Re: LAW 80 firing AP at infantry?!?!
 

Full marks to Listy and Narwan for truly helpful answers! Thanks very much, your replies explain everything.

I knew the LAW 80 has a HEAT warhead, I was only pointing out that I had put the ammo load out number into the AP box (like every other LAW carrying unit I've seen) as opposed to the HE box. (thanks to Listy for explaining why this works)

As for HEAT being used against soft targets in reality, I was really referring to the game as a simulation, and expressing how annoying it is watching one of your few, expensive AT rockets whizzing off hot on the heels of a retreating crew member! I was wondering if the HE effect really needed to be represented eg. as a lot of the SPMBT battles we play involve large scale war against masses of armour, I don't think it is unreasonable to assume your squaddies are under orders not to waste their AT weapons on soft targets. (thanks narwan for explaining why I don't have to worry about this either.)

Re: LAW 80 firing AP at infantry?!?!
 

"HEAT" rounds only exist as a separate slot on the first weapon line of a unit. If HEAT is required for any other weapon they are given a 222 code in the weapons list "AP Penetration" slot and then, when used in a unit that requires they be placed in the second, third or fouth unit weapon slot are placed in the "AP" slot and that 222 code tells the game to use the HEAT stats for that weapon when it is used thereby making that "AP" ammo HEAT when used in the game

This has been this way since SSI first released SP

Don

Re: LAW 80 firing AP at infantry?!?!
 

HEAT warheads are, basically, explosive weapons, tus they usually produce some amount of splinters (though not usually as much as dedicated HE-FRAG weapons).
M72 LAWS were extensively used as close support weapons in Vietnam, often even fired in volleys in preparations for assault.
RPG-7's were extensively used by both sides in Afghanistan - if an enemy was in cover, it was SOP to fire RPG rounds above and behind him, as there was then high probability the splinters would hit him from the rear. Also the self-destruct function was used (self destruction after IIRC 920 meters of flight) both for turning it into sorta shrapnel round and against helicopters.
HEAT MILAN's were used by British due to lack of "real" artillery on Falklands during opening phases of several assaults of dug-in Argentinian positions...