MH-60R and MH-60S seem unable to use the AGM-114 Hellfire. When they are close enough to fire, and I try to use the Hellfires, they say "Cannot illuminate target." This seems to happen no matter what I do, so I don't think it's simply that I'm coming in from the wrong direction or anything like that (I'm not sure that would matter with a helicopter anyway).

 

The MH-60R does not seem to have trouble firing the AGM-119 Penguin and the MQ-8 Fire Scout IS able to fire its Hellfires at exactly the same target.

 

I figured I better report this so Gunny can figure it out. I'd recommend checking other platforms that use the Hellfire, too, as some of them may have the same problem.

 

On a related note, I have had a similar problem with Mavericks (AGM-65s), not just occasionally not seeing a target (the RIM-66s do this sometimes, but then they will finally see the target and fire) but NEVER seeing the target and NEVER firing, so I would check those as well. Something is causing these weapons to not "see" their targets and not fire, and I do not think it is anything the target is doing, which suggests it may be a database error or some other bug.

 

Thanks.

 

Mark

Mark, thanks for the report, I'll check this one as well. As for Mavericks, since there are plenty of versions with different sensors, can you tell which version(s) is (are) involved?

 

FG

Quick message: this was a launching platform issue, missing the Laser designator as a sensor. Corrected for all MH-60 series.

 

FG

Quick message: this was a launching platform issue, missing the Laser designator as a sensor. Corrected for all MH-60 series.

 

FG

 

Yes, I had a feeling it was something like that. When the weapon says "not illuminated," that sounds like you need to hit the target with some kind of laser/radar/etc.

 

To be honest, I have had terrible trouble with ALL of the Mavericks, although I'm not sure if this is an error or if I'm just not using them right. I'll do a few tests and see what I can find out, but the message is usually something like "Cannot acquire target" or "Target not illuminated" or something like that. I wonder if it a sensor issue on some of the aircraft, etc. using the Mavericks rather than the Mavericks themselves. Just like with the Hellfires.

 

Isn't this fun? Aren't you glad you volunteered to do this?