ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Occasionally I am able to fire an ATGM at a helicopter but I can't seem to determine what factors are required.

It seems more common when the helo is at high altitude and is not moving but this is not always the case.

Does anyone know if it is a fire control issue or what other factors are required to take the shot?

Thank you.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

I haven't done any proper testing but it is usually a combination of being able to see the enemy helo, having a unit which can fire at the hex, the helo being without change of speed or alt for a bit.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Target helicopter must be hovering, or going very slowly to engage with ATGM (or tank main guns - possibly only hovering ones for engaging with gunnery).

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

With helos in particular on a modern battlefield a stationary target is a dead target.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

An advantage of optically guided ATGM engagement of helos is the missile will not set off AAM radar/laser warning systems.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Is this simulated in the game?

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Not that I am aware of. I was referencing 'real world' use. Apologies for not specifying that.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

I do not know if it's the latest patch's problem, but lately I find attack helos extremely resistant to tank and ATGM fire. To the point that it is very common to take a tank round right in the face and have zero, yes ZERO damage done to the chopper!

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Are you saying the game is reporting the helo was hit, or it just appears the tank round hit.

The hex is 50m, the tank round could have been close. A very close round may result in some damage points, maybe 1 as most attack helos won't take damage beyond 2 points.

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Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

I have had the same experience where the helo is reported hit by a tank or ATGM and no damage is reported. Stinger missiles also tend to bounce off of Russian helos. The only thing worse are SU-25s which are like flying indestructible objects.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

In the game HEAT rounds frequently do less damage then normal (seems to be about 50/50) or none at all.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Aircraft were toughened up a release or so back because folks were complaining that they were being hacked down too easily, especially aircraft with armour values.

The code to hit a plane does not care if the round is a tank gun or an AAA gun. So for those "hits" not giving a damage report, just think of those as near misses.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

Unless its changed firing ATGMs at helicopters can only happen if it remains stationary, can be far more accurate than dedicated AA missile as ignores EW rating, moving one hex every turn prevents ATGM use.

Not come across issue with damaging probably because dont fire main guns ATGMs at helos often, not bothered to test but like anything in this game you can get a lucky or unlucky roll dependant on your viewpoint.

Re: ATGMs vs Helicopters
 

I hit the chopper, the message "xxx was hit" diplayed, but no damage happened.

Anyway Andy gave the answer I was looking for.