Longtom

[Le_Petit_Lapin]

Guys, simple question.

The Longtom, how do you aim it?   

I managed to figure out that I need to deploy it to fire, after some kind soul told me in chat....  but seriously, how do you hit a damn thing in it?

Do you need to wait for a red target to appear, target it, look at the distance in the overview bottom left, then swing the gun round and elevate it so that the readout right matches the target location and distance? Then shoot, and pray it doesn't move?

Or have I got that all wrong?

[(TLL)CapperDeluxe]

Then shoot, and pray it doesn't move?

pretty much... or you could try to shoot where you think the enemy is going to be by the time the round lands

[LordHack]

Also, it can fire different trajectories, so you can arc it low or high to the same distance (for instance, if you need to lob the shell over target's cover).  Just keep dialing the distances, and you'll see it go from low barrel to high barrel.

[AlfalphaCat]

It's tricky to say the least, I don't find it fun personally, but here is my explanation any way.

Using your radar, find a target on your radar, preferably a Medium or heavier, note it's distance from you then line up the distance with the reticule, fire!!!!  Yes you kinda gotta hope it don't move, but you can also 'guess' where it will be when the shell lands, once you get the hang of it.   It has a fairly large splash radius, so direct hits are not the only goal in using it.  Lights standing still can be one shot kills if they are silly enough to stay in one spot with radar on.

Also, and this is very important, look out for friendlies in the general area you are to fire, nobody likes getting killed by 'friendly' fire.

I'm sure there are some LT pros that can give better tips.

[=KoS= Eldragon]

You got the basic tactic down, it seems hard, but its not that bad with practice.

It will be very helpful to have someone using C3 to extend your radar targeting coverage.

I usually have the large map open the whole time looking for a target, then lining up the shot only after I have caught someone standing still in a location that won't block the LT shot.

IMHO There are 4 main categories of hitting targets with the LT, in increasing difficulty.

Type 1 -  Hitting a Stationary Target on the radar.
Find a target on radar, look at the range to that target. Align your LT gun so the Orange circle hovers directly over the target, and the range indicator near your reticule is the same distance as your target. Check to ensure there are no obstructions via the blue circles and fire.


Type 2 - High Angle shot on stationary targets -
This is exactly the same same Type 1, except you aim your LT barrel way up, over 45 degrees, past where it lists the maximum range (~1500 meters) to where it starts counting down again. These shots take much longer to land on a target, but are much less likely to be impeded by cover. This is my preferred method of firing. Rather than line the target up with the orange circle, you rely on that little line on your radar that indicates what direction your turret is pointing to aim.

Type 3 - Hitting a moving target
Just like Type 1, except you predict where they are going to move by looking at the "time to impact" reading on your reticule and guess at the speed the target is moving. Be careful with this one, you might hit a friendly. Don't bother trying to hit a moving target with the high angle shot.

Type 4 - Hitting grid locations
Rather than using radar, you rely on the map grid and team-mates calling out locations. Eg. you know you are at Grid position B4, Your target is at the upper corner F4, and this particular map has 400 meters per square, so you know you need to shoot 1200 meters in the general direction of the upper corner of F4. This is really hard to do. But some people here can do it reliably. It helps to have teammates spotting for you so you can adjust your shots.

[(TLL)BlueOrb]

 

Guys, simple question.

The Longtom, how do you aim it?   

I managed to figure out that I need to deploy it to fire, after some kind soul told me in chat....  but seriously, how do you hit a damn thing in it?

Do you need to wait for a red target to appear, target it, look at the distance in the overview bottom left, then swing the gun round and elevate it so that the readout right matches the target location and distance? Then shoot, and pray it doesn't move?

Or have I got that all wrong?

You got the basic tactic down, it seems hard, but its not that bad with practice.

It will be very helpful to have someone using C3 to extend your radar targeting coverage.

When you see that oddly placed enemy Raven or Owens just running around apparently aimlessly amid all your friendly Assualts and Heavies. Its very possibly spotting for an enemy Long Tom Artillery using C3 http://mw.mechlivinglegends.net/index.php?title=C3

[SquareSphere }12thVR{]

+1 For Eldragon, good write up

[Kadreal]

Once you have a good feel for the maps, you can have a good idea of exactly where an enemy unit is and where it might be going from the radar. Using the hit location circle you can even get a feel for the terrain near the target and know that if you aim a smidgen to the left it'll get around a rock or other obstacle that might normally block the shot.

Also, if you park on a slope, you can aim down enough to blast enemy mechs at close range. However, people tend to get a bit upset when you LT them from 200 meters. I don't recommend trying to use it exclusively at close range due to the complete lack of armor and being a huge target, but it can be good for the occasional light mech that rushes you expecting an easy kill.

Also, you may not want to LT on maps that allow Aero/Vtol. While it can work out, if you actually start killing things, people will hop in bombers which can make short work of a LT even with strong AA cover.

[Le_Petit_Lapin]

When you see that oddly placed enemy Raven or Owens just running around apparently aimlessly amid all your friendly Assualts and Heavies. Its very possibly spotting for an enemy Long Tom Artillery using C3 http://mw.mechlivinglegends.net/index.php?title=C3

If a C£ mech is using his radar to paint mechs for the LongTom to hit, does the C3 user get credits when the Longtom lands its shots, given that it would not have had a target otherwise?

[=KoS= Saber15]

If a C£ mech is using his radar to paint mechs for the LongTom to hit, does the C3 user get credits when the Longtom lands its shots, given that it would not have had a target otherwise?

They don't get any cbills or points for the Long Tom doing damage to units they have painted on radar, but C3 mechs do get a cbill bonus for detecting the enemy units.

[Taemien]

Don't discount its close range use. If an enemy finds your position and runs at you. If you positioned yourself right, you can funnel them into your sector of fire. Then if you aim it right, you can peg them with a shell. Anything under 60tons will get one shotted by such a direct hit. Most times the enemy will rush towards you, making striking them rather easy. Though once under 250 meters you need to bail out and fight them on foot, or get help.

This is best done if the avenue to reach you is in a valley. If you're perched on a hill this doesn't work so well.

[Le_Petit_Lapin]

Thanks for the replies. Had a go with it last nigh ton that map with the river which is a campfest (Pallisades?) Managed to hit something too! Took 5 shots to get the hang of it like, but its a learning process, isnt it?

Then I realised I'd forgot to stock up on ammo, and had to trundle all the way to base and back, and by then the round was over.

I need a big flashing warning to pop up on the screen every time I pass through the hangar doors, saying "Did you remember to buy ammo?". I do it all the time.

[(TLL)Siilk]

 Concerning ammo, try to get someone in your team buy an APC and park it near you. Not only you would have an easy way to resupply(any asset can buy ammo when standing close to APC) but you also will have a potential protection of friendly BAs, that would spawn from APC.

[Voxel]

I still do not understand how to shoot from the Longtom. I shake a group of weapons or a mouse button, but nothing happens, it does not shoot

[Stahlseele]

you have to fix it first with the left shift or left strg button or something.
then it will shoot.