December 19th - "Spoof me once...spoof me twice..."

Chaff and Flare video

With the new commands in Arma, we wanted to try updating the old OFP flare system. The main difference being, we can now alter the pitch and bank of objects, which leads to improved missile deflection. Once we could guide a missile onto a specific point in 3D space. The natural conclusion was to represent the flares as actual objects, relative to the missile and target. So even if a missile manages to lock onto a flare, it’s still up to the pilot to place as much distance between himself and the incoming missile as possible. Proximity detonation can still damage your vehicle.

Flares as objects also have the advantage of being able to emit an IR signature. So spamming the environment with IR flares during an approach, means you can deny both players and the AI an easy target.

Most of the basic parameters can be easily configured by the mission maker, using stringtables. With the more advanced options done via script commands. We will be adding more features and options in the future, much depends on the sort of feedback we get. So those worried about performance, can choose from a variety of options.

UNN

December 16th 2008

I strongly suggest you watch the video in Full Screen mode! You may miss some detail if you dont.

How do you use it?

The system is really automatic, if you don't want to manually control the flares you just leave the scripts to deal with the missile while you evade.

The best way to describe the operation modes is "Reactive" and "Pre-emptive". If someone fires a missile at you the system kicks in without you lifting a finger. This is "Reactive". If you know you are flying into a danger zone you can begin manually popping off flares in an attempt to spoof the OPFOR into engaging the flares! This is the Pre-emptive mode. To use it manually, simply swap weapons to the flares, there's nothing complex about it.

But a word of warning as UNN already said; unlike the old OFP style system you may need to alter course and evade. There is a randomness probability calculation in the system which determines its effectiveness. Some times the missile may deflect 15 degrees, other times only 2. Other times it may never miss and sometimes even if it misses you may take damage in the blast!

The BETA will ship with both the "Lynx AH" and the "Puma HC1" Packs in the very near future.

Low Res - Chaff and Flare video Preview

Low Res Version: YOUTUBE - RKSL Channel