Radiating

[JamesBailey]

Question on AH-64D fire control radar-

Is there any reason the AH-64Ds' radar should be turned off in JRCT02? Is there any downside to radiating in that scenario?

Seeing stuff is just SO much easier with those FCR's on :devious:

[JamesBailey]

speaking of the Longbow, here is a humbling photo:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/ah-64_crashed_775986.jpg

[eds]

The only downside appears to be not enough hellfires to go round all those lovely targets. I think you're right James those BMP-3s are more effective in the AA role in this new demo. I'm finding it quite a challenge to secure the capital now.

[CPangracs]

Something to keep in mind is that the 30mm on the BMP3 has an AA mode, and can be VERY effective against slow-movers like helos. We had to strike a balance between reality and gameplay.

One last tip...don't stay in one place too long!

[JamesBailey]

I think we have discussed all the steps to a victory in JRTC02:

(1) turn FCRs on and keep them on;
(2) strip ALAMO of BMP3's at standoff range, isolating enemy BPs one section at a time;
(3) recon the entire AO w/ the Longbows, so you find and kill the enemy's FA;
(4) once 1-4 accomplished, air assault ALAMO quickly and get the ITOWs in place before the the T90s show up.

I'm happy to report, I successfully took and held SHURGART-GORDON for the first time yesterday :flag: :vsign:

After playing some more, I think AATF has got the BMP3's AA capabilities correct. If attacked incorrectly, they make you pay, but if attacked correctly, they are relatively easy prey (1x HEDP round and its done).

Curt - while we have got your attention and we are discussing the Longbow... any comments on using the HELLFIREs against the BMP3s? They don't seem to have a high hit percentage and I have had Longbows fire thru their entire 16 HELLFIRE round load-out at one BMP3 without a hit... :surprise:

[Pat Proctor]

The trick is to be in that sweet spot, just outside the BMP-3's range, where you can shoot them but they can't shoot you.

I keep my aircraft in hold fire and use artillery to destroy dismounts around LZs. Then I use the longbows to kill BMP-3s in the objective.

You can also make a lot of money by killing artillery in the rear areas. Concentrate on the two FDCs in the middle of the PAA. Kill them, and the arty won't fire.

[JamesBailey]

Then I use the longbows to kill BMP-3s in the objective.


Will the Longbows use their cannon BEFORE the HELLFIRES as long as the BMP target is in range ?

I find the cannon has a much better pH against those BMPs, and given the 600+ round load, a much better choice (much better pK vs. ammunition fired ratio).

[CPangracs]

I noticed the issue with the Hellfires as well. I need to discuss with Pat a bit more as to WHY the Hellfires fail to hit more often than they do, but just like anything else in a wargame, there ARE dicerolls! I manipulated that scenario to increase the chances of the good guys against a relatively overpowering armored force, but maybe I haven't done enough,...or at least enough of the right things! There are some artificial things we can do to increase the probability that they hit and kill, but only so much...

Hellfires aren't nearly as effective in the woods as they are in the open desert, but think how boring the fight would be if all 98 hellfires carried by the Apaches in that scenario did the old "One Hit - One Kill" shuffle?! ;)

[JamesBailey]

I noticed the issue with the Hellfires as well. I need to discuss with Pat a bit more as to WHY the Hellfires fail to hit more often than they do, but just like anything else in a wargame, there ARE dicerolls!

Curt-
Yeah, understood on the diceroll. I guess I was just looking for some guidance on what I should do when one of my airframes fires thru 16x Hellfires at a BMP3 ~4 klicks away without a hit. I guess, beyond making sure the FCR is on, I should order it to 'HOLD FIRE' before it empties its racks, and manuever to a new firing position. But range shouldn't have too much an impact on pH/pK values for a Hellfire, right?

I managed a victory in JRCT02 without one Hellfire kill (that I know of), so it can be done without the 'one hit one kill' shuffle... its sure a tough, challenging and very well done scenario. Looking forward to having the whole package soon!

[Pat Proctor]

James,

All the same, I will have a look at it and see if there are any issues we are not seeing with the DB or engine...

[CPangracs]

...I should order it to 'HOLD FIRE' before it empties its racks, and manuever to a new firing position. But range shouldn't have too much an impact on pH/pK values for a Hellfire, right?



BINGO! I use hold-fire quite a bit, and yes, I do get Hellfire kills more often than not.

I wish there was a "weapon priority" selection or the ability to hold-fire for individual weapon systems.

Hmmm...:devious:

[JamesBailey]

BINGO! ...:devious:

Curt-

Email sent your way from me with a question. Thanks :salute:

[WMurray]

Another question along the line of helo tactics -- and forgive me if this has already been covered -- but in AATF will helicopters essentially have two altitudes, if I understand it correctly. One, hovering in defilade. The other, popped-up, to fire on targets?

And can you fly a helicoper 'in defilade', too, for lower-level flying? If you allow that, the difference would be that it could fly in a wadi, if one were available, and you plotted a path there-in. Or is defilade only when the helicopter is stopped?

P.S. Above, I'm not considering the third option of the helicopter on the ground, altho perhaps James' pic demos the results that might occur from flying in defilade in a wadi that is too shallow.

[Pat Proctor]

Depending on database settings, ther could be as many as 4 altitudes:

1. In sprint, the helo flies at max altitude
2. Normal altitude
3. Defilade altitude, stopped only
4. On the ground, stopped carry helos only

[JamesBailey]

Interesting stuff on altitudes. I have certainly observed the different levels of AAA fire at different altitudes.

Pat-
Did you end up making any changes to the Hellfire pH/pK model?

[Pat Proctor]

Not prior to Gold. I really need a broader install base and more examples of issues before I can justify code changes. Everytime you fix something, you risk breaking something else.