When is the best time to deploy ECM Jammer?

Question

There are multiple defense mechanisms that are provided as unlocks for air vehicles in Battlefield 3. My friend and I were debating when to actually deploy ECM vs Flares. Personally, I have my own system with my gunner to evade missiles / getting locked but he was assuring me that my practice was wrong.

His version: Deploying ECM when missiles are fired and tracking to the target.

[I told him my version:]

My version: Deploying ECM after about 2 seconds of 'getting painted' or getting locked on. While ECM is being deployed, I either try to asses where the threat is coming from or bug out. If they are able to gain another lock on my helicopter, I coordinate with my gunner for when to deploy his flares. Most of the time, the missile misses us and my ECM jammer is reloaded. In theory, this would keep us up for a long time [ as long as we don't get killed by a SOFlam / Javelin combo or guided shell].

When is the best time to deploy ECM Jammer ?

Side Note: I have already seen this post, and they are not the same question.

Asked by Foxtrot

Answer

Your version will actually help against Soflam + Javelin/Guided shell (assuming they didn't fire in that two second window). Your friend's will not.

However, if you discount that situation, your friend's way is better because then the chopper is only using the ECM/flares when you have a missile coming your way and thus you can stay in the fray longer (since not every lock results in a missile being fired and, unless really close/unlucky, should send non Soflam projectiles astray).

Your way is safest in terms of staying alive. So, really, you can answer your own question by answering this question: What is most important, staying alive as long as possible, or staying in the midst of battle as long as possible?

Edit: With the new patch, I'm thinking the best strategy now will be to pop ECM instantly on solid lock, and have the gunner pop flares on any missile locks and never leave the midst of battle. When ECM dies out, the gunner would fire flares if a missile locks on after ECM is gone. By the time the flares are gone, your ECM should be back. Hypothetically, you should be able to stay up in the air a damn long time since now Javelins and such can miss because of flares. Of course, it's now also a lot quicker to lock onto targets with most missile launching vehicles/weapons.

Answered by AHungerArtist

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