Question about grenade launchers

[Pax]

How is it that some Grenade Launchers, like the M-40 for example that is the only Grenade Launcher Capitol got, is direct fire? I was under the impression that thrown grenades, grenade launchers and mortars all were indirect fire?

It seems to seriously hamper their use as support weapons for squads to shot over cover and in the use of Forward Observers.

[dmcgee1]

My knee-jerk reply would be that for certain GL's, their ammo is much like a shotgun, except that the round is an explosive-tipped, fin-stabilized slug.

It is what it is. 

[Pax]

Right then, rules out the ability to use GL from behind friendly units then. I really think that's a trade off that's not worth it. Only Mortars then are able to deliver indirect fire for Capitols then in any kind of artillery when using Comm specialists for example. Would probably be more worth it buying RL with AP rockets, more damage and better range for the same rules of firing. -_-

[luckyone]

Right then, rules out the ability to use GL from behind friendly units then. I really think that's a trade off that's not worth it. Only Mortars then are able to deliver indirect fire for Capitols then in any kind of artillery when using Comm specialists for example. Would probably be more worth it buying RL with AP rockets, more damage and better range for the same rules of firing. -_-

I have had success with RL's versus GL's. I have tried both. RL's are good in depth for defense (longer range) GL's are much better for those close encounters. I would prefer a GL versus a RL only in limited vis. boards (like the jungle board at Talamania).

I like to hold the GL back on higher ground (or clear a firing lane to the enemy) AIM FIRE FIRE works best. Have to love what a templete hit does to a squad bunched up ready to initiate close combat or infiltraters  in front of you.

[Pax]

well for me that play capitol it's a difference of cost gotta pay a bit more than 10 points for the RL with AP rockets.

Else when it comes to range the RL hit the same ranges as my GL, with the exception that the GL got -1 on SR while the RL got -2. But this is countered by the RL doing 10 dmg while my GL do 8. Both are direct fire weapons. In the end I just have to pay 12-13PC more for a RL with AP than with a GL and I can only field one per squad anyway so it's easily overcome that cost. The RL is also able to work as AV weapon, which puts the GL even further back.

So with a RL I got a better chance to do dmg, even if I miss a roll by rolling let's say 10 on both vs 8 on SR. Then the GL would get reduced by 3 to 5dm while the RL would get reduced by 4 to 6. It would still deliver more dmg.

I think that the only advantage the GL really got was lost when it became direct fire. Sure it would be cheaper to field but when you buy for 500-750-1000-1500-2000 points, then 10 points ain't much to save in on. <.<

[luckyone]

I also use a GL for night fighting missions and load out a star cluster.

The rule hopefully will be added. It was allowed at the past Talamania.

[Pax]

Hmm, that would make them more useful at least. Though I do think that star clusters is something you shot indirectly as well, a high projectile curve that drops a flare (with a parachute) that glows for about a minut or two from high above.

Either way if GLs are/would be able to load secondary grenades then they would become more useful than they are now. Still I'm of mind that if something, all GLs should be indirect fire weapons. <.<

[Dr. Nick]

i agree, the type they use in uzw is ballistic.


in RL i am not sure.. imagine an AR with Laser-range-finder and direct grenades:

bad guys behind a cover in 95m distance -> tell the gun 96m and fire past the cover....
(yeah, a real GL could do as well, but with indirect it does perhaps not work in closed urban scenarios)

[Pax]

i agree, the type they use in uzw is ballistic.


in RL i am not sure.. imagine an AR with Laser-range-finder and direct grenades:

bad guys behind a cover in 95m distance -> tell the gun 96m and fire past the cover....
(yeah, a real GL could do as well, but with indirect it does perhaps not work in closed urban scenarios)

That's when you use a RL I'd say. It goes a "straight" line and could be guided more since it got a propulsion system (rocket after all) that let it steer it's direction. Grenades is just that, a ball more or less that you fire/throw and watch drop somewhere without any finer possibilities to guide it if it's shot in a straight line. Without a rocket that let it change it's direction of path it's not able to do much calibrations itself. In Indirect fire it's probably better at pinpointing than a rocket as it falls down towards the designated target and will hit the ground while the rocket can fly past and miss the area completely.

[dmcgee1]

Hmm, that would make them more useful at least. Though I do think that star clusters is something you shot indirectly as well

Would only be indirect if you aiming the starshell to land behind something - anything else (including aiming at a point in the sky) is direct-fire.

[Archer]

Hmm, that would make them more useful at least. Though I do think that star clusters is something you shot indirectly as well

Would only be indirect if you aiming the starshell to land behind something - anything else (including aiming at a point in the sky) is direct-fire.

As having used a GL before, the aim is indirect in that you are firing at an angle for anything past a certain distance.  At the normal engagement ranges, it's more direct fire in a point-and-shoot aim style.  Especially with the Multiple Projectile Round.

  That round makes the GL a 40mm Shotgun.

[Pax]

with the GL being a weapon that only fires within SR to MR I'm on the idea that is when you do it indirect. Otherwise I'd think the fire distance would be different between direct and indirect GLs. Or that the Direct GLs would be easier to aim to hit if they more or less work as a rifle at that point.

Loss of indirect fire ability = Gain of better aim/range

[dmcgee1]

with the GL being a weapon that only fires within SR to MR I'm on the idea that is when you do it indirect. Otherwise I'd think the fire distance would be different between direct and indirect GLs. Or that the Direct GLs would be easier to aim to hit if they more or less work as a rifle at that point.

Loss of indirect fire ability = Gain of better aim/range

Quite the opposite, in fact.  Lack of power equals decreased range (and ability to counteract gravity).  As for aim, the reason that it is a grenade is so that you can be "a little off target" - you know; like, horseshoes and hand grenades, and whatnot.

[warzoneD]

Luckyone said he has had success with RL's at long range...I have not.  Are you using AIM first?  Are they AP? With -3 at LR Or even -5 at ER, I can't hit the side of a barn with them.  Just curious.

D

[luckyone]

If I remember correctly I use anti-personnel and aim if the model that you place the template on lives the aim bonus carries over if I use my third action to shoot again