Zeus


 * Not to be confused with the ArmA Game-Mastering feature also known as "Zeus". ShackTac does not use the default Zeus system provided with the base game.

The term Zeus is used in ShackTac to refer to any number of OPFOR multi-barreled Heavy Machine Guns and Autocannons used primarily as Anti-Aircraft weapons. The term is a re-interpretation of the Russian designation for such weapons, usually beginning with "ZSU" or "ZU".

Zeus weapons are exceptionally dangerous to aircraft due to their high firing rate. They can be evaded more easily than most Surface-to-Air Missiles with hard maneuvers and some other flying techniques. Because Zeus weapons are generally found well behind enemy lines, it is often the aircraft themselves who have to engage and destroy the Zeus from the air - though this is not without serious risk.

Additionally, Zeus weapons can also be used against ground forces, with terrifying effect. Again, since they are not often found on the front lines, ground forces are less likely to encounter such weapons face-to-face.

Zeus weapons are commonly mounted on Trucks, though Technicals may also carry them. The most dangerous Zeus platform is the Shilka, which uses a radar system to track aircraft and accurately aim the weapon at them. Static Zeus emplacements are also available, though uncommon.

As yet, Zeus weapons have very rarely been used by ShackTac players, instead appearing almost exclusively as AI-controlled enemy weapons to harass and deter ShackTac pilots.

Design
Soviet military technology did not put much emphasis on researching rotary machine guns and autocannons like American military industries did. Instead, they continued developing better versions of the tried-and-true World War II technique of placing multiple separate weapons on the same platform and linking them to fire in rapid sequence. This releases many more bullets or shells into the air than a single-barreled weapon, and is significantly less complicated to construct and maintain than a rotary gun.

The resulting devices were very successful as Anti-Aircraft weapons, and are generally feared by pilots.

Nevertheless, Zeus systems are never found on well-armored vehicles; The best-armored platform is the Shilka, which is, at best, as well-armored as an APC. This makes Zeus weapons as vulnerable to aerial strikes as the planes are vulnerable to the weapon.

Counter Tactics
Zeus weapons are typically encountered well before they come into contact or even sight-range or friendly ground forces. Aircraft flying over the Area of Operations are likely to trigger the weapon's crew to open fire on them as they survey ahead of ground troops.

Once a Zeus is initially encountered, the aircraft will likely evade and distance itself from the area to avoid being shot down, while also attempting to ascertain the weapon's exact position. The Pilot then makes an urgent radio call to report the location (or estimated location) of the Zeus so that other aircraft know to avoid the area.

If Attack Helicopters or Jets are present that could destroy the Zeus, this action is usually given top priority. Failure to attack the Zeus could result in aircraft being shot down when operating anywhere near it.

Attacking a Zeus is very difficult, since a single accurate burst from the weapon is often enough to severely damage the aircraft and crash it. Subterfuge and high-profile maneuvers are often required to defeat it.

One option is to out-turn the Zeus, flying past it so quickly that the weapon cannot traverse fast enough to properly "lead" the aircraft and fire at it. Once the pilot is sure that the weapon cannot swing around quickly enough, they turn the aircraft towards the Zeus and open fire to destroy it, then immediately begin another evasive maneuver to avoid possible return-fire should the Zeus fail to be destroyed.

Another option is to use "bait", with one aircraft drawing fire from the Zeus at high speed and at considerable distance, while another aircraft attacks the Zeus from another direction. This can be much safer than a single aircraft attacking the Zeus alone, but still puts the "bait" aircraft at considerable risk.

A third option is to attack the Zeus beyond its own sight-range or firing-range, using guided weapons such as ATGMs or AGMs. Naturally, these weapons are not always available, but typically offer the attacking aircraft a much higher chance of surviving the attack and ensuring the destruction of the Zeus.

If all else fails, it may be up to the ground forces to assault the Zeus's position and destroy it (whether by killing the crew or firing explosive weapons at the gun itself). In this case, the airspace may be denied to friendly aircraft until the ground forces can get the job done.