Theater High Altitude Defense Systems.

Hello, In the past, we've discussed how to integrate Theater High Altitude Air
Defense systems (THAAD) into DirtSide II. Of note is how to combine these
effects with the planetary Defense Batteries of Imperium. THAADS are a grouped
of Air Defense Batteries that use mutual tracking and mutual support systems
to cover a large area of the planet and prevent high altitude vehicles or
space entry vehicles from landing or attacking in its defense region. THAADS
are modular in design and degrade gracefully as components are lost. Each
THAAD module has a weapon element and a tracking element. Each element takes
up 15 CC of space in a vehicle or facility. Each THAAD Module costs 500 points
apiece. For a single Module the area is defended with a quality die of 1D6.
For each additional working module (a tracking and a weapon element) the die
shifts up one until there are four. Any excess modules are considered
redundant. ALL Aerospace and VTOL units that enter the board in high mode to
para-jump  units or for orbital insertion are engaged in the same manner
as in the Air Defense portion of DSII. *** THAAD systems are not limited in
the number of units they may fire upon during a turn but may only fire on a
single unit once in the turn. *** For VTOL and Aerospace units that wish to
land outside the game board area, they still face dangers. Use the Inbound
Chart from StarGrunt. The incoming Aerospace unit may choose which one it
starts from, and VTOL come in from beyond area three. For each Range Band of
the Inbound chart the QD for the THAAD shifts down by one. For example, we
have three complete modules for the THAAD on the board giving us a nominal
1D10 on the board. Against VTOLS and Aerospace units in region 1 1D8, region 2
1D6 and region 3 1D4. All VTOLS may go to low mode to avoid being shot at but
must spend two turn per region to get on the board. If the VTOLS or Aerospace
decide to drop off units in outer regions they are considered 24 * region in
inches away from the edge of the board. Artillery beyond
region 3 cannot be used in off-board support.
Infantry and size 1 vehicles drop for orbital insertion use 1D12 instead of a
pilots QD for their defense, they do not get ECM benefits.

THAAD units are expensive and should be defended with LAD systems for low
flyers, etc. An interesting scenario is to have to fight your way in to
disable the system before your major drop ships can commit. Obviously the best
way is to bring in some powered armor.

For those of you purchasing the Planetary Defense Marker in the Imperium cross
over system. Assume that you have purchased two Batteries each containing 4
Modules and get to defend two theater areas. (two cities, etc.)