Found another bug.

I was at the Asuluk test range trying to engage a SCUD. As the SCUD entered my firing range I pressed the launch button without pressing the safety first. The system then displayed the projected intercept point, at which time I realized my error and launched by pressing the safety and then the fire button. My first attempt at firing yielded a intercept point, but had no firing sound which made me think the computer simply displays an intercept when the launch button is pressed, regardless of an actual launch taking place. However, my AAR clearly shows two launches, while I only had one missile.

Also note that both missiles are fired from launcher 1. If you're wondering why I used the LOAL mode, I was pretending my battery was hidden in a forest. ;D



Finally, could you give me some advice on intercepting the SR-71 in the Operation Giant Reach scenario? I'm using the FRAG 511, Eckolstadt battery and I'm having no luck at all. I engage him when he's around 200-190 degrees, and closing. I engage with 1 LOBL, followed by 2 HOJ after setting the system for a jamming target.

My settings for engaging a jamming target are by the manual, except for adjusting the height as it seems IADS has already fed that information to my battery. Everything is set, the missiles show in range and ready to fire. However, no matter how many missiles I fire or how many times I attempt the scenario I always miss. I've even gone so far as to order all 6 missiles prepared, and 5 are fired in HOJ at a closing target.

*Edit*

I finally got that pesky SR-71! After honing my skills against a friendly Foxbat I felt confident in my ability to acquire and track high level, fast moving targets. The Americans wanted to find out about the capabilities of our new SAM system, I felt I should oblige.


Again, note the two missiles fired from the #2 launcher. After re-reading the manual, I decided to try firing the second missile without pushing the safety first. My reasoning was the manual stated that the orange light was the computer calculating the optimal salvo timing. So I thought maybe the time between the orange light extinguishing and the green light illuminating was a sort of grace period.

Also, upon re-reading the manual I see that having the two missiles loaded in the Hungry practice isn't a bug. The manual clearly states that SA-5 batteries keep two missiles loaded in peace time. I guess I didn't make the connection the first time.

I think I found a bug. When I acquire a target the green light for the narrow radar mode illuminates even if the radar is off. It also illuminates if the switch is down, and the only way to extinguish it is to select the narrow mode, and then select the wide mode.

That is not a bug, just a feature of the Vega system.

That light is only shows the transmitter position.
(It changes the shape of the beam, by moving the transmitter away from the focus point of the antenna)

It is a nice feature, that it automatically changes to Narrow Beam, when you lock on the target, just to increase the received signal strength. You could override it switching it up and down, but there is no point to do that.

It can be read in the manual that Polish Mrzezyno site has three batteries. In fact it always have had two. The site indeed reflects three-battery structure but the third one was never deployed (I guess the reason was budgetary - late 80's was not the best period for purchasing new toys for anybody in Soviet bloc. Another issue was whether Poland really needed the site. I think the final purchase was a sort of compromise between Soviet demands and Polish funding capabilities... or will :)).

The preparations of fielding a new equipment was started usually 5 years before.
The abrupt end of the Cold War cut several deployments in half.

In the GDR, one of the fully prepared Vega sites were never actually had any equipment.
In Hungary, all the preparations were done to receive two S-300 battery, FCO's were trained, sites were prepared, but actually we never bought it.
(If you click over the Batteries in the Sim around Budapest, you will see, that actually two numbers (11/5, and 11/6) are missing due to this reason.)

Would you consider making the switch default to the up position? Now that I think about it, it makes sense that the system would default to narrow. But I see no reason to have to move the switch twice to change the mode.

Would you consider making the switch default to the up position? Now that I think about it, it makes sense that the system would default to narrow. But I see no reason to have to move the switch twice to change the mode.

No, as its official startup position is down.
(During first startup, all the switches are at the position, where they should be according to the official books.)

If an earlier unnoticed target suddenly pops up closer than 200km, that it makes sense to have the default Wide position.
If the target is noticed over 200km, than you have time to switch it up into narrow.

Finally, could you give me some advice on intercepting the SR-71 in the Operation Giant Reach scenario? I'm using the FRAG 511, Eckolstadt battery and I'm having no luck at all. I engage him when he's around 200-190 degrees, and closing. I engage with 1 LOBL, followed by 2 HOJ after setting the system for a jamming target.

My settings for engaging a jamming target are by the manual, except for adjusting the height as it seems IADS has already fed that information to my battery. Everything is set, the missiles show in range and ready to fire. However, no matter how many missiles I fire or how many times I attempt the scenario I always miss. I've even gone so far as to order all 6 missiles prepared, and 5 are fired in HOJ at a closing target.


SPOILER ALERT - do not look at this (1985 - Operation Giant Reach)

http://img535.imageshack.us/i/habu.jpg/

I finally figured it out. A valuable lesson, and a dirty trick. ;D

Hi NaiseFail,

Would You consider changing the Name/and-or/the place of this topic?

Best Regards,
Hpasp

I'm not a moderator so I can't move or rename threads. You could always start a new thread in the General - Tactical Simulations sub forum. I'm sure everyone that comes here to check for news and updates would happily migrate to your new thread if you provide a link here.

One question, do you happen to have information about Fla-Raketenabteilungsgruppe 511 (FRAG-511)? I'm interested in attempting a new story based AAR, but I'm having a hard time finding good information for my characters back story. Of course, it doesn't help that most of what I do find in written in German, lol.

I'm also interested in what ranks would operate the systems. I'd also be interested in information regarding the educational process of SAM operators. What types of schools teach operators, etc. Also, do you know what insignia FRAG 511 used? Information on batteries that were in service ~25 years ago, retired ~20 years ago, and operated by a country that has since been absorbed into another country sure is a pain to find..

Hey, NaiseFail, I can help with translating your materials from German, or their initial review to determine whteher they are relevant.

Can you elaborate a bit more on that dirty trick?