Re: Battered Bastards
 

Scout helos are every bit as important as the attack ones.
If for no other reason then attack helos are more expensive so real armies usually have less. The scout helos can locate targets so attack ones don't waste fuel or make themselves vulnerable flying around trying to find something to shoot.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

The Army is actually in the process of replacing all of its OH-58Ds with AH-64Es. Lots of "last flight" videos out there as the aviation brigades give up their Kiowas.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

Odd as it may sound sometimes I think the US military has too much money. Or at least an amazing capacity to waste it.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

First, Thanks IMP for the input on ATGM ranges. I'm more familiar with the deployment of Dragon than the Javelin, but I agree with your assessment and will work on that concept for the future scenarios. Appreciate it! I guess my primary concern has been the observation that even with filtering, I've seen units using opportunity fire at longer ranges and seeing either defensive maneuvers or countermeasures defeat the shots. I'm learning but the curve is slower than I would like.

As far as the Scout Helo, Airborne Rifles comments were the basis of my selection of only using the Apache. I guess I'm a little ahead of the rotation concept, but I'll add some assets to balance it out a little in the future. As with ATGM's, I'm on the learning curve with Airmobile tactics.

I appreciate the feedback. It helps me develop in game design. I'm soon retiring and will be driving my wife crazy spending more time in front of the computer than I manage to meek out now (to her expense, she would tell you). Your comments are helping me greatly!

Tom

Re: Battered Bastards
 

Just my opinion, but I like your filtering of the ATGMs. Helps to simulate the teams being focused on their platoon's engagement area, as it would be in real life.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

Not everyone is entirely happy with the switch either. Obviously the Apache is a more capable combat platform, but as an infantry officer I always appreciated the flexibility of the Kiowa scouts to fly over, land next to my element, get out and discuss the situation with me, and then get back in the sky. I don't really see Apache drivers doing that.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

WoF:Battered Bastard
ATGMs range and filter values

I played the scenario to conclusion and found the range/filter settings for the Javelin teams appropriate for opportunity fires. Grant1pa has two settings for the Javelin teams, one at the forward positions and a second setting at the rear positions. Ingenious. Here are the settings: first rear then forward position

Steel Armour Front Max 18 18
Steel Armour Front Min 001 001
Armour Engagement Range 025 012
Infantry Engagement Range 006 006
Soft Vehicle Engagement Range 010 010
ATG/ATGM Engagement Range 030 015

I would have ranged infantry engagement at 3 not 6 hex.

I try to engage targets at ranges where the likihood of a kill is worth giving away position. At farther ranges against a modern armies, Russia certainly qualifies, the vehicle defenses often defeat the shot. But, we'd have to hear more from the design guys to know with certainty.

I found the range/filter settings for the Javelin teams to be spot on. They did their jobs as expected when I played the scenario.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

I generally try to fire Javelins at 20-30 hexes. Close enough to hit more often then not but far enough away your position isn't too easy to spot.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

Exactly where did they find the money to do that?.

Re: Battered Bastards
 

Probably from cancelling modernization programs like Future Combat System and Ground Combat Vehicle.