I’ve been away for the last couple of weeks, but was keen to get back into the hot seat with an update.

The Rev 1.3 RWR was welcomed by many, but was basic, rather like the RWR of 2nd-generation soviet era aircraft. You had basic 4 direction indications of a RADAR source.

People have wanted a better RWR for a while, so now with the advent of the EW pod I think it is time!

I chose to model the updated RWR on the F-16 DCS RWR you can see a good GR video explaining the DCS version here:

I’ve updated the Rev 1.5 RWR to work in the same sort of way, but with more basic symbology (and sadly no tones)

• A – AWACS RADAR
• s – Surface RADAR
  • Swordfish
  • Carrier
  • Golfball Radar
• c – CIWS fire control RADAR

Outer ring – Detected RADAR sources

Inner ring – Highest threat sources

Diamonds – RADAR is tracking, possibly about to fire

In the still above, there are 6 “S” (surface) RADARs. One is “higher threat” so is close to the middle of the RWR scope. This one also has a diamond, indicating that it is locked and tracking us and may be about to fire.

Another example here.

• 3 low threat “S” surface
• 2 high threat “C” CIWS
• 2 locked “C” CIWS
• 2 locked “S” surface

CIWS fire control RADARs only show up when you are quite close, don’t rely on this to find CIWS guns, but it might help you get away from them.

Different RADARs will show earlier or later depending on their strength. AWACS, Carrier and Golfball RADARs are the most powerful, you will detect them earliest but the RWR can’t tell you about distance, only power/threat. The RADARs fitted to CIWS units are short range and lower power so will be detected much later.

All in all, RWR now gives clearer direction indications and can tell you when you are within range of a fire-control RADAR (CIWS, CRR or SWD)

Display can get cluttered when there are several RADAR sources in the same direction. (I may address this at a later date)