What does the letter d mean in the new interface of SAM

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10

I just went into test drive, MAYBE it’s showing how fast they are close towards you (LESS than 1.0) or going away (MORE than 1.0) still not sure, but it seems to change based on if they are coming closer/going further away, based on speed. Def not distance, as there is a column for that specifically.

HRMMMM maybe I have it backwards with over/under 1.0 … but kinda looks like the speed towards/away from you might be it.

I was testing with the US CLOVER fwiw. HRRRRRMMMMMM, and of note when you click on the “d” column, it shows “d+” or “d-” huh, interesting.

OH and the little line showing their direction of travel (seems to be) correlated to higher or lower “d” values. Kinda…lol hrmmmmmm I am very curious now too.

11

this looks like bug but idk, bcs u see like on su27 on my screen .3.smth

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12

and we have speed on other column

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13

Ok if it is showing NOT changing, that might be a bug, because in my test drive the “d” is updating almost nonstop.

14

yeah its upd all time

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15

Huh, on the official post the “d” column is not shown in the video:

I really want to know what it means 😂

I made a reply on that official thread asking if anyone else knows.

16

me too

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17

For sure it’s another bug

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18

Distance from the d point measured in kilo L3 lengths.

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19

Lmfao 🤣

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21

I asked Zabi about it:
It’s used for something called courseDist

Happy 405 Forum Error

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22

Lulwut 😂

"I am confusion!"

i-am-confusion-kansas

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(Embeds dont work when they are in an Spoiler)

Another 405…

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24

I saw! HAHA, I downloaded it, and uploaded it directly instead 🤣

25

To be fair, just because I’ve not noticed it doesn’t mean it doesn’t change.

I’m… not very observant which is reflected in my stats

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26

so no news

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27

Could be radar cross-section diameter potentially, which would change based on the angle of the aircraft

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28

Found some info, even though this is for weather radar, I think you are probably on the right track: Weather Spotter’s Field Guide - Glossary: D

dBZ

Nondimensional “unit” of radar reflectivity which represents a logarithmic power ratio (in decibels, or dB) with respect to radar reflectivity factor, Z. The value of Z is a function of the amount of radar beam energy that is backscattered by a target and detected as a signal (or echo). Higher values of Z (and dBZ) thus indicate more energy being backscattered by a target.

The amount of backscattered energy generally is related to precipitation intensity, such that higher values of dBZ that are detected from precipitation areas generally indicate higher precipitation rates. However, other factors can affect reflectivity, such as width of the radar beam, precipitation type, drop size, or the presence of ground clutter or AP.

Another link, again, not definitive, but along the same line of thought: Electronic Warfare and Radar Systems Engineering Handbook - Abbreviations & Acronyms - RF Cafe

  • d Distance, Diameter, or deci (10-1 multiplier)

SO, if any of this info is close to the correct idea, I would think that a higher “d” value (especially over 1.0) would indicate a higher likelihood of a good lock, and better chance of interception etc.

29

So I’m guessing that means distance to predicted intercept point/missile flight distance?

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30

THAT might make sense, but it’s definitely not distance from SPAA directly to target, because there is already a range column.

But, it does seem to be some sort of formula/calculation, because it seems like 1.0 is “0”. IE, it keeps floating around 1, but going under 1.0 and above. AND when you resort the “d” column, it shows “d-” or “d+” which to me implies some sort of formula rather than a pure measurement/reading.