Re: SOFLAM and MAV gimmicks?

**jbxman** · 10-31-2011, 03:49 PM

The Javelin cannot lock on to aircraft by itself, however I've discovered that the SOFLAM can be used to lase aircraft for Javelins.

-Babui

**glycerin** · 10-31-2011, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Amplitudo

I was not happy with how I was using the MAV, no matter how useful the intel is I hate being taken out of the fight as an infantry soldier. So last night I began to experiment.

As a SL I was telling my squad to attack a point, and then deploying the MAV, flying over them to the point, parking it somewhere the enemy was not likely to find it, and then advancing behind my squad. I discovered that even while parked, the MAV motion detection still works. It functions similar to an IDS from 2142. Any enemy that moves in range is displayed on the mini-map. The range is quite large, and unlike the TUG it is not limited by the enemy being on a different level of elevation.

On defense I would park the MAV above the point and help defend.

In both cases the intel the MAV provided was the difference between victory and defeat. My squad was instrumental in winning the games I used this tactic in.

Wow, great find man! I unlock the MAV in about 2000 pts on recon and I can't wait to use this tactic. Of course, without the MAV moving it can easily be shot down,right? or is it just sitting on the ground? Would it be better to try to land it in a tree or keep it aloft right above one?

Originally Posted by jbxman

The Javelin cannot lock on to aircraft by itself, however I've discovered that the SOFLAM can be used to lase aircraft for Javelins.

-Babui

don't forget that helos (and maybe jets) can mount a laser designator in the first slot, it would work for this as well. The key is timing and communication to get the shot lined up with the rockets ready.

EDIT: Check this out!!! http://youtu.be/eNP9z2FoaHk?hd=1

**Storm-L** · 10-31-2011, 07:41 PM

I agree the SOFLAM's range is lackluster and the need to constantly replace it makes it somewhat clumsy.

The scout heli can unlock both the laser designator and the guided missile for a potent combo (used it myself on an unrestricted server). You can do the same for the attack heli, but you'll need a gunner to fire the missile. The only missile the pilot in the attack heli can fire is the heat seeking.

Oh, and I guess javelins can be devastating against helicopters as it ignores flares. Also remember that the tank got a weakspot on its top making SOFLAM + Javelin more deadly.

**Famous Bull** · 11-14-2011, 01:24 PM

I have found MAV at its most useful in rush mode and as an attacker.

When I last played rush the MAV on our team was around after arming the objective on Caspian. It was difficult getting through until it showed up.

The 2 or 3 of us that managed to stay alive were able to hide in a few blind spots and the defenders were unable to disarm because we saw them coming a mile off. Having it around on the run to arm the objective was nice too.

I'm always begging for a MAV above when ever I arm an mcom now.

Haven't found as much use in conquest so far, but as for rush it's a big help.

**Tarenth** · 11-15-2011, 02:35 PM

MAV is always useful as an eye-in-the-sky. A good recon spotting threats can be an asset in any situation. I think the SOFLAM has a limited range to its auto-lock feature, but using it manually seems to be a bit different. I know I've gotten tone from a SOFLAM in a transport chopper flying overhead and almost across the map in Caspian. Couldn't down the dang thing OR the recon manning it with the minigun due to the spread and how far away they were.

**cptCuervo** · 11-20-2011, 06:08 PM

Here is a great guide on things you can do with a Soflam. Personally I didn't know some of this ... I may start playing with it more now that more people have guided shells and missiles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR_D_sKaHzQ

**Britt** · 11-21-2011, 10:03 AM

On the big maps, please bring a SOFLAM. I carry guided shells in my tank, and honestly it's the best way to kill choppers short of a mobile AA.

Lase the targets!

**Specterr** · 11-21-2011, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by Britt

On the big maps, please bring a SOFLAM. I carry guided shells in my tank, and honestly it's the best way to kill choppers short of a mobile AA.

Lase the targets!

Diddo...if you see me in a Jet I always run LGM and consider SOFLAM targets a priority (pretty much unless I am actively engaged in a dogfight I'll put a missile on it)

**Mercenary90** · 11-21-2011, 03:03 PM

SOFLAMs are much more useful when you realise that you don't have to be actively controlling it to lase targets: just set it up in a good vantage point, point it in the general direction of the enemy, and continue killing. Anything that enters the SOFLAM's field of view within a certain distance should get lased.

**Britt** · 11-21-2011, 03:20 PM

Originally Posted by Mercenary90

SOFLAMs are much more useful when you realise that you don't have to be actively controlling it to lase targets: just set it up in a good vantage point, point it in the general direction of the enemy, and continue killing. Anything that enters the SOFLAM's field of view within a certain distance should get lased.

Yes and no. It doesn't seem to be super effective in automatic mode. Particularly problematic is that it doesn't seem to target the attack helos automatically. Since these are the biggest threats on the map, make sure you take manual control for designation of these targets.

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**cptCuervo** · 11-21-2011, 07:32 PM

The coolest thing that learned in that video, though, was that you not only will it auto-acquire targets, but you can control it remotely. Here I thought I had to sit there and man it to pick up new targets.

The tip about using it to scout and SPOT targets around the map is also really awesome.

**Adam Gracy** · 11-22-2011, 01:10 AM

ill use the SOFLAM when javelin gets more damage than a BB gun!

**bolagnaise** · 11-22-2011, 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by Adam Gracy

ill use the SOFLAM when javelin gets more damage than a BB gun!

With a soflam lock, javelin is a two rocket kill. Why would you want it more powerful? Imagine your a tank driver who can never run zoom optics because you have to run ir smoke constantly to stop being killed by 1 kill javelins. It's a tactical FPS not a MILSIM.

**ANGELofDEATH** · 11-23-2011, 02:58 PM

Plus the MAV does not go beep beep beep, in fact does not make any noise when it is parked, only when it is being flown around. So it is more stealthy than the TUG which might give away your position.

**Specterr** · 11-23-2011, 03:13 PM

I've read some reports that the Javelins often miss SOFLAM'd helo's. I know I've used the LGM in the jets and had no problem, anyone had any experience using the Javs against them ?