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While looking through the database, I noticed an entry for the SPY-1D ABM radar. It seems to be the version used when operating the standard SPY-1 radar in ABM mode. Are there plans to add this to Aegis ships in the future so that the SPY-1 radar can be operated in two separate modes: a standard anti-air mode and an ABM mode?

erick33 wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2026 4:22 pm While looking through the database, I noticed an entry for the SPY-1D ABM radar. It seems to be the version used when operating the standard SPY-1 radar in ABM mode. Are there plans to add this to Aegis ships in the future so that the SPY-1 radar can be operated in two separate modes: a standard anti-air mode and an ABM mode?

No. They won't be added default to ships. It would seriously unbalance every scenario they where in if a Burke was sailing around with all four faces pushed out to max range - which they can't do.

The long-term plan is to eventually allow units to dynamically switch modes, between standard air search and narrow focused ABM modes.

What would the benefit be to un-abstract that mode switching?

thewood1 wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 9:13 pm What would the benefit be to un-abstract that mode switching?

The advantage is that it would be dynamic, no need to have two versions of the same radar on the ship.

The disadvantage is that it's narrow focus, it would work similar to radars that switch from search to FCR modes. You pay for that range by reducing or losing detection on the other faces.

Kushan04 wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 11:33 pm

thewood1 wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 9:13 pm What would the benefit be to un-abstract that mode switching?

The advantage is that it would be dynamic, no need to have two versions of the same radar on the ship.

The disadvantage is that it's narrow focus, it would work similar to radars that switch from search to FCR modes. You pay for that range by reducing or losing detection on the other faces.

Item 1 - In game-terms, this doesn't seem like a big advantage.

Item 2 - This makes sense. Is the AI capable of understanding how to use that distinction?

thewood1 wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 11:58 pm

Kushan04 wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 11:33 pm

thewood1 wrote: Wed Aug 19, 2026 9:13 pm What would the benefit be to un-abstract that mode switching?

The advantage is that it would be dynamic, no need to have two versions of the same radar on the ship.

The disadvantage is that it's narrow focus, it would work similar to radars that switch from search to FCR modes. You pay for that range by reducing or losing detection on the other faces.

Item 1 - In game-terms, this doesn't seem like a big advantage.

Item 2 - This makes sense. Is the AI capable of understanding how to use that distinction?

950nm (ABM) vs 150nm (normal) doesn't seem like a big advantage? In ABM situations were early detection is key, it very much is.

We haven't even started implementing it, so there's no point in discussing the AI aspects of it right now. Presumably we'll make the corresponding AI changes.

ok