Been finding more changes in 1.12.29 which are quite cool

Just noticed just now some changes to

Scripts\Database\vehicles\SAM\radar\SNR S-125 TR.lua

This tracking radar now has the ability to "optically" acquire the target before 'ranging' it and sending a fire command to a launcher.

This means the tracking radar unit can operate without a search radar (at a significantly reduced range). Here I was hoping the TR could optically track while cold but at the moment the stupid ROE and State system disallows this interesting possibility.

Anyway it kinda looks like ED devs have been playing some SAM SIM and now they are seeing how they can make small changes to the sensor DB system to allow some of SAMs to operate more realistically. This is a good thing. :thumbup:

I am hoping this technique can be applied to other units that have optical tracking systems in addition to their radars. OSA and Tunguska could/should be able to optically track a target with their optical and TV sensors.

This and also other tricks.

Launching cold and going hot for terminal guidance is the type of thing that has been done by highly skilled SAM operators. Wouldn''t that be fun; to surprise a friend like that. :gun_smilie:

---

OK, it looks like an overhaul of the ROE and State system will be needed when it comes to radars and SAMs. The present system actually prevents you from doing a lot of fairly standard things.

but it all looks more promising since 1.29.12

Had a surprise in a mission when we discovered a Buk launcher doesn't need a targeting or a search radar separately form itself to launch at you, but this was from the previous version of DCS.

Not sure if what you found wasn't there in some way before regarding LOS shots.

No this is a definitely a new thing. According to this source it is 9Sh33A Karat 2 television telescope that ED have added as functionality to the S-125.

Your surprise would have come from BUK 9A310M1 TELAR. This is a launcher with a built-in 'engagement' radar. Interestingly the BUK TELAR also has an optical tracking system but this functionality is not enabled for BUK TELAR in DCS yet.

Optical or TV tracking appears to be present in a lot of the Soviet tracking radar systems. It is a form of stealth to target an aircraft but not alert their RWR. They TR may still need to go hot to get a lock (depending on the type of missile guidance required) but by then an aircraft might be in the 'no escape zone'.

If you start getting lit up by a SAMs without any warning you will have to rely a lot more on reconnaissance reports.