Difference between revisions of "SPAA radars"
bangerland (talk | contribs) m (Sector radar image added.) (Tag: Visual edit) |
bangerland (talk | contribs) m (Ok, i think i'm done here. Couldn't find pure SIDAM example, so i give up on that one. Minor edits.) |
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<!--incomplete, will need checking by someone who owns certain SPAA types, i only own Chieftain marksman.--> | <!--incomplete, will need checking by someone who owns certain SPAA types, i only own Chieftain marksman.--> | ||
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| + | Since update [[Update_1.87_"Locked_On"|"locked on"]] SPAA's and certain planes can use radars in more in-depth, meaningful ways. | ||
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| + | Before update, radars simply allowed SPAA to have targeting reticle in Realistic and Simulator battles. Those targeting reticles were extremely inaccurate, though helpful. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Now radars can actively search and lock onto enemy, providing completely accurate firing solutions, though sometimes at a cost. | ||
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== What kinds of radars SPAA have == | == What kinds of radars SPAA have == | ||
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There are 2 general types of radar for SPAA currently in the game: | There are 2 general types of radar for SPAA currently in the game: | ||
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Rangefinder - Does not search for targets specifically, but can tell that "something is flying", assists you with targeting and shows you how far target is. In some cases sets fuses for self-destroying ammo. If can lock on, needs to be locked onto target manually. | Rangefinder - Does not search for targets specifically, but can tell that "something is flying", assists you with targeting and shows you how far target is. In some cases sets fuses for self-destroying ammo. If can lock on, needs to be locked onto target manually. | ||
[[File:Rangefinder radar display.jpg|none|thumb|How radar display looks with rangefinder only. There will be no searching going on, and no passive scanning.]] | [[File:Rangefinder radar display.jpg|none|thumb|How radar display looks with rangefinder only. There will be no searching going on, and no passive scanning.]] | ||
| − | <!--Rangefinder info needs confirmation, | + | <!--Rangefinder info needs confirmation, more screenshots of Vulcan and SIDAM tracking something, and explanation of how they do that would be nice. M163 seems to be done so far. I wonder if you can do the same with other SPAA--> |
Active radar - Searches surroundings for any aircrafts, when online. Can be locked on target to provide detailed information on it, provides accurate information. May be "sector", or "circular" view based. Easily detectable by counter-radar. | Active radar - Searches surroundings for any aircrafts, when online. Can be locked on target to provide detailed information on it, provides accurate information. May be "sector", or "circular" view based. Easily detectable by counter-radar. | ||
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[[File:Circular view radar.JPG|none|thumb|300x300px|Circular view radar. Second line represents current radar direction, green field represents passive field of view (rangefinder).]] | [[File:Circular view radar.JPG|none|thumb|300x300px|Circular view radar. Second line represents current radar direction, green field represents passive field of view (rangefinder).]] | ||
| + | [[File:Sector view radar.jpg|none|thumb|Sector view radar. In case of these radars, system only actively looks for enemy in small sector infront of your turret. (represented by dark green field)]] | ||
| − | == How to use active radars == | + | === How to use active radars === |
When you use any vehicle with any radar, you will see these 2 things on your screen: | When you use any vehicle with any radar, you will see these 2 things on your screen: | ||
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Your only concern now is to prevent your opponent from dodging your volley. For this reason, you shouldn't waste too much ammo firing in the same direction, if your SPAA's accuracy is adequate. Try firing all around the targeting reticle, to hit enemy, even if they did change their course. | Your only concern now is to prevent your opponent from dodging your volley. For this reason, you shouldn't waste too much ammo firing in the same direction, if your SPAA's accuracy is adequate. Try firing all around the targeting reticle, to hit enemy, even if they did change their course. | ||
| − | + | [[File:Radar_shot_marksman.jpg|none|thumb|500x400px|Enemy plane suffered a serious hit. Even if they somehow escape the rest of the volley, they're out of fighting capability and may crash a minute later. Our job is done.]] | |
For super long range snipes (~4-6km engagements) you might have to stop your radar from searching randomly and scan certain area specifically. This is done by a key (Not set by default, name in settings is "change radar search mode"). This will stop radar dish and force it to follow your turret's current direction. After that you need to look into direction you think your enemy is going to come from (enemy airfield, for example). Since radar is static in this mode, you might want to move your turret a bit, just in case plane took a bit different route. You also should note, that smaller planes that fly near to ground are harder to detect, and even this trick might not work on them. | For super long range snipes (~4-6km engagements) you might have to stop your radar from searching randomly and scan certain area specifically. This is done by a key (Not set by default, name in settings is "change radar search mode"). This will stop radar dish and force it to follow your turret's current direction. After that you need to look into direction you think your enemy is going to come from (enemy airfield, for example). Since radar is static in this mode, you might want to move your turret a bit, just in case plane took a bit different route. You also should note, that smaller planes that fly near to ground are harder to detect, and even this trick might not work on them. | ||
| − | == How to use rangefinders. == | + | === How to use rangefinders and other radar-like systems. === |
Warning: Example is written with M163 in mind. It may be different for SIDAM 25 and other SPAA. | Warning: Example is written with M163 in mind. It may be different for SIDAM 25 and other SPAA. | ||
| − | To use rangefinder substitute | + | To use rangefinder substitute, you have to go to gunner (sniper) sight and point your crosshairs onto plane that interests you, then press lock-on key (default keybinding is alt+F, like with the rest of radars, is recommended to change to single key). |
As a result, you will get a lock on: | As a result, you will get a lock on: | ||
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== Drawbacks of using the radar == | == Drawbacks of using the radar == | ||
| − | Certain planes and helicopters have radar | + | Certain planes and helicopters have radar detection system, and as such, whenever your radar "hit" them, they see radar alerts. |
| − | Some aircrafts have fully fledged out radars or counter-radars and '''will see | + | Some aircrafts have fully fledged out radars or counter-radars and '''will see SPAA clearly''' as soon as they try to track them. |
<!--This info requires checking, as in, is this happening in RB as well, or only in AB? I have no way of checking.--> | <!--This info requires checking, as in, is this happening in RB as well, or only in AB? I have no way of checking.--> | ||
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== SPAA's that have radars in some form == | == SPAA's that have radars in some form == | ||
| − | <!--Could be nice if owners of these | + | <!--Could be nice if owners of these typed, if radar can be hidden, when it's offline--> |
Round view: | Round view: | ||
Revision as of 12:28, 17 April 2019
Since update "locked on" SPAA's and certain planes can use radars in more in-depth, meaningful ways.
Before update, radars simply allowed SPAA to have targeting reticle in Realistic and Simulator battles. Those targeting reticles were extremely inaccurate, though helpful.
Now radars can actively search and lock onto enemy, providing completely accurate firing solutions, though sometimes at a cost.
Contents
What kinds of radars SPAA have
There are 2 general types of radar for SPAA currently in the game:
Rangefinder - Does not search for targets specifically, but can tell that "something is flying", assists you with targeting and shows you how far target is. In some cases sets fuses for self-destroying ammo. If can lock on, needs to be locked onto target manually.
Active radar - Searches surroundings for any aircrafts, when online. Can be locked on target to provide detailed information on it, provides accurate information. May be "sector", or "circular" view based. Easily detectable by counter-radar.
How to use active radars
When you use any vehicle with any radar, you will see these 2 things on your screen:
1) Radar screen
2) Radar assisted compass
Whenever you don't have any locked target, your radar either searches for targets on it's own, or follows your turret, depending on it's type and current search mode. It's current direction is represented by a second line on radar. This line must hit a target to "spot" it. Be aware, that small planes can avoid detection, and obstacles like trees and hills obscure radar's vision.
Even if your active radar fails to spot a target, or is offline, generally SPAA can still select and target enemy, that enters their "field of view" via passive rangefinders. The accuracy of this method is low.
Whenever your active radar detects any target, you can "lock on" to one of them by pressing a key. Default keybinding is alt+F, which is strongly adviced to bind to something else, because ALT key activates mouse cursor and breaks lock-ons. It's suggested to aim at enemy in sniper mode, if there are many vessels in a line, or radar will definitely get confused and target wrong one (or even your ally).
Your turret will receive the feed, adjust ammunition self-destruction fuses and follow the target automatically. You will now see a "true" targeting reticle, which 100% guarantees, that your target will go down, as long as it doesn't change speed or direction.
Your only concern now is to prevent your opponent from dodging your volley. For this reason, you shouldn't waste too much ammo firing in the same direction, if your SPAA's accuracy is adequate. Try firing all around the targeting reticle, to hit enemy, even if they did change their course.
For super long range snipes (~4-6km engagements) you might have to stop your radar from searching randomly and scan certain area specifically. This is done by a key (Not set by default, name in settings is "change radar search mode"). This will stop radar dish and force it to follow your turret's current direction. After that you need to look into direction you think your enemy is going to come from (enemy airfield, for example). Since radar is static in this mode, you might want to move your turret a bit, just in case plane took a bit different route. You also should note, that smaller planes that fly near to ground are harder to detect, and even this trick might not work on them.
How to use rangefinders and other radar-like systems.
Warning: Example is written with M163 in mind. It may be different for SIDAM 25 and other SPAA.
To use rangefinder substitute, you have to go to gunner (sniper) sight and point your crosshairs onto plane that interests you, then press lock-on key (default keybinding is alt+F, like with the rest of radars, is recommended to change to single key). As a result, you will get a lock on:
Now you just have to aim at true targeting reticle and destroy enemy plane before it broke visual contact by flying behind trees and buildings.
Drawbacks of using the radar
Certain planes and helicopters have radar detection system, and as such, whenever your radar "hit" them, they see radar alerts.
Some aircrafts have fully fledged out radars or counter-radars and will see SPAA clearly as soon as they try to track them.
Here is an example of what happens, when you got noticed by a helicopter:
Certain helicopters and planes may have no problems with carpet-bombing your position with rockets, just to make sure you aren't going to fire at them ever again. To avoid being bombed like this, you can turn radar off with a key (default alt+R). This will shut down radar search, and you won't be able to lock on anymore. Certain SPAA's also hide their radar behind them, making their profile much smaller and harder to notice by tanks around them.
Despite losing Lock-on, you usually still retain your "fake" targeting reticle from rangefinders and can fire at enemy semi-precisely, however, in most SPAA's cases you can't hit targets that are too far away from you like this, because ammo will self-destruct at it's default range. (about 2.5 km away)
SPAA's that have radars in some form
Round view:
Gepard — Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking. Radar is pulled back, when offline.
Chieftain Marksman — Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking.
AMX-30 DCA — Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking.
M247 — Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking.
OTOMATIC — Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking.
Type 87 — Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking. Radar is pulled back, when offline.
ZPRK 2S6 - Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking. Radar is pulled back, when offline.
Sector view:
ZSU-23-4 — Radar station for sector search and target tracking.
Rangefinder substitute:
M163 — Radio rangefinder and ballistic calculator.
SIDAM 25 - A laser rangefinder, as well as optical tracking device.
