Helicopter unloading and unpowered barges

thatguy96 · #1 June 15th, 2006, 10:32 PM

I'm sure the answer to this is that its either a) hardcoded somewhere that doesn't dare be messed with or b) would be too difficult and capable of being used unrealistically to implement. However, I am still curious as to whether or not it would be possible to allow helicopters to unload over not clear terrain, ie not land and unload which would represent troops rapelling from helicopters, using rope ladders, etc. It would also allow for sling loaded vehicles to be represented more realistically, as well as, allow for realistic transportation of boats (currently impossible because helicopters cannot land in water even with swim movement points).

This came up after I decided to see whether or not creating Airmobile Artillery Platforms as used by the US Army in the Mekong Delta could be implemented. What I current have is a standard howitzer that can be air transported and can be in water (thanks to a point of swim movement, another thing I will get to next), but this is simply allows for artillery to be emplaced on water hexes, which while realistic for this system doesn't fully represent its capabilities.

Next up is the matter of unpowered barges. Why do units with ship type movement sink in water if they are not given any swim points? Is this also hardcoded? Could this be changed to allow for static barges? This I think is a realistic consideration which does not effect gameplay negatively. Currently my barges in my pack have 1 point of swim which could be chocked up to drifting in the river if such movement were to be exploited, but realistically they should be static. Is there no way to get this without them being "immobilized" at game start?

Mobhack · #2 June 16th, 2006, 11:35 AM

All hard coded, and would need a totally new game engine to implement. No hovering, and ability to swim coms from the swim speed, not the unit class.

Cheers
Andy

thatguy96 · #3 June 16th, 2006, 05:24 PM

could one create barge classes by using amphibious tanks with 0 speed? Or would they sink too?

Mobhack · #4 June 16th, 2006, 06:05 PM

Who knows - try it and see.

Andy

Randy · #5 June 18th, 2006, 04:18 AM

Helicopters can carry the inflatable boats such as "rigid raiders" but that is about it. The problem is that you have to unload close enough to the water in order to get the boat to "float". I solved this problem by using a small vehicle to carry the boat to the river. You are basicly reconfiguring a small vehicle to be a prime mover. But in reality a "Hummer" can tow a rigid raider/zodiac on a trailer. Hope this helps.

thatguy96 · #6 June 18th, 2006, 01:02 PM

yeah, I tried this, but hexes next to water are rarely the "Clear" nessecary for helicopter landings. The Airmobile Artillery Platform was intended to be airlifted not trucked around, so in terms of realism is a bit lacking, but so is the one point of movement to keep it afloat. Right now the only benefit is that you get a howitzer you can place on water hexes. Not sure whether I'll leave it in in the end.