Yep, a definite "must." By the way, didn't I read in Dogfighter or someplace that the half-track would be able to tow an arty piece? It only makes since that this be a duel-purpose gun like the German 88. Imagine taking a few friends and setting up a flak ambush. Then we'd have permanent flak sites around stratigic targets, and mobile batteries for improved point defense of bases and such.
I like the battery-fire idea for the fixed sites. The Germans routinely opperated their 88's in that fashion, firing four at a time in a pattern. All shells were sychronized to go off at the same altitude and close together, for maximum effect. According to accounts by allied aircrew, it was extremely effective...and truly scarey.
One thing, though: to effectively operate high-alt AAA was as much art as science. We'll need winds implemented, both to attenuate AAA accuracy as the target climbs higher, and to attenuate bombing accuracy at the same time. If the buffs climb to improve their survivability against the ack, they'd pay a price in accuracy. There would need to be a GUI that would pop up for controlling such things as ammo selection (AAA/HE/AP/smoke), delay (determines the altitude of detonation) calculater), and an optical sight comparible to the Norden. The Allies also developed proximitey fuse later in the war. This ingenious devise packed a tiny (by WWII standards), short range radar transmitter that would cause the shell to burst earlier then set if it passed in close proximity to an airborn object. I don't believe Germany ever got a like round into mass production, but I'm not positive. Definitely food for thought.
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Sabre, a.k.a. Rojo
(S-2, The Buccaneers)
