Greater variety of rocket warhead types (S-5, S-8, S-13)

[Avimimus]

It would be great to see more types of rocket/rocket warhead for each type of pod (depicting different eras and roles).

 

Currently we only have on warhead for the S-5 and S-13 rockets, and two warheads for the S-8 (plus smoke and illumination 'warheads').

 

For instance, it would be nice to have the S-8B (anti-bunker/anti-runway), S-8S (flechette/small fragment), S-8D (FAE/blast) to go along with our S-8KOM (anti-armour) and S-8OFP (modernised multipurpose) warheads.

[Northstar98]

+1 though the problem as I see it, is properly modelling these weapons, in terms of their physical effects (if that makes any sense). I'm unsure if DCS models the difference between HEAT, HESH, HEF and HE as is.

 

I guess the S-8S could be modelled like a cluster bomb though, and we already have submunition dispensing rockets.

[Avimimus]

True, under the current level of modelling the differences wouldn't be as noticeable - however some of the differences would still exist even with the limitations in the current code.

 

S-8D would have a lower blast radius than an S-8OFP1 but do somewhat more damage within that radius. It would also have less penetration than an S-8KOM (but likely have slightly higher damage overall).

 

S-8S would likely have a higher blast radius than the S-8OFP but would do less damage (smaller fragments) and have even lower penetration.

 

S-8 would have more smoke and worse penetration than the later S-8KOM (but would be useful for modelling an earlier time period).

 

...so even if just damage, blast radius, and armour penetration are modelled (as single values, and without actual fragment modelling) there is still room for quite a bit more variety. Even just making the more primitive first generation S-8 rocket (different propellant, less penetration) would be a nice addition.

Edited July 29, 2021 by Avimimus

[Eldur]

On 7/26/2021 at 1:16 AM, Northstar98 said:

+1 though the problem as I see it, is properly modelling these weapons, in terms of their physical effects (if that makes any sense). I'm unsure if DCS models the difference between HEAT, HESH, HEF and HE as is.

 

I guess the S-8S could be modelled like a cluster bomb though, and we already have submunition dispensing rockets.

 

The point is that DCS needs higher fidelity damage models on groud units so all those nice toys actually make sense. Luckily, that is planned already and I'd suggest that at the same time we should get more different warheads, on both sides.

[Northstar98]

2 hours ago, Eldur said:

The point is that DCS needs higher fidelity damage models on groud units so all those nice toys actually make sense. Luckily, that is planned already and I'd suggest that at the same time we should get more different warheads, on both sides.

 

They certainly go hand in hand, and I guess one doesn't make sense without the other.

[Avimimus]

On 8/5/2021 at 11:58 AM, Northstar98 said:

They certainly go hand in hand, and I guess one doesn't make sense without the other.

I'm not sure - I personally think that these warheads would perform differently even with the simple damage, penetration, and area of effect modelling we have now.

 

Furthermore, the different ballistics will require somewhat different tactics and skill - especially when it comes to rockets with different motors.

[Sobakopes]

S8 DM and S8 S are a must. DM has the same ballistics with KOM but with a 5 kg tnt equivalent against 3 kg on current OFP. Extremely powerful weapon. Imagine a salvo of 40 rockets 5 kg each. In comparison a 125 mm HE has 4 kg equivalent. Maybe with better muzzle energy and fragmentation though. 

S8 S with a probabilistic damage model. Extremely powerful as well. Just like apaches flechettes. 

[Avimimus]

On 10/18/2021 at 4:46 PM, Sobakopes said:

S8 S with a probabilistic damage model. Extremely powerful as well. Just like apaches flechettes. 

I hope the work on the Apache will benefit other modules (Ka-50, Mi-8/Mi-24, Su-25). It'd also be great to have the CRV-7 added for Canadian CF-18s (with their small number of unusually high energy AP flechettes)!

[Avimimus]

I ran across this and thought it was amusing:

So, the situation has improved somewhat - but only a tiny amount... and in two years it'll be the twentieth anniversary of me suggesting this might be a good idea

Especially for the Su-25A, Mi-24, and Mi-8 - aircraft that really rely on rockets. IMHO, I'm hoping that the rocket warhead improvements for the AH-64 module will eventually lead to improvements for rockets in general - and that the ability to have partially loaded missile racks on the Apache will find its way onto Black Shark III (if not the Mi-24P)... hoping, but not that optimistic.

Still, it is a bit funny to discover how consistent one is