Matrix Games Forums

Can someone please explain the rationale of including a sniper pod x in Air to Air configurations in western aircraft? To the extent there is a rationale, is this reflected and taken into account in the game? In other words, does it pay to include the sniper pod in the air to air Loadout?

I think the pods are used for target identification and visual tracking on legacy aircraft that otherwise don't have the capability.

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/oregon- ... eting-pod/

"...the Sniper “is an amazing addition for us, in particular for our alert mission. It allows us to visual-identify (VID) aircraft at a distance and it provides a quick reconnaissance capability to the governor of California for our state mission.”

In-game, the pod can also be used for VID and tracking when the radars are not active.

Uzabit wrote: Wed Oct 22, 2025 10:12 am https://theaviationgeekclub.com/oregon- ... eting-pod/

"...the Sniper “is an amazing addition for us, in particular for our alert mission. It allows us to visual-identify (VID) aircraft at a distance and it provides a quick reconnaissance capability to the governor of California for our state mission.”

In-game, the pod can also be used for VID and tracking when the radars are not active.

Thank you! Much appreciated

On that basis, it seems that in CMO it only makes sense to equip A2A configurations with sniper x pod only in scenarios with tight Air RoE where there are civilian airplanes flying around that one is expected to intercept and identify before engaging. The latter stands assuming that CMO indeed models faster VID at distances further away when a sniper pod is attached (does it?)
Do you agree with the above?

Knightpawn wrote: Wed Oct 22, 2025 12:23 pm

Uzabit wrote: Wed Oct 22, 2025 10:12 am https://theaviationgeekclub.com/oregon- ... eting-pod/

"...the Sniper “is an amazing addition for us, in particular for our alert mission. It allows us to visual-identify (VID) aircraft at a distance and it provides a quick reconnaissance capability to the governor of California for our state mission.”

In-game, the pod can also be used for VID and tracking when the radars are not active.

Thank you! Much appreciated

On that basis, it seems that in CMO it only makes sense to equip A2A configurations with sniper x pod only in scenarios with tight Air RoE where there are civilian airplanes flying around that one is expected to intercept and identify before engaging. The latter stands assuming that CMO indeed models faster VID at distances further away when a sniper pod is attached (does it?)
Do you agree with the above?

1. It makes sense anytime you want longer range VID. Could be to replicate real world restrictions even in major combat zones, think restrictive VID rule for US aircraft in Vietnam. Could also be to VID targets based on how you want to allocate higher end ordnance to higher threat units.
2. CMO does model faster VID a greater distances when EO/IR systems are queued by another sensor like radar, either on the aircraft itself or another unit such as an AWACS or ground radar in contact with the A2A platform.

Knightpawn wrote: Wed Oct 22, 2025 12:23 pm

Uzabit wrote: Wed Oct 22, 2025 10:12 am https://theaviationgeekclub.com/oregon- ... eting-pod/

"...the Sniper “is an amazing addition for us, in particular for our alert mission. It allows us to visual-identify (VID) aircraft at a distance and it provides a quick reconnaissance capability to the governor of California for our state mission.”

In-game, the pod can also be used for VID and tracking when the radars are not active.

Thank you! Much appreciated

On that basis, it seems that in CMO it only makes sense to equip A2A configurations with sniper x pod only in scenarios with tight Air RoE where there are civilian airplanes flying around that one is expected to intercept and identify before engaging. The latter stands assuming that CMO indeed models faster VID at distances further away when a sniper pod is attached (does it?)
Do you agree with the above?

No it will also help in a Free Air ROE environment. Try an 80s scenario, you will probably don't know they bogey in front of you is a Su-27 or a Mig-27 until it enters Fox 2 range. And also, correct ID matters to NEZ calculation.

Having a capable FLIR on board can also be handy in a LO/VLO or high jamming threat environment. Usually not as capable as a dedicated IRST but every little thing helps.