Matrix Games Forums

how do i make an attack in the direction i think an undetected enemy is?

my staff sometimes gives me the option of doing so, but i want to initiate these attacks

The simplest and my preferred option for doing this is to launch a Patrol mission in the anticipated direction of the threat. If and when the enemy is detected, you can switch to an Attack.

i can't send a torp on patrol though

or a missile

ORIGINAL: Krasny
i can't send a torp on patrol though
or a missile

Haha, fair enough. I was of course thinking you were referring to aircraft.

Your Staff Assistant will not ever prompt you to attack an undetected enemy, but you can (given the right weapons) launch an attack along a given bearing by initiating a Bearing Only Launch (BOL). Use the 'b' key to do so. You will then be prompted to click a point on the Group map where you want the weapons to 'activate' (typically a radar guided missile).

You can also launch BOL attacks (without using the 'b' key) when you have a sensor (ESM or sonar) contact but no precise location for your target.

you can sink youself with a torpedo sent on patrol though[:'(]
I like the fact that you have to ident your target somehow. it adds to the reality of the game . It also helps with the element of stores control. You would fast run out of wepons if you fired them at possible targets or thin air.

ok, so how do i initiate a BOL then?

ORIGINAL: Krasny
ok, so how do i initiate a BOL then?

You can (given the right weapons) launch an attack along a given bearing by initiating a Bearing Only Launch (BOL). Use the 'b' key to do so. You will then be prompted to click a point on the Group map where you want the weapons to 'activate' (typically a radar guided missile).

You can also launch BOL attacks (without using the 'b' key) when you have a sensor (ESM or sonar) contact but no precise location for your target.

ORIGINAL: fishhead

you can sink youself with a torpedo sent on patrol though[:'(]
I like the fact that you have to ident your target somehow. it adds to the reality of the game . It also helps with the element of stores control. You would fast run out of wepons if you fired them at possible targets or thin air.

True, but in the game you do have the option to fire bearing only. However, I find it particularly usefull when propted by the staff assistant against incoming torpedos, as I have had my revenge many times in that manner. My ship for the AI's sub.

As far as running out of weapons, if you've got incoming you can't stop anyway, no point in trying to preserve ammo. I'm trying to get them before they get me. [:D] Just my honest opinion on the matter.

Thanks Shark 7,
I have found that all versions of hapoon tend to over allocate weapons and you are more likley to be left with empty racks an have overkilled your target. I may need CV 32 to add some light on this one but from my experience contolled weapons release will get a better outcome in the game. i also try to keep a deck ready helo for those torpedos that just apear. unless you are talking about playing a sub where this may be a bit difficult[:)]

ORIGINAL: fishhead
Thanks Shark 7, I have found that all versions of hapoon tend to over allocate weapons and you are more likley to be left with empty racks an have overkilled your target. I may need CV 32 to add some light on this one but from my experience contolled weapons release will get a better outcome in the game.

In many cases I find this to be true. Its a rare occasion when I go with what the Staff Assistant suggests, hehe. That said, its more annoying when your target's point defenses knock down your last Harpoon. A good rule of thumb is to calculate how many missiles you think you will need to overwhelm the target and get good hits, and then add a couple more for good measure. [:D]

i also try to keep a deck ready helo for those torpedos that just apear. unless you are talking about playing a sub where this may be a bit difficult[:)]

Also a very good idea. [;)]

You either fire just enough and have the last few shot down by main guns, point defence and then they miss, or you fire too many and hit every ship 6 times leaving you to fire weak attacks at anything left.

ORIGINAL: mack2
You either fire just enough and have the last few shot down by main guns, point defence and then they miss, or you fire too many and hit every ship 6 times leaving you to fire weak attacks at anything left.

Sounds like someone has played a bit of Harpoon, hehe. [:D]