JSTARS Coverage Range
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Hey All,
I’ve fragged a JSTARS mission and am wondering…what is the maximum range the JSTARS will detect ground targets? I’m trying to figure out if all that’s left of the DPRK’s army is SAM/AAA sites or if the units are out of range. Do units have to be moving to be detected by the E-8C? I looked in the BMS Editor and think the range is 250NM (Detect v Tracked, Detect v Wheeled, etc.) but I don’t know if I’m reading any of that data correctly.
Thanks!
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Not in the know on JSTARS, but I assume its usefulness would depend on terrain layout IRL. Not sure if that’s a factor to take into account in BMS as well.
I have heard that AWACS has a range of 200-300NM when looking for maritime contacts from FL300+, and your 250NM is in that area, so might be correct.
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I’ve not measured it but I reckon it’s closer to 150 miles in practice, but I have no idea if altitude is a factor or function. 250 miles is greater than the distance say from Kunsan to Pyongyang, and a JSTARS in BMS will not detect ground targets at that range (at default altitude)
Units do not need to be moving to be detected.
You can look under Intel force level graphs and OoB to gauge the enemy’s remaining strength.