Thread: TW2k13
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Old 05-01-2015, 11:25 AM
unkated unkated is offline
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
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Default Quickie 3D distance appoximations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Medic View Post
but before I do that, I'll give you the altitude bands that turn the air combat in to 3D.


The table essentially cross references the altitude and horizontal range for actual firing range.

No, I did not use 3D-geometry for calculating the exact ranges, but if someone wants to do that, be my guest.
A quick rule of thumb for 3D range (we use it for Fighting Wings, WW2 aerial combat):

Take the horizontal and vertical ranges, and add half of the smaller to the larger. Doesn't matter which is larger (hypotenuse is a hypotenuse).

For example, range to a helicopter 3000 m away and 2000 m up is treated as 4000m (3000 + 2000/2).

(The math answer is 3605.551 m).

And if that same helicopter closes to almost overhead... 300 m away and the same 2000 m up is treated as 2150 m (300/2 + 2000) = 2150

(the math answer is 2022.375 m)

It's an approximation, but it's within 10-12% accurate, which isn't bad for something you can do in your head.

Uncle Ted
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