ArmorSim RADARSIM is a built-in simulation mode in ArmorSim (developed by Timerlan Galimov) that shifts focus away from kinetic armor penetration to ground-based radar detection, target classification, and surface-to-air missile guidance. Available for free to all owners of the base game, the mode lets players monitor airspace, track aircraft across terrain, calculate radar cross-sections (RCS), and execute missile launches against tracked contacts.
Access and Availability
When RADARSIM was first introduced in Update 2.0, it was added as an independent scene containing 23 dedicated code files under permanent free access (RadarFreeAccess.Permanent). As of Update 2.1, publisher Galimov Dynamics made RADARSIM and the 2D Plane mode completely free for all base game owners without requiring separate DLC.
While the core of ArmorSim focuses on 3D terminal ballistics and material stress models, RADARSIM functions as an early-access air defense and sensor sandbox. Player reviews note that the mode's controls can take time to learn and that features are still actively expanding alongside the main game.
Tactical Console vs. Classic Mode
Update 3.3.3 overhauled the user interface by replacing the original interface with a primary Tactical Console. Operators who prefer the legacy layout can still revert at any time by clicking the CLASSIC button.
The Tactical Console provides standard air-defense station tooling:
- Plan Position Indicator (PPI): A top-down radar sweep displayed over an active terrain map.
- Contact List & Target Form: Displays detected radar returns alongside detailed parameters for designated tracks.
- Operator Classification: Target symbols (friendly, hostile, or unknown) do not assign themselves automatically; they must be identified and marked directly by the operator.
- Kinematic Predictions: Real-time course prediction and Closest Point of Approach (CPA) calculations help predict where an aircraft will cross your radar perimeter.
- Local Zoom: Allows the operator to magnify congested airspace sectors on the PPI.
Radar Physics, Clutter, and RCS Calculations
RADARSIM uses physical radar modeling rather than simple trigger zones. Terrain elevation obstructs radar beams, casting blind spots across the sector.
Terrain and Display Toggles
Update 3.0.0 and Update 3.3.3 added specific environmental filters to help read the radar scope:
- Clutter Map: Displays ground clutter as broad, soft green patches on the PPI rather than sharp strokes.
- Show Radio Shadow: Visualizes blind zones where mountains or uneven terrain block the radar's direct line of sight.
- Moving Target Indication (MTI): Filters out stationary terrain clutter so that only moving aerial targets remain visible on the display. Tracked contact numbers remain stable across MTI pauses.
RCS Calculation Modes
Update 3.3.3 introduced physical detection modeling that accounts for an aircraft's geometry, aspect angle, range, and radar-absorbent surface coatings. Players can import custom 3D models in OBJ or STL format on the workbench, assign materials, and send them directly into the radar map.
Radar Cross-Section (RCS) can be processed through two distinct computational pipelines:
| RCS Mode | Processing Method | Simulation Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Atlas | Uses precomputed RCS data profiles. | Instant runtime processing without simulation pauses. |
| Live (Fast) | Computes radar reflections dynamically in flight using a streamlined algorithm. | Updates aspect angles on the fly with moderate processing overhead. |
| Live (Multiple Reflections) | Full dynamic calculation modeling secondary and bounced radar reflections. | Highest physics fidelity; computes complex bounces off airframe surfaces. |
In Update 4.0.0, the backend was further optimized to precompute the flight route RCS up to three seconds before execution, preventing frame hitches during live runs.
Target Tracking and Missile Guidance
Engaging aerial targets in RADARSIM requires establishing a solid track rather than firing blindly into radar blips:
- Track Confirmation: As of Update 4.0.0, establishing a confirmed target lock requires several consecutive radar sweeps. The tracking algorithm then plots an active motion prediction line.
- Conditional Launch: Ground batteries fire on observed, validated tracks.
- Physical Missile Flight: Guided missiles travel through continuous simulated 3D flight paths governed by radar track updates. Under Update 4.0.0 mechanics, a missile only registers a kill if its physical flight path physically reaches and intercepts the target aircraft; targets that break track or clear the blast zone do not trigger phantom kills.
RADARSIM Update History
| Version | Key Additions and Changes |
|---|---|
| Update 2.0 | Initial release of the RADARSIM scene (23 code files) with permanent free access. |
| Update 2.1 | Confirmed fully free to all players; introduced target route adjustments, altitudes, ground radar, and conditional missile launch. |
| Update 3.0.0 | Reworked terrain clutter visuals into soft patches; added Clutter Map, Radio Shadow, and MTI display toggles; localized operator tooltips. |
| Update 3.3.3 | Added the primary Tactical Console (PPI, CPA, contact forms, course prediction); Physical Map beta with OBJ/STL custom model import; Live and Atlas RCS calculation modes. |
| Update 4.0.0 | Multi-measurement track locking; continuous physical missile guidance; kill validation checks; precalculated route RCS optimization. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to buy a DLC to play RADARSIM in ArmorSim?
No. While early testing phases briefly considered separation, Update 2.0 and Update 2.1 confirmed that RADARSIM is included free in the base game without extra purchases.
How do I switch back to the original radar screen?
On the main Tactical Console introduced in Update 3.3.3, click the CLASSIC button to switch to the original legacy radar interface.
Can I import my own aircraft models into RADARSIM?
Yes. Update 3.3.3 introduced custom geometry imports. You can load OBJ or STL models on the workbench, apply surface materials, and deploy them into the simulation to test their RCS profiles against ground radars.
What does the MTI toggle do on the console?
MTI stands for Moving Target Indication. Turning this toggle on filters out static ground clutter and terrain echoes, keeping only moving airborne contacts visible on the PPI.
