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Please note that on the subject of ECM I am of the mindset that the upgraded TAG should be suffecient. This is just me coming up with a method for BAP to have an effect that might possibly be servicable.
The idea focuses around how modern real-world radar systems handle jamming emitters. In Air to Air combat, if your target begins using self defense jamming systems, most modern aircraft can switch themselves over to a 'Home on Jam' mode. This allows their missiles to be fired, albeit without full accuracy, at the jamming target in an attempt to 'silence the music'. My idea for BAP is inspired by this.
In my idea, BAP would be given a 'Track on Jam' mode as a toggleable mode, similar to how Guardian can be toggled between disruption and counter modes. In Track on Jam mode, the BAP would cause your mech to cease displaying standard targets except from the datalink. Instead, you will now be given un-ranged targets for enemy mechs that have active disruption jammers (counter-mode Guardian would not be displayed.). In your HUD, these targets, when selected, would be fixed-size brackets without name, range or damage information. On your map, they would be displayed as bearing lines originating from your mech's position at the center and extending to the edges of the display. Without range information, it will be difficult to figure out their precise position, but the idea is to realistically give you 'something rather than nothing.'
The second function of Track on Jam relates to missiles. When in this mode, LRM's and Streaks can be targetted on emitting mechs and fired, but with restrictions. In the case of LRM's, the missiles will be direct fire and will not loft. With Streaks and LRM's both you will also be unable to tell if the target is within range. Just as with real world 'Home on Jam' firing, you will need to make your best guess as to when you fire.
Missiles in Track on Jam mode will also use a different guidance logic. The weapons will essentially 'beam ride' towards the target. To visualize what I mean, draw a line between two mechs, the emitter and the firing mech. As the mechs move about, this line will of course change position in various ways. The missiles fired in Track on Jam mode will stay on that line the whole time. This means LRM's will have issues with terrain as they will not loft, as mentioned. Streaks will also suffer as homing in on a rapidly translating target in a 'beam riding' mode uses up more propellant and requires more maneuvering, meaning a fast target can dodge the missiles.
In either case, in order to be able to track normal, non emitting targets you will need to be out of Track on Jam mode unless they are datalinked by someone else. Also, while in Track on Jam mode, you can still target an emitter, even if you are inside the jamming 'bubble'. However, you will not be promoting a datalink target, and your streaks will still have issues tracking, but they can at least still fire.
Hopefully this is a servicable idea. If not, try not to singe me too badly!
EDIT: Why does this thing not want me to have a capital 't' in the title?
Edited by Firelizard, 15 December 2012 - 08:08 PM.
