F/A-18C Weapon Basic Course (DCS)

In the last section you programmed the Manual Programs 1, 2 and 5 to specific values.
Now we want to explain why. The EW page on the DDI now looks like this:

In Manual mode (MAN 1-5) the eject switches on the thrust lever function differently than in Bypass mode.
If the switch is pulled back, the preset program is triggered. This is currently MAN 1.
When you push the switch forward, program 5 (MAN 5) is always triggered.

Programs MAN 1 and MAN 5 are designed for you to use them if you are attacked on the way to your target, no matter if it is an air-to air or surface-to-air attack.
It is only important that you can see if the approaching missile is controlled by infrared or radar.

With an IR controlled missile use program MAN 1, i.e. pull the switch to the rear (DISP AFT).
With a radar controlled missile use program MAN 5, i.e. push the switch to the front (DISP FWD).

How to recognize the type of missile that is approaching will be discussed in the next section.

Now there remains program MAN 2. This program is intended for the attack of ground targets.
If you descend using unguided bombs in the CCIP mode, attack ground targets with unguided rockets or the aircraft's cannon, then you are likely to descend relatively low.
Therefore you may come into the range of MANPADS or AAA. These are difficult to detect and since approaching IR missiles are not detected by thhe aircraft, an approach where you are concentrating on the target can be abruptly ended by an unseen IR missile.
However, if you switch to the MAN 2 program during the approach using STEP and activate it, IR flares are ejected every second. This prevents a Grail or Stinger, for example, from locking to you, or may deflect an IR missile that is already in flight.
It is therefore a precautionary defensive measure.

Of course you can adjust the values of the programs as you like and you can also use the programs in a completely different ways. This is entirely up to you. But for starters you have here a practical set of defense programs.

We took this structure and the configuration of the programs from the very good YouTube video by Growling Sidewinder.