Posting this as a separate thread, to make it independent of the missile discussion.

There has been some talk about ECM before, but I would like to make a more concrete suggestion. My intention is to add a new tactical element to PvP combat, thus more variation and more fun.

New S port equipment: ECM Decoys (holds 8). An ECM decoy is a small transmitter device that you can release the same way as a mine. The decoy transmitter sends out an identity signal like your own, and on the radar it appears exactly like your ship. When targeted, the identification will say "ECM Decoy" instead of your ship type.

Typical usage:

* Avoiding seeker missiles. When a missile has lock on you, release a decoy and the missile will home on whichever is the closest of you and the decoy (there needs to be a distance threshold before the missile switches its target, for example 40m).

* Confusing your opponent. If you have released many decoys, it will be more difficult for your opponents to target you (by pressing "x" or "z"), as they will often target decoys instead.

* Rocket defense. In mid to close-range PvP, you can release a decoy which will proximity trigger rockets and flares the same way your ship would. Could be a useful tactic for ships that are not light enough to dodge.

Remember, that the advantage (and annoyance) is balanced by the fact that it costs a S port. To further balance it, there's a bunch of parameters that can be tweaked: number of decoys per tube, expire time, transmitter power (could be less than 3000m), etc. This probably leaves room for more than one version, and possibly even an L port edition.

What about this:

ECM Decoys: electronic countermeasure devices
Licenses: 4/4/-/-/-
Port: small
Range: 1000 meters
Capacity: 8 decoys
Duration: 20 seconds
Weight: 200 kg

ECM Decoys MkII: electronic countermeasure devices
Licenses: 6/6/-/-/-
Port: small
Range: 1500 meters
Capacity: 12 decoys
Duration: 20 seconds
Weight: 300 kg

Advanced ECM Decoys: advanced electronic countermeasure devices
Licenses: 8/-/8/-/-
Port: large
Range: 3000 meters
Capacity: 16 decoys
Duration: 40 seconds
Weight: 600 kg

A UIT/corporate variant could make sense too, but I haven't figured out what the optimal "trading decoy" would look like yet.

Thoughts?

the trading decoy would look like a cargo crate and instead be a proximity mine :P

Ehh, certain individuals *coughsmittyyoupunkcough* have already had fun with that general idea...

Imagine a trader's Orion Convoy Guardian hornet with 32 decoys. Would be QUITE the blockade runner.

LOL Trading Decoys would look like LuxGoods crates.

I am sick of people suggesting things to go into weapons ports that are completely useless in virtually every situation, and not even good enough to use in the most ideal. Next there'll be a scanner suggested that'll keep decoys off your radar...

PvP combat is not stationary, you can release a bunch of decoys but your opponent will drift away from it without even trying. If they do manage to target it...people use their eyes during combat, and they'll instantly reailze it's a decoy.

Also, its missle/rocket defense is way too narrow, and nobody likes an 'I Win' weapon. It wouldn't work in running blockades b/c they're STATIONARY.

It was an amusing thought at first, but that's it.

what if the decoys were perjectiles with no velocity of their own (ie, they maintain the coarse and speed you had when you launched them).

then combine that with a cloaking device that makes your ship disapear from radar....