Is Tacpack required or an option?
Option.
Here is a list of features that will work for users without TacPack or with TacPack disabled:
You can load any allowed weapon configuration from the Payload Manager and weapons will appear under the wings; weapons and stores will affect aircraft weight and symmetry;
The Aerosoft F-14 has a fully functioning radar that does not need TacPack to operate – you will be able to use the various radar modes and scan patterns, lock targets and get their data on the HUD;
When the gun is selected, the HUD will display a lead-computing optical gunsight, perfect for dog- fighting practice – if the enemy aircraft is under the gunsight, you can call “Trigger down!” and end the engagement;
However the real power of the Tomcat can be unleashed when TacPack is running:
The missiles you loaded under the wings will now be active missiles, the missile indicators in the cockpit will reflect the current loadout and the weapon legends on the HUD and VDI will report type and number of the currently selected weapon; the gun is loaded with 676 rounds;
The currently selected missile (Sparrow or Phoenix) can be slaved to the current single target track; the Sidewinder infrared seeker head is active and can lock a target;
When the radar is in Track While Scan mode it can send target information to the Phoenix missile for beyond visual range shot without alerting the enemy;
Accurate missile symbology will appear on the HUD and VDI – missile Azimuth Steering Error circle, Rmin and Rmax ranges, and shoot cues;
Missiles can be released, they will follow realistic flight trajectory and can destroy an enemy aircraft in single player and in multiplayer (when he is also running TacPack);
The gun can be used to shoot down a bandit when in the guns range;
The RWR (radar warning receiver) will warn for incoming threats;
Chaff and flare can be released to distract enemy missiles;
Iron bombs can be dropped using CCIP delivery mode and will blast ground targets;