Difference between revisions of "SPAA radars"

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m (Edits.@bangerland - true, not in War Thunder yet, but the AGM-45 Shrike was actively used in 1965 in Vietnam, willing to bet only a matter of time before added to WT, would reduce radar spamming. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGM-45_Shrike)
m (Removed an empty paragraph from the beginning of the article)
 
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{{DISPLAYTITLE: SPAA Radar Systems}}
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{{DISPLAYTITLE: SPAA Radar & Sensor Systems}}
 
<!--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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War Thunder [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]] introduced mechanics for radars and other sensors. The new mechanics replaced an "arcade-style" lead indicator previously present, and a greater number of aircraft and SPAA vehicles which were historically equipped with radars gained access to the new features allowing for a more in-depth, realistic and a historic feel when playing them.
  
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War Thunder [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]] introduced the capability of utilising radar units in a more active way in SPAA's and aircraft which historically had the use of early radars allowing for a more in-depth realism and a historic feel when utilising these vehicles.
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Prior to this update, SPAAs equipped with radars were able to use an Arcade battles style lead indicator in Realistic and Simulator battle modes. After [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]], the arcade-style lead indicator was removed. SPAA vehicles are now equipped with various radars and other sensor systems which provide the ability to detect and/or track aircraft. Vehicles with this capability have a radar display visible as part of the in-game interface, the location of detected air targets is displayed on this interface. In addition for vehicles equipped with tracking systems the player may lock onto targets, this proves an accurate range and relative velocity information about the target and, when the target is close enough, an accurate lead indicator.
  
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Prior to this update, radars simply allowed SPAA to use a targeting reticle in realistic and simulator battle modes. While those targeting reticles tended to be extremely inaccurate, they were nonetheless helpful to the operator.
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Although such systems provide SPAA players with distinct battlefield advantages, many come with risks to their use. A number of modern aircraft are equipped with Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs), which are capable of detecting radar emissions from SPAAs and alerting the pilot to their position.
  
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Post update, radars now have the capability to actively search, detect and lock onto an enemy's signal all the while providing a completely accurate firing solution, however, such battlefield benefit does come with its own share of risks when used.
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With the release of [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], the functionality of radars and other sensors was changed. Tracking errors were added, meaning that lead indicators are less accurate at longer ranges and aircraft flying at low altitudes (less than 100 m from terrain) became harder to track. Although less effective than previously, radars are still a very useful tool to have.
  
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==SPAA Radar Types==
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==Ground radar / sensors controls==
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Below is a table showing all the key-bindings associated with the use of radars and other sensors on ground vehicles. It is recommended to change the default key bindings to make radar systems easier to use.
  
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At this time, War Thunder utilises two types of radar in SPAA vehicles, these radar units include the '''Rangefinder''' and the '''Active Radar''':
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! colspan="3" | Radar / Sensor Controls
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|-
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! Control name
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! Default Keybind<br />(PC keyboard & mouse)
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! Description
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|-
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| Switch radar search on / off || Alt + R || Turns the vehicle's search radar (or other types of search sensor) on or off.
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|-
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| Change radar mode || Unbound || Unknown
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|-
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| Change radar search mode || Unbound || Toggles between the radars search modes e.g. sector scan or 360° scan (see radar pages for scan modes supported)
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|-
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| Change radar scope scale || Unbound || Changes the range scale of the radar display
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|-
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| Select radar target to lock on || Alt + T || Selects which target on the display to lock on to
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|-
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| Lock radar target on || Alt + F || Locks onto the selected or nearest target on radar display. In sniper/gunner view: Force '''tracking''' sensor sweep and attempt to lock on the target in the crosshairs with it, or onto the first aircraft the tracker detects.
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|-
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| Switch radar indicator type || Unbound || Switches between a Plan Position Indicator (PPI) radar display and a B-Scope radar display
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|-
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|}
  
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===Rangefinder===
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{{Notice| Despite being on the same button, locking on with search sensor and tracking sensor '''is not''' the same thing - even if your search radar cannot track something, maybe your tracking radar can. Practice your radar controls in test drive before going on the field.}}
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Rangefinders work by calculating the distance between two objects. There are two main components to a radio rangefinder which includes the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The transmitter's job is to transmit a signal, usually, several hundred times a second and then waits.  If an object such as an aircraft flies within the search area of the range finder, the transmitted signals from the rangefinder will bounce off of the aircraft and reflect back to to the SPAA which will then receive the transmitted signal into the receiver. The rangefinder then through a processing unit will calculate the time from when the signal was transmitted and then received and divide it by two, the time resultant is then converted into distance providing the SPAA with the distance to the vehicle being tracked.  The more often the transmitters transmit, the more reflections are received giving the rangefinder an up-to-date distance to the moving aircraft. In some cases, with this data, the SPAA can set fuses for self-destroying ammo causing it to automatically explode near to where the tracked aircraft is showing to be, not requiring a direct hit, but close enough to cause damage through exploding shells. If target locking is an available function then the target will need to be manually locked.
 
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[[File:Rangefinder radar display.jpg|nonet|thumb|How radar display looks with rangefinder only. There will be no searching going on, and no passive scanning.]]
 
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<!--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-->
 
  
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==== How to use Rangefinders and Other Radar-Like Systems. ====
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{{Notice| Your radars can be damaged and also repaired like any module. Any radar is automatically shut off when being repaired and once usable again, '''you need to switch it back on''' using ALT + R.}}
  
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{{Notice
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==Radars and Sensors User Interface==
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|This example is modelled with M163 in mind. Results may vary for SIDAM 25 and other SPAA vehicles.
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This section will cover the general user interface for ground vehicles with radars and sensors; some sensors have slight differences in their interfaces which will be covered in their own subsection. For the images in this section, a [[Gepard]] is used. All SPAA vehicles with radars and other sensors gain a radar display and compass on their HUD.
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|!
 
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}}
 
  
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To use rangefinder substitute, you have to go to gunner (sniper) sight and direct the targeting crosshairs onto the target enemy aircraft, then press a lock-on key (default keybinding is alt+F, like with the rest of radars, is recommended to change to single key).
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===Radar Display===
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As a result, lock on will occure:
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[[File:Ground_Radars_General.png|300px|thumb|right|A general depiction of the radar display. The default PPI display is at the top with the B-Scope display shown below.]]
  
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There are two types of radar display (see image to the right) which the player can choose from. The default display is a Plan Position Indicator (PPI) display; by pressing the "Switch radar indicator type" key the player can change this to a B-Scope display if they wish.
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The PPI is a circular display showing a top-down representation of the airspace around the player's vehicle; the display is a "North Up" format meaning that north is always at the top of the display.
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The player's vehicle is located in the centre of the display and a line indicates what direction the turret is facing. If the search radar/sensor is turned on (evident by the presence of a lightning bolt above the display) then a line will appear, moving around the display, representing where the sensor is pointing. There are also pale lines extending from the centre of the display to the edge, these are spaced apart at 30°, and along with the bearing markers on the radar display and compass allow you to work out in which direction a target is located. There are also 4 rings (including the outside edge of the display) within the display, these are evenly spaced and allow you to work out how far away a detected target is (divide the range setting by four to get the distance between rings). If the vehicle has a tracking system then a darker region will be present indicating the area within which targets can be tracked (the area will usually move with the movement of the tank's turret).
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The B-Scope is a rectangular display proving a 2D top-down representation of space. The player's vehicle is located at the bottom of the display. The horizontal axis shows what azimuth the target is from the player, and the vertical axis shows distance. North is locked in the middle of the display with -180° in azimuth shown on the left-hand side of the display, and +180 in azimuth shown on the right-hand side of the display. A vertical line represents the direction the turret is facing, and a thicker line represents the sweep of the scanner (when it is turned on). Again there are four range lines which can be used to work out how far away radar targets are. The tracking area is displayed as a darkened box on the display.
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====Radar Target Types====
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[[File:Radar_Target_Types.png|800px|thumb|left|The different types of targets which can be present on the radar display. Fast moving targets will be represented by a line instead of a dot, but designations will remain same.]]
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{{break}}
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There are different types of targets which can appear on the radar display, these are shown above. When a target is detected by a search radar (or another type of search sensor) it will most often show up on the radar display as a normal radar target (left-most example in image). If the vehicle's search system is equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system then targets which are on your team will be displayed with a line under them (right-most example), if an IFF system is not present then all targets will be displayed as normal targets on the radar display.
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One of the targets within the vehicle's tracking area on the display will be chosen as the selected target and displayed with a vertical bar on each side of it. The selected target is the one which will be locked on to when the "Lock radar target on" button is pressed. The selected target can be changed to another one within the lock-on-area by pressing the "Select radar target to lock on" key. Targets which have been locked on to are displayed with a solid square around them.
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===Compass and Tracked Targets===
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[[File:Radar compass and tracking.jpg|500x500px|thumb|right|The interface for the compass and a tracked target]]
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In addition to a radar display SPAA vehicles also have a compass present on the HUD, located at the top of the screen. This compass shows what direction the turret is pointing in degrees (0° is due north). Targets which are detected will also be displayed on the compass as triangles. If a target is locked then a solid box appears around its triangle.
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When a target is locked onto a box will appear around it. Next, to the box, the distance between the target and the player's vehicle, as well as its speed relative to the player's vehicle will be displayed. Once the target closes to a suitable range an accurate firing indicator will appear.
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If the lock on a target is lost for any reason then the tracking square around the target will drift and start flashing to show that it has been lost, after a few seconds it will disappear.
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When a target is tracked, the turret will receive the targeting information feed and use it to adjust ammunition self-destruction fuse delays as well as follow the target automatically. When this happens the targeting reticle which appears has a high level of accuracy, as long as the target maintains speed and bearing and does not dramatically alter its speed, course or direction.
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==SPAA Sensor Types==
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The sensor systems in War Thunder can be categorised into Active Radar systems and Passive Systems. Active radar systems work by transmitting radio waves at a target and detecting those which bounce back, while passive systems use a variety of techniques to allow them to carry out their job passively (i.e. without emitting anything).
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Sensor systems also differ in roles, either falling into the category of search systems or tracking systems. When activated search systems will scan the area around the SPAA and display any targets they detect on the radar display and compass. Tracking systems do not detect targets; instead, they lock on to a single target and provide information about it, as well as a firing lead indicator. Most SPAAs have both a search and tracking system allowing them to detect targets and then lock onto them. Some SPAAs however only have tracking systems; in this case, the user must manually place the crosshairs over a visible target to lock the radar onto it. It is possible for vehicles to have a mix of sensor systems. For example the [[XM1069]] has a search radar and an infrared tracking system.
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===Active Radar===
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Active radar systems are by far the most common type of SPAA sensor; they work by transmitting radio waves at a target and detecting those which bounce back. They come with the disadvantage that these radio waves can be detected by Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) fitted to some aircraft, alerting the aircraft to the SPAA's location. Radar systems also have the disadvantage of suffering ground clutter (false returns from the ground making it harder to detect targets), the multipath effect (an effect where the tracking box appears below low flying aircraft instead of over it), and tracking inaccuracies.
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{{Notice|Trees are half-transparent for radars. Radar distance shortens for every tree in its scan direction.|!}}
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When the radar is in search mode and does not have a lock on a target, it will scan the area around the vehicle, either through a full 360° or within a limited sector. The current direction of the scanner is represented by a moving line on the radar display (usually thicker than the turret heading line). Targets can only be detected by the radar when it is pointing straight at them, and so a target's position will only be updated as the scanner sweep line passes over it. Be aware, that small planes are harder to detect due to their small profile and obstacles such as trees and hills will obscure radar's field of view, preventing detection or tracking of objects on the other side of them. Even if the search radar is offline or fails to spot a target it is usually still possible to manually position the crosshairs over a target and press the "Lock radar target on" key.
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{{Notice|Radars cannot detect or track targets which have a relative speed which is too low|!}}
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Another important consideration with radars is that they are incapable of detecting or tracking targets with a low relative speed. The relative speed is not the true speed which the target is actually moving; it is the speed which it is moving relative to the radar. If a target is flying in a circle around the player, moving at a speed near that of the rotation of the radar, then it is possible for their relative speed to drop to a point where it is too low to track/detect.
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Radars also have a minimum range, below which they cannot detect or track targets. See individual radar pages for the minimum range and speed characteristics of each radar.
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{{Notice|Different radars have different characteristics, a target detectable by a vehicle's search radar may not be visible to its tracking radar and vice versa.}}
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If the search radar has detected a target within the radar's locking area (darker area of the radar display) on of the targets in that area will be marked as selected (two vertical lines around it), a lock can be acquired on the selected target by pressing the "Lock radar target on" key. The selected target can be changed by pressing the "Select radar target to lock on" key if a target has been detected in the area but cannot be selected it means it is visible to the search radar but not the tracking radar. When a selected target is locked on to the guns will automatically move to point at it, regardless of where they were pointing previously. Multiple targets (even allied aircraft) close together within the field of the tracking radar can confuse the tracking radar and cause tracking problems, including the loss of a target lock, or the lock transitioning to another aircraft. In the event of multiple aircraft in the search area, it is recommended to switch to gunner view and manually attack targets to ensure not accidentally shooting down any friendly aircraft.
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{{Notice|The darker area on the display is the area within which targets can initially be locked on to. Once locked on some radars can track a target even outside of this area.}}
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Once a solid lock is achieved, the only concern now is preventing your opponent from dodging the incoming volley of ammunition. For this reason, conservation of ammunition is important and the gunner should not waste ammo firing in long continuous bursts in the same direction if your SPAA's accuracy is adequate.
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[[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 soon.]]
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====Combined Search / Track Radars (TWS - Track While Scan)====
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[[File:Radar_Without_TWS.png|300px|thumb|right|A radar without TWS, notice how all other targets are removed from the display when a target is locked.]]
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Most SPAA vehicles operate two separate radars or sensors, one for searching and one for tracking. Some vehicles, however, operate a single combined search and tracking radar. These systems operate much the same as regular radars, however, nearly all of them lack Track While Scan (TWS) capability. As a result, when you lock onto a target with such radar, you lose search functionality and cannot see any targets other than the one you are tracking. By comparison, vehicles using a separate search and tracking radar are able to still use their search radar while the tracking radar is active.
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====Radar Range Finders====
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In real life radar range finding systems were used as a simpler way of proving radar tracking like capability. Rangefinders work by calculating the distance between two objects. There are two main components of a radio rangefinder: the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The transmitter's job is to transmit a signal, usually several hundred times a second, and then wait. If an object such as an aircraft is hit by the transmitted signals from the rangefinder they will bounce off of the aircraft and reflect back to the SPAA to be received by the receiver.
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The rangefinder's processing unit will calculate the time between when the signal was transmitted and received and use it to calculate the distance to the target. The more often the transmitters transmit, the more reflections are received giving the rangefinder an up-to-date distance to the moving aircraft. With this data, the SPAA can set fuses for self-destroying ammo, causing it to automatically explode near to where the tracked aircraft is showing to be, not requiring a direct hit, but close enough to cause damage through exploding shells. The range of information can also be used to calculate a firing lead indicator.
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In-game radar range finders work like tracking radars, however vehicles equipped with them have no search radar, so the target must be manually identified and locked.
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[[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.]]
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To use the radar rangefinder substitute, you have to go to gunner (sniper) sight and direct the targeting crosshairs onto the target enemy aircraft, then press the "Lock radar target on" key.
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As a result, lock-on will occur:
 
[[File:M163 radio lock-on.JPG|none|thumb|500x500px|M163 locked on. Always make sure trees do not obscure the gunner's view.]]
 
[[File:M163 radio lock-on.JPG|none|thumb|500x500px|M163 locked on. Always make sure trees do not obscure the gunner's view.]]
  
 
All that is left is to aim the true targeting reticle and open fire on the enemy aircraft.
 
All that is left is to aim the true targeting reticle and open fire on the enemy aircraft.
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===Active radar===
 
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When active radar units are operational, they search their surroundings for any flying aircraft. Active radars can lock onto targets and provide detailed information on the aircraft such as azimuth reading and distance. Active radars may employ a "sector" or "circular" radar view.  One major drawback is that radars can easily be pinpointed through the use of counter-radar units and be targets of homing missiles as a result (not yet a feature in War Thunder).
 
  
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<div><ul>
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The above information is also true for vehicles such as the [[SIDAM 25]] which use an optronic tracking system, without search functionality.
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Circular view radar.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Circular view radar. Second line represents current radar direction, green field represents passive field of view (rangefinder).]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Sector view radar.jpg|none|thumb|250px|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)]] </li>
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{{Notice|Although the SIDAM 25's tracker can track targets in an elevation range of -20°/+85° once locked on, it can only initially lock on to targets between -20°/+20° in elevation.}}
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</ul></div>
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====Sector Scan Radar Mode====
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Some search radars support sector scanning as well as 360°. The scan mode can be changed by pressing the "Change radar search mode" key. In Sector scanning mode the radar moves back and forth, scanning a sector between two angles. The scanning sector is relative to the front of the turret, so if the turret moves the sector covered by the radar moves also.
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[[File:Sector view radar.jpg|none|thumb|300px|Sector view radar. In case of these radars, the system only actively looks for an enemy in a small sector in front of your turret (represented by dark green field).]]
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====Line of Sight Scan Radar Mode====
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Some radars also support Line of Sight searching, again this can be selected by pressing the "Change radar search mode" key. This mode will stop the radar dish from spinning and lock it facing the front of the turret. In this mode the radar is only scanning a very narrow sector dead in front of the turret, so you need to point straight at aircraft in order to detect them. Since the radar is static in this mode, it is advisable to move the turret a bit, just in case if the plane took a bit different route to where you think it is. 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.
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===Passive Infrared and Optronic Systems===
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{{Notice|As of Update "Raining Fire", no SPAA in the game have full passive tracking radar and missile guidance. All missile launches will trigger a helicopter's Laser Warning System.}}
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After a certain point, air forces realised the danger of radars to their ranks and started using specific radar-seeking missiles, which were able to automatically detect and guide straight onto radars and destroy them.
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As a way to avoid this new threat entirely, passive systems which were capable of detecting and tracking aircraft without emitting radar were developed.
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One method known as optronic tracking uses a powerful camera controlled by the gunner. The gunner manually identifies the target and locks into it, a computer then uses the video feed of a target to track it and provide a firing lead indicator.
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Other method uses infrared sensors to detect the infrared energy emitted from aircraft in order to detect and track them.
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These systems tend to have a short-range by Radar standard but are capable of doing the job while being unnoticed by anti-radar detectors.
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====Using Passive Infrared Systems====
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[[File:Passive_IR_Search_System_UI.png|300px|thumb|right|The interface for Passive IR search, notice how all targets are marked at a fixed range, with only azimuth different.]]
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The user interface for passive infrared systems feels about the same as radar. The most noticeable difference at first glance is that power symbol is replaced by letters "IRST". However another difference soon becomes more apparent: infrared '''search''' systems are incapable of telling the range to a target, as such all targets are displayed at the same range around the edge of the display, with only the azimuth being different between them. This is compensated by ability of system to tell if target is hostile or not.
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{{Notice|Trees are non transparent for optical sights and guiding devices, such as ADATS tracker or Stormer SPAAGs. Try to not choose positions next to a forest, if possible.|!}}
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While this is a serious downgrade, it starts making sense when you actually try to lock on and observe the way IRST targeting sensors work.
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Generally, due to low range of infrared tracking systems they are used on vehicles equipped with Anti-Air missiles, which can compensate for the system weaknesses. Overall, infrared tracking does seem to be slightly less accurate and reliable than radar tracking, and heavily relies on optical tracking from sniper seat. For this reason, these kinds of systems require a higher level of "targeting" on crew gunner for better turret tracking and high coordination of the player, as you have to guide very sensitive missiles towards the target as precisely as you can.
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{{Notice|The [[Stormer HVM]] has no guns, so there is no lead indicator for this vehicle. The [[XM1069]] does have a lead indicator for its infrared Tracker.}}
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[[File:Stormer HMV passive system lock on.jpg|none|thumb|500x400px]]
  
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==== How to use Active Radars ====
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As could be seen on screenshot above, in full IRST mode sniper crosshair tries to imitate the drag of missile as it tracks the aircraft, by keeping sniper crosshairs on plane you can guide your missile towards an aircraft. Keeping an actual missile on target is more important, however, as system accuracy is generally far from stellar.
  
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When utilising any vehicle with a radar, two items will become visible on the view screen:
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Do note, that a plane approaching at a sharp angle will mess with turret automatic guidance, due to it passing by too fast. It is also worth remembering, that SPAA, which rely purely on IRST, have huge gaps in optical zooms, and maximum zoom '''does not equal best missile tracking'''.
  
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1) Radar screen
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[[File:Stormer HVM hit with weird lock-on data.jpg|none|thumb|500x400px]]
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[[File:Radar explanations.jpg|none|thumb|500x500px]]
 
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2) Radar-assisted compass
 
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[[File:Radar compass and tracking.jpg|none|thumb|500x500px]]
 
  
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Whenever the radar unit is only in active search mode and does not have a lock on a target, it will scan on its own or if utilising a narrow scan field, will follow the vehicle turret. Its current direction is represented by a second line on the radar. This line must intersect with a target to "spot" it. Be aware, that small planes can avoid detection due to their small profile and obstacles such as trees and hills will obscure radar's field of view preventing tracking of objects on the other side of them. Even if the active radar fails to spot a target or is offline, generally SPAA gunner can still select and target an enemy aircraft and engage in manual targeting. The accuracy of this method is much lower when compared to utilising the active radar.
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As example, Stormer HVM has 10-40X optics, which can be manually adgusted during AA duty, but simply hitting "maximum zoom" will probably result in a miss. Since it is extremely inconvenient to toggle zoom level every time, one can remain in sniper seat and use radar display to lock-on to targets around - spin the turret in direction of your next target on display and try to lock on, the targeting device will do the rest.
  
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Whenever the active radar detects any target, a lock can be acquired by pressing a key (or pre-mapped controller button). Default keybinding is alt+F, unfortunately, this can cause problems due to the Alt key being used for other things and can incidentally deselect the target unintentionally and break target lock. Multiple targets (or even allied aircraft) within the field of the radar's search can cause tracking problems as multiple targets can cause the targeting system problems. In the event of multiple aircraft in the search area, it is recommended to switch to gunner view and manually attack targets to ensure not accidentally shooting down any friendly aircraft.
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==Sensor guidance errors==
  
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For active radars, the turret will receive the targeting information feed, adjust ammunition self-destruction fuse delays and follow the target automatically. When this happens, a "true" targeting reticle appears which 100% guarantees target destruction, only as long as the target maintains speed and bearing and does not alter its speed, course or direction.
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While in-game lock-on ballistic calculations are absolute and are always correct, since [[update 1.89]] the guidance error can happen. If you will not pay attention to those, your volley may miss entirely.
  
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At this point, the only concern now is preventing your opponent from dodging the incoming volley of ammunition. For this reason, conservation of ammunition is important and the gunner should not waste ammo firing in long continuous bursts in the same direction if your SPAA's accuracy is adequate.
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===Unstable lock-on===
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[[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 soon.]]
 
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For very long range sniper shots (~ 4-6 km engagements) it is best to change the radar from searching randomly and instead scan certain areas specifically. This is done by a key (Not set by default, name in settings is "change radar search mode"). This will stop the 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, it is advisable to move the turret a bit, just in case if the 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.
 
  
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== Drawbacks of Using the Radar ==
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The more things there are in between of SPAA and plane and the closer the tracking sensor is to its limits, the more lock-on scope "shakes". Eventually, it may start going all over the place and even detach from aircraft. This makes radar-guided reticle less than absolutely accurate and may decrease timing accuracy of proximity fuse shells.
  
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Certain planes and helicopters have radar detection system, and as such, whenever your radar "hit" them, they see radar alerts.
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[[File:Sensor error - unstable lock sniper.jpg|thumb|left|As clearly seen here, there is no way sniper would know that the scope is detached from plane, and the error is actually quite big for a 35 mm gun]]
  
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Some aircraft have fully fledged out radars or counter-radars and '''will see SPAA clearly''' as soon as they try to track them.
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{{break}}
  
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<!--This info requires checking, as in, is this happening in RB as well, or only in AB? I have no way of checking.-->
+
This error is the most dangerous when you fire while using sniper scope, as it's often hard to see both the aircraft and ballistic solution reticle at the same time, so you may not even notice it for a while.
 +
 
 +
In-game, the ballistic solution is usually still correct, but your sensor thinks, that aircraft is located in another spot, thus giving you an incorrect firing angle. To counter this error, look how far and in which direction the lock-on square is separated from the actual aircraft and adjust your aim at "true aiming reticle" in opposite direction, firing to where the enemy plane would actually be.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Sensor error - counter unstable lock.jpg|thumb|left|Shift gun around the reticle to compensate for wobbly radar lock indicator. Note, that the worse lock becomes, the more scope moves around.]]
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
 
 +
To avoid getting this error at all, it is better to stay in high and open spot and track at range and angle comfortable for your tracking device, but it makes you more vulnerable to enemy fire, and many hostile aircraft can attack you back while being well outside of your comfort zone, so it is safer to just get used to it.
 +
 
 +
===Multipath (Ground echo)===
 +
 
 +
If hostile aircraft is flying very low (~100 m away from the ground), the ground will start jamming radar-based signal with similar signature echo, bringing the "lock-on" tracker down to the ground.
 +
 
 +
This error is very confusing, so being prepared is the key. To counter the error, keep your distance and aim where your radar says to, but adjust the height to one at which the plane is flying manually. Resist any attempts of the turret to follow the reticle under the ground. In case of 10.0 SAM you may fire missile at aircraft directly and hope it can intercept plane in time.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Sensor error - ground echo.JPG|thumb|left|An XM1069 intercepts a low-flying jet. Since its missile is extremely fast, it ignores gun reticle and just tries to hit the plane with a proximity-fused missile, but it technically could fire gun and still hit the target.]]
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
 
 +
==Drawbacks of Using the Radar==
 +
 
 +
Certain helicopters have a radar detection system, and as such, whenever the radar waves from your vehicle’s radar "hit" them, they see radar alerts. These alerts appear in the form of a lighting symbol appearing on their own "counter radar" display, to indicate roughly what direction a radar is in. The more sophisticated "counter-radar" is, the better it is at telling what is searching for the helicopter, where from and so on. Most versions of it also trigger sound alert, when radar starts actively tracking them, so if your tracking device is also a radar, they '''will''' know you are about to shoot them down.
 +
 
 +
<!--This section is made as simple as possible, you are welcome to add a more combat relevant picture-->
 
Here is an example of what happens, when you got noticed by a helicopter:
 
Here is an example of what happens, when you got noticed by a helicopter:
 
[[File:Radar detection ATGM helicopter.jpg|none|thumb]]
 
[[File:Radar detection ATGM helicopter.jpg|none|thumb]]
  
−
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 the 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.  
+
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 the radar off when you don't need it. This will shut down radar search, but you can usually still lock on to targets (As already mentioned, be aware, that your tracking device may use radar technology as well, and by themselves can still trigger radar warnings). Certain SPAAs also fold their radar behind them, making their profile much smaller and harder to notice by tanks around them.
 +
 
 +
Vehicles operating passive systems are immune to detection by Radar Warning Receivers.
 +
 
 +
==SPAAs Which Have Radars and Other Sensors==
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="6" | SPAA vehicles with radars or other sensor systems
 +
|-
 +
! Vehicle Name
 +
! Search System
 +
!Band
 +
(Search)
 +
! Tracking System
 +
!Band
 +
(Track)
 +
! width="50%" | Comments
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|ussr_zprk_2s6}} || [[1RL144]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| [[1RL144]]<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Search radar can fold. Combined search and track radar with TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|us_adats_bradley}} || ADATS<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| TV/IR tracker<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
 +
| Search radar can fold. Missiles are beam-riding and locks trigger LWS (Laser Warning System) on helicopters.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|uk_adats_m113a3}} || ADATS<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| TV/IR tracker<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|<nowiki>-</nowiki>
 +
| Search radar can fold. Missiles are beam-riding and locks trigger LWS (Laser Warning System) on helicopters.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|fr_amx_30_dca}} || [[DR-VC-1A]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| [[DR-VC-1A]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|E|| Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|sw_asrad_r}} || ASRAD<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| TV/IR tracker<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Radars cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|uk_chieftain_marksman}} || [[Marconi S-400]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|J|| [[Marconi S-400]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|germ_flarakpz_1}} || SAG MPDR-16<br>(Search radar)
 +
|D|| Thomson-CSF Domino 30<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Radars can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|germ_flarakrad}} || SAG MPDR-16<br>(Search radar)
 +
|D|| Roland<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Radars can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|germ_flakpz_I_Gepard}} || [[SAG MPDR-12]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| SAZ pulse doppler monopulse<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Search radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|germ_flakpz_1a2_Gepard}} || [[SAG MPDR-12]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| SAZ pulse doppler monopulse<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Search radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|il_m163_vulcan}} || None
 +
| -|| [[AN/VPS-2]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|I|| Radar cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|fr_crotale_ng}} || Crotale<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| Crotale<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Search radar can fold. Combined search and track radar with TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|sw_crotale_ng}} || Crotale<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| Crotale<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Search radar can fold. Combined search and track radar with TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|sw_itpsv_90}} || [[Marconi S-400]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|J|| [[Marconi S-400]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|us_lav_ad}} || None
 +
| -|| LAV-AD<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Radar cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|sw_lvkv_90c}} || Thomson CSF Harfang TRS 2620 H<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| UTAAS<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Radars cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|sw_lvrbv_701}} || None
 +
| -|| LAV-AD<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -||Tracker is integrated in the optics.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|us_m163_vulcan}} || None
 +
| -|| [[AN/VPS-2]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|I|| Radar cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|us_m247}} || M-247<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| AN/APG-66<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|I|| Both radars can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|il_machbet}} || None
 +
| -|| Machbet TV/FLIR<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Tracker is integrated in the optics.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|it_otomatic}} || [[SMA VPS-A05]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| [[SMA VPS-A06]]<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|K|| {{Annotation|Search radar can fold.|Tracking radar will always be deployed all though it used to fold with search radar}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|germ_wiesel_2_adwc}} || ADAD<br>(Passive infrared search)
 +
| -|| ADAD<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Tracker is integrated in the optics, sensor cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|ussr_pantsyr_s1}} || 1RS1<br>(Search radar)
 +
|F|| 1RS2<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|K|| Search radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|cn_pgz_04a}} || CLC-1<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| TV/IR tracker<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Search radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|cn_pgz_09}} || PGZ-09<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| PGZ-09<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Search radar can fold; radars are renamed [[1RL144]].
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|fr_amx_30_roland}} || SAG MPDR-16<br>(Search radar)
 +
|D|| TV/IR tracker<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Search radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|fr_vab_santal}} || Rodeo-2<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| Rodeo-2<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|E|| Radars cannot fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|it_otobreda_sidam_25}} || None
 +
| -|| [[3JB10]]<br>(Optical tracker)
 +
| -|| Tracker is integrated in the optics.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|it_otobreda_sidam_25_mistral}} || None
 +
| -|| [[3JB10]]<br>(Optical tracker)
 +
| -|| Tracker is integrated in the optics. Missiles use onboard infrared sensors (will track flares).
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|uk_stormer_hvm}} || ADAD<br>(Passive infrared search)
 +
| -|| ADAD<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Sensor cannot fold. Missiles are laser-riding and locks trigger LWS on helicopters.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|ussr_9a35_m2}} || None
 +
| -|| 9S86<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|I|| Radar cannot fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|cn_tor_m1}} || 9K330<br>(Search radar)
 +
|F|| 9K330<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|jp_type_87}} || M-247<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| [[Gepard track]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Both radars can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|jp_type_93}} || None
 +
| -|| LAV-AD<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Tracker is integrated in the optics.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|sw_veak_40}} || [[Marconi S-400]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|J|| [[Marconi S-400]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|us_xm_975_roland}} || SAG MPDR-16<br>(Search radar)
 +
|D|| Thomson-CSF Domino 30<br>(Tracking radar/<br>Passive infrared tracker)
 +
|J|| Radars can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|uk_rooikat_za_35}} || Rooikat radar<br>(Search radar)
 +
|E|| TV/IR tracker<br>(Passive infrared tracker)
 +
| -|| Search radar can fold.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|ussr_zsu_23_4}} || [[1RL33]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|J|| [[1RL33]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|il_zsu_23_4}} || [[1RL33]]<br>(Search radar)
 +
|J|| [[1RL33]]<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|J|| Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs-Link|ussr_zsu_37_2}} || 1RL34<br>(Search radar)
 +
|I|| 1RL34<br>(Tracking radar)
 +
|I|| Radar cannot fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
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)
+
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|2NZVMgMpZSU|'''Boot Camp: Radar Systems''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|tcIeR_s6fp8|'''The Shooting Range #204''' - ''Tactics & Strategy'' section at 09:23 discusses the radars.|Wq9qHd_TCgk|'''The Shooting Range #184''' - ''Tactics and strategy'' section at 09:26 discusses the tactical use of radar-equipped SPAAs and the typical mistakes to avoid.|luvhoX8Ht1I|'''New anti-air defence''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|3BbIiDovPPk|'''The Shooting Range #139''' - ''Tactics and strategy'' section at 09:26 discusses the basics of SPAA radars.}}
  
−
==SPAA's Which Have Radars in Some Form==
+
== See also ==
 +
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the type of technology;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
−
<!--Could be nice if owners of these typed, if radar can be hidden, when it's offline-->
+
* [[Airborne radars]]
−
;Round view:
+
* [[:Category:Countermeasures]]
−
*[[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|ZPRK 2S6]] - Radar station for circular viewing and target tracking. Radar is pulled back, when offline
 
  
−
;Sector view:
+
== External links ==
−
*[[ZSU-23-4]] — Radar station for sector search and target tracking
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
−
;Rangefinder Substitute:
+
* [[wt:en/news/7938-development-tor-m1-and-new-options-for-sam-based-spaags-en|[Devblog] Tor-M1 and new options for SAM based SPAAGs]]
−
*[[M163]] — Radio rangefinder and ballistic calculator
+
* [[wt:en/news/6064-development-radar-station-new-opportunities-in-the-game-en|[Devblog] Radar Station: New opportunities in the game]]
−
*[[SIDAM 25]] - A laser rangefinder, as well as an optical tracking device
 
  
 
[[Category:Game_mechanics]]
 
[[Category:Game_mechanics]]
 +
[[Category:Radars]]

Latest revision as of 10:10, 9 July 2024

War Thunder Update 1.87 "Locked On" introduced mechanics for radars and other sensors. The new mechanics replaced an "arcade-style" lead indicator previously present, and a greater number of aircraft and SPAA vehicles which were historically equipped with radars gained access to the new features allowing for a more in-depth, realistic and a historic feel when playing them.

Prior to this update, SPAAs equipped with radars were able to use an Arcade battles style lead indicator in Realistic and Simulator battle modes. After Update 1.87 "Locked On", the arcade-style lead indicator was removed. SPAA vehicles are now equipped with various radars and other sensor systems which provide the ability to detect and/or track aircraft. Vehicles with this capability have a radar display visible as part of the in-game interface, the location of detected air targets is displayed on this interface. In addition for vehicles equipped with tracking systems the player may lock onto targets, this proves an accurate range and relative velocity information about the target and, when the target is close enough, an accurate lead indicator.

Although such systems provide SPAA players with distinct battlefield advantages, many come with risks to their use. A number of modern aircraft are equipped with Radar Warning Receivers (RWRs), which are capable of detecting radar emissions from SPAAs and alerting the pilot to their position.

With the release of Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy", the functionality of radars and other sensors was changed. Tracking errors were added, meaning that lead indicators are less accurate at longer ranges and aircraft flying at low altitudes (less than 100 m from terrain) became harder to track. Although less effective than previously, radars are still a very useful tool to have.

Ground radar / sensors controls

Below is a table showing all the key-bindings associated with the use of radars and other sensors on ground vehicles. It is recommended to change the default key bindings to make radar systems easier to use.

Radar / Sensor Controls
Control name Default Keybind
(PC keyboard & mouse) 		Description
Switch radar search on / off Alt + R Turns the vehicle's search radar (or other types of search sensor) on or off.
Change radar mode Unbound Unknown
Change radar search mode Unbound Toggles between the radars search modes e.g. sector scan or 360° scan (see radar pages for scan modes supported)
Change radar scope scale Unbound Changes the range scale of the radar display
Select radar target to lock on Alt + T Selects which target on the display to lock on to
Lock radar target on Alt + F Locks onto the selected or nearest target on radar display. In sniper/gunner view: Force tracking sensor sweep and attempt to lock on the target in the crosshairs with it, or onto the first aircraft the tracker detects.
Switch radar indicator type Unbound Switches between a Plan Position Indicator (PPI) radar display and a B-Scope radar display
Msg-info.png Despite being on the same button, locking on with search sensor and tracking sensor is not the same thing - even if your search radar cannot track something, maybe your tracking radar can. Practice your radar controls in test drive before going on the field.
Msg-info.png Your radars can be damaged and also repaired like any module. Any radar is automatically shut off when being repaired and once usable again, you need to switch it back on using ALT + R.

Radars and Sensors User Interface

This section will cover the general user interface for ground vehicles with radars and sensors; some sensors have slight differences in their interfaces which will be covered in their own subsection. For the images in this section, a Gepard is used. All SPAA vehicles with radars and other sensors gain a radar display and compass on their HUD.

Radar Display

A general depiction of the radar display. The default PPI display is at the top with the B-Scope display shown below.

There are two types of radar display (see image to the right) which the player can choose from. The default display is a Plan Position Indicator (PPI) display; by pressing the "Switch radar indicator type" key the player can change this to a B-Scope display if they wish.

The PPI is a circular display showing a top-down representation of the airspace around the player's vehicle; the display is a "North Up" format meaning that north is always at the top of the display.

The player's vehicle is located in the centre of the display and a line indicates what direction the turret is facing. If the search radar/sensor is turned on (evident by the presence of a lightning bolt above the display) then a line will appear, moving around the display, representing where the sensor is pointing. There are also pale lines extending from the centre of the display to the edge, these are spaced apart at 30°, and along with the bearing markers on the radar display and compass allow you to work out in which direction a target is located. There are also 4 rings (including the outside edge of the display) within the display, these are evenly spaced and allow you to work out how far away a detected target is (divide the range setting by four to get the distance between rings). If the vehicle has a tracking system then a darker region will be present indicating the area within which targets can be tracked (the area will usually move with the movement of the tank's turret).

The B-Scope is a rectangular display proving a 2D top-down representation of space. The player's vehicle is located at the bottom of the display. The horizontal axis shows what azimuth the target is from the player, and the vertical axis shows distance. North is locked in the middle of the display with -180° in azimuth shown on the left-hand side of the display, and +180 in azimuth shown on the right-hand side of the display. A vertical line represents the direction the turret is facing, and a thicker line represents the sweep of the scanner (when it is turned on). Again there are four range lines which can be used to work out how far away radar targets are. The tracking area is displayed as a darkened box on the display.

Radar Target Types

The different types of targets which can be present on the radar display. Fast moving targets will be represented by a line instead of a dot, but designations will remain same.


There are different types of targets which can appear on the radar display, these are shown above. When a target is detected by a search radar (or another type of search sensor) it will most often show up on the radar display as a normal radar target (left-most example in image). If the vehicle's search system is equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system then targets which are on your team will be displayed with a line under them (right-most example), if an IFF system is not present then all targets will be displayed as normal targets on the radar display.

One of the targets within the vehicle's tracking area on the display will be chosen as the selected target and displayed with a vertical bar on each side of it. The selected target is the one which will be locked on to when the "Lock radar target on" button is pressed. The selected target can be changed to another one within the lock-on-area by pressing the "Select radar target to lock on" key. Targets which have been locked on to are displayed with a solid square around them.

Compass and Tracked Targets

The interface for the compass and a tracked target

In addition to a radar display SPAA vehicles also have a compass present on the HUD, located at the top of the screen. This compass shows what direction the turret is pointing in degrees (0° is due north). Targets which are detected will also be displayed on the compass as triangles. If a target is locked then a solid box appears around its triangle.

When a target is locked onto a box will appear around it. Next, to the box, the distance between the target and the player's vehicle, as well as its speed relative to the player's vehicle will be displayed. Once the target closes to a suitable range an accurate firing indicator will appear.

If the lock on a target is lost for any reason then the tracking square around the target will drift and start flashing to show that it has been lost, after a few seconds it will disappear.

When a target is tracked, the turret will receive the targeting information feed and use it to adjust ammunition self-destruction fuse delays as well as follow the target automatically. When this happens the targeting reticle which appears has a high level of accuracy, as long as the target maintains speed and bearing and does not dramatically alter its speed, course or direction.

SPAA Sensor Types

The sensor systems in War Thunder can be categorised into Active Radar systems and Passive Systems. Active radar systems work by transmitting radio waves at a target and detecting those which bounce back, while passive systems use a variety of techniques to allow them to carry out their job passively (i.e. without emitting anything).

Sensor systems also differ in roles, either falling into the category of search systems or tracking systems. When activated search systems will scan the area around the SPAA and display any targets they detect on the radar display and compass. Tracking systems do not detect targets; instead, they lock on to a single target and provide information about it, as well as a firing lead indicator. Most SPAAs have both a search and tracking system allowing them to detect targets and then lock onto them. Some SPAAs however only have tracking systems; in this case, the user must manually place the crosshairs over a visible target to lock the radar onto it. It is possible for vehicles to have a mix of sensor systems. For example the XM1069 has a search radar and an infrared tracking system.

Active Radar

Active radar systems are by far the most common type of SPAA sensor; they work by transmitting radio waves at a target and detecting those which bounce back. They come with the disadvantage that these radio waves can be detected by Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) fitted to some aircraft, alerting the aircraft to the SPAA's location. Radar systems also have the disadvantage of suffering ground clutter (false returns from the ground making it harder to detect targets), the multipath effect (an effect where the tracking box appears below low flying aircraft instead of over it), and tracking inaccuracies.

Msg-important.png Trees are half-transparent for radars. Radar distance shortens for every tree in its scan direction.

When the radar is in search mode and does not have a lock on a target, it will scan the area around the vehicle, either through a full 360° or within a limited sector. The current direction of the scanner is represented by a moving line on the radar display (usually thicker than the turret heading line). Targets can only be detected by the radar when it is pointing straight at them, and so a target's position will only be updated as the scanner sweep line passes over it. Be aware, that small planes are harder to detect due to their small profile and obstacles such as trees and hills will obscure radar's field of view, preventing detection or tracking of objects on the other side of them. Even if the search radar is offline or fails to spot a target it is usually still possible to manually position the crosshairs over a target and press the "Lock radar target on" key.

Msg-important.png Radars cannot detect or track targets which have a relative speed which is too low

Another important consideration with radars is that they are incapable of detecting or tracking targets with a low relative speed. The relative speed is not the true speed which the target is actually moving; it is the speed which it is moving relative to the radar. If a target is flying in a circle around the player, moving at a speed near that of the rotation of the radar, then it is possible for their relative speed to drop to a point where it is too low to track/detect.

Radars also have a minimum range, below which they cannot detect or track targets. See individual radar pages for the minimum range and speed characteristics of each radar.

Msg-info.png Different radars have different characteristics, a target detectable by a vehicle's search radar may not be visible to its tracking radar and vice versa.

If the search radar has detected a target within the radar's locking area (darker area of the radar display) on of the targets in that area will be marked as selected (two vertical lines around it), a lock can be acquired on the selected target by pressing the "Lock radar target on" key. The selected target can be changed by pressing the "Select radar target to lock on" key if a target has been detected in the area but cannot be selected it means it is visible to the search radar but not the tracking radar. When a selected target is locked on to the guns will automatically move to point at it, regardless of where they were pointing previously. Multiple targets (even allied aircraft) close together within the field of the tracking radar can confuse the tracking radar and cause tracking problems, including the loss of a target lock, or the lock transitioning to another aircraft. In the event of multiple aircraft in the search area, it is recommended to switch to gunner view and manually attack targets to ensure not accidentally shooting down any friendly aircraft.

Msg-info.png The darker area on the display is the area within which targets can initially be locked on to. Once locked on some radars can track a target even outside of this area.

Once a solid lock is achieved, the only concern now is preventing your opponent from dodging the incoming volley of ammunition. For this reason, conservation of ammunition is important and the gunner should not waste ammo firing in long continuous bursts in the same direction if your SPAA's accuracy is adequate.

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 soon.

Combined Search / Track Radars (TWS - Track While Scan)

A radar without TWS, notice how all other targets are removed from the display when a target is locked.

Most SPAA vehicles operate two separate radars or sensors, one for searching and one for tracking. Some vehicles, however, operate a single combined search and tracking radar. These systems operate much the same as regular radars, however, nearly all of them lack Track While Scan (TWS) capability. As a result, when you lock onto a target with such radar, you lose search functionality and cannot see any targets other than the one you are tracking. By comparison, vehicles using a separate search and tracking radar are able to still use their search radar while the tracking radar is active.

Radar Range Finders

In real life radar range finding systems were used as a simpler way of proving radar tracking like capability. Rangefinders work by calculating the distance between two objects. There are two main components of a radio rangefinder: the transmitter unit and the receiver unit. The transmitter's job is to transmit a signal, usually several hundred times a second, and then wait. If an object such as an aircraft is hit by the transmitted signals from the rangefinder they will bounce off of the aircraft and reflect back to the SPAA to be received by the receiver.

The rangefinder's processing unit will calculate the time between when the signal was transmitted and received and use it to calculate the distance to the target. The more often the transmitters transmit, the more reflections are received giving the rangefinder an up-to-date distance to the moving aircraft. With this data, the SPAA can set fuses for self-destroying ammo, causing it to automatically explode near to where the tracked aircraft is showing to be, not requiring a direct hit, but close enough to cause damage through exploding shells. The range of information can also be used to calculate a firing lead indicator.

In-game radar range finders work like tracking radars, however vehicles equipped with them have no search radar, so the target must be manually identified and locked.

How radar display looks with rangefinder only. There will be no searching going on, and no passive scanning.

To use the radar rangefinder substitute, you have to go to gunner (sniper) sight and direct the targeting crosshairs onto the target enemy aircraft, then press the "Lock radar target on" key.

As a result, lock-on will occur:

M163 locked on. Always make sure trees do not obscure the gunner's view.

All that is left is to aim the true targeting reticle and open fire on the enemy aircraft.

The above information is also true for vehicles such as the SIDAM 25 which use an optronic tracking system, without search functionality.

Msg-info.png Although the SIDAM 25's tracker can track targets in an elevation range of -20°/+85° once locked on, it can only initially lock on to targets between -20°/+20° in elevation.

Sector Scan Radar Mode

Some search radars support sector scanning as well as 360°. The scan mode can be changed by pressing the "Change radar search mode" key. In Sector scanning mode the radar moves back and forth, scanning a sector between two angles. The scanning sector is relative to the front of the turret, so if the turret moves the sector covered by the radar moves also.

Sector view radar. In case of these radars, the system only actively looks for an enemy in a small sector in front of your turret (represented by dark green field).

Line of Sight Scan Radar Mode

Some radars also support Line of Sight searching, again this can be selected by pressing the "Change radar search mode" key. This mode will stop the radar dish from spinning and lock it facing the front of the turret. In this mode the radar is only scanning a very narrow sector dead in front of the turret, so you need to point straight at aircraft in order to detect them. Since the radar is static in this mode, it is advisable to move the turret a bit, just in case if the plane took a bit different route to where you think it is. 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.

Passive Infrared and Optronic Systems

Msg-info.png As of Update "Raining Fire", no SPAA in the game have full passive tracking radar and missile guidance. All missile launches will trigger a helicopter's Laser Warning System.

After a certain point, air forces realised the danger of radars to their ranks and started using specific radar-seeking missiles, which were able to automatically detect and guide straight onto radars and destroy them.

As a way to avoid this new threat entirely, passive systems which were capable of detecting and tracking aircraft without emitting radar were developed.

One method known as optronic tracking uses a powerful camera controlled by the gunner. The gunner manually identifies the target and locks into it, a computer then uses the video feed of a target to track it and provide a firing lead indicator.

Other method uses infrared sensors to detect the infrared energy emitted from aircraft in order to detect and track them.

These systems tend to have a short-range by Radar standard but are capable of doing the job while being unnoticed by anti-radar detectors.

Using Passive Infrared Systems

The interface for Passive IR search, notice how all targets are marked at a fixed range, with only azimuth different.

The user interface for passive infrared systems feels about the same as radar. The most noticeable difference at first glance is that power symbol is replaced by letters "IRST". However another difference soon becomes more apparent: infrared search systems are incapable of telling the range to a target, as such all targets are displayed at the same range around the edge of the display, with only the azimuth being different between them. This is compensated by ability of system to tell if target is hostile or not.

Msg-important.png Trees are non transparent for optical sights and guiding devices, such as ADATS tracker or Stormer SPAAGs. Try to not choose positions next to a forest, if possible.

While this is a serious downgrade, it starts making sense when you actually try to lock on and observe the way IRST targeting sensors work.

Generally, due to low range of infrared tracking systems they are used on vehicles equipped with Anti-Air missiles, which can compensate for the system weaknesses. Overall, infrared tracking does seem to be slightly less accurate and reliable than radar tracking, and heavily relies on optical tracking from sniper seat. For this reason, these kinds of systems require a higher level of "targeting" on crew gunner for better turret tracking and high coordination of the player, as you have to guide very sensitive missiles towards the target as precisely as you can.

Msg-info.png The Stormer HVM has no guns, so there is no lead indicator for this vehicle. The XM1069 does have a lead indicator for its infrared Tracker.
Stormer HMV passive system lock on.jpg

As could be seen on screenshot above, in full IRST mode sniper crosshair tries to imitate the drag of missile as it tracks the aircraft, by keeping sniper crosshairs on plane you can guide your missile towards an aircraft. Keeping an actual missile on target is more important, however, as system accuracy is generally far from stellar.

Do note, that a plane approaching at a sharp angle will mess with turret automatic guidance, due to it passing by too fast. It is also worth remembering, that SPAA, which rely purely on IRST, have huge gaps in optical zooms, and maximum zoom does not equal best missile tracking.

Stormer HVM hit with weird lock-on data.jpg

As example, Stormer HVM has 10-40X optics, which can be manually adgusted during AA duty, but simply hitting "maximum zoom" will probably result in a miss. Since it is extremely inconvenient to toggle zoom level every time, one can remain in sniper seat and use radar display to lock-on to targets around - spin the turret in direction of your next target on display and try to lock on, the targeting device will do the rest.

Sensor guidance errors

While in-game lock-on ballistic calculations are absolute and are always correct, since update 1.89 the guidance error can happen. If you will not pay attention to those, your volley may miss entirely.

Unstable lock-on

The more things there are in between of SPAA and plane and the closer the tracking sensor is to its limits, the more lock-on scope "shakes". Eventually, it may start going all over the place and even detach from aircraft. This makes radar-guided reticle less than absolutely accurate and may decrease timing accuracy of proximity fuse shells.

As clearly seen here, there is no way sniper would know that the scope is detached from plane, and the error is actually quite big for a 35 mm gun


This error is the most dangerous when you fire while using sniper scope, as it's often hard to see both the aircraft and ballistic solution reticle at the same time, so you may not even notice it for a while.

In-game, the ballistic solution is usually still correct, but your sensor thinks, that aircraft is located in another spot, thus giving you an incorrect firing angle. To counter this error, look how far and in which direction the lock-on square is separated from the actual aircraft and adjust your aim at "true aiming reticle" in opposite direction, firing to where the enemy plane would actually be.

Shift gun around the reticle to compensate for wobbly radar lock indicator. Note, that the worse lock becomes, the more scope moves around.


To avoid getting this error at all, it is better to stay in high and open spot and track at range and angle comfortable for your tracking device, but it makes you more vulnerable to enemy fire, and many hostile aircraft can attack you back while being well outside of your comfort zone, so it is safer to just get used to it.

Multipath (Ground echo)

If hostile aircraft is flying very low (~100 m away from the ground), the ground will start jamming radar-based signal with similar signature echo, bringing the "lock-on" tracker down to the ground.

This error is very confusing, so being prepared is the key. To counter the error, keep your distance and aim where your radar says to, but adjust the height to one at which the plane is flying manually. Resist any attempts of the turret to follow the reticle under the ground. In case of 10.0 SAM you may fire missile at aircraft directly and hope it can intercept plane in time.

An XM1069 intercepts a low-flying jet. Since its missile is extremely fast, it ignores gun reticle and just tries to hit the plane with a proximity-fused missile, but it technically could fire gun and still hit the target.


Drawbacks of Using the Radar

Certain helicopters have a radar detection system, and as such, whenever the radar waves from your vehicle’s radar "hit" them, they see radar alerts. These alerts appear in the form of a lighting symbol appearing on their own "counter radar" display, to indicate roughly what direction a radar is in. The more sophisticated "counter-radar" is, the better it is at telling what is searching for the helicopter, where from and so on. Most versions of it also trigger sound alert, when radar starts actively tracking them, so if your tracking device is also a radar, they will know you are about to shoot them down.

Here is an example of what happens, when you got noticed by a helicopter:

Radar detection ATGM helicopter.jpg

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 the radar off when you don't need it. This will shut down radar search, but you can usually still lock on to targets (As already mentioned, be aware, that your tracking device may use radar technology as well, and by themselves can still trigger radar warnings). Certain SPAAs also fold their radar behind them, making their profile much smaller and harder to notice by tanks around them.

Vehicles operating passive systems are immune to detection by Radar Warning Receivers.

SPAAs Which Have Radars and Other Sensors

SPAA vehicles with radars or other sensor systems
Vehicle Name Search System Band

(Search)

Tracking System Band

(Track)

Comments
2S6 1RL144
(Search radar) 		E 1RL144
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Search radar can fold. Combined search and track radar with TWS capability.
ADATS ADATS
(Search radar) 		I TV/IR tracker
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Search radar can fold. Missiles are beam-riding and locks trigger LWS (Laser Warning System) on helicopters.
ADATS (M113) ADATS
(Search radar) 		I TV/IR tracker
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Search radar can fold. Missiles are beam-riding and locks trigger LWS (Laser Warning System) on helicopters.
AMX-30 S DCA DR-VC-1A
(Search radar) 		E DR-VC-1A
(Tracking radar) 		E Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
ASRAD-R ASRAD
(Search radar) 		I TV/IR tracker
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Radars cannot fold.
Chieftain Marksman Marconi S-400
(Search radar) 		J Marconi S-400
(Tracking radar) 		J Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
FlaRakPz 1 SAG MPDR-16
(Search radar) 		D Thomson-CSF Domino 30
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Radars can fold.
FlaRakRad SAG MPDR-16
(Search radar) 		D Roland
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Radars can fold.
Gepard SAG MPDR-12
(Search radar) 		E SAZ pulse doppler monopulse
(Tracking radar) 		J Search radar can fold.
Gepard 1A2 SAG MPDR-12
(Search radar) 		E SAZ pulse doppler monopulse
(Tracking radar) 		J Search radar can fold.
Hovet None - AN/VPS-2
(Tracking radar) 		I Radar cannot fold.
▄ItO 90M Crotale
(Search radar) 		E Crotale
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Search radar can fold. Combined search and track radar with TWS capability.
ItO 90M Crotale
(Search radar) 		E Crotale
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Search radar can fold. Combined search and track radar with TWS capability.
ItPsV Leopard Marconi S-400
(Search radar) 		J Marconi S-400
(Tracking radar) 		J Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
LAV-AD None - LAV-AD
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Radar cannot fold.
Lvkv 9040C Thomson CSF Harfang TRS 2620 H
(Search radar) 		I UTAAS
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Radars cannot fold.
Lvrbv 701 None - LAV-AD
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Tracker is integrated in the optics.
M163 None - AN/VPS-2
(Tracking radar) 		I Radar cannot fold.
M247 M-247
(Search radar) 		I AN/APG-66
(Tracking radar) 		I Both radars can fold.
Machbet None - Machbet TV/FLIR
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Tracker is integrated in the optics.
OTOMATIC SMA VPS-A05
(Search radar) 		E SMA VPS-A06
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		K Search radar can fold.
Ozelot ADAD
(Passive infrared search) 		- ADAD
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Tracker is integrated in the optics, sensor cannot fold.
Pantsir-S1 1RS1
(Search radar) 		F 1RS2
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		K Search radar can fold.
PGZ04A CLC-1
(Search radar) 		E TV/IR tracker
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Search radar can fold.
PGZ09 PGZ-09
(Search radar) 		E PGZ-09
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Search radar can fold; radars are renamed 1RL144.
Roland 1 SAG MPDR-16
(Search radar) 		D TV/IR tracker
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Search radar can fold.
SANTAL Rodeo-2
(Search radar) 		E Rodeo-2
(Tracking radar) 		E Radars cannot fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
SIDAM 25 None - 3JB10
(Optical tracker) 		- Tracker is integrated in the optics.
SIDAM 25 (Mistral) None - 3JB10
(Optical tracker) 		- Tracker is integrated in the optics. Missiles use onboard infrared sensors (will track flares).
Stormer HVM ADAD
(Passive infrared search) 		- ADAD
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Sensor cannot fold. Missiles are laser-riding and locks trigger LWS on helicopters.
Strela-10M2 None - 9S86
(Tracking radar) 		I Radar cannot fold.
Tor-M1 9K330
(Search radar) 		F 9K330
(Tracking radar) 		J Radar can fold.
Type 87 M-247
(Search radar) 		I Gepard track
(Tracking radar) 		J Both radars can fold.
Type 93 None - LAV-AD
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Tracker is integrated in the optics.
VEAK 40 Marconi S-400
(Search radar) 		J Marconi S-400
(Tracking radar) 		J Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
XM975 SAG MPDR-16
(Search radar) 		D Thomson-CSF Domino 30
(Tracking radar/
Passive infrared tracker) 		J Radars can fold.
ZA-35 Rooikat radar
(Search radar) 		E TV/IR tracker
(Passive infrared tracker) 		- Search radar can fold.
ZSU-23-4 1RL33
(Search radar) 		J 1RL33
(Tracking radar) 		J Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
ZSU-23-4 1RL33
(Search radar) 		J 1RL33
(Tracking radar) 		J Radar can fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.
ZSU-37-2 1RL34
(Search radar) 		I 1RL34
(Tracking radar) 		I Radar cannot fold. Combined search and track radar without TWS capability.

Media

Videos
Boot Camp: Radar Systems - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #204 - Tactics & Strategy section at 09:23 discusses the radars.
The Shooting Range #184 - Tactics and strategy section at 09:26 discusses the tactical use of radar-equipped SPAAs and the typical mistakes to avoid.
New anti-air defence - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #139 - Tactics and strategy section at 09:26 discusses the basics of SPAA radars.

See also

External links

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