Combat Interface (War on the Sea)

Here is some information about the **combat interface** in *War on the Sea*:

## Mini Map (M)

Displays a miniature representation of the battlefield.

## Unit Roster

A comprehensive list enumerating all friendly units engaged in the battle. Sea and Air units are distinctly categorized. The Switch Sea/Air toggle facilitates seamless transitions between the two.

* Utilize the Select/Deselect All button for mass unit selection or deselection.
* Control is transferred to a designated unit by LEFT CLICKING the Arrow icon on the respective unit tab.
* The unit tab itself, when clicked, serves to select or deselect a unit for issuing commands to multiple units.
* The currently Controlled Unit is consistently highlighted in yellow.
* Highlighted/selected units are visually identified in green.
* A star icon designates the leader of a group.
* Colored tabs signify all members of a group, with a LEFT CLICK on the colored tab selecting all units within that group.
* Units in "Fire At Will" mode are denoted by a small guns icon beneath their names, indicating automatic engagement.

## Log (L)

Conveys real-time events as they unfold during the battle.

* Event bearings are presented relative to the Controlled Unit.
* Employ L or LEFT CLICK in the log header to expand or contract the Message Log.
* A LEFT CLICK on the message arrow relocates the camera to the corresponding unit. If a player unit, direct control is assumed.
* In Targeting Mode, a LEFT CLICK on the message arrow designates that unit as the target for the Controlled Unit, provided the target is currently detected.

## Main Toolbar

Divided into three distinct sections from left to right:

### Main Section

* Menu Panel (F5)
* Unit Viewer (F6) - referred to as Recognition Manual during combat.
* Orders Panel (F7)
* Damage Control (F8) - Exclusively applicable to Sea units.

### Weapons Section

* For Sea units, LEFT CLICKING on the icon (or using the corresponding key) opens the weapon panel for the designated weapon.
* For Air units, LEFT CLICKING on the icon (or using the corresponding key) triggers the immediate firing or dropping of the selected weapon. A subsequent LEFT CLICK ceases firing for weapons like aircraft guns.

### Sensors Section

* Radar (Semicolon)
* Active Sonar (Quote) - Passive sonar is continuously active when Active Sonar is not in use.

## Camera Bearing

Indicates the true bearing of the camera's direction.

* 0 represents North, 90 is East, 180 indicates South, and 270 signifies West.

## Unit/Target Data

Provides essential information about the Controlled Unit and, if applicable, its target.

* Details include the Controlled Unit's name, speed, heading, and depth/altitude.
* If the Controlled Unit has a target, additional information comprises the target's Name (or identifying number), speed, heading, bearing, and range.

## Message Log

Efficiently exhibits events occurring in real-time during the battle.

* Event bearings are presented relative to the Controlled Unit.
* Utilize L or LEFT CLICK in the log header to minimize/maximize the Message Log.
* A LEFT CLICK on the message arrow shifts the camera to the corresponding unit. For player units, direct control is assumed.
* In Targeting Mode, a LEFT CLICK on the message arrow designates that unit as the target for the Controlled Unit, provided the target is currently detected.

## Time Controls

Located at the upper right, featuring buttons for pausing combat and adjusting time compression.

* A LEFT CLICK on the pause button or (Space) facilitates pausing or unpausing combat.
* Time compression toggles with a LEFT CLICK on the time compression value or (F9).
* Automatic suspension of time compression occurs if any shells are in play or if an aircraft is actively attacking a target.

## Navigation Preview

When in control of a unit, alterations in steering, speed, or altitude/depth are briefly reflected in the Message Log header, offering a preview of navigation settings.

* Examples may include displaying an aircraft at 3310 ft, traveling at 200 knots, engaged in a gentle right turn.
* Certain situations may result in navigation input being disregarded, accompanied by messages such as "FORMATION" or "MANEUVER."

## Secondary Toolbar

Arranged from left to right:

* Binoculars/Periscope (B) - Enter zoomed view. Utilize MOUSEWHEEL or Equals and Minus keys for zoom adjustments. Pan the view with MOUSE1 and drag or Arrow Keys.
* Switch To Underwater (MOUSE2) - Shifts the camera to an underwater perspective.
* Chase Camera (C) - Positions the camera behind the Controlled Unit, maintaining a fixed position.
* Look At Target (F) - Directs the camera towards the Controlled Unit's target, applicable when using Binoculars/Periscope to track the target.
* Freeze Camera (Backquote) - Toggles the camera's adherence to the focused unit.
* Target Mode (T) - Activates or deactivates target mode, cancelable with Escape. While in target mode, a LEFT CLICK on a map icon or message log icon sets that unit as the target for the Controlled Unit.
* Select Mode (S) - Initiates or terminates selection mode, cancelable with Escape. While in select mode, a LEFT CLICK on a map icon selects/deselects a player unit. Selecting multiple units enables simultaneous command issuance.
* Navigation Mode (N) - Initiates or terminates navigation mode, cancelable with Escape. In this mode, a LEFT CLICK on the map places one or more navigation waypoints for the Controlled Unit to immediately follow. Steering input cancels waypoint following.
* Lock Map (X) - Focuses the map on the currently selected unit.
* Minimap (M) - Toggles the display of the minimap on and off.
* Open Map (Tab) - Toggles the full-screen map.