Scalpel

The **Scalpel** is a weapon in Ravenfield.

## Unlocking

Pre-Beta 3, Scalpel can be unlocked by typing 'GIMMEETHEGOODS' in the main menu.

## Usage

The Scalpel is a fire-and-forget infantry lock-on missile launcher. Each missile deals 700 damage and can track targets indefinitely. It requires a 2-second lock-on before it can fire, and will only target neutral or hostile vehicles and turrets. It has unlimited lock range.

When fired at an aircraft, airborne or otherwise, the Scalpel missiles exhibit behavior expected of a regular homing missile, chasing the target directly through the air. The missile has a very wide sight range, and can turn on a dime to hit even the most evasive targets.

When fired at anything else, the Scalpel missiles project themselves into the air until cruising altitude is reached, whereupon they fly horizontally as long as needed, before finally diving into the target, all while constantly adjusting their trajectory.

In both modes, the missile maintains constant awareness of its target, even through solid surfaces. In surface-to-air mode, it will keep chasing a target so long as it remains within its 180 degree vision cone. In the rare instance that an air target manages to break lock through manoeuvres alone, the missile can still potentially re-acquire them mid-flight.

## Strengths

The Scalpel finds a niche among its Anti-Armor brethren as a long range, high-reliability device. Once a missile is fired, it is almost guaranteed to find its mark unless the target deploys countermeasures or retreats behind cover. It can one-shot Buzzards and all manner of open ground vehicles, and can severely damage armored vehicles that lack countermeasures. It can also find unexpected utility as a jerry-rigged vehicle AA system, should the user board an open vehicle.

## Weaknesses

To offset it's extreme seeking ability, the Scalpel must take on a number of restrictions. The lock requirement severely hinders its reflexive use against nearby threats, and renders it useless against infantry. If the target happens to be passing behind anything thicker than a tree trunk, the lock-on will be interrupted. It is also quite a bit slower than other Anti-Armor options.

The Scalpel also deals less damage than most Anti-Armor weapons. A single launcher only just barely holds enough ammunition to kill healthy Cassowaries, Mudskippers and Attack Boats, and is flat-out incapable of killing a Rhino without team support or resupply.

Furthermore, all aircraft (and some ground units) are equipped with countermeasures to protect against the Scalpel's missiles. When deployed, any pursuing missile will simply drop to the ground. The launcher's lock-on ability is also disabled for several seconds against that target. If the missile happens to drop too close, it is possible for it to severely damage if not instantly obliterate allied personnel within its small blast radius. These countermeasures effectively force Scalpel users to waste their first missile each time they engage a vehicle of that type.

## Gallery

Old icon.Beta 5 Scalpel homing onto an Attack Helicopter.Beta 5 Scalpel locking onto an Attack Helicopter from an absurd distance.Scalpel weapon projectile.Scope GlitchDome generated by scope glitch.The FGM-148 Javelin.Scalpel Animation SetAnimations
## Trivia

* The Scalpel is based on the real life FGM-148 Javelin.
	+ The real Javelin missile is reliant on infrared guidance, although the in-game Scalpel can lock onto unoccupied vehicles, despite their engines being inactive and thus not producing heat.
	+ The Scalpel does much less damage, as the Javelin's HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank) warhead is capable of destroying a modern tank in a single hit.
* The Scalpel is the first secret weapon in the Ravenfield. It is also the first homing weapon.
* All weapons with scopes and other ranged engagement accessories that offer magnification may suffer from a glitch whereas a black dome is generated around the weapon's sights if screenshot mode was activated while aiming, and upon disabling it the user will instead be viewing the weapon's sight attachment model.

### Bugs and Glitches

* Prior to a minor patch in EA 22, the Scalpel suffered from a bug where its rockets will instantly drop to the ground when fired, even if the target isn't using or does not possess countermeasures.

### Changes in Updates

#### ???

* No longer a secret weapon.
* Blank model updated with green textures.

#### EA1

* Can now be used by bots.
* Viewmodel updated.

#### EA13

* Spare ammo increased from 0 to 2.
* Damage reduced to 700.

#### EA22

* Trajectory altered.
	+ Rocket may cruise directly to airborne targets, or fly straight upwards before slamming down at grounded/aquatic target.

 *Italics* | This item is, or was, a Secret Item.