Main Options Screen
From the Main Options Screen, you can select Novice or Ace difficulty settings, enter a password to return to a specific mission, or practice landing. To select an option, press the Control Pad Up or Down to highlight the desired option, then press the A Button.
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New Game: Select to play Super Hornet F/A-18F.
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Enter Password: Displays the Password Entry Screen.
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Game Options: Displays the Game Options Screen.
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Practice Landing: Practice carrier landings to hone your skills before attempting an actual mission.
Game Options Screen
You can adjust music and sound effects volume using the sliders on this screen. To customize controller configuration, highlight the Controls Option and use the Control Pad Left or Right to change aircraft response. To change difficulty, highlight the Difficulty Option and press Left or Right to switch between Novice and Ace Modes.
Difficulty Settings Comparison
| Mode | Take Off/Landing | Tomahawk Missiles | Missile Supply | Gun Ammunition | Hits To Destroy | Rate of Fuel Consumption | ECM |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Novice | Automatic | Automatic | Generous | Unlimited | 5 | Slow | Automatic |
| Ace | Manual | Manual | Normal | Limited | 3 | Fast | Manual |
Navigational Computer
The system helps locate an enemy or Way Point on the AWACS Grid by displaying an arrow-shaped indicator on the HUD. If the indicator appears on the right, bank right; if on the left, bank left. When flying toward the target, the indicator centers to track its position. When flying directly toward the Way Point beacon, the indicators disappear, confirming your heading is correct for interception.
AWACS Operational Radar Grid
The Super Hornet's radar integrates with weapon and threat evaluation systems, providing instant access to information on bogeys via a two-way data link to AWACS aircraft. This grid provides a long-range satellite view to help you maneuver toward targets.
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Targeting Signatures: Press the A Button repeatedly to target any contact. The signature appears at the bottom of the Grid. If the contact is off-screen, a moving icon indicates its direction.
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Way Points: These are points on the Grid from which you can fire an AGM-86B Cruise Missile. Use the Navigational Computer to hone in on Way Point radar signatures.
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Maneuvering: Press Control Pad Left or Right to bank. Press and hold B while pressing Control Pad Up or Down to vary flight speed.
Mission Status
Press either L or R Buttons on the AWACS Grid to review mission orders, objectives, current password, and available lives. Objectives are identified by specific signatures on the Grid.
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Experimental Enemy Radar Plane
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X-35 Joint Strike Fighter
Pilot's Advisory
Some missions require seeking out and destroying enemy objectives. Use the M61A1 Vulcan 20mm Cannon to neutralize offensive weapons after approaching these classified targets similar to carrier approaches.
Combat
Targeting enemies on the AWACS Grid displays signature, location, altitude, and heading data. Guide the F-18 close enough to begin tactical operations, then select a weapons system and maneuver until the HUD locks onto the enemy. A steady tone during missile usage signifies a lock and readiness for launch. Threat System Display
This display provides vital flight information on targeted bogeys, including altitude, compass heading, and range. It also identifies the bogey's radar signature using the Interferometer. To access this display, press B and Left on the Control Pad simultaneously.
Electronic Countermeasures Display (ECMs)
When an enemy fires at your aircraft, the CCD displays the ECM screen with a warning tone. A blip on the display represents the incoming missile and its distance relative to your aircraft. As the missile gains on you, the blip moves closer to the plane icon. Contact with the icon indicates sustained damage.
Electronic Countermeasures
The Super Hornet is equipped with devices to confuse enemy missile tracking. Use these in combination with skilled flying to evade targets. To discharge an ECM device, press and hold either the R or L Button to view the Rear Right or Rear Left.
Avoiding Enemy Ordinance
Execute evasive flight maneuvers, such as extreme banking and altitude changes, to lose tracking missiles. Be cautious, as missiles exploding too close will damage your plane. The warning tone will cease once your F-18 is out of danger.
Landing Procedures
Land on the carrier flight deck or airfield to complete missions or replenish fuel and weapons.
Carrier Targeting
Press SELECT to display the Grid, then press A to target the carrier. Fly toward it and press SELECT to return to the Main Cockpit Screen. The Radar System automatically switches to PDS Mode, allowing you to line up behind the carrier.
The Landing Corridor
The Computer Landing Display (CLD) appears automatically during final approach, showing altitude and horizontal position. The upper half, the Landing Corridor Display, shows vertical position. Maneuver so the contact blip remains between the top and bottom lines for a safe landing.
The Positioning Grid
Crosswinds may affect landing success. The contact blip on this grid represents your F-18. Maneuver the plane so the blip stays in the center