Help with MQ-8B & AH-64 Strikes

[iDrake]

Good day gentlemen, I am in need of some assistance.


I am trying to setup a mission, where a SF team able to utilize a MQ-8B ULB and AH-64 Apache to engage armored targets at a safe distance without putting the Apache crew in danger. It's kind of like the "Death From Above" scenario, but a little different. I am not sure if this is possible, I've tried various configurations, and have searched on this issue within the forum, and so far have not found the information I am needing, which is why I'm calling you guys for support.


Here is the situation. I have a SF team set in an elevated position about 1.5K from an enemy stronghold. They see a number of armored vehicles that need to be engaged. So they call in for CAS (Close Air Support)

I have an AH-64 set to be dispatched from my FOB along with a ULB when given a radio command. These vehicles are AI controlled. Waypoints are set to have both vehicles travel into the AO (Area of Operation), while staying at a safe distance so they are not engaged. The Apache is maybe 4K out, and the ULB I have set to move in closer to get eyes on the armor and to laze.

My SF team leader, which is the character I control, carries with him 1 "US_UAV_Pack_EP1" which he uses to control the ULB . The "US_UAV_Pack_EP1" is synced with the ULB Module which allows the team leader to interact with the ULB. The ULB is synced with the Apache and the ULB Module

I am able to control the ULB without issue, sight in a target, and turn the Laser Designation on.

Here is my problem....

When rolling the mouse wheel and selecting "Command Fire" I am returned an error on the ULB interface. The targeting box flashes red several times before returning to the normal green. I've seen this happen within the "Death from Above" mission when the Apache has exhausted it's armaments.


Also...

In testing and tinkering with various settings, I placed the ULB and Apache withing close proximity to one another on a test run. While controlling the ULB , I turned on the Laser Designation, and the Apache engaged the target I painted with all Hellfire missiles, one after another, giving maybe a 2 second delay between firings.


So it's working in some regards but not all of them. When the Apache is far out and I laze a target, it will not engage at all and I cannot issue a "Command Fire" order to it through the ULB.


The results I would like to have happen but am unable to figure all of them out are:

1. To leave the Apache under AI control, to use Radio commands to bring it into theater, and RTB once support is provided. (Already have that done, happy with that.)
2. To be able to control ULB from the field without using a UAV control building (Done. Found the answers on this forum, thank you once again guys!)
3. To have the AI control the Apache, without needing a human player to pilot it to give "Command Fire" orders to the gunner. (Need help this please.)


I'm not sure if what I am asking for is possible, which is why I am requesting help from those much smarter than myself on Editing. Thank you in advance gentlemen for you time, knowledge, and assistance.

Semper Fidelis

[iDrake]

Anyone?

[iDrake]

Can anyone take a stab at this?

[AZCoder]

I see what you mean. I made both the pilot and infantry guy playable, was able to fire a missile from the ULB as the pilot, but once I switched to infantry the ULB command fire would only flash. My impression is that it's not intended to work this way. Just so you know someone looked at it, but I don't know if it's possible to do what you want.

[zooloo75]

you could probably make it so instead of the rocket being fired out of the chopper, you could simulate it. Try using createvehicle, and set it's position and direction according to the chopper. Just a thought.

[iDrake]

Thank you for trying AZCoder, and thank you for the suggestion zooloo75. I too have tried various ways of getting it to work and nothing pans out the exact way I'd like it to happen either. Thank you for the effort gentlemen, I will settle with the knowledge that in order for the command fire order to work with the UBL, you have to be the pilot. Which means, I will have to come up with another solution for engaging the enemy armor. I'm thinking MLRS. Who doesn't like 36 rounds of HE splashing down on the enemy's position!

Thank you again gentlemen, Semper Fidelis.

[F2k Sel]

A set up I had today had the Apache launch his weapons at an empty vehicle without me giving him direct orders.

The set up was like this.

I had ULB backpack there was an Apache out at see and the ULB all synced, when I run this the only way to get the Apache to fire is to laser the target from the ULB which is fine and as expected for me.

I then tried to get the AI to call in a strike, I added An AI infantry with ULB backpack synced to the ULB module and grouped to myself.

When I select him there is no real option to tell him to use the ULB, so I gave him a simple this dotarget targ;this dofire targ and again nothing so I copied the same commands into the ULB.

This time the ULB moves position but still nothing. at first nothing seemed to happen and then target exploded, the Apache had opened fire.

This worked several times.

I then tried to find out who was ordering what so I removed the AI infantry and the strikes stopped, I then replaced the AI and now I can't get it to work again.