Firing Lanes

Just what is a Firing Lane you may ask...

A firing lane is just what it sounds like, an open field of view on an enemy upon which you can fire. Think of it like a bowling alley, the enemy is the pins, and you are trying to knock em dead with your ball.

Pretty basic right? Yep it is. But in Combat setting up multiple firing lanes makes a world of difference. Especially when it comes to tanks. 

Don't get me wrong, you use firing lanes on troops too, but Tank battles have a way of determining the outcome of a game quite a bit in Close Combat II. So learning how to set these lanes up, and time them when using them is important.

Again remember these same basic rules apply for troops too. Using the same practices on them can be very effective, especially when you've got 3 lanes from 3 perpendicular positions.

To demonstrate this information I'm going to use a hypothetical battle, I'll first show you a map, then place arrows showing tank movements and firing lanes. 

For the first demonstration I'm going to use a portion of Veghel North, Pictured below. The treetops are removed so it looks slightly different. 

- As you can see a Panther has moved onto the intersection in the southwest corner. I've got 2 very enticing firing lanes upon which I can use to hopefully destroy the enemy Tank, Moving these teams into position takes timing, because we want both of our teams to come into their firing lane at the same time, so that one of them will have a side shot. 

Use your "Alt key" to find the enemies LOS. Then determine who you need to move first. In this case the southern Firefly needs to be moved to his first waypoint. Once he is there issue a move command slightly past where you know the enemy LOS is. this tank is now set, once he spots the enemy he Should fire on his own but don't depend upon it. Keep an eye on him to make sure he does fire.

Next begin moving your northern Firefly into his position. Keeping an eye on both of the tanks progress, be ready to issue fire commands if needed.

We've got a very good chance for a kill here if everything goes right on schedule.

For this demonstration I'm going to use a portion of Son Bridge, Pictured below. The treetops are removed so it looks slightly different.

- In this example a Panther has moved out of the forest. My 17 lb gun already has clear LOS and a firing lane. Once he begins firing the panther will Load HE rounds and begin firing upon the 17 lb'er. So I know I must move fast, I can take this guy out quickly as long as my movements are precise and fast.

Move both firefly's into a suitable firing lane as quickly as possible. With HE loaded in that barrel the panther doesn't stand a chance. Not to mention 3 decent firing lanes.

For this demonstration I'm going to use a portion of Schjindel Road, Pictured below. The treetops are removed so it looks slightly different.

- In this example a firefly has moved into the south eastern intersection. I've already got one firing lane set up and no doubt my southern panther is already taking advantage of this. With his heavier frontal armor I hope he can hold out until my second firing lane is set.

I quickly issue the move command to the northern Panther to move to the bridge. While he is moving I'm checking my enemies LOS with the alt key. Once I know where I can get a lane set, I issue the command for the Panther to move there. 

Like before he "Should" fire when he spots the enemy, but don't depend upon it. Always be ready to issue your fire command with him. As long as my southern Panther can hold out for a few minutes, this should be an easy victory for the German Panthers.