How does the defense value work?

[NikolaiB]

Hi! In my current games, I am trying to find out when I should assault, when I should fire and if I do fire, at what range. So, I am trying to understand the games engine combat resolution. After reading the manual, I have three quick questions.

(1) How does the defense value work in firing calculations? In section 11 (combat results), there is no mention of the targets defense value. Does it actually not apply?

(2) For assault calculations, it is mentioned that the attackers assault value is compared to the defenders defense value. However, I am not sure what the exact calculation is.

(3) In the armored effectiveness calculation, does the engine use the pure Hard Attack value, before any modifications from range or terrain? Alternatively, are those factors taken into account to determine which of the two cases is applied.

Thank you!