JTAC and UTM Coordinates

[Bones]

So the question of which UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) zone designator to use when inputting JTAC target coordinates into the CDU has been popping up in MP.

Here is the answer: 1:500,000 Scale Map For DCS & LockOn Titles

If you look at 42 Longitude and follow it up and down you will see the break in the UTM designation. Anything West of the 42nd Long is designated as UTM 37T and anything East of the 42nd Long is UTM 38T. So make sure you know which part of the map your targets fall on so that you can input the correct UTM designator in the CDU.

Also here is a quick hint that you can use to guide you:
Any grid coordinate that you get from JTAC starting with A* - G* (example GG345832) is in the UTM 37T grid. If you get K* (example KM874288) it's in the UTM 38T grid.

OK, just to recap the JTAC procdure (Thanks to WarriorX at SimHQ):

JTAC will give you a UTM or Lat/Long coordinate during the 9 line, and if you have your SADL net settings correct, you will also get a data linked target identifier in your TAD (a red triangle).
The following is based on JTAC giving you a UTM coordinate.

Use a mission data card to get all the info on the UTM coordinate and the specific weapon, direction of attack, direction of egress and weapon requested.

To make the UTM coordinate provided by JTAC into a waypoint do the following:

Find a safe area to do a wide orbit. Set your autopilot to ALT and then make a left or right banking level turn and hold it. Then engage the autopilot and ensure it is holding the turn and you have no elevation conflicts around you.

The UTM coordinates will be in the form of 2 letters and 6 numbers.

Make sure your STEER PT switch on your AAP Panel is set to FLT PLAN.

Set your right MFCD to the CDU repeater function.

*NOTE: If your CDU is not on the WAYPOINT PAGE, then hit the WP key on the CDU, or FUNC 3 on the UFC. This will bring up the page where you can choose to select WAYPOINT by hitting OSB 7. You should now be on the WAYPOINT PAGE and ready to continue.

Hit OSB 10 to switch from the default L/L (Lat/Long) to UTM.

Hit OSB 9 to select the number presented next to the question mark as your new target waypoint.

Using the CDU or the UFC, enter the 2 letters, and 6 numbers without spaces in the scratchpad.

Hit OSB 16 to enter the UTM coordinate in to the computer.

Verify the number entered is correct.

Using the CDU or UFC keypad give your new waypoint a unique name eg: TGT A and hit OSB 7 to change the name.

Now turn your STEER PT dial on the AAP from FLT PLAN to MISSION.

Use the UFC STEER rocker or with the HUD as SOI, DMS UP to cycle thru the waypoints until you see the unique name you created for this target.

Find your target waypoint symbol on the TAD and then use the steering cue's on the HUD to prosecute your attack.

You can also download the PDF of the JTAC procedures HERE

[Guest Chaz]

I've spent this last week focusing on JTAC, UTM, and CDU offset entries. (And I'm sure I still haven't learned all of it.) But wow, it's like a whole new sim. Bones' post is all you really need for basic JTAC/CDU ops. There is another tutorial for CDU offset procedures which allows you to create a waypoint from a bullseye callout from either your wingman or AWACS.

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OT, I installed TARS but haven't had a chance to actually try it with someone. For those wondering what TARS for DCS is, check it out: http://www.excessiveheadspace.com/tars/

In a nutshell, it's a plugin for Teamspeak that allows(requires) you to dial in the correct comms frequency and talk with the appropriate party. (Similar to ACRE for ARMA 2.)

[Asp]

Finally,
A step by step JTAC use procedure that is complete, understandable, and best of all - working for me.

Thanx for this.

Asp