The two modes of a Javelin Anti Tank Missile
by Smoerble on Nov.28, 2011, under Battlefield 3, Tutorials
This tutorial is mainly for the Javeline Anti Tank missle in Battlefield 3.
Some facts: The FGM-148 Javelin exists in real live. It’s a fire and forget rocket system: the crew (two men) aim at a target, lock it, fire and the missile finds the target alone, even if moving.
- One rocket (= one shot) costs 40.000 US$
- The reusable launch unit costs 125.000 US$
- The missile can reach a top height of 150 meters
- The launch unit has different modes of sight, while in Battlefield 3 you can use only one (infrared) sight mode
- In Battlefield 3 you can use a SOFLAM to target an enemy tank and lock on through obstacles. In RL this is impossible, you have to have a line of sight on your target plus you cannot use any secondary system to lock on targets
In BF3 the Javeline Anti Tank missile has two firing modes: direct and “top attack” fire. You cannot switch the modes directly while using the Javelin.
Instead:
+ if someone uses a SOFLAM or a special unlock in a vehicle to target enemy vehicles, the Javelin uses automatically the “top attack” mode
+ if no-one targets enemy vehicles, the Javelin fires always in direct mode
Main difference:
1) from top:
– hit disables the vehicle with one shot while
– soldier can lock on through obstacles and hills
2) direct mode
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– hit does only 33% damage
– line of sight is needed to lock on and fire
In Battlefield 3 the Javelin fire mode “top attack” looks very similar to the real life Javelin, here you can watch both variants:
The Javelin in RL
The Javelin in BF3
If no other player targets enemy vehicles, the Javelin works simple: aim at the tasrget, keep it in sight, until it’s locked (you hear the beeping sound), fire.
If another player targets enemy vehicles, you see a diamond shape on your screen. This allows you to aim at the target, even if you can’t see the vehicle.
Aim, wait for the locking sound, fire. Important: stay away from walls and rocks, the Javelin rocket needs some space before it flies into the sky. Typically the Javelin disables a tank instantly.
Two Javelins are needed to destroy a tank.
Keep in mind: if a tank is fast moving, the Javlin will miss it in the “top attack” mode.
