Today we’d like to talk about how we’re expanding the functionality of points of interest on top-tier aircraft!
It’s hard to surprise anyone with “smart” weapons in War Thunder anymore, but we’re going to try! In the upcoming major update, we’re implementing another feature for modern weapons systems: multiple aiming points!
Previously, the game only had a single, current point of interest. This made it difficult to fire guided weapons at multiple targets in a salvo, as manual targeting of each subsequent target required reorienting and finding it before launching, which increased the exposure to counterattacks from SAMs. With multiple aiming points, the time between launches, and consequently the time spent in the air defense zone is reduced, increasing the carrier’s chances of successfully returning to base.
Please note! The mechanic is WIP. This is a non-final variant of the interface.
How will it work? All aircraft with GNSS-guided weapons will have the ability to set new waypoints — called aiming points — new markers independent of the point of interest. Essentially, these are simply saved coordinates. You’ll be able to set up to 10 aiming points (numbered 0 to 9), switch between them, delete and edit them, and move the point of interest to the current aiming point. This can be done either by using the assigned keys or via the tactical map.
Aiming points can be used for navigation purposes, for example to mark route points or danger zones, or to measure the range to specific targets, such as an airfield, as well as in combat for weapon launch. Now, it will be possible to first detect targets and “remember” their coordinates, and then, by switching between pre-marked points, guide and launch guided weapons. While weapons with IR or TV seekers will still require target acquisition before launch, and laser-guided munitions will require target designation, switching between multiple targets will be faster. This mechanic will be especially helpful against static or slow-moving enemies.
However, this mechanic will expand the capabilities of satellite-guided weapons more than any other, as bombs and missiles guided by GNSS data can be linked to aiming points and launched in a single salvo (with the option of the carrier being hidden from view by terrain). Ammunition can be linked in two modes: manual and automatic. In manual mode, you link a specific munition to the current aiming point, with the ability to link multiple munitions of different types to each if you want. In automatic mode, you simply set aiming points and launch a salvo of the selected weapon. This way, the drop will expend one munition per each aiming point, starting with 0.
You’ll be able to try out the expanded point-of-interest functionality in the game and bomb ground targets very soon! That’s all for now, see you in the next dev blog.
Please note that the mechanics may be refined and changed before being added to the game.
