Unit status

[nicdain]

Waiting for AATF to be delivered to my house, I am playing repeatedly the demo scenarios, to get accustomed to the new interface.

One feature that I have yet not found, is the info panel, especially the part that described the status of the unit.

I understand that some of these features are shown in the right panel where there are the depressed/undepressed buttons, but, for example, where can I check for helos flight height?

Thanks

[meade95]

I don't think the exact flight elevations (heights) are shown for any aircraft (Helicopters, UAVs, fast movers, etc).

Which to some degree is hard then with trying to set up courses of action - Then again, I am speculating that based on what other orders you give these units (UAVs, Helicopters)....from avoid obstacles, hide on contact, etc, etc.....the AI itself...which is controling these said units then flys a course that would be suitible??

Just guessing here -

Learning how to use Helicopters correctly and understanding the maps (terrain, actual distances, etc) are causing me some issues myself...

[nicdain]

I don't think the exact flight elevations (heights) are shown for any aircraft (Helicopters, UAVs, fast movers, etc).

Infact I cannot find this information. In the previous games, right clicking on an unit provided an info pop window with also the flight height. It's odd that this feature has been eliminated.

I think I remember Patrick saying something about using roads or tracks as preferential paths for helos in order to keep them low and in defilade.

Anyway, it's just speculation until I can study the manual...

[meade95]

I'm almost 100% certain there is no data/info given with regard to height / speed, etc concerning any of the vehicles (helicopters, Humvees, fast movers, etc).

[CPangracs]

I'm almost 100% certain there is no data/info given with regard to height / speed, etc concerning any of the vehicles (helicopters, Humvees, fast movers, etc).

The only information available is using the tool tip function, and you hold it over the unit, and it gives the unit name. Hold it over the terrain for terrain name, trafficability and LOS effects, Altitude, and Location in MGRS.

The only thing close to what is described is the normal flight altitude, sprint altitude, pop-up altitude, and defilade altitude, which is displayed when you select a helo, then click on the "Question Mark" button, then select "Rotary Wing" under vehicle abilities. So, if a vehicle flies normally at a 9m altitude, then it flies at 9M AGL (Above Ground Level), no matter what the terrain height (in other words, terrain is at 324m, add 9m to get the altitude of the helo from sea level!).

Hope this helps.

Curt

[meade95]

The only information available is using the tool tip function, and you hold it over the unit, and it gives the unit name. Hold it over the terrain for terrain name, trafficability and LOS effects, Altitude, and Location in MGRS.

The only thing close to what is described is the normal flight altitude, sprint altitude, pop-up altitude, and defilade altitude, which is displayed when you select a helo, then click on the "Question Mark" button, then select "Rotary Wing" under vehicle abilities. So, if a vehicle flies normally at a 9m altitude, then it flies at 9M AGL (Above Ground Level), no matter what the terrain height (in other words, terrain is at 324m, add 9m to get the altitude of the helo from sea level!).

Hope this helps.

Curt


Perfect! This does help -

[eds]

My copy of AATF came through the post this morning so if you pre-ordered and live in europe it should arrive real soon.:yummy:

[CPangracs]

My copy of AATF came through the post this morning so if you pre-ordered and live in europe it should arrive real soon.:yummy:

I got mine last night! ;)

[Pat Proctor]

The flight information is not currently provided for aircraft in the game. RELATIVE speed can be obtained by turning on direction arrows. The longer the arrow, the faster the unit is going.

That having been said, it did not occur to me that this would be a missed feature. One of the design goals was to reduce clutter, and only display needed information. If this is data fits the description, we can add it back in for the next upgrade.

[meade95]

The flight information is not currently provided for aircraft in the game. RELATIVE speed can be obtained by turning on direction arrows. The longer the arrow, the faster the unit is going.

That having been said, it did not occur to me that this would be a missed feature. One of the design goals was to reduce clutter, and only display needed information. If this is data fits the description, we can add it back in for the next upgrade.

I for one don't need this precise information (persay) as long as there is a general understanding to how your units are carrying out there orders (and I agree, too much information simply becomes way to much clutter)....

Meaning, if we are trying to slip in a small RT (as in the 1st Anaconda Op, for example). What orders best gives this advice to MH-47 pilots??

Hide on contact, avoid obstacales, along with sprint?? (or does not being on sprint mode give the pilots more situational awareness).

[eds]

I got mine last night! ;)

When did you move to Europe Curt? I know it's only a small thing and doesn't affect the scenario. In Vietnam 1, when actually playing the game it gives the mission objectives in the top right of the screen as maintain mission objectives until NOV70. I was a little worried i might have to hold of the PAVN for 5 years and 3 hours.

[CPangracs]

When did you move to Europe Curt? I know it's only a small thing and doesn't affect the scenario. In Vietnam 1, when actually playing the game it gives the mission objectives in the top right of the screen as maintain mission objectives until NOV70. I was a little worried i might have to hold of the PAVN for 5 years and 3 hours.

Added to the "fix" roster, which is really quite light but still infuriating!:freak:

Don't expect a fix for these samll things soon - we may just release a small patch here with small fixes, but a larger, more involved update in 3-6 months.

Keep 'em coming!

BTW, I'm not in Europe, but I play a European on TV! :D

[meade95]

Can an individual team / unit that is an Eng capable peform breaching operations?? ...and if so, how?

I never seem to see a "breaching" command to give as an order? (though I haven't needed to do this much....but when I have, I can't seem to find a way to give this order to an individual Eng team?).

Or does this have to be done at the Co. Level

[CPangracs]

Can an individual team / unit that is an Eng capable peform breaching operations?? ...and if so, how?

I never seem to see a "breaching" command to give as an order? (though I haven't needed to do this much....but when I have, I can't seem to find a way to give this order to an individual Eng team?).

Or does this have to be done at the Co. Level

Breaching is done automatically by units that have the attribute when they encounter obstacles.

[meade95]

I see in the OP Report...that units are "listed as veteran".....What are the different stages units can be listed as?

And how do we view this / edit it in the scenario editor?

[eds]

Added to the "fix" roster, which is really quite light but still infuriating!:freak:

Don't expect a fix for these samll things soon - we may just release a small patch here with small fixes, but a larger, more involved update in 3-6 months.

Keep 'em coming!

BTW, I'm not in Europe, but I play a European on TV! :D

Here's another light but infuriating, atop the SITREP screen of FRAGO 1 it reads 1400hrs NOV 1968. shouldn't this be 1965.

[CPangracs]

I see in the OP Report...that units are "listed as veteran".....What are the different stages units can be listed as?

And how do we view this / edit it in the scenario editor?

Do you mean the OPORD at the beginning of the game?

[Pat Proctor]

1st question: aircraft.

ANY vehicle traveling in hold fire is harder to see than it is in fire at will

Aircraft fly higer and are more visible in sprint. They also see less (though this might be offset by greater altitude).

Aircraft with the "defilade popup" capability (see their vehicle specs info) will descend when in defilade.

Cary helos will land when they stop.

Did that answer the altitude question?

Question 2: Veteran.

This is a place holder for future upgrades. Eventually, in a future AATF Engine game, a training level dialog will be introduced at the beginning of the game, which allows you to set the training level for each side at start up. The levels are green, veteran, and elite (see TFW to see how this capability will work).

Question 3: 1968

Curt, he is talking about the date that appears with the scenario title on the control panel when no units are selected, during game play.

[CPangracs]

Curt, he is talking about the date that appears with the scenario title on the control panel when no units are selected, during game play.

On it, Boss!

[nicdain]

Aircraft with the "defilade popup" capability (see their vehicle specs info) will descend when in defilade.

Thanks Patrick for the info. I suppose, then, that a Longbow in defilade is flying nap of the earth (?).
For example, in the Shugart Gordon scenario, if I choose those clear strips of terrain between woods as paths for the helos (in defilade), will they be flying lower than over the forested areas (thus having much cover/concealement)?

[meade95]

1st question: aircraft.

ANY vehicle traveling in hold fire is harder to see than it is in fire at will

Aircraft fly higer and are more visible in sprint. They also see less (though this might be offset by greater altitude).

Aircraft with the "defilade popup" capability (see their vehicle specs info) will descend when in defilade.

Cary helos will land when they stop.

Did that answer the altitude question?

Question 2: Veteran.

This is a place holder for future upgrades. Eventually, in a future AATF Engine game, a training level dialog will be introduced at the beginning of the game, which allows you to set the training level for each side at start up. The levels are green, veteran, and elite (see TFW to see how this capability will work).

Question 3: 1968

Curt, he is talking about the date that appears with the scenario title on the control panel when no units are selected, during game play.


Pat - Thanks for this Info (very helpful).

[eds]

Do you mean the OPORD at the beginning of the game?

I mean, after selecting proceed to FRAGO 1, the next screen "SITREP -1400 Hrs, 14 November, 1968"

[CPangracs]

I mean, after selecting proceed to FRAGO 1, the next screen "SITREP -1400 Hrs, 14 November, 1968"

Got it.:shy:

[eds]

Hey Curt, i'm sorry to have to ask but who's coming to relieve us 2-7 or 2-5, as long as one of them gets here, casualties are high and ammo is low.

[Pat Proctor]

yes. The challenge with defilade pop-up, however, is that the aircraft can't MOVE in defilade. It will have to fly at its normal altitude to get to the clearing.

[CPangracs]

Hey Curt, i'm sorry to have to ask but who's coming to relieve us 2-7 or 2-5, as long as one of them gets here, casualties are high and ammo is low.

Could you be a tad more specific?

[Pat Proctor]

eds,

I think they both did, didn't they? And 2-7 got MAULED on the way to LZ ALBANY. Interesting that they failed to put that in the movie version of "We were soldiers"?!?

[eds]

Could you be a tad more specific?

Vietnam 04, one screen tells us 2-5 CAV is coming to relieve, the other screen tells us 2-7 CAV is coming to relieve. BTW having the original OPORD and ARR is great touch. The ARR is a serious read and i'm amazed as to the level of detail that he put into it.

[eds]

eds,

I think they both did, didn't they? And 2-7 got MAULED on the way to LZ ALBANY. Interesting that they failed to put that in the movie version of "We were soldiers"?!?

I have no idea, but these scenarios have sparked an interest in the conflict for me, more the actual operations than the politics and general history. I've seen a couple of books in the local store (one covers Khe Sanh the other covers a few of 3MAFs operations) any sugestions on further reeding?

[JamesBailey]

I have no idea, but these scenarios have sparked an interest in the conflict for me, more the actual operations than the politics and general history. I've seen a couple of books in the local store (one covers Khe Sanh the other covers a few of 3MAFs operations) any sugestions on further reeding?

eds-

I can recommend the following:

(1) 'We were Soldiers Once and Young' by Moore and Galloway. Certainly one of the finest military history books written, and if you could only read one book on Vietnam, this is it.

(2) 'They Marched into Sunlight' by Maraniss. A new book but nevertheless one of the most important on the American involvement. Great look at the political climate evolving back in the States as our GIs fought in the jungles of Southeast Asia.

(3) 'A Rumor of War' by Caputo. The 'All Quiet on the Western Front' of the Vietnam war. A look at the universal experience of warfare and man.

(4) 'A Bright Shining Lie' by Sheehan. A honest look at the policy makers behind the soldiers and a study of one of America's finest who dedicated his life to his country. This is my personal favorite history text.

[Gary]

Elements of 2/7 Cav were involved in the battle for "LZ Xray" from Nov 15 onwards with 2/5 Cav becoming involved from Nov 16. On the Nov 17 2/7 Cav were involved in heavy fighting on the way to "LZ Albany" while 2/5 Cav moved towards "LZ Columbus".