RFN Gauge question

[dhasdell]

I'm only just starting to use this, but I am wondering if it is possible to add a surface escort for a carrier from the days before plane-guard helicopters were used without setting up a formation in AI Carriers. I can see how to add a helicopter, for example to Ark Royal, but can it be done with surface ships?

[gastonj]

Hi,

The ship must have an attach point such as "catapult" or "landing zone". A platform is not enought!

JMC

[dhasdell]

Thank you. I'm not really clear what you mean, but I take it that it boils down to "No". ☺

[gastonj]

Hi,
I was thinking that you were trying the "goto" fonction of the gauge.
JMC

[dhasdell]

No, I was wondering whether I could set a surface escort to sail parallel to the carrier. Thanks anyway.

[DaveB]

JMC..

He wanted to know if you could add ships to the Carrier.xml file in the same way you can with helicopters so that when he tunes the TACAN.. he gets a carrier and a ship rather than a lonely carrier. This as an alternative to calling up a formation in AIC and using the RFN gauge;)

Thinking about it.. I can't see why it wouldn't work though I've never thought of trying it. A helicopter is a model and a ship is a model so why not:biggrin-new: He'd probably have to forego the helo though. Give it a try Dave and let us know how you get on:encouragement:
ATB
DaveB:)

[DaveB]

OK.. well the simple answer is yes you can!!

http://daveb.cbfsim.org/public/rfnark.jpg

The frigate you see next to Ark IV was added to carrier.xml in place of the helicopter (Ark doesn't have one by default anyway). It's use would be limited to ships on traffic.bgl's where the carrier is on it's own (Ark is a good example) and as long as you didn't intend to call Ark up using AIC.. in which case things could get confusing. Anywho.. it can be done;)
ATB
DaveB:)

[dhasdell]

Well, you're having more luck than I am. I managed to add your Wessex to Ark Royal, and then to substitute Daring for the helicopter, but trying to shift the destroyer to the other side, or use helicopter and destroyer at the same time both resulted in crashing the RFN. I'll experiment more tomorrow. Really it was for use with programmed AI carrier tracks that I wanted it.

David :banghead:

[DaveB]

Hmm.. I don't fully understand that. The helicopter is positioned by bearing and distance. I think the default for UK carriers is around the 240deg mark at 150ft so to get the frigate on the other side.. I changed the bearing to 90deg and the distance to 400ft. Had I wanted it on the other side but in the same position.. I'd have made the bearing 270deg and the distance 400ft. Other than being eye-candy.. the helicopter serves no useful purpose. It won't chase after you if you ditch!!:biggrin-new: Have you tried to add the Wessex AND the destroyer? I didn't quite understand .. 'but trying to shift the destroyer to the other side, or use helicopter and destroyer at the same time both resulted in crashing the RFN'.
Reading that again.. it appears you've tried to use both which would explain why RFN has thrown a wobbly. I swapped out the helicopter in carrier.xml for the destroyer and changed the bearing and distance.. nothing more. Try it with just the destroyer and see how you get on. Use 90 as the bearing and 400 as the distance if you wish:)

ATB
DaveB:)