How to make Reaper drone follow moving ground units

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

I have been able to get the Reaper drone to lase and mark targets with no issue. I am interested in making a ground attack mission with moving tanks and want to know is there a way to get the Reaper to follow a moving enemy ground unit? If I choose orbit only Circle and Racetrack are available and eventually the enemy move out of the area covered by the orbit. Any assistance is appreciated.

[EasyEB]

I’ve got the code for it but not at computer atm, but basicaly you make a script that gets the target groups position every minute or so (faster is not needed) and orders the reaper to orbit that point.

[Rockrend]

I'd really like to see that script. I've been thinking about how to do this for a while now.

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

I’ve got the code for it but not at computer atm, but basicaly you make a script that gets the target groups position every minute or so (faster is not needed) and orders the reaper to orbit that point.

 

 

 

 

Yes that is exactly what I am looking for, if you would share that script I would greatly appreciate it.

[EasyEB]

Moose script:

 

function Reaper1GroupOrbit()

local RTGroup = RedTargetGroup

local RTUnit = RTGroup:GetUnit(1)

local RTPointVec2 = RTUnit:GetPointVec2()

local RTVec2 = RTPointVec2:GetVec2()

local Reaper1Orbit = Reaper1Group:TaskOrbitCircleAtVec2(RTVec2,3352,200)

Reaper1Group:SetTask(Reaper1Orbit, 1)

end

 

For non Moose, look here: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=167439&highlight=reaper+orbit

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

Moose script:

 

function Reaper1GroupOrbit()

local RTGroup = RedTargetGroup

local RTUnit = RTGroup:GetUnit(1)

local RTPointVec2 = RTUnit:GetPointVec2()

local RTVec2 = RTPointVec2:GetVec2()

local Reaper1Orbit = Reaper1Group:TaskOrbitCircleAtVec2(RTVec2,3352,200)

Reaper1Group:SetTask(Reaper1Orbit, 1)

end

 

For non Moose, look here: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=167439&highlight=reaper+orbit

 

 

 

 

Thank you for getting back to me sir I really appreciate it. The first script to get the Reaper to lase starts with Time More than 8 seconds, should I just create a Do Script and set a timer for 10 seconds or so? Thanks again for responding, salute! Also I am using MIST and the JTACLase script.

[EasyEB]

You need to re-run the script every now and then to update the Reapers orbit point. There are multiple ways of doing this.

 

You are exactly where I was a couple of years ago. I highly recommend start using Moose as soon as you can.

 

If you want to look at some different AI control functions the download Operation Titan Angel, start the mission and launch a Reaper and see what it can do. If you like a certain function then just dissect the mission code.

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

You need to re-run the script every now and then to update the Reapers orbit point. There are multiple ways of doing this.

 

You are exactly where I was a couple of years ago. I highly recommend start using Moose as soon as you can.

 

If you want to look at some different AI control functions the download Operation Titan Angel, start the mission and launch a Reaper and see what it can do. If you like a certain function then just dissect the mission code.

 

 

 

 

Ok thanks for the help, the script worked initially but now the Reaper goes to the waypoint I set for it near the tanks, lases once as it is coming in then flies over the tanks and just keeps going. Here are the triggers I have set and this is the code I used:

 

 

local ReaperGroup = GROUP:FindByName( "JTAC1" )

local EnemyUnit = UNIT:FindByName( "MOVING TANKS" )

local OrbitTask = ReaperGroup:TaskOrbitCircleAtVec2( EnemyUnit:GetPointVec2(), 1000, 300 )

ReaperGroup:PushTask( OrbitTask )

 

 

The last line says PushTask but the site interpreted that as an emoji, jeez.

Edited May 11, 2020 by FALT691

[Majinbot]

You'll need a scheduler:

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=4310486&postcount=2072

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

You'll need a scheduler:

 

https://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=4310486&postcount=2072

 

 

 

 

Excellent, thank you for this information I really appreciate it. So I need to set a Do Script trigger for this scheduler to run after the Reaper script? Also I notice that this scheduler has 'Predator' instead of Reaper, is the Predator better for this task or does it matter? Thanks again for responding, salute!

[Majinbot]

Excellent, thank you for this information I really appreciate it. So I need to set a Do Script trigger for this scheduler to run after the Reaper script? Also I notice that this scheduler has 'Predator' instead of Reaper, is the Predator better for this task or does it matter? Thanks again for responding, salute!

 

Doesnt matter what drone you'll use, only change:

 

local Predator = UNIT:FindByName("[color="Red"]drone[/color]")  [color="Red"]-- reaper unit name[/color]

local TestScheduler = SCHEDULER:New( nil, 
 function() -- t
 local Coordinate = UNIT:FindByName("[color="red"]enemy[/color]"):GetVec2() [color="red"]-- tank unit name[/color]
 local DCSTask = Predator:TaskOrbitCircleAtVec2(Coordinate, 2500, 40)
 Predator:PushTask(DCSTask, 1)
 end, {}, 1, 5
)

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

Doesnt matter what drone you'll use, only change:

 

local Predator = UNIT:FindByName("[color=Red]drone[/color]")  [color=Red]-- reaper unit name[/color]

local TestScheduler = SCHEDULER:New( nil, 
 function() -- t
 local Coordinate = UNIT:FindByName("[color=red]enemy[/color]"):GetVec2() [color=red]-- tank unit name[/color]
 local DCSTask = Predator:TaskOrbitCircleAtVec2(Coordinate, 2500, 40)
 Predator:PushTask(DCSTask, 1)
 end, {}, 1, 5
)

 

 

 

 

Ok great, I will change both scripts to say local Predator, use the Reaper type drone, and add in the drone name and tank unit name and give it a try. Thanks again for the help.

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

Ok great, I will change both scripts to say local Predator, use the Reaper type drone, and add in the drone name and tank unit name and give it a try. Thanks again for the help.

 

 

 

 

Ok so I put in the new scheduler code and the drone is still flying over the targets once, lasing and marking with smoke, then flies out of the target area and tries to land at Sharjah with no RTB task set and only one WPT near the targets that has no task set on it. Not sure what I'm doing wrong but this is not working at all.

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

UPDATE: Just created new mission with only the drone and the moving tanks in it to eliminate any possible corruption of the old mission which has been edited many times. Got the same result, the drone flew over once, marked targets then proceeded out of the target area and landed at Al Minhad even though this was an air start with no waypoint set at Al Minhad.

[Majinbot]

UPDATE: Just created new mission with only the drone and the moving tanks in it to eliminate any possible corruption of the old mission which has been edited many times. Got the same result, the drone flew over once, marked targets then proceeded out of the target area and landed at Al Minhad even though this was an air start with no waypoint set at Al Minhad.

 

Can you post the mission, I tested the script and it was working...

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

Can you post the mission, I tested the script and it was working...

 

 

 

 

Sure no problem, I'm sure its something I'm not doing. I'm new to dcs in general so its probably a syntax error that I cannot find.

NEW_PG_REAPER_MOVING-TARGET_TEST.zip

[Majinbot]

Sure no problem, I'm sure its something I'm not doing. I'm new to dcs in general so its probably a syntax error that I cannot find.

 

You loaded 2 different scripts for the same purpose, and then entered the names of the groups not the units...

NEW_PG_REAPER_MOVING-TARGET_TEST.miz

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

You loaded 2 different scripts for the same purpose, and then entered the names of the groups not the units...

 

 

 

 

Ok so if I am using the scheduler I do not need the other script? I thought I needed them both, one to set the task and then the scheduler to cause it to continue to run. So all I need is the scheduler script? Or are you saying don't use the JTAC AutoLase script? Told you I was new.

[Hardcard]

@FALT691

Pushing the task every 5 seconds like that might be problematic.

 

Better to run the scheduler every 600 seconds (10 minutes) or so.

 

Also, your mission is using an old version of Moose.lua, use this one instead

 

Also, like Majinbot said, you have conflicting triggers, as well as incorrect parameters (you have group and unit names all mixed up).

 

Finally, I wouldn't use that autolase script if I were you, it's way too complex and long for what you're trying to accomplish... and I also suspect it doesn't work with moving units.

Edited May 12, 2020 by Hardcard

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

@FALT691

Pushing the task every 5 seconds like that might be problematic.

 

Better to run the scheduler every 600 seconds (10 minutes) or so.

 

 

Also, your mission is using an old version of Moose.lua, use this one instead

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the info HardCard, so to your point in the below script I should change the number 5 ( in seconds) to 600 so the scheduler runs every 10 minutes correct?

 

 

local Predator = UNIT:FindByName("drone")

 

local TestScheduler = SCHEDULER:New( nil,

function() -- t

local Coordinate = UNIT:FindByName("enemy"):GetVec2()

local DCSTask = Predator:TaskOrbitCircleAtVec2(Coordinate, 2500, 40)

Predator:PushTask(DCSTask, 1)

end, {}, 1, 5

)

[Hardcard]

@FALT691

 

I've attached a corrected version of your mission, but, like I said, I don't think the lasing script you're using works with moving units.

 

It'll only lase static coordinates for a limited period of time...

Now, you might be thinking about increasing the "refresh rate" of the lasing coordinates... but I'm afraid that'll make laser-guided weapons lose lock and trash.

 

 

You should only be using this script with static targets, I think.

NEW_PG_REAPER_MOVING-TARGET_TEST (corrected).miz

Edited May 12, 2020 by Hardcard

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

@FALT691

 

I've attached a corrected version of your mission, but, like I said, I don't think the lasing script you're using works with moving units.

 

 

 

 

Thank you sir, I appreciate the help. If you don't think this script is good would you mind pointing me to one that will work for moving vehicles?

[Hardcard]

would you mind pointing me to one that will work for moving vehicles?

 

AFAIK, only static coordinates/units can be lased via scripting.

 

There's no way of telling a JTAC unit to keep lock on a moving target via scripting (that I know of).

 

As a workaround, the refresh rate of the lasing coordinate could be increased (to get a new coordinate every second, or so), but that would effectively "break lock"... and I'm pretty sure laser-guided bombs/missiles would simply trash.

 

Feel free to test it ;) (I haven't played with laser designation via scripting in a long time, so take what I said with a bucket of salt)

Edited May 12, 2020 by Hardcard

[FoxTrotAlpha691]

AFAIK, only static coordinates/units can be lased via scripting.

 

There's no way of telling a JTAC unit to keep lock on a moving target via scripting (that I know of).

 

As a workaround, the refresh rate of the lasing coordinate could be increased (to get a new coordinate every second, or so), but that would effectively "break lock"... and I'm pretty sure laser-guided bombs/missiles would simply trash.

 

Feel free to test it ;) (I haven't played with laser designation via scripting in a long time, so take what I said with a bucket of salt)

 

 

Thanks HardCard, I appreciate the assistance, I'm running it now and the drone is following the tanks and marking them and that's all I need it to do so that I can get an idea on target location for rocket/bomb runs. So if it does what it is doing now I am good to go, so thanks again sir, salute!

[Hardcard]

@FALT691

 

Good news, I ran some tests using a buddylasing script I wrote some time ago, looks like it is indeed possible to refresh lasing coordinates for moving targets and still hit them.

 

I've configured my buddylasing script to work with your mission and added a hornet client armed with laser mavs and gbu12s, so you can test it (mission attached).

 

Everything is managed via F10 menu, go to spectators BEFORE entering the client at mission start (press the "BACK" button and select spectators), then you can enter.

NEW_PG_REAPER_MOVING-TARGET_TEST (Universal Lasing Script Test).miz

Universal BuddyLase Script.lua

Edited May 13, 2020 by Hardcard