What are the functions of the ECM, RCS and ATA spots in the Aircraft PE?

[SteveF2006]

I have been playing this game for over a decade but for the life of me I can't seem to recall what those fields are for in the Aircraft PE. Can anyone give me an explanation of those fields to me please? [&o]

Steve

[CV32]

Simply put .. (the actual calculations and figures used here would take multiple volumes to explain in detail):

RCS = Radar Cross Section, a measure of the platform's ability to be detected by radar

ECM = Electronic Counter Measures

ATA = borrowed from Harpoon paper rules, a measure of air combat capability

[TonyE]

And you probably don't want to use the ECM field.  That will take a direct percentage off the chance that missiles will hit the aircraft.  A more proper way is to use Chaff/Flare/ECM pods on the aircraft's loadouts.
 
 

[SteveF2006]

Is the ECM area something to be used if one were to create a new Stealth aircraft in the PE or would you use the RCS?

[Shark7]

I'm not the DB expert by any means, but I'll take a shot at answering this one:

RCS for stealth. Basically the RCS determines the detectability of the A/C. That is how likely is it that a radar set will even see it. This directly affects the ability to shoot down the a/c cause if you can't keep a target lock, you can't track it and hope to have your weapons hit.

ECM is more like active jamming. It takes an active role in confusing incoming warheads in an attempt to force them to miss. ECM flag in the PE would affect the ability of ALL weapons to hit (I believe).

For a stealth A/C, RCS would be more appropriate IMO.

[Divefreak]

ORIGINAL: Shark7

I'm not the DB expert by any means, but I'll take a shot at answering this one:

RCS for stealth. Basically the RCS determines the detectability of the A/C. That is how likely is it that a radar set will even see it. This directly affects the ability to shoot down the a/c cause if you can't keep a target lock, you can't track it and hope to have your weapons hit.

ECM is more like active jamming. It takes an active role in confusing incoming warheads in an attempt to force them to miss. ECM flag in the PE would affect the ability of ALL weapons to hit (I believe).

For a stealth A/C, RCS would be more appropriate IMO.

You´re rigth Akula.

IMHO the ECM flied is superfluous or only usefull when the plane has a build in jammer.

Normally we use ECM Pods in the loadout annex, cuase this aproach is much more flexible.

BTW The RCS Field replaced the Radar Mod 1 and 2 flag [8D]

Regards René

[TonyE]

ORIGINAL: SteveF2006

Is the ECM area something to be used if one were to create a new Stealth aircraft in the PE or would you use the RCS?

Hehe, I'll jump on the thread too, you can play around with RCS values with the spreadsheet at http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.ph ... howfile=28

It has the exact formulas of the radar model so you can test radars with range yyy against a target with RCS zzz. The game still has to take into account other factors, weather, radar horizon, and ECM.

[SteveF2006]

Most Cool! Thanks for all the input! [:)]