FRS · airframe

F/A-18C

Hornet fundamentals for members looking for exposure to carrier-based multi-role Strike Fighter action.

Active Cycles 9 week cycle

FRSAirframe Active Cycles 9 week cycle

Overview

The VWA Hornet Program is designed to introduce new Flight Sim/DCS players to all the core aspects of utilizing the Hornet in its many roles and carrier-based operations.

Requirements

DCS F/A-18C, SRS, and a HOTAS/Controller. Eye/Head/VR tracking highly encouraged. Supercarrier strongly encouraged, but wait for sales.

Catch-up

Members joining after the meet-and-greet can use catch-up notes and schedule support through the branch instructor channels in Discord. Note that new students are typically not admitted after week 3 and typically join the following cycle.

One-on-one

Limited one-on-one review is available when students need help closing a specific catch-up topic.

Weekly Outline

Each week builds on the last, layering in procedure, communications, and practical application of the Hornet's systems

Week 1

Cockpit familiarization, cold start, airfield operations, navigation, and radio operations
Week 2

Airfield pattern arrival procedures, basic situational awareness, and unguided rockets/guns
Week 3

Formation Flying, Aerial Refueling Procedures, Overhead Break Landings, and CCIP Dumb Bombs
Week 4

Case 1 Carrier Launch, ATFLIR Targeting Pod, Laser Guided Bombs and Mavericks
Week 5

Case 1 Carrier Recovery Procedures and Anti-Ship Harpoons
Week 6

GPS Guided Munitions, HARMS in TOO (SEAD), and Basic Missile Evasion
Week 7

Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) a.k.a. Dogfighting
Week 8

Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Fox-3 Employment, intermediate situational awareness, and A2A Radar
Week 9

Graduation Hop