When setting FOLLOW on aircraft, they ignore the distance/elevation/interval if they are lower than some 'under the hood' values that are unknown to users.

[TEMPEST.114]

If there are 'hard' limits, then a) they should be communicated and b) the mission editor shouldn't allow you to set anything lower than those.

However, I'd strongly suggest that any limits should be removed. If we want AI aircraft to fly very close (parade or aerobatic close formation) then we should be allowed to do so.

These are supposed to be 80ft apart.

They start that way, but immediately the AI aircraft that is FOLLOWING, spreads out, drops height and falls back into some default AI formation. Despite no formation data being specified on either aircraft.

Broken Follow.miz

 

ETA: This 'bug' or 'restriction' is present in all AI / NPC units, not just aircraft. Infantry and vehicles fall foul to this all the time. 

 

Edited April 15, 2024 by Elphaba