[1676] Aircraft reach state where they erratically oscilate between refueling and plotted course

[caelunshun]

In the below scenario, the two F-15Es are attempting to "head to refuel point" but constantly switch their states to "tasked on mission" and turn around. This means they take much longer to get to the tanker than necessary. Sometimes when you run the scenario you will find they fail to refuel at all and end up ditching.

[thewood1]

I think this is an in-process save from your refueling bug report in another thread. I see the oscillation in the save, but if I run it from the start using your original scen with my proper AAR setting, I never get the swinging back and forth. I think there are also doctrine settings that might help this issue.

[caelunshun]

Sure, there are workarounds. Doesn't address the underlying issue though.

[thewood1]

While I agree, it set properly, it does not occur.

[caelunshun]

Can you explain what part of that scenario isn't set "properly"? Doctrine is set to "refuel with nearest tanker" which should clearly enable correct tanker selection and has in previous versions. You shouldn't have to manually restrict the flights to tankers within 100nm.

(Also, FWIW, this isn't the only scenario where I've come across this behavior - the scenario I posted here is just a minimal reproducer.)

[thewood1]

I have always had the habit of using the configuration section for AAR refueling and making sure I set a distance limit. Its actually the point of the setting. Force the AI to behave the way you want. I do a large amount of planning and configuration checking on AAR. Its easily the most complex part of the game and I leave nothing to chance. I have found that any type of complexity in a mission, like multiple refuels, large missions, multiple refueling choices, etc., should use the configuration table and set limits on refueling distances. One thing to always pay attention to is bingo settings that align with refueling points. Otherwise, the number of variables involved lead to a lot of unexpected actions by the AI.

I just view it as the part of the planning process.

[caelunshun]

Okay, thanks.