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Re: GMS/P and Infantry

From: "djwj" <djwj@e...>
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 1999 09:30:29 -0600
Subject: Re: GMS/P and Infantry

    It's not a matter of warhead, but a matter of guidance. A human
target
(possibly) excepting the heaviest power armor hasn't the millimetric,
thermal, or magnetic signature to attract a guided missile. Humans,
being a
"natural" target blend in with the surrounding terrain too well against
these sensors. Direct fire weapons rely on visual, and Non-Disposeable
radar,thermograph, and magnetic anomaly detectors, more expensive and
sophisticated than those placed in one shot weapons.
    The rules reflect this in that the GMS/P dosen't contend with range
die
only ECM of a vehicular target. It considers the other end of the table
close range for targeting. The IAVR is a direct line of sight weapon,
and
has to deal with manual sighting instead of guided sighting, and has to
worry about range die, but not ECM or PDS.
    One reason GMS/P is ineffective against infantry due to the slower
speed
of the munitions in question, (The guidance systems tax the engines more
than a M72 LAW type rocket's engine), and the increased size of the
guided
missile over an IAVR (the engines are larger and there is a guidance
system
tacked on,) means that point defence can actually acquire the target
where
an IAVR is half the size and approx. 50% faster. Infantry actually have
a
decent chance of diving out of the way, or even staying put and the
warhead
locking on to something more appealing (having a bigger signature).

    As far as warheads themselves, the IAVR, if reuseable (like a 
rocket
propelled grenade type) , may have multiple type warheads, explosive
anti
personell, and Shaped Charge Anti Tank (SCAT rounds). SCAT type warheads
only detonate on hard armor, they will pass right through a human
without
detonating. Okay this has the effect of removing one figure (maybe, a
glancing blow or a near hit is more likely to give minor brusing than
anything devistating) but the effectiveness of the warhead is lost. The
detonation of the warhead will not affect anyone in the squald as the
warheads are not strictly explosive, but direct their energy down into
the
ground, even the shrapnel at anything over two yards will be a dirt
shower,
not a frag explosion
    The GMS systems are so much larger (GMS/P: Stinger AA missile or
Dragon
ATGM, modern ATGMs are no less than 20 Lbs and easily go up to 100 Lbs
each
for single shot launchers) than the IAVR (think M72-LAW, 5lbs, or an
assault
rifle fitted with a Rocket Propelled Grenade), that tracking infantry
targets (not sighting but simply keeping the barrel pointing the right
way,
plus lead-off, at any single moment) is much harder for GMS personel
than
IAVR personel.

As far as GMS/P vs Bunkers and Dug In positions (Historical refrence
earlier
in this thread): Bunkers are targets rated for size and armor just like
vehicles, Dug-in Infantry probably recieve an under fire marker
(Automaticly, no need to test for hits), and may have to make morale
tests,
but actual casualties will be limited to minor burns, bruses, and
scrapes.

Okay that's my $0.02 plus inflation and taxes

Jim Whitehead

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