The Commander Series Forum

Greetings, I am new to FWC, played my first game yesterday (had fun, too!). Anyhoo, my opponent has played BKC and CWC and was talking about how SAMs and MRLS units are different from other AA or artillery.

The only mention I can find in the rulebook for SAMs is on pp 32-33, where it talks about reduced saves and one-shot-per-turn.
Are there 'official' rules and points-figures for man-portable and/or SPG-mounted SAMs? (the choice doesn't seem to be available in the FWC Unit Cost Calc, either)

And what about MLRS?

Any info would be MUCH appreciated! Thanks in advance.

I don't recall there being any difference in FWC for MLRS versus tube arty, but I'm sure someone who plays regularly will correct me if I'm wrong! There is for BKC/CWC, but FWC isn't as grainy as that - the grainyness of FWC is in the different doctrines and weapon/equipment specials like Plasma and Stealth etc.

SAMS - isn't that subsumed into Smart Missiles? At least that's what I'd assumed...

Hey, Thanks for replying! I don't think SAMs and Smart Missiles are the same, as there are two specific mentions of how SAM attacks are different from AA "gun" attacks.

Also, your Smart Missiles are used in the Active player's (your) turn, right? While defensive AA happens during your opponent's turn, when they bring in an airstrike.

Also, in the "Open Market Inventory" army list there are 4 SPG models that are MLRS (Flail, Hornet, Outlaw and Manticore)with Attacks of 5/80H or 4/80H.



Compared to a similar listing in the [CH] Human Army - SPG Unit (Missile System) Attacks:6, Artillery Unit (Missile System) Attacks: 6.

Notice how this one doesn't have the "H" modifier...

"H" units can only attack hard targets at half range or less; off board arty has a burst area and must be called in, but on board shoots once per order with whatever the attacks are. Unless it's got the "shoots as a template once per turn" rider on the entry which some have...

I'd have to have a look thru the rules to give any deeper answer & they['re in the loft! Pete, or anyone else to hand?!

The only rules I can find for SAM are top of page 32, SAM weapons cannot be used against ground targets and can only fire once during the opponent term

Smart missiles cannot be fired against Aircraft units but can be fired against Gunship and Dropship units.

That's my interpretation at least.

I think you need to look at page 122-123 'creating your own units' if you want to add man-portable SAMS. Price it as an infantry upgrade to add to normal infantry.

Upgrades = Direct Fire attacks plus Range
I think SAMs cost the same as SMs...so I think a 4/100 SAM would add 140 points.

SAMs shoot only once once per turn, but hits on 4+ and degrades aircraft saves by one (page 41).

But much cheaper just to buy an AA-capable upgrade for infantry support weapons. For example, CUDF Heavy Blaster Team : upgrade 4/60 to AA-capable for only 20 points (page 123). AA capable weapons have 360-degree (Page 6 : LOS rules). You could get 7 upgrades and an integrated air defence system for the same cost.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for your responses, they have given me some good food for thought. I have been playing around with the Unit Cost Calc and have hit upon a pretty good solution, I think:

Basic Inf unit, attacks 3/30, 4 hits, 6 save with a Secondary weapon (SAM) attack value 3/60/AA/Hard Target Only (there are no flying Infantry, right?) Cost 70pts. Hits on 4+ and reduces save by 1.

Thoughts?

Sounds ok to me! Where's me jet packed assault marines when I need them...

I am just glad he didn't have any of his SAM infantry today when I ran the board clean with my attack VTOLs.

A wise choice I forsee investment in some secondary SAMs over the pond, very soon...

I like swarms of VTOLs, I have a bunch of 1/600th Tumbling Dice WW2 fighters kit bashed up to look like not-Ork Deth Choppa one man VTOLs.

Given their repeated lack of success despite a "Black Sky" air cover approach they engender a lot of fear

I will have pictures of the SAM infantry next week. Maybe even pics of them bringing down some VTOLs!!

Good luck to you both

My VTOLS do not fear pitiful SAM infantry!!!

Speaking of, I just finished my SAM infantry today.