Hello everyone! Happy anniversary!!
I believe everyone has heard about the plans for a major update to the RWR of all modern aviation in War Thunder to make them “more realistic.” Changes below
https://www.reddit.com/r/Warthunder/comments/1gd9ky4/2390103_240030_20241025_part_5/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Warthunder/comments/1gdbmma/2390103_240030_20241025_part_6/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Warthunder/comments/1gdd2xh/2390103_240030_20241025_part_7/
Many will notice that after the update, NATO RWRs will collectively become obsolete, which means if you’re flying a top-tier jet that was released early, even though it has a very good all-aspect modern RWR, question marks will fill every corner of your RWR screen. At this point, I can’t help but wonder: is this what happens on the real battlefield today?
Let’s reach a quick conclusion: No!
To clarify this issue, we first need a general understanding of how RWRs work (not a highly technical explanation): simply put, there are some broad-band carrier wave receivers on the outside of the aircraft. When enemy radars operate, their radar waves will be received by the aircraft’s carrier wave receivers. These receivers scan the spectrum broadly to capture signals that may come from different types of radars. They are typically broadband and can simultaneously cover multiple frequency bands while working in a fast scanning mode to ensure that no threat signals are missed. They also detect signal characteristics such as Pulse Repetition Frequency (PRF), pulse width, etc., and record these parameters. These parameters are sent to the onboard computer’s database for comparison, and the results are displayed on your RWR screen, allowing you to know the source and type of threat. Most importantly,
It is incorrect to say that the RWR is too outdated because the problem lies in the database loaded on aircraft. However, the database on aircraft can be updated at any time, unless the hardware itself can no longer support the recognition of more complex radar waves.
Since the RWR is designed to broadly scan and capture radar signals, there is no possibility that it cannot capture signals from new aircraft (the new mechanism also shows that your aircraft will capture the opponent’s radar waves but displays them as question marks). Therefore, the problem lies in the database. Gaijin has stated that older RWR models cannot recognize the radar signals of new aircraft, but the hardware of the RWR itself does not have an “old” or “young” distinction, as engineers have designed redundancies at the hardware level. Updating the database in our onboard computer is one of the most important tasks that ground crew must take responsibility for.
Let’s take the F-16C Block 50 as an example. It was introduced in 1991 and is equipped with the AN/ALR-56M RWR, which is specifically designed for platforms like the F-16 and A-10 to detect, identify, and locate enemy radar signals. Since its introduction, the AN/ALR-56M has undergone multiple software upgrades to enhance its threat recognition and anti-jamming capabilities. Most of these upgrades are software updates, routine upgrades performed by ground crew on the aircraft’s onboard computer. Evidence of software upgrades is everywhere, and I don’t feel the need to further prove this fact.
Thus, Gaijin’s proposal for a new mechanism concerning RWR is absurd, because it implies that since the aircraft was manufactured in the 1980s, the ground crew may has not conducted ANY maintenance on the onboard computer (isn’t that funny?).
Finally, let’s imagine a scenario in the future where, after the introduction of fifth-generation aircraft in War Thunder, the F-22 cannot recognize allies F-35… I admit, that’s quite humorous.
Suggestions for Developers:
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For some aircraft, please let the Snail ground crew continue to perform software upgrades on the RWR after their introduction into service. The ground crew may need to maintain routine updates of the onboard computers for these older aircraft every time new aircraft are introduced in updates (unless it’s found that the hardware cannot receive such complex or high-power radar signals). P.S.: Pilot: I accept taking off in bad weather, but can you please not have my RWR filled with question marks?
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Some older aircraft may not encounter new aircraft before retirement, but their RWR hardware is still excellent. Please continue to maintain these aircraft, as software upgrades can be implemented quickly. This is something the Snail Ground crew must do, as old soldiers do not die; they just get retired.
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If some aircraft have RWRs that are too outdated to recognize certain complex radar signals and have no plans for future updates, then these aircraft will be unable to recognize the radar signals of newer aircraft. However, if some aircraft have undergone hardware upgrades that expand their RWR frequency coverage, consider offering RWR Hardware Updates as a tier-four modification for players to research. This way, these old soldiers can continue to fight for their country just like in real life.
Finally, I am struggling to find various details about RWRs, which is quite frustrating. I hope someone can help me. If developers can not see my article, I will consider submitting an issue to them?
Above all, if you have good suggestions, feel free to share :D
I hope War Thunder becomes better, and I hope everyone can enjoy their favorite vehicles in the game!!
Thx for ur support!
