Helicopter Accuracy & Altitude

[SwampYankee68]

Hi,

Thanks for a phenomenal wargame.

Is the accuracy of helicopters effected by its altitude?

Given the game's scale, if you have gunship is it best to get to get a hex away and be at nape, of do you have the same accuracy with less risk taking a shot from 2 or 3 hexes away at low altitude?

Thank you for a game where I can ask a question like this!

[Jason Petho]

Yes, yes it is!

The lower you are, the more accurate the weapon will be.

So, for HOGS, you want to be two hexes away, nap of the earth. For SNAKES, you want to be 1 hex away, nap of the earth. That's where you'll get the most bang for your buck.

You are correct, if you are firing from a stand off position (a few hexes away and at LOW) you're attack values will be significantly reduced. You have to get up close and personal to be most effective.

I'm really glad you're enjoying the game! Thank you for your support!!

[SwampYankee68]

I knew I'd get a great reply.

Hopefully my PBEM opponent doesn't visit the forum, we just started Operation All the Way, and I am playing as US. I need to do something about his HMGS covering the LZs!

I hope you have been generously compensated for your work, TBH. For selfish reason, I want more like this!

When people ask me for my favorite wargames, I tell them about your game, and even place it above the world-class Decisive Campaign games.

Be well, thanks again for the wonderful wargame.

[MarechalJoffre]

Yes, yes it is!

The lower you are, the more accurate the weapon will be.

So, for HOGS, you want to be two hexes away, nap of the earth. For SNAKES, you want to be 1 hex away, nap of the earth. That's where you'll get the most bang for your buck.

You are correct, if you are firing from a stand off position (a few hexes away and at LOW) you're attack values will be significantly reduced. You have to get up close and personal to be most effective.

I'm really glad you're enjoying the game! Thank you for your support!!

I've always thought bringing my Hogs right next to the target in the medium flight zone (forgot the name!) without going nap of the earth still gave me the most optimal firing solution. Am I wrong? I get to preserve a lot more helicopters that way as well.

[Jason Petho]

I've always thought bringing my Hogs right next to the target in the medium flight zone (forgot the name!) without going nap of the earth still gave me the most optimal firing solution. Am I wrong? I get to preserve a lot more helicopters that way as well.

You want to be two hexes away for the HOGS at nap of the earth for the most effective firepower.

One hex away is too close for the HOGS, perfect for the SNAKES though. You do get a reduction in firepower from firing in the Low Flight Zone.

[Jason Petho]

I knew I'd get a great reply.

Hopefully my PBEM opponent doesn't visit the forum, we just started Operation All the Way, and I am playing as US. I need to do something about his HMGS covering the LZs!

I hope you have been generously compensated for your work, TBH. For selfish reason, I want more like this!

When people ask me for my favorite wargames, I tell them about your game, and even place it above the world-class Decisive Campaign games.

Be well, thanks again for the wonderful wargame.

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it, thank you!

We have games in the works, but it's a super small team, so these things take time.

On the bright side, there are UPDATES coming out in June (ish).

Jason Petho

[SwampYankee68]

Oh, cool. I have all the great game ideas of someone that can't code! LoL. You should ... Haha.

As far as aircraft survivability, my only fan input would be that I hope in-game toughness reflects how difficult they were to bring down in many situations. My biggest gripe with Tiller's Squad Battles Vietnam and Tour of Duty were that the helicopters seemed to be made of kerosene-soaked balsawood. Someone on the team said that had been a game-balance decision, I argued for realism and they never really addressed it. Now I try to put a bug in the ear of the guys over at WDS. Haha.

[Jason Petho]

It's all in how you use them, definitely.

Yes, they can survive, but they won't survive a barrage of opportunity fire at close range.

Ideally, you're swinging in with your LOACH and soaking up OPFIRE (since they have a defence of 12, which makes them more likely to survive) and then bring in the gunships after.

Of course, it's not always a perfect world, especially earlier in the war when the lessons haven't been learned yet.

[SwampYankee68]

Reasoned response, thank you again

[Jason Petho]

My pleasure!

I'm happy to engage!