44 replies to this topic

[Gigaton]

Bryan did say off-hand that missiles could use some love based on the current internal build. I'm hoping they will reconsider SRM guidance.

[pesco]

Reading the descriptions on sarna.net, it seems there are at least the following fixed points:

* SRMs are able to home in on a NARC.
* It is normal for some missiles of an SRM volley to miss the target.
* If combined with Artemis IV, less missiles of an SRM volley should miss the target.
* Streak SRMs can only be fired when locked.
* Streak SRMs are homing and should usually all hit the target.
* SRMs don't fly in a "ballistic" arc like LRMs - need line of sight to hit ("direct-fire" vs. "indirect-fire").

Additionally (not directly related to SRMs):

* MRMs (developed in 3058) are unguided.
* Rocket Launchers (archaic technology for Periphery peasants) are unguided.
* Streak SRMs cannot be combined with Artemis IV.
* Some LRMs of a volley may miss their target, but the effect is less pronounced than with SRMs.

References:
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Streak_SRM
http://www.sarna.net...t_Range_Missile
http://www.sarna.net.../Artemis_IV_FCS
http://www.sarna.net..._Missile_Beacon
http://www.sarna.net...m_Range_Missile
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/LRM

[WraithTR1]

SRM-Wait to lock on and has minor missle tracking, can dumbfire.
SRM+Artemis IV-Faster lock on time, slightly greater tracking ability, can dumbfire.
Streak SRM-Will only fire if locked on and has the best tracking ability.
Narc capable missiles would track to a NARC beacon attached to a Mech, if multiple beacons then would go towards the nearest one.

LRM pretty much same as the above.

Edited by WraithTR1, 24 May 2012 - 08:30 AM.

[Squigles]

pesco, on 24 May 2012 - 05:48 AM, said:

Reading the descriptions on sarna.net, it seems there are at least the following fixed points:

* SRMs are able to home in on a NARC.
* It is normal for some missiles of an SRM volley to miss the target.
* If combined with Artemis IV, less missiles of an SRM volley should miss the target.
* Streak SRMs can only be fired when locked.
* Streak SRMs are homing and should usually all hit the target.
* SRMs don't fly in a "ballistic" arc like LRMs - need line of sight to hit ("direct-fire" vs. "indirect-fire").

Additionally (not directly related to SRMs):

* MRMs (developed in 3058) are unguided.
* Rocket Launchers (archaic technology for Periphery peasants) are unguided.
* Streak SRMs cannot be combined with Artemis IV.
* Some LRMs of a volley may miss their target, but the effect is less pronounced than with SRMs.

References:
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Streak_SRM
http://www.sarna.net...t_Range_Missile
http://www.sarna.net.../Artemis_IV_FCS
http://www.sarna.net..._Missile_Beacon
http://www.sarna.net...m_Range_Missile
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/LRM

It should be noted that a difference should be made between an SRM launcher and SRM munitions. The standard munitions for an SRM launcher are not capable of homing in on a Narc beacon, or benefiting from the laser guidance of an Artemis IV system. These functions require the loading of specific specialized munitions that include a tracking mechanism for the chosen guidance system, at increased financial cost over the basic munitions. This is the reason why any given salvo can't benefit from both a Narc Beacon and an Artemis IV system, as they require seperate munitions to work. This is all TT of course.

For MWO I'd much prefer SRM's to be dumb fire cluster attacks, they're already far superior to MW4 SRM's by disgorging their entire payload in a single shot instead of sequentially like a rotating "barrel". The presence of an Artemis system or Narc beacon should introduce limited tracking (perhaps a 5-10 degree change in flight angle) to a flight of SRM's to improve their chances to hit above and beyond the dead eye ability of the pilot. Streaks should require lock on to fire, but assuming the target is inside the flight range at the time of arrival, every single streak fired should hit the target unless shot down by an AMS.

[Vanguard319]

if we're going with the TT rules:

SRMs:

pros - direct fire, can be fired without missle lock, compatible w Artemis IV FCS, narc pods, and specialized ammunition, launchers and ammo are less expensive

cons - not quite as accurate, potentially wasteful of ammo

Streak SRMs:

pros - high chance of all missiles hitting their mark, clan versions are same weight as standard srms, better use of ammunition

cons - cannot be used w Artemis IV FCS or narc pods, IS versions are heavier, cannot be fired without missile lock, incompatible with specialized ammo, launchers and ammo are more expensive

IMO, there would be situations where standard SRMs would be preferable, for example, a mech that has Artemis IV would want standard SRMs so they can make use of the system, same reason if the mech lab includes specialized ammunition. (i.e. acid or inferno warheads) Also, Streaks by thier nature cannot be used in desperation attacks, meaning you may not be able to use them to take your opponent with you if you are about to go down.