Quick thought!

[Coin]

how about a flare that makes you visible on radar from 20/30k away for 30s with no visual effects? refire rate 3mins?

scenario 1.

pirate has found a trader with a GB escort, and needs his bomber friend to come punch holes in it. sends off flare, and is visible to bomber. Trader and GB are unaware that the falre has been sent, as they already have the pirate on scanner range.
pirate just has to keep cd'ing the trader and avoiding GB until bomber arrives.

scenario 2.
trader has been stopped by a pirate, and is calling in reinforcements. flare is sent without pirates' knowledge. trader just has to keep stalling/rp'ing until help arrives.

scenario 3.
fighter patrol encounters an order/pirate cruiser in liberty space. not having the firepower to take it on, he fires off the flare and keeps the ship in range until cap/bomber support arrives

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