How to Read an A-10 or F-16 Weapon SLED in DCS World.
This guide explains how to read a Weapon SLED (Safe Launch / Escape Delivery) chart for dive bomb deliveries in DCS for F16 or A10.A SLED chart tells you the safe attack geometry for delivering a weapon and escaping the blast/fragmentation pattern.
Once you understand how to read one, you can quickly determine:
- Roll-in altitude
- Dive angle
- Release altitude
- Airspeed targets
- Escape maneuver
Most SLED charts look complicated, but pilots really only use a few key numbers.
1. Weapon & Delivery Type
The top of the card tells you the weapon and dive profile.Example:
50 30DB1
BDU-50 (MK-82LD)
Meaning:
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 50 | BDU-50 practice bomb |
| 30 | 30° dive angle |
| DB1 | Dive Bomb profile #1 |
| MK-82LD | Low drag bomb configuration |
This defines which weapon and attack profile the card was built for.
2. The Z-Diagram (Dive Geometry)
The center diagram shows the attack geometry.
Numbers represent altitude in thousands of feet AGL.
Example:
5.6
\
\ 4.1
\
\ 3.2
Meaning:
| Number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5.6 | Roll-in altitude |
| 4.1 | Mid-dive reference |
| 3.2 | Bomb release altitude |
So the attack profile becomes:
Roll-in: 5,600 ft AGL
Dive: 30°
Release: 3,200 ft AGL
Escape: Pull and climb
These numbers ensure the attack remains inside the safe escape envelope.
3. Understanding AGL vs MSL
SLED charts are always built using AGL (Above Ground Level).However, in the jet you fly using MSL (Mean Sea Level).
So pilots must convert:
MSL altitude = AGL altitude + terrain elevation
Example (Guam range):
Range elevation ≈ 250 ft MSL
Pilot math ≈ +300 ft
Converted altitudes:
| AGL (SLED) | Guam MSL |
|---|---|
| 5.6 | 5.9 MSL |
| 4.1 | 4.4 MSL |
| 3.2 | 3.5 MSL |
So the actual attack might look like:
Roll-in: 5.9 MSL
Release: 3.5 MSL
4. Airspeed References
Speed values appear along the dive line.Typical example:
400 KCAS
450-500 KCAS
Meaning:
| Phase | Speed |
|---|---|
| Run-in | 350-400 KCAS |
| Tip-in | ~400 KCAS |
| Dive | 450-500 KCAS |
Starting too fast can make it harder to stabilize the dive and settle the pipper.
5. SEM — Safe Escape Maneuver
Example:
SEM: CLM
SEM defines how to leave the target after release.
Common escape types:
| SEM | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CLM | Climb away |
| TURN | Escape turn |
| 4G | 4-G pull off |
For CLM:
Release bomb
Pull
Climb away from target
6. MALT — Minimum Escape Altitude
Example:
MALT: 1000
Meaning the aircraft must reach at least 1000 ft AGL during escape.
If you release too low or delay the pull, you may enter the weapon's frag zone.
7. Weapon Setup Data
The bottom section contains weapon configuration information.Example:
Qty/Int: 1 / 70
FUZ: N/T
Meaning:
| Setting | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Qty | Bombs released |
| Int | Spacing between bombs |
| FUZ | Nose / Tail fuze |
These values match the ballistic model used to generate the SLED.
8. Other Engineering Values
You may also see values like:AOD
IHP
IAA
These are part of the engineering math used to create the SLED.
Pilots typically do not reference them during the attack.
9. How Pilots Actually Use a SLED
In practice, pilots only remember a few numbers:
Roll-in altitude
Release altitude
Dive angle
Escape maneuver
Minimum altitude
Example attack summary:
30° dive
Roll-in: 5.6 AGL
Release: 3.2 AGL
Dive speed: 450-500 KCAS
Escape: CLM
Min altitude: 1000 AGL
Everything else on the card supports those numbers.
10. Example Attack Flow
Typical BDU-50 practice delivery:
Run-in: 350-400 KCAS
Tip-in: ~400 KCAS
Roll-in: 5,600 ft AGL
Dive: 30°
Track target
Release: 3,200 ft AGL
Pull 4-5 G
Climb away (CLM)
Ensure >1000 ft AGL during escape
