. super fun to fly in my opinion 😎
Excellent video, like this style. I’d definitely like to see more like this.
I'm not sure if you make tutorials, but I would love to see one on A-4 navigation, especially on ECW. I can't firgure out the NAV computer other than if the waypoints are preloaded 😅.
Great gunner skills there!
Joemate getting a fun experience on ECW when all i get is bombed on ECW
Yes. Enjoyed this format....
love the commentary very funny you should do that more
ALWAYS loved the 0A-4. underrated.
From memory when I actually tried to figure it out, the A-4's sustained rate isn't actually that good, in fact it was pretty poor - maybe that was me coming in with too much fuel, not sure. In any case the thing that makes them hard to deal with is how quickly they change direction rather than sustained turns. They are a fucking *nightmare* in the Su-25 or MiG-15 because neither of those jets can roll to save their life, especially outside of a very narrow speed range, while the A-4 rolls so quickly it's a legit hazard to its pilot. Even in the 21 it's difficult to get guns on it. They're definitely some of the most frustrating things I've had to deal with no matter what jet I'm in, and the tiny size makes them quite hard to see as well.
While I have shot doen Mig21`s on Enigma with the A4, it wasn`t easy really. The A4 is needs a more powerful engine to really compete with them.
Yeah if they run or spiral you, if they commit on the deck they are done.
Interesting video! Do you have any relevant guides on how to learn to fly the A-4?
I dont but there is another channel, "DCS Sport" very well made guides on how it all works
Informative! More so for me on the perspective of coming up against an A-4, as you know I hate flying it 🤣.
I will convert you.
just setup some curves
@@linecraftman3907 I did and I still hate it 🤣
The A-4E mod is hands down the best mod for DCS.
I wish I'd seen this before buying the F-5E...
Could you do a video comparing the A-4 and the F-5 on the Enigma server? That would be awesome 🤙
I really like the a4 but what putts me off is that it's very difficult to be precise with the drops or rockets like zunis. What I mean is the fact that the plane doesn't roll on the crosshairs but above it and when diving it's highly difficult to correct it to get the accuracy for the computer. @Joemate Any advice you could give in that regard?
It’s all in the line up, give you self time by climbing to more than 10k and then dropping down at a steep angle. There’s also a special setting to reduce the roll rate to make it less twitchy.
awesome stuff
I would really like it if ED picks up the F-4 and includes it as a free Full Fidelity module included with DCS. It has the ability for Naval air ops including carrier stuff, and it's simple enough for most beginners to pick up rather quickly, on top of that; it's a blast to fly.
F-4? You mean the A-4 right? Since A-4 is a very much a community effort i think the major hurdle is licensing and stuff, DCS is a commercial product after all. However, they did acknowledge it in their 202X and beyond videos.
@@linecraftman3907 Yeah, I didn't realize i did that, lol! Must be a Freudian slip, ha,ha!
@@rwhunt99 ngl i would love an f4 module from ed come with the game :D
@@linecraftman3907 Lol; so would I, I think it was a Freudian slip, but I know it will never happen.
Great content, thanks!
Well it was used in the Top Gun program for a reason :), Scooter bros all the way
I'm unfamiliar with the a4, is it supposed to have this good flight characteristics?
What I am also thinking, I can’t find any historical documents on its sustained turning capability. But as of right now it currently holds better rate performance than both the F-5 and the mig-21 ingame.
The A4 has alien physics lol
@@Joemate23 The project had Argentinian air force pilot as an subject matter expert and he thinks its well done.
Yes.
Interesting perspective. A-4 is a very capable plane, my favorite of that era. 😀
are there good PVE cold war servers?
More please:)
More!
f4 someday... yeah the video is great
Why you say the A-4 will be irrelevant when the F4 comes out? These 2 are totally different aircraft and both will have their point in Enigma's (and other cold war scenarios)
In terms of capability
@@Joemate23 still very different, the F4 is a heavy beast and will be a sitting duck when low and slow, you'll also have to see how the workload is when flying it alone, might not be everyone's cup of tea. Mig21 and Mig19 are also both fighters and still people are flying Mig19 because of it's unique features. Same will happen with Mig17.
@@Manu_Air228 I see your point but as an F-14 main, I will probs prefer the phantom
the Phantom is my most anticipated aircraft since I fly DCS, so I can totally get that :)@@Joemate23
Scooter is based
the a4 is nibble cause it doesnt have a proper flight model
This thing looks so slow. #ViggenGang