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Designing Air and Ground Warfare for OpenBack
Why OpenBack aircraft and tanks use visible travel, dedicated bases, and specialized counters.
Infrastructure creates commitment
Aircraft need runways and tanks need military bases, so each strategy is visible before a vehicle moves. Several stacked runways warn opponents to prepare MANPAD coverage, while a base network signals possible tank pressure.
Travel creates counterplay
Aircraft display a dashed route and tanks move across the ground. These journeys give the attacker useful feedback and give the defender time to respond instead of receiving an unexplained instant hit.
Counters are consumed
A MANPAD can intercept an aircraft and a tank mine can stop a tank, but a successful defense uses the relevant level. One inexpensive placement therefore cannot permanently delete every future vehicle.