Advanced mission creation info

[chris2802]

Hi all,

I've been building several basic multiplayer missions with some success, but I want to recreate somthing along the lines of the mission in the flaming cliffs campaign where you have to fly very low to avoid radar and escape to another airbase. I also want to make it so you have to fly through various valleys at avoid AAA etc. What I need to know is how the various vehicles detect you. For example, if I were to place an early warning radar, what are its detection thresholds? If we're detected by it, are units in the area more alert to our arrival? Also what are the limits of SAM and AAA sites? eg how much higher up a hillside do they have to be to not be able to detect/engage you? or can they allways get you if they can see you? Ideally I'd like to have loads of AAA all along high ridges, get a sort of death valley thing going on! Any help would be greatly appreciated and I'll post the finished mission somewhere if anyones interested!

 

Many Thanks

Chris

[MBot]

Currently the AI logic of ground units in LOMAC is a bit limited. Units are allways on full alert regardless of EWR or not and will engage any target that falls within engagement parameters instantly.

 

It is difficult to create the "light up the sky" effect with AAA in Lock On because there are no old style AAA systems present and the lack of barrier fire tactic for the AI. Still there are some workarounds to create some decent AAA effects with certain units.

 

Shilkas, Vulcans and Gepards all are radar guided. That means that they are fairly accurate and quite dangerous in big numbers. Therefore they are not ideal to create good AAA effects. Also they cause your RWR to light up wich can be a bit annoying.

 

The following ground units will engage aircraft with on board guns and serve as nice AAA/small arms fire substitute:

 

-LVPT-7 ( 12.7mm )

-BTR-70 ( 14mm )

-BRDM-2 ( 14mm )

-LAV-25 ( 25mm)

-Warrior ( 30mm )

 

The Warrior has the biggest range and works best. Place many units spread out and you will get some nice AA effects.

 

Another great way to create AAA is the Avenger system. Additionaly to the 8 Stingers the Avenger has a scondary 12.7mm MG. Place a Avenger on the map, then let a enemy helicopter spawn right next to it. The Avenger will shoot it down with a Stinger. 30 seconds later let another helo spawn. Repeat this 8 times, until the Avenger has no more Stingers. Now when the player arrives on station, the Avenger will engage only with the gun. The cool thing is that the gun has quite a high range, but is very unaccurate and does little damage. A great way to fill the sky with AA fire wich is unaccurate but forces to player to ditch. And even when you get hit, you will only take small damage.

 

Hope this helps.