Distress/Smoke Signals

WeeGeez · Post by **WeeGeez** » 2008-01-08 17:40

I noticed the pilots get a red smoke grenade, I presume that It is used incase he gets stranded and can therefor use this smoke for a distress signal for choppers etc to come pick him up.

The smoke that comes from the smoke grenade the pilot can activate is more of a cloud than a distress beacon and gathers up in one place rather than displaying high up in the sky (20m or so). This would help, especially on the bigger maps like kashan.

So maybe the pilots could get something similar to this image (below) but red/orange:

Or this one:

Wouldnt be supprised if it was one of those ideas that can't be carried out due to the bf2 engine.

(note: im unsure but, squad leaders get these beacons but green versions. my idea could be like those but bigger.)
Just a suggestion...

Post by **Bob_Marley** » 2008-01-08 18:52

Not a bad idea.

Could make recovering downed pilots much easier, and also marking LZs for helo pick up.

LtSoucy · Post by **LtSoucy** » 2008-01-08 20:46

The SL's had a tall green smoke till replaced by a big cloud of it. Same with the pilots. Its easier to see than a small cloud in the air. But I would love to see the tall tower of smoke in sky rather then a big ball.

Thunderchunk · Post by **Thunderchunk** » 2008-01-08 21:58

Also for marking the FLOT (Foward Line Own Troops) This allows CAS to know where it can bomb or use cannon.

In afghanistan if we came under a contact we could not alone deal with all sections would pop red smoke. This gave a good indication of where we were. Helping to prevent fratricide.

snotmaster0 · Post by **snotmaster0** » 2008-01-08 22:09

I whole heartedly agree. I wish that the number a smoke grenades was increased as well. I find them useful for a multitude of purposes.

s3v3ndust · Post by **s3v3ndust** » 2008-01-19 02:22

Also, in undeveloped countries, they signal with burning tires and other various things to gather and fight. This would be a good idea for insurgent maps, if sending up a smoke signal can motion that the enemy is around the area.

Raniak · Post by **Raniak** » 2008-01-19 02:35

Don't they use those "smoke clouds" instead of the "smoke towers" because they don't want to be seen from the enemies ground forces but only by the rescue team aircrafts ?

Sadist_Cain · Post by **Sadist_Cain** » 2008-01-19 04:48

I think the main problem is making situations where people will use the smoke.

when has anyoen EVER seen a pilot bail out of a blackhawk or a jet and require an extraction? I never have, because theres no penalty or badness when you lose a pilot, he just respawns.

I love using my green smoke for extractions and such, only problem is the pilots all have minimaps so they can tell where everyone is anyway, why not make friendlies need spotting ?

BloodBane611 · Post by **BloodBane611** » 2008-01-19 04:58

I'm all in favor of the smoke towers, but as Sadist said it's pretty rare that it is useful.

Symplify · Post by **Symplify** » 2008-01-19 15:35

Sadist_Cain wrote:when has anyoen EVER seen a pilot bail out of a blackhawk or a jet and require an extraction? I never have, because theres no penalty or badness when you lose a pilot, he just respawns.

Ahem...I have, as I have been that pilot, twice. First time, I knocked out a Mig with my 16, got hit by his wingman (I had no cover) was lit on fire, flew over bunkers and bailed. I was extremely lucky to land near a lost squad mate who was a specops, we cleared out 2/3 guys, got extracted and went back to base. It was actually pretty cool.

Second time...I landed in an enemy squad with two SAW gunners....

LtSoucy · Post by **LtSoucy** » 2008-01-20 12:23

when has anyoen EVER seen a pilot bail out of a blackhawk or a jet and require an extraction? I never have, because theres no penalty or badness when you lose a pilot, he just respawns.

Thats wrong. You must wait 20 minutes for a plane and you get a huge negitive score to go along with it. I have seen alot bailing now.