ORIGINAL: morphin
Hi
How is mine warfare modeld? I have nothing found in the manual. how do i sweep mines? How do i detect mines?
Thank's
Andy
Although not officially implemented into the game, mines are modeled in some third-party databases through various work-around solutions. They aren't perfect and have their drawbacks, but they give players a sense and feel of this aspect of naval warfare.
The
PlayersDB implements mines similar to the method employed by the Harpoon Classic version of the game. Mines are simply small submarine-like platforms that explode/fire themselves when a valid target enters their range. The mines can be swept/sunk by helicopters or ships carrying Mine Counter-Measures [MCM] equipment or Explosive Ordnance Disposal [EOD] experts. The helos and mine-hunters/sweepers mount high-frequency sonar for detection of these weapons.
There are a few drawbacks to this work-around solution:
1) The MCM and EOD are 'fired' like a disposable weapon and cannot be re-used like they would be in real life.
2) The mines can sometimes be detected via Magnetic Anomaly Detector [MAD] -- something that doesn't happen in real life.
3) Mines can sometimes be engaged by weapons normally employed for ASW (i.e. Mk46, Murene...)
4) The AI isn't able to counter mines effectively. Players can stop their ships to sweep the mines, but the AI just charges right in and gets blown up.
Other databases simulate mines in their own way with their own deficiencies. We think that our work-around solution for the
PlayersDB is an acceptable trade-off between function and limitations. It's not perfect, but we're happy with it and think that it offers the least number of problems until such time as the developers decide to officially implement this feature within the game.