Skip to main content

MIDS Voice COMMs in the F/A-18C Hornet

The MIDS (Multifunctional Information Distribution System) in the F/A-18C Hornet isn’t just for Link-16 data—it also supports encrypted voice communication over two digital voice channels: VOCA and VOCB.

These can be used as additional comm channels for secure, low-latency coordination between flights, elements, or mission commanders—especially useful when normal UHF/VHF radios are saturated or compromised.

🔊 VOCA and VOCB – What They Are

  • VOCA (Voice Channel A) and VOCB (Voice Channel B) are two digital voice channels built into the MIDS terminal.

  • They do not use traditional UHF/VHF frequencies—instead, they ride on Link-16 waveforms, piggybacking off the tactical data link infrastructure.

  • Voice transmission is digital, secure, and line-of-sight (LOS) only.

⚙️ How MIDS Voice Works in the F/A-18C

  1. Channel Selection:

    • VOCA and VOCB are each assigned a MIDS Voice Channel between 1 and 126.

    • These channels must be set identically across all aircraft intending to communicate on the same VOCA or VOCB net.

    • Channel 127 is a special case—selecting channel 127 disables MIDS voice on that channel entirely.

  2. Radio Binding:

    • Once set, you can transmit over VOCA/VOCB just like a normal radio.

    • Voice activity over VOCA/VOCB is not displayed in the normal ARC-210 frequency windows but can be monitored using the AUDIO PANEL toggles.

     

  3. Setup in DCS:

    • MIDS channels are typically set via the D/L (Data Link) page on the UFC or MIDS Control Panel.

    • Ensure VOCA/VOCB are on assigned, matching channels across aircraft.

    • Toggle VOCA or VOCB transmit via the Audio Panel’s rotary selector behind your left hip

✅ Advantages of MIDS Voice

  • ✅ Encrypted and secure – immune to most jamming and eavesdropping in DCS.

  • ✅ Frees up UHF/VHF radios for other roles (e.g., AWACS, tower, package net).

  • ✅ Integrated with Link-16, so all participants on the network have voice and data link automatically aligned.

  • ✅ Very low latency, ideal for tactical comms between close-range cooperating flights.

❌ Limitations / Caveats

  • ❌ Line-of-sight only – no ground station relays; if terrain blocks LOS, comms will drop.

  • ❌ No feedback on frequency or signal strength like UHF/VHF radios.

  • ❌ Can be hard to manage if your team isn’t disciplined about VOCA vs. VOCB roles.

📋 Quick Setup Checklist (DCS)

  1. On the D/L UFC page:

    • Set MIDS A Voice Channel to e.g., 10

    • Set MIDS B Voice Channel to e.g., 20

  2. On the Audio Control Panel:

    • Rotate COMM selector knob to VOCA or VOCB

    • Toggle transmit switch ON for that channel

  3. Transmit like any other radio using the assigned COMM switch (usually HOTAS bound)

🛠️ SRS Note (if using Simple Radio Standalone)

  • MIDS voice isn’t supported directly in SRS.

  • However, VOCA/VOCB behavior can be simulated by binding a separate SRS channel (e.g., SRS Radio 3 and 4) and assigning it to your VOCA/VOCB function for training or realism purposes.

Back to top