DSII Guided Missile System Proposal

> At 03:54 AM 06-06-98 -0500, you wrote:
Good point John, but do ADS and LADs have to be autocannons? Why not HELs?
Then the range would be dependant on sensor quality. Superior could be LOS
maybe?

               Ed

I would like to propose a change to the GMS/L and GMS/H systems as used
in DSII

They are purchased as individual missiles.
GMS/H=1 Space
GMS/L=0.5 Space

Also, the number of missiles that may be launched are based on the guidance
used by the launching platform.

Basic=1 Missile Enhanced=2 Missiles Superior=3 Missiles

Thsi would allow accurate representation of IFVs like the Russion BMP that
carry a ATGM on a rail above the gun barrel as well as attack helicopters able
to engage multiple targets in the span of a few seconds.

I think also that ADS and LAD systems need to expand their defensive umbrellas
to 48" so that missile armed gunships stop smoking them from beyond their
engagement envelope.

> At 09:57 AM 6/5/98 -0700, you wrote:

Kinda fiddly for longer/larger battles, really.  Though that would help
simulate some other games where units do have limited ammo. (e.g., Heavy
Gear. ^_^ )

> Also, the number of missiles that may be launched are based on the

Ow! So not only do superior firecons throw more accurate missiles, but they
throw more of them as well? You sure about that? If you're going to go this
route, I'd rather see a seperate launcher system, so throwing more missiles
just costs more space. (Of course, then that's even more recordkeeping, which
is why I prolly wouldn't use it, but I'm playing
Devil's Advocate here.... ^_^ )

> Thsi would allow accurate representation of IFVs like the Russion BMP

I can see buying, say, *a* missile as described above, but I don't think I'd
want to see detailed listings for two dozen different tanks (or whatever) in a
large engagement. The abstraction is nice, y'know?

> I think also that ADS and LAD systems need to expand their defensive

I recall this point being brought up before, and I think Jon had a reason
for setting the ranges as he did.  But I don't remember what it was -- I
wasn't interested in DSII back then.

How about for each additional missile past the first, the Guidance has a shift
downward? So if an Enhanced guidance missile platform fires two missiles each
missile will attack at Basic level?

Michael Wikan, Game Designer Accolade, Inc.

> >Also, the number of missiles that may be launched are based on the

> At 13:41 6/5/98, Aaron Teske wrote:

There was some discussion of this earlier this year. One proposed system
was a HEL-based ADS that would have a range of 60", otherwise work like
other ADS, and have a 150% cost over standard ADS. Something like:

BASIC = 300 ENH = 450 SUP = 600

This keeps those GMS/L systems from being too invincible, yet not
totally obviated by the remedy.

> You wrote:

> I think also that ADS and LAD systems need to expand their defensive

Well, for a 20mm autocannon, the ADS and LADs have a fairly generous
range already--3.6km is damn good for a system like that.  What I want
to see is multiple mode targeting for GMSs to knock down aircraft (ADATS,
anyone?) plus maybe specialized SAMs and directed enery AAA.

> I would like to propose a change to the GMS/L and GMS/H systems as
This would greatly decrease the value of the missile systems. They are
currently:  GMS/H = 4 Spaces (Size 2)
  GMS/L = 2 Space  (Size 1)
This includes unlimited loads of missiles. Cutting the size by 1/4 for
reducing the number of shots to 4 for the same size is a great reduction. It
would also increase the clutter on the board of having to keep track of
missiles.

> Also, the number of missiles that may be launched are based on the

I would rather see this as number of targets that multiple missiles may
target. That is, if you have 3 GSM/L's but only a basic guidance, you
could only launch them at the same target, but if you have superior guidance,
you could target 3 seperate targets (within a set diameter ie. 6" radius).
However, even this seems to violate the DS2 principal of only being able to
target one vehicle regardless of how many weapon systems you have. In a
futuristic setting, I have always felt that this
may be unrealistic (AI assisted fire-and-forget weapons). I would have
prefered that the maximum number of targets would depend on the quality of the
unit: Green: 1 target max. Regular: 2 targets max. Veteran: 3 targets max.
and the number of turrets (1 per turret + any fixed guns).

> I think also that ADS and LAD systems need to expand their defensive
This is a change that NEEDS to be made.

> You wrote:

> Good point John, but do ADS and LADs have to be autocannons? Why not

Yup.  "An Area Defence System (ADS) is multi-role automatic gun system
with a very comprehensive Sensor suite that permits it to... " It's
counted as a RFAC/2 when used against ground targets.  I'll propose the
following:

LADS (Laser Area Defense System) 6km (60 inch) range. Only red chits are valid
for damage. Trade off range for damage.

300/450/600 Basic/Enhanced/Superior

MADS (Missle etc) 50" range, all chits valid. 8 rounds carried. Range and
damage, but not something you'd want to shoot off at every GMS in the area.

300/450/600 B/E/S

I'd also point out that vs. choppers in low mode, any normal
direct-fire weapon may be used as normal.