510 vFS Public Overview

[ExNusquam]

Welcome! This thread is here to give an overview of how we operate the Hornet in the 510th vFS. It will highlight our primary documents and contents, so that prospective recruits have an idea of what to expect (and maybe make things clear for our members as well!)

Training

F/A-18C Training Syllabus

The training syllabus is broken into 4 distinct parts - Initial Qualification Training (IQT), Mission Qualification Training (MQT) A/A and A/G, and Continuation Training (CT). Only IQT and MQT are required.

Initial Qualification Training (IQT):
The F/A-18C IQT course provides the basics for operating the DCS: F/A-18C in a non-tactical environment. Training pilots who graduate F/A-18C IQT possess the knowledge and skills to safely start, takeoff, navigate, fly as a wingman in 2-ship formations, and land the aircraft during both day and night, and in poor weather conditions. Upon graduation from Hornet IQT, students will progress to Hornet Mission Qualification Training (MQT) where they will further train to employ the Hornet in a tactical environment. At the end of IQT, the student is BMC and able to fly combat missions.

• INTRO - Intro Brief and Systems Check
• FAM - Area Familiarization
• NTTR Indoctrination/Academics
• IQT-1 Day VFR Navigation and Flight Performance
• IQT-2 Visual Element Procedures and Basic Formation
• IQT-3 Instrument Procedures and Navigation
• IQT-4 Aircraft Handling Characteristics and IFEs
• IQT-5 Night
• Checkride

Mission Qualification Training (MQT):
The F/A-18C MQT course provides the basics for operating the DCS: F/A-18C in a tactical environment. Training pilots who graduate F/A-18C MQT possess the knowledge and skills to safely employ the aircraft and its weapons in a combat environment, fly as a wingman in a two-ship or four-ship tactical formation and avoid or react to ground and air threats. The MQT course is split into 2 phases; Phase 1 covers Air-to-Air (A/A) and Phase 2 covers Air-to-Ground (A/G). At the end of MQT, the student is fully CMR.

Phase 1:

• MQT-1 Mutual Support, Tactical Formations and Turns
• MQT-2 Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) Fundamentals
• MQT-3 HABFM Introduction
• MQT-4 HABFM Consolidation
• MQT-5 Defensive Air Combat Maneuvering
• MQT-6 Intercept Fundamentals
• MQT-7 Intercept Consolidation
• MQT-8 Element Counterair Employment
• A/A Checkride

Phase 2:

• MQT-9 Free Fall Munitions Fundamentals
• MQT-10 Forward Firing Munitions Fundamentals
• MQT-11 Free Fall Munitions Employment
• MQT-12 Air-to-Surface EO Sensor Employment
• MQT-13 Precision Guided Munition Employment
• MQT-14 AGM-65 Maverick Missile Employment
• MQT-15 Low-Altitude Operation
• MQT-16 Threat Avoidance, Evasion, and Suppression
• A/G Checkride

Continuation Training:
CT is not mandatory training, but is highly encouraged so pilots maintain proficiency on previously trained items and become more skilled in the unit’s assigned missions. Pilots participating in CT are expected to have a strong understanding of the topics as outlined in the training program. CT is broken up into different programs, each focusing on specific topics. Each program has specific pre-requisites, academics, sorties and graduation requirements. Some example programs are listed below:

Carrier Qualification:

• CQ-A Carrier Qualification Academics
• CQ-1 Day Carrier Qualification
• CQ-2 Night Carrier Qualification

Countersea Operations:

• SUW-1 War-At-Sea/Stand-In
• SUW-2 War-At-Sea/AGM-84D

Flight Lead Upgrade (FLUG):

• FLUG-1 Lead 1v1 BFM
• FLUG-2 Lead 2v1 ACM
• FLUG-3 Lead 4(2)vX DCA/OCA
• FLUG-4 Lead Low-Altitude/Basic Surface Attack
• FLUG-5 Lead Complex Surface Attack

476th vFG Tactics Techniques Procedures

476TTP 3-3.F/A-18C COMBAT AIRCRAFT FUNDAMENTALS

This publication provides DCS F/A-18C pilots a comprehensive document containing fundamental employment procedures and techniques that may be used to accomplish the mission of the F/A-18C. This handbook is the primary F/A-18C combat aircraft fundamentals reference for the 476th Virtual Fighter Group, 510th Virtual Fighter Squadron, 65th Virtual Aggressor Squadron, and 74th Virtual Training Squadron. [175 pages]

Chapters:

1. Introduction
2. Preparation
3. Transition
4. Air-to-Air
5. Air-to-Surface
6. Air Refueling
7. Low Altitude Operations
8. Night Operations
9. Proficiency Exercises
10. Carrier Operations

476TTP 3-1.F/A-18C TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT

This publication provides DCS F/A-18C pilots a comprehensive document containing detailed employment procedures and techniques that may be used to accomplish the missions of the F/A-18C. This publication provides detailed solutions to tactical problems that may be encountered by the F/A-18C. Pilots should use these solutions as a baseline for how they plan on solving problems for their specific mission. This handbook is the primary F/A-18C employment reference for the 476th Virtual Fighter Group, 510th Virtual Fighter Squadron, 65th Virtual Aggressor Squadron, and 74th Virtual Training Squadron. [174 Pages]

Chapters:

1. Introduction
2. Air-to-Air Introduction
3. Air-to-Air Mission Planning
4. Counterair Fundamentals
5. Targeting and Sorting
6. Counterair Employment
7. Transition to WVR
8. Non-Standard Counterair
9. Air-to-Surface Mission Planning
10. Unguided Munitions
11. Precision Guided Munitions
12. Standoff Weapons
13. Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses
14. Countersea Operations

[ExNusquam]

Recruiting

The recruitment process entails submitting and application on our website here so that we can learn a little bit about you, gauge your interest and experience, and develop a baseline on potential candidates. Don’t forget to write a short introduction on our public board and join the discord. The next step is an informal discord interview. Here, we aim to evaluate whether what we have to offer would be a good fit for a candidates interests and whether a candidate would be a good fit for us. Additionally, we hope to address any concerns, and ensure expectations are understood by all parties. The last element of the recruiting process is an entry checkride. This checkride helps us to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for technical flying, and competency for basic formation flight. The key components of this checkride include an IMC/IFR departure and recovery in addition to an aerial rendezvous and aerial refueling on a KC135. These tasks can be practiced in single player and provide us with a good baseline for a candidate’s proficiency. The standards for this event are outlined below.





A general expectation is that if you can comfortably continue a casual conversation while shooting a TACAN approach, you’re probably well prepared. We consider this skill set – being able to do instrument flying with some spare brain-power a good proxy for how well you’ll perform at the more advanced training.

We look forward to you applying with us!