Turrets acquire damage bonuses based on the gunner's skills, not the pilot. That's what I've heard, anyway.

Turret "Operation" and "Proficiency" are clues. You can't operate or be proficient at using turrets when you're not using a turret.

It does seem awry that there isn't another branch of skills for unlocking turrets, which should require less SP, but this doesn't only affect dropships.

Tanks need to upgrade small turret operation before they reach large turrets, so all that SP on small turret operation is wasted.

And LAV gunners simply have a hard time on the turret regardless of the situation.

Perhaps this could give rise to a different type of merc. If more ways to specialise into turrets were implemented, lets say a new dropsuit for pilots/gunners that allowed them to use the vehicles shields to boost their own, modules that highlighted targets for gunners, and related skills, then being a gunner could become a viable path to take.

Uffff that's a relief. Time to search for some dedicated turret gunners.

Uffff that's a relief. Time to search for some dedicated turret gunners.

Well the post you guys linked to has not got made up information as Blam did post that information in IRC. So as long as ccp doesn't change how it functions, then it's worth it for the drivers to get the extra damage for their gunners too.

well i have done some testing and have seen that gunner do not get a damage bonus from the driver, but this still stand true only because they need higher lvl in it to mount the guns in the first place.

Hate to do a minor derail but I have a question:

Does the gunner need Turret Operation in order to get in a Tank with a non-Militia side gun? IE, the Pilot needs Operation X to fit Y Small Blaster. Does the Gunner needs Operation X to be a gunner in the seat where Y Small Blaster is?

No. At present the skill is only required to fit the vehicle. Once it is called in anyone can pilot it and anyone can crew the guns.

This has got me thinking, what would the ideal turret gunner be fitted with? What type of dropsuit, and what skills?

You figure most the time they will be gunning so it doesn't matter, but they will also need to be ready and willing to deploy to take out objectives and what have you. Perhaps a Heavy suit, since speed wouldn't be much of an issue? But they may need it to get to an extraction point. Perhaps a scout, dropping them in like ninjas?

Though question. I suppose someone going the vehicle path won't be spending too much SP on dropsuits. However a STD heavy would be very useful as gunner. In my flights my gunners have been shot by snipers and HMGs when I get above the whole enemy blob, so a heavy can easily survive while gunning down the mass.

This has got me thinking, what would the ideal turret gunner be fitted with? What type of dropsuit, and what skills?

I don't think there would be players that would prefer going dropship gunner rather than killing with their own tank.

These all say skill at operating the devices and + (x)% damage with this type of turret.

Does this apply to the vehicle it is fitted in passively?

As a pilot leveling these skills, will it translate to a random gunner benefiting from the increased damage?