Falcon BMS 4.38 A/G Weapons Guide – Loadouts, Targets & Switchology.
Introduction to Air-to-Ground Warfare in Falcon BMS
Falcon BMS 4.38 offers one of the most detailed air-to-ground combat simulations in any flight sim. Whether you’re flying a deep strike, SEAD run, or close air support for frontline troops, knowing your weapons, switchology, and target types will greatly increase mission success and survival.
This guide provides everything you need to start mastering Falcon BMS A/G warfare loadouts, mission roles, sensor usage, fuse settings, dynamic campaign coordination, and PDF checklists for download.
Basic Air-to-Ground Weapon Categories
Unguided (Dumb) Bombs
These bombs have been around from the beginning of air combat operations in WW1. These weapons are very effective with modern computer sights such as in the F-16 Falcon as well as the F-18 Hornet. The issues with these bombs is you have to get close to the target to employ them.
In a high threat environment with AAA & SAM systems ready to make you a smoking hole in the sky they are not always the best choice! If you have air superiority and SEAD as well as ECM aircraft are doing their job in your strike package then they can be useful. It very much depends!
Types: Mk-82 (500 lb), Mk-84 (2,000 lb), CBU-87, CBU-97
- Delivery Modes: CCIP, CCRP
- Targets: Area targets, soft targets, runways
Guided Bombs (Smart Bombs)
Arriving in the Vietnam war the use of TV as well as IR, GPS and Laser guided weapons has bought the dumb bomb a new and precision ability to strike with incredible accuracy. Newer glide kits now available can give a weapon substantial standoff ability as well enhancing launch aircraft survivability.
Many of these weapons are add on guidance kits simply bolted onto initially glide bombs. They are quite simple to assemble and use generally. I have personally built, tested and loaded hundreds of these weapons in my military aircraft career.
- Types: GBU-10/12/24 (Laser), JDAMs (GBU-31/38), WCMD
- Delivery Modes: CCRP, AUTO, TOO
- Targets: Hardened buildings, radar stations, pinpoint structures
Missiles
Maverick Missiles have made the ground targets ability to survive incredibly difficult being able to be launched and forgotten while the missile flies independently to the target. They can be launched at both stationary or moving targets.
The AGM-88 HARM (High Speed Anti Radar Missile) was a revolution after the US made Shrike missile which previously did this job. The shrike was reliable as long as the radar emitter remained on and transmitting. The HARM had some ability to remember where a target was and still fly to close proximity and destroy it.
The HARM has decent stand off range and loiter modes as well from memory. Great to be launched into an area with lots of defencive systems active. It can prioritise targets or used in a direct mode.
- AGM-65 Maverick (D, G, H, K)
- Targets: Tanks, APCs, radar, bunkers
- Guidance: TV/IR or Laser
- AGM-88 HARM
- Targets: SAMs, radars, EW vehicles
- Modes: POS, HAS, TOO
Recommended Loadouts by Target Type
| Target Type | Suggested Weapons | Delivery Mode | TGP Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infantry/Trucks | Mk-82, CBU-87, GBU-12 | CCIP/CCRP | Yes (GBU only) |
| Armor/Tanks | AGM-65D/G, GBU-12 | VIS/CCRP | Yes |
| Bunkers/Buildings | JDAM (GBU-31), GBU-10 | AUTO/TOO | Yes |
| SAM/AAA | AGM-65, GBU-38, HARM | CCRP/TOO | Yes (GBU) |
| Airbase Assets | CBU-97, Durandal | CCIP | No |
Weapon Delivery Modes Explained
CCIP (Continuously Computed Impact Point)
This mode has a piper in the HUD that constantly shows you where the bomb would impact ir released at that second. Great for visual mombing.
- Use For: Quick visual strikes, low-alt
- Switchology: A/G Mode → Master Arm ON → Weapon Select → CCIP Mode
CCRP (Continuously Computed Release Point)
This mode relies on more radar information or other sensor information to determine the targets location so a release point to hit the a target at whatever speed and altitude the aircraft is flying at.
There is a guideline in the HUD ensuring your lined up and a counter that tells you to release the bomb. Normally you hold down the weapon release and the computer releases the weapon when parameters are met is my understanding.
- Use For: Level drops, high-altitude, poor visibility
- Switchology: Set SPI via TGP → Hold pickle until cue
TOO / AUTO Mode (JDAMs, WCMDs)
These guided munitions simply need to be released at a decent altitude and speed and the bomb does the rest of the work. It has a GPS location programmed from aircraft/pilot data and will tell the aircraft when its in optimum release parameters.
It becomes automatous once released reducing the danger to the release aircraft.
- Use For: High-altitude precision
- Switchology: Create SPI via TGP → Select TOO → Release
FALCON BMS 4.38 – Switchology Walkthroughs by Weapon
AGM-65 Maverick
- Master Arm: ON
- Mode: A/G
- Sensor: FCR or TGP
- Lock: TMS UP
- Release: Pickle
GBU-12 Laser-Guided
- TGP SOI
- Laser Arm: ON (Auto or Manual)
- CCRP: Designate SPI
- Release: Hold pickle at cue
JDAM (GBU-31/38)
- CCRP or TOO
- TGP for TOO targeting
- Fuse: Instant or delay
- SMS setup: Ripple Single or Pair
AGM-88 HARM
- POS: Preplanned
- HAS: Auto-seek
- TOO: TGP/HTS cue
- Release: Single shot or salvo
Weapon Employment Tactics: Fuse & Release Parameters
| Weapon | Altitude | Fuse | Ripple Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mk-82 | 2–10k ft | Nose or Delay | Use ripple if multiple targets |
| GBU-12 | 10–25k ft | Nose | Confirm LGB code matches |
| JDAM | 15–30k ft | Instant or Delay | Requires SPI accuracy |
| AGM-65 | 5–15 NM | Instant | Visual confirmation preferred |
| HARM | 10–40 NM | Instant | Safe range from radar site |
The Big Picture!
In Falcon BMS most players are doing the campaign mode so its easy to consider yourself a loan pilot in this flight even with some AI assets in your flight. This is far from the truth as Falcon BMS’s Dynamic Campaign plans many aircraft to compliment every gven strike depending on availability.
You may be the Strike leader but again your not alone. You will be flying with a whole range of aircraft that are designed to ensure you get there and destroy the desired target and get back home as safely as possible.
Here is a breakdown of the assets flying in front as well as with you and behind you in support of your mission.
🛩️ Strike Package Components & Responsibilities
| Asset Type | Role / Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Bombers / Attack Aircraft | Deliver ordnance on primary ground targets. Examples: F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, B-2, A-10. |
| SEAD / Wild Weasel Aircraft | Suppress or destroy enemy air defenses (SAMs, AAA). Example: F-16CJ, EA-6B, F-4G. |
| Escort Fighters | Protect strike aircraft from enemy fighters. Example: F-15C, F-22, F/A-18. |
| Electronic Warfare (EW) | Jam enemy radar and communications. Example: EA-18G Growler, EC-130H Compass Call. |
| AWACS / C2 Aircraft | Provide airborne command and control, radar coverage, and coordination. Example: E-3 Sentry. |
| Reconnaissance Aircraft | Pre- and post-strike intel gathering. Example: RC-135, UAVs like Global Hawk or F-16 / F-18s as well with recce Pods. |
| Aerial Refueling Tankers | Extend range and loiter time. Example: KC-135, KC-10, KC-46. |
| BARCAP / MIG Screen Fighters | Patrol between friendly and enemy airspace to intercept threats before they reach the package. |
| Stealth Assets (optional) | Penetrate heavily defended areas undetected. Example: F-117, B-2. |
Mission Flow
- Recon & Planning – Targets are scouted and corridors mapped.
- Ingress – SEAD and EW assets clear the path; escort fighters shield the bombers.
- Strike – Bombers hit the target; timing is synchronized to maximize surprise and minimize exposure.
- Egress – Assets withdraw along pre-planned routes; tankers may refuel en route.
- BDA (Battle Damage Assessment) – Recon aircraft or satellites assess strike effectiveness.
This orchestration is what makes modern airpower so formidable — it’s not just about dropping bombs, it’s about dominating the battlespace from start to finish.
Want to explore how Falcon BMS simulates these roles or how to build a realistic strike package in your missions?
Falcon BMS Mission Types & Target Goals
Strike
- Goal: Destroy infrastructure (bridges, HQs, depots)
- Weapons: JDAM, Mk-84, GBU-10
- Approach: Level CCRP drop
OCA Strike (Offensive Counter Air)
- Goal: Crater airfield runways, destroy parked aircraft
- Weapons: Durandal, CBU-97
- Tactic: High-speed ingress, egress quickly
CAS – Close Air Support
Very Close operations with ground troops in the vacinity often with a JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller) who speaks directly to the pilots in the aircraft.
- Goal: Support frontline troops
- Weapons: AGM-65, GBU-12, Mk-82
- Tactics: TGP essential, fly low or orbit above
BAI – Battlefield Air Interdiction
BAI stands for Battlefield Air Interdiction, and it’s a type of air mission designed to strike enemy forces before they can engage friendly ground troops. Further away then CAS but not long distance like strategic bombing at long range.
- Goal: Interdict reinforcements en route to battle
- Weapons: JDAM, CBU-87, GBU-38
- Tactics: Medium-high altitude attacks
SEAD
- Goal: Suppress radar systems/SAMs temporarily
- Weapons: AGM-88 HARM (HAS/POS)
- Timing: Fire just before strike ingress
DEAD
- Goal: Destroy radar or SAM hardware completely
- Weapons: AGM-65, JDAM, GBU-12
- Approach: Visual confirmation or TOO designation
SEAD: Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses
- Goal: Temporarily neutralize or disrupt enemy air defense systems.
- Methods: Jamming, deception, or threatening attacks to force radar shutdowns.
- Effect: Prevents air defenses from engaging aircraft during a mission, but doesn’t necessarily destroy them.
- Example Assets: EA-18G Growler (electronic warfare), F-16CJ with AGM-88 HARM.
DEAD: Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses
- Goal: Physically destroy air defense systems — radars, SAM launchers, command nodes.
- Methods: Precision strikes using anti-radiation missiles, bombs, or standoff weapons.
- Effect: Permanently removes the threat from the battlespace.
- Example Assets: F-15E, F-35, drones with loitering munitions.
Key Differences
| Aspect | SEAD | DEAD |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Suppress or disable temporarily | Destroy permanently |
| Risk Level | Lower (avoid direct engagement) | Higher (requires direct targeting) |
| Duration of Effect | Short-term | Long-term |
| Typical Timing | During ingress/egress of strike | Preceding or part of strike |
In Falcon BMS, SEAD missions often involve protecting a strike package by keeping SAMs quiet, while DEAD missions are more aggressive while you’re hunting and killing those sites outright.
SEAD / DEAD Best Practices
- HTS Pod helps scan threats for HARM use
- POS Mode: Fires at prebriefed threats
- HAS Mode: Autonomous lock-on to emitting radars
- TOO Mode: Best for dynamic threats with TGP
- Time HARM strikes right before your package hits the main target
Flight Planning Tips for Falcon BMS 4.38 & Beyond.
Mission planning is a whole other complex subject but essentially everything you need to know has to be ready on the ground. Mission planning requires you understand the complex timing to ensure all available assets are in the air with the correct weapons, that are also in the correct airspace ready to do their job with enough fuel to di the job.
Ensuring all strike aircraft know the appropriate targets, Laser or GPS codes to ensure the weapons will hit their target and knowing if things go wrong what to do next. In a complex mission things will not go to plan often. Aircraft that are important to the mission could become unavailable or worse be lost to the enemy.
Contingency planning for every aspect from the time you brief the flight to when you depart the planning room to the aircraft and all the way back post mission to the post flight brief must be accounted for. Everything!
Before the Mission
- Study briefing map, threat rings, and target layout
- Choose weapons based on target type
- Load HTS/TGP pods as needed
Route Planning
- Set ingress route outside SAM zones
- Include IP waypoint and Egress point for clean exit
- Consider terrain if making a low level attack.
TOT Planning
- Coordinate with package to arrive at the right moment
- Use holding patterns if ahead of time
In the Cockpit
- Fence In: Master Arm, RWR, ECM ON at 50NM
- Check SMS, TGP ON, HTS active
- Fly heads-up until IP → then heads-down for attack run
The Dynamic Campaign Strike Package
You’re rarely flying alone in Falcon BMS — you’re one element in a prebuilt multi-aircraft package:
Typical Strike Package Elements
- AWACS – Real-time threat picture
- Tanker – Mid-mission refueling
- Escort Fighters – Engage enemy CAP
- SEAD Flight – Suppress SAMs before you arrive
- Jammer Aircraft – Weaken enemy radar tracking
Always use Package View to see other flights’ timing and roles. Join the strike effort, don’t freeload solo.
✅ Coming Soon: Falcon BMS 4.38 A/G Quick Reference PDF
Includes:
- Mission checklist (Briefing → Fence → Attack → Egress)
- Weapon ranges & fuse settings
- Switchology cheat sheet
- SEAD/DEAD flow chart
- In-flight SMS setup
- Loadout planning by mission type
Falcon BMS 4.38 A/G Quick Reference PDF – Download!
Conclusion
Whether you’re learning JDAM drops, dialing in your CCIP cross, or coordinating with a strike package under AWACS cover, this guide gives you the foundation to dominate the battlefield in Falcon BMS 4.38.
Now available Your very own downloadable Falcon BMS 4.38 Air-to-Ground Pilot Checklist PDF to put all of this right in your kneeboard!
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and now in Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
Learn More @
DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com
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