Ground reconaissance plane

[humble sonnet]

Hi there.

I think that was already on the old forum, but as I don´t see it aroudn anymore, let me officialy request this:

A ground reconnaisance plane. Let me elaborate: we already got the medusa + radome to spot enemy units on a large area, but that only works for enemy planes and ships. I usually miss having accurate info on ground troops, or even, enemy buildings or bases. We know where they are after some matches, but you can not shoot at them until you see them (specially useful for Darkreach long range weapons or just to help any bombing mission, really)

So i was thinking it would be nice to have a plane dedicated to spot and keep updated info about ground troops, let it be by advanced long range visual devices, or any other kind of scanning. Not sure if there is something akin to "ground radars".

The archetypical plane I can think (i know IRL planes are forbidden to suggest, so let it only be a example) was the Blackbird wich could fly at very high speed and very high alt to avoid AA weaponry, while making visual recon. So high zoom and precission cameras linked to datalink could be an option. I know its no longer in service as other systems are taking the spot, but asusuming Primeva and Boscali doesn´t have space programs and satellityes on geosync, or that "cloudy days happens", i still recon planes could still be a thing*

*Even if they are just drones. Piloting a recon dron could also be an option. ofc adding something else than just "fly around", like laser designator, or some light weaponry (IRM-1 , AGM-48 or lynchpins)

Asked the AI for some real devices able to be used on planes for ground detection, just to make sure its doable and makes sense.

1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

• Generates high-resolution images of terrain regardless of weather or lighting conditions. It can detect structures, vehicles, and ground movement using microwave pulses.

Example: Systems like the AN/APY-8 Lynx (used on drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper) offer sub-meter resolution and vegetation penetration capabilities to identify camouflaged targets.

2 Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI)

• Detects and tracks moving vehicles and personnel through the Doppler effect.

Example: The FLIR Ranger R20SS (X-band) can track vehicles up to 20 km and individuals up to 4 km,

3.Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Systems

• Use thermal cameras and imaging sensors to identify residual heat from vehicles or structures.

Example: The FLIR Elara series combines radar and thermal cameras to detect people (200 m) and vehicles (400 m),

4 Emerging Technologies
Super Resolution: Developed by Chapman University, this technique can distinguish small objects (mines, soldiers)

[jaunty thorn]

I'm fully for having recon-dedicated platform that is also somehow really viable regarding the reward. But I would also poke to problem-solution match here. For example engaging targets you know where are, eventhough you don't have them formally 'revealed' would be nicely solvable by ability to create position based virtual and sharable target.

[languid vapor]

I think any recon roles are best filled by drones. Reconnaissance in a 2070s peer conflict is a hyper lethal task, best left to attritable platforms.

[karmic pagoda]

The same could be said for the Mesdusa in the SEAD/DEAD role or Cricket in the COIN role thoug, couldnt it
I think a recon aircraft similar to the Medusa in size could be a really nice addition to enhance the groud attack capabilities of your allies, something for high altitude SAR or Optical surveillance like he described, although not blackbird levels of ridiculous

[languid vapor]

The same cannot be said of the Medusa or Cricket, you want a man-in-the-loop for major platforms. Drones fill the gap and pick up roles that traditionally have high lethality rates- such as air combat (CCA/loyal wingmen drone development), and reconnaissance

The RQ-4 Global Hawk is pretty much what you’re asking for to a T

It’s also about the size of a Compass, if not larger.

Gameplay wise a recon plane would be even more boring than a Medusa. Best leave this one to drones, both for gameplay and for realism.

[karmic pagoda]

Fair enough, though I dont see why it couldn't be armed
Which would make it a lot less boring

[jaunty thorn]

I dare to dream about having a dedicated recon and target designation aircraft for other platforms to fire-and-forget while the recon platform guides the missiles / bombs to their target...

[vagrant jasper]

The Cricket can do it right now, just not very well, if you need to scratch the itch. Hopefully we can get the mechanics elaborated on in the future.

[fringe snow]

An idea floating around is to have a heavier transport aircraft be able to take a jstars/tanker/cargo Loadout. No gunship as that's Tula territory.
Also more transportable units please

[humble sonnet]

It could also be a dron and still be playable. Maybe adding a laser designator or light weapon load to spice it up a bit.

[languid vapor]

I would think all playable aircraft would have pilots, manned aircraft are a big part of NO. Let the drones be autonomous IMO