Comprehensive Guide to War Thunder Radar

Oct 25, 2024

Radar Systems in War Thunder Guide

Introduction

  • Radar systems have become more advanced and complicated in War Thunder.
  • This guide covers:
    • How to read radar stat cards
    • Terminology
    • Radar displays
    • Radar modes
    • Keybinds

Radar Stat Cards

  • Accessible by hovering over plane's radar in X-ray view.
  • Types of radar sets:
    • Conventional Radar
    • Search Only Radar
    • Radar Rangefinder
    • Track Only Radar
    • Search and Track Radar (IRST)

Key Terms in Radar Stat Cards

  • Band: Frequency band used by the radar.
  • Range: Maximum detection distance (optimistic estimate).
  • Search Zone: Area of the sky the radar can scan.
  • Advanced Features:
    • SARH: Guides semi-active radar homing missiles.
    • IFF: Identifies friend or foe.
    • Look Down/Look Up modes: Filtering for ground clutter.
    • DL Targets: Max missiles for data link updates.

Radar Displays in War Thunder

  • Types of Radar Displays:
    • PPI (Plan Position Indicator): Default radar scope.
    • B Scope: Distorted top-down view; requires activation in settings.
    • C Scope: First-person view from radar dish's perspective.

Reading Radar Displays

  • Radar Contact Indicators:
    • Dots/dashes for different types of contacts (general, selected, locked).
    • Brackets for selected contacts.
    • Circles for locked targets.
  • Clutter Indicators:
    • Ground clutter shown as green smearing.
  • Scan Angle & Range Scale:
    • Vertical elevation and current scan angle displayed.

Radar Frequency Bands

  • Main bands: A, B, C, F, I, J (K for helicopters).
  • Higher frequency = more accuracy.

Types of Radar Sets in War Thunder

1. Dipole Search Radar

  • Fixed radar energy field; vulnerable to ground clutter.
  • Low-band, large contact indicators.

2. Radar Rangefinders

  • Early jet fighter radars; usually locked in ACM mode.
  • Provides range but limited utility.

3. Conventional Radar

  • Scans a portion of the sky using a moving beam.
  • Can adjust search zone via keybind.
  • May allow elevation tracking relative to horizon.

Locking Radar Targets

  • Methods of Target Locking:
    • BVR (Beyond Visual Range) targeting.
    • ACM (Air Combat Maneuvering) targeting.
    • HMS (Helmet Mounted Sight) targeting.

BVR Targeting

  • Cyclic Targeting:
    • Enable in options for cycling through targets.
    • Lock selected contact.

ACM Targeting

  • Locks radar facing forward; used for close combat.
  • Try to lock first target that enters radar frame.

HMS Targeting

  • Points radar in direction of pilot's head.
  • Requires activation and careful range management.

Understanding Data Links and Missile Track Indications

  • Missiles and radar tracking information displayed on scopes.
  • Solid vs. dotted lines indicate missile guidance modes.

Multimode Radar Sets

  • Supports various advanced modes:
    • Pulse Doppler Modes
    • Track While Scan Mode
    • Velocity Mode
    • Moving Target Indication
    • Track Memory Mode
    • Ground Targeting Mode
    • Anti-Ship Mode

Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Units

  • Passive sensor; detects heat emissions, not radar signals.
  • Can be used for infrared missile slaving.

Enhanced Envelope Gun Sight (EEGS)

  • Provides adjusted impact point for aircraft guns.
  • Works with radar lock.

Conclusion

  • Significant detail in radar systems in War Thunder.
  • Updates may change features and functionalities.
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