In the Leviathans major update, we’ll be introducing a number of advanced SAM systems, including those with multiple vehicles. Today, we’d like to introduce you to something called the Radar Control Screen which will be added to many modern SPAAs in the game, making combat against aircraft more efficient. Let’s dive into the details!
Interface under development
How it works
By pressing the assigned key or by clicking on the radar icon on the action bar when in an SPAA vehicle with this functionality, the Radar Control Screen will pop up. Let’s walk through the layout.
Plan Position Indicator (PPI)
The center of the screen shows the Plan Position Indicator (PPI), which displays target marks in polar coordinates (“range-azimuth”). On the PPI, targets are numbered with special indexes that are saved until the target is lost. When the target is detected again, it will be assigned a new free index. In addition, for advanced radars with TWS mode and the ability to use NCTR, the target marks contain information about the speed vector (a small line), and type — be it a plane, helicopter or fired ammunition. By simply clicking on the target in the PPI screen, you can aim the sight at it or switch the capture and can even fire.
Sight view
In the upper left corner there is a window showing your Sight view if the vehicle has one. In this window you can control the zoom and/or switch on NVD or thermal if your vehicle has them.
Elevation-Azimuth Indicator
On the left side there is a vertical view indicator that displays azimuths and altitudes of all found targets. For NCTR-capable radars, target type marks are also displayed here.
Target list
In the upper right corner there is the Target list table with detected targets. This table is a convenient tool for working with targets, as from this list you can select them to fire at, sort targets by azimuth, altitude, speed and threat level, and also immediately lock on to a target by double-clicking on it. Fire control from this table is most useful when playing with a controller or playing on console.
Controls
So we’ve gone through each part of the Radar Control Screen, let’s now get acquainted with the controls. Directly under the PPI are two panels that show the controls; one with radar and one with the fire control buttons. For radar control, you can turn the search radar on and off, switch between the radar and IRST, change the search modes, and scope scale. You can also select a target and acquire it. For fire control, you can launch missiles, turn the missile seeker on or off, and for SPAA with guns, capture the target and fire at it. The guns will receive automatic guidance to the lead point on the target tracked by the sensor.
It’s worth noting that the mouse control in the Radar Control Screen is a bit different — the right mouse button can now fire the missiles, and you can activate the necessary actions on the PPI, in the Target list table and with other elements of the screen with the left button. The mouse buttons are assigned automatically when switching to this screen, while your custom keyboard binds and other control keys you have assigned will work here as well.
In conclusion
From the Plan Position Indicator, you’ll see the entire battle picture through the eyes of your radar. Keep your team informed of the current situation, find and identify threats, select priority targets and destroy them! However, don’t forget about threats from the ground — make sure to correctly position yourself before you scan the airspace and don’t forget to look around from time to time to move your vehicle to a safer place or to a point with a better view.
That’s it for this one, get ready for the Leviathans major update, which is coming real soon!