Spike Brave, on 29 August 2016 - 03:29 PM, said:
While the topic of why ECM is, or isn't, available has been covered well, I believe there is a little missing from a discussion of all the lore. The first, and perhaps most import issue, is that BattleMech sensor don't work in MWO like they work in BattleTech. First of all their is no target info sharing without the use of C3 equipment. So in BattleTech no shouts of hold locks. Also Mechwarrior are assumed to be watching thier entire sensor suite, so you may not show on radar, but thermal, seismic, or visual will get you.
Secondly, missles don't not work the same way. The only lock on is streak systems. So lrms go to the place you aimed with very slight course corrections and they might sort of follow the laser pointer if you have Artemis. If it's the late 3050's, you bought very expensive semi-guided lrms, and have a TAG pointer they will sort of follow that too.
Finally, and most importantly in my opinion, alot of the best MechWarriors are extremely skilled in the use of the eyeball MK1. A lot of the most exciting battles in fiction simply involved people who where sharp eyed, situtationaly aware, and a good shot. They didn't rely on a red triangle. They used visual input.
While you are right when saying the SSRMs are the only hardlocking missiles, basic LRMs
and SRMs
are basic guided missiles.
Only dumbfire systems are Periphery rocket launchers and MRMs.
The difference is LRMs and SRMs are passively guided (by the missile platform so LoS only)
SSRMs are active self guided systems once they aquired a lock on target.
Available standart Battlemech sensors are vislight, IR, light amp, MagRes, and optionaly: seismic and surprise surprise radar/lidar as antiair.
The TAG system has originaly nothing to do with LRMs, SRMs or sensors suits. In Battletech it is a part of the ARROW IV artillery system. Arrows are laser homing tactical artillery missiles (like nowadays copperhead) delivering a variaty of possible payloads (nukes possible). Semi guided laser homing LRMs where a past 3057 development from the Marics.
For indirect LRM firing you just needed a dedicated spotter witch must have a LoS towards the target for at least one round.