IRON NEST How to Use Scout Plane

What the scout plane is for

Reconnaissance reveals battlefield information and provides photos of areas the turret cannot observe directly. The official game description treats aerial photos as a way to check the result of your actions; community guides also use the plane to reveal targets before committing ammunition.

Start point and bearing

The order needs a starting map sector and a bearing. The starting sector is where the photo run begins, not the plane's distant approach point. The bearing controls the direction of travel from there:

• 0° moves north/up the map.
• 90° moves east/right.
• 180° moves south/down.
• 270° moves west/left.

Choose a starting sector near the edge opposite the flight direction when you want to cover a long strip. For example, a northbound run should begin toward the bottom of the area you want photographed.

Practical sequence

1. Open the requisition or support workflow available in the mission.
2. Put the plane card into the appropriate order/stamping workflow.
3. Enter the starting grid and choose a bearing that crosses the uncertain area.
4. Wait for the resulting photographs or revealed map information.
5. Transfer confirmed targets or terrain changes to the tactical map.
6. Build a normal bearing, range and elevation solution from that evidence.

When reconnaissance is worth the cost

Use it when two observations do not intersect cleanly, when a target needs visual confirmation, when a STAR shell would be wasteful, or when counter-battery pressure makes a blind ranging shot dangerous. Do not spend it on an area already established by reliable coordinates and two good bearings.

Version note

The start-point and cardinal-bearing behavior is supported by multiple player reports and the older basics guide. Exact photo count, card name, cost and coverage width can vary by build or mission, so read the current requisition card before confirming the order.