A flack gun where the detonation distance from the launcher is determined by how long the mouse button is held

So, to clarify, you hold down the mouse button to fire, and then when you release the mouse button the "flak" explosion is triggered?

Or do you hold down the mouse button for a given length of time, and when you release the weapon fires, and depending on how long that period has been determines the distance before it explodes?

The latter being a bit easier and more charge-cannon-like. The former being probably more immediately useful but with problems related to latency and the like.

The gist I got from the conversation on IRC was that the amount of time you hold the trigger sets the 'fuse' on the flak projectile. Then it launches, it travels for the amount of time set and explodes if it hits something or the timer runs out.

So, reversed grenade cooking. Grenade freezing?

Heh, made me think of this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnGJGnUO_90

About 1:15 into it.

In my opinion the timer should be set when it launches, not after.

So, timer only, or timer + proximity fuse like WWII flak?

Granted, those used air pressure triggers to set a specific altitude, but a timer combined with a constant speed projectile gives you the same sort of dial-a-range weapon.

Totally moot though if your turrets can't aim anywhere useful.