What and Why
This change would add a set of APS shell components that would allow APS shells slight homing properties, similarly to the way CRAM mortars currently work. I believe this would be a good addition for several reasons. First of all, lasers and particle cannons are currently the strongest options for targeting fast and/or erratic craft by far, with other weapons hardly competing. These components would allow APS to at least become a viable option for this role. As well as this, it would provide a greater reason to use low-gauge APS due to the shell mechanics I will be explaining below.
The Components
- Maneuvering Fins. This part slightly decreases speed and allows for the APS shell to maneuver towards the target at moderate speeds when combined with other crucial parts. Turning will slow the shell down slightly, and shells will detonate if they go below a certain speed. The larger the shell is the slower it will turn, and shells above 200mm cannot accept this component at all.
- Maneuvering Rockets. This part allows for the APS shell to maneuver towards the target at high speeds when combined with other crucial parts but has a limited amount of fuel and as such can only make adjustments for a limited amount of time. Turning will slow the shell down slightly, and shells will detonate if they go below a certain speed. The larger the shell is the slower it will turn, and shells above 300mm cannot accept this component at all.
- Radar Guidance Module. This part feeds targeting information to the maneuvering fins or the maneuvering rockets and allows them to steer the shell. Adding this component decreases the damage of chemical warheads on the shell to 75%. It tracks the target via radar, and will only lock on to the current target of the mainframe or countermeasures. This means it is susceptible to anything that would affect a radar missile, including radar target simulators, radar decoys, and chaff.
- Infrared Guidance Module. This part feeds targeting information to the maneuvering fins or the maneuvering rockets and allows them to steer the shell. Adding this component decreases the damage of chemical warheads on the shell to 75%. It tracks the target via infrared, and will only lock on to the current target of the mainframe or countermeasures. This means it is susceptible to anything that would affect a radar missile, including flares and heat decoys.
- Remote Guidance Module. This part feeds targeting information to the maneuvering fins or the maneuvering rockets and allows them to steer the shell. Adding this component decreases the damage of chemical warheads on the shell to 75%. It tracks the target using detection information from the mainframe. It can be affected by ECM and requires GPP based on the gauge of the shell, the length of the shell, and how many shells are currently active.
