SAM

This is a disambiguation for all surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems in the Just Cause game series.

Surface-to-air missiles are static emplacements and a type of weapon in the Just Cause game series. Usually, they serve as an defense measure in military bases to protect against aerial assault from Rico and his allies. In Just Cause 3 and Just Cause 4, the SAMs are equipped with a computer terminal that allows Rico to configure the system's IFF to fight against his enemies.

You were probably looking for any of these pages[]

SAMs in San Esperito - In Just Cause (1).
- Sam 3 - An unknown weapon mentioned in the mission Brothers in Arms.
SAMs in Panau - In Just Cause 2.
SAMs in Medici - In Just Cause 3.
SAMs in Solís - In Just Cause 4.

Comparisons[]

In real life[]

Main article: On Wikipedia.

SAMs in real life are much more effective in air defense. The missiles they use can fly at supersonic speeds and are thus effective in bringing down fast-moving aircraft, even reaching them from hundreds of kilometers. Most of these do not use contact fuses, relying instead on proximity fuses and shrapnel to inflict damage. Some SAMs are also supplemented with machine guns, or autocannons, to engage aircraft (and drones) flying at lower attitudes.

In-game[]

In the Just Cause games, the SAMs are less effective in their role, as their missiles travel slower and are more easily outmaneuvered by a nimble pilot. However, these also usually have a much shorter range.

In JC1, the missiles have infinite range and are extremely powerful against aircraft. This is compensated by the missiles being relatively slow.

In JC2, the missiles go massive distances and go really fast toward Rico in a helicopter or aircraft. However, the damage is relatively low.

In JC3, the range is increased to approximately 1,500 meters. They travel at a moderate speed but deal massive damage.

In JC4, SAMs seem to have been heavily nerfed. The range seems to be decreased to approximately 500 meters, and the turrets even only seem to track aircraft to around 300m. This is probably because they are restricted solely to control local air space around the bases they protect. Even more so, the missiles that come out don't even seem to deal much damage.