Problems distinguish the A6 and S3

[FreeDive]

Hello,
I am enjoying this game quite a lot, but there is one big Problem I have. It is hard to distinguish the Viking and the Intruder since they look very alike from top down.
This is especially annoying when you need a combined wing with Anti-Ship and EWAR Planes. I frequently select the wrong plane type. Is there a way of changing the plane type after the mission is queued or a good way to distinguish them?

[Max]

Don't really have the same problem with recognizing those planes. What really bothers is mission queue. This game is fast phased and you have to get things going fast, but all what you do is missclicking orders, launch battleship strike full of F18 and then you recognize that you prepeared a Viking but the mission requires F185 for EW.... RIP 4000 crew on board

[spaceboy]

OP, when I first started playing this was a big problem for me too. But I can tell you that after awhile I got used to the somewhat subtle differences and it's no longer a problem. After you adapt, the differences stand out very well and they don't seem subtle anymore.

Here's how to tell the difference quickly:

First off, the S3 Viking is the 'fat one', and the A6 Prowler is the 'scrawny one'.

* S3 nose is much fatter and has a bold black cocpit window

* S3 color appears more solid white (depending on lighting) while A6 appears a little more grey

* S3 has bolder looking folded wings. The folded wings and the nose size are the top 2 ways that I distinguish the two.

* S3 has a bigger, broader tail

* With wings deployed, the backside of the S3 wings are virtually straight all the way across. The A6 have an easy noticeable angle to them. The wing angle is what I use if I ever have one lined up and forget what it is, although it's extremely rare that I use the S3 for anything other than SUB, so for me, if it's yellow, it's an S3, and if it's any other color, it's the A6.

For me, it just took some time playing it over and over, I don't know, maybe 20 games or so, maybe even 40, I don't recall now, before I adapted and now I never select the wrong one.

[spaceboy]

After taking another look at them when lined up, here are a few more things:

* S3 wings together form a simple triangle shape, and also have a consistent solid white color and smooth texture to them (zoomed all the way out). A very basic look

* A6 wings together not only have the angled backside, but also have a forward curve as they near the fuselage. Additionally, you can easily see lines on the wings, probably struts or weapon mounts or something. These give the topside of the wings a 'texture' to them that stands out easily compared to the S3. The color is also grey instead of white.

* The A6 fuselage is pencil thin all the way down, like looking at a pen or pencil down the middle of the plane, and the fuselage also is very visible above the wing area.

* The S3 fuselage blends in with part of the wing area and doesn't really stand out.

So, with all of those distinctions, you can pick the ones that stand out best for you.

[Twelvefield]

The letter A is pointy and so is the nose of the A6 (in the game). That's how I remember it.

[Max]

Originally posted by Twelvefield:

The letter A is pointy and so is the nose of the A6 (in the game). That's how I remember it.

Why not just look at the cockpit? The viking's cockpit is wide while A6 is thin.

[Fodder123]

Hi love the game but the choppers won't attack the subs dispite launching in good time. Any help please?

[Max]

Originally posted by Fodder123:

Hi love the game but the choppers won't attack the subs dispite launching in good time. Any help please?

Can you explain more detailed? what exactly doesn't work for you? Be aware that only UH-60 and S-3 Viking can commit anti sub operations.

[IAmSquidget]

I'm guessing you are accidentally sending helos on scout missions. Are you clicking on the sub, rather than the yellow crosshairs?

[Fodder123]

Hi Thnk's for re'y!
I have the sub on radar so I click on the sub and alert the choppers to attack at=fter aquiring a launch yellow arrows choppers leave but just fly over the targeted sub dispite correct load out for sub attack bing loaded?

[Max]

Originally posted by Fodder123:

Hi Thnk's for re'y!
I have the sub on radar so I click on the sub and alert the choppers to attack at=fter aquiring a launch yellow arrows choppers leave but just fly over the targeted sub dispite correct load out for sub attack bing loaded?

Hmmm So, Could it possibly be a reconnaissance helicopter on the radar? or maybe a unit which makes an aproach for landing?

As I guess, there could be a submarine which requires 2 units to destroy it. Maybe you launched only one. In this case the first unit will wait for the 2nd one to launch, and only then they will appear on your radar, pass over the sub and destroy it. Hope this helps.

[spaceboy]

Originally posted by Fodder123:

Hi Thnk's for re'y!
I have the sub on radar so I click on the sub and alert the choppers to attack at=fter aquiring a launch yellow arrows choppers leave but just fly over the targeted sub dispite correct load out for sub attack bing loaded?

I think the others have covered all of the non-bug possibilities for what you're seeing.

I would just say that I have sometimes thought my craft were skipping their targets, and there may actually be a bug in the game, because sometimes it seems like they miss, but I think what is happening is that I'm either getting my assault craft confused with new or replacement craft since there are no markers to distinguish them. (I'm going to make a suggestion thread for this)

Also, my issues are always with the bottom bar with CAS/AMP/SPEC missions, and what can happen there is that missions that are newer can actually outpace the older missions (travel faster) and it looks like your attack craft are skipping missions. (at least I think that's what's happening....it may actually just be spec/op missions converting and throwing me off...not sure)

If this is a continuous problem for you, I would recommend using a free game recorder to record your games so you can review them and look for mistakes, and if you don't find any, then you can post a vid for the devs to look at.

[Fodder123]

thank's Guys.
Will continue as you all point out the mayb's see if it's Me missing the issue or not. One point I have only sent one Chopper out to distroy the Sub's so hoping two will do the job! Thank's again for answers!

Stay safe!

[kruiser86]

First off,, at least the version I have, does NOT have intruders. It does have Prowlers. there is a difference. How are you seeing the Intruder/ Prowler even remotely looking like an S3 Viking? Prowler (EA-6B) is a 4 man EW aircraft that came from the Intruder (A-6) line. The S-3 Viking is/ was a scout, usually a carrier based ASW platform that could be used as ASuW. I don't see, especially since I worked closely with/ on CVN's how they look anything like each other.