INTRODUCTION
Recent events and an emboldened Russian government have led to the
resurrection of the 2008 Ossetia Georgian conflict. This time however events
have been limited to the Ossetia region. Russian backed Ossetia forces have,
after a bitter battle, taken Gori plus adjacent areas to the south east and west.
The senior commander of the Ossetia forces has played a very clever game.
He is known to his forces as the “The Snake” on account of his astute and
sometimes devious strategies
Western forces have become increasingly concerned as to the escalating
events in Caucasus Region. As a result, a combined multinational force has
been assembled in the Black sea off the Georgian coast. This taking the form
of a naval fleet with the USS John C. Stennis at its heart.
You, call sign “Ford”, are part of the F18C Hornet unit bound for the Black
Sea. You will join ford as he heads to his posting on the USS John C. Stennis.
This is where all the training becomes reality.
MISSION 1
STENNIS BOUND. (BLACK SEA)
It’s been a long haul, but we are on the last leg now. It is 6.55 am on a
beautiful morning over the Black Sea. You are at 20,000 feet flying at 345
knots. The refueler fills your view but is slowly receding now having completed
the hook up. You are the lead in a two Hornet group, your partner trailing.
This great weather is so unexpected you thought you had left all that behind in
Nevada.
The Stennis is now within 154 miles, there are a few clouds and the wind is 12
knots from the south. You thank Texaco for their help and head to the Stennis
punching in the Tacan 10X and ICLS Channel 1.
Still not briefed on the current situation your mind has been inventing various
scenarios during your long trip. You are soon to find out the truth. You will be
at the Stennis shortly and you can’t wait to get some breakfast and a strong
coffee.
To pass this mission you are to land safely on the Stennis and follow any
instructions given.
NOTES
1 You will not have to operate the radio on this mission as all communications
are trigger based.
2 The design of the mission is trigger based and so it is important that you
follow the route and/or the instructions to realise all the content and pass the
mission.
Good luck and enjoy!
MISSION 2
HAPPY SNAPS. (BLACK SEA)
We have now been fully briefed as to the situation on the ground and as
expected its not good. The attacking force under the leadership of the
Commander known by his compatriots as “The Snake” has indeed been very
clever and astute. They have taken control of Gori and the areas to the West,
South and East. Luckily Tiblis is still in our control. The situation is as reflected
in the mission Map Image 2, the red being the infiltrated areas.
Due to the very bad weather and thick cloud cover our forces are not clear
where his forces are and most importantly for us his ground to air defence
SAM locations. Once our forces have this information a plan of coordinated
attack can be put in place.
A highly sophisticated camera system has been fitted to several Hornets,
including yours. The cameras pick up a detailed three-dimensional image of
the battle scene. They are automatically triggered by an integral GPS
positioning system, no shutter to press. It is important therefore that you follow
the prescribed route on the run in and during its activation.
Your unit has been charged with carrying out runs over the various areas of
the battle area. For the system to be effective you must be at 1000 feet above
ground (use radar) whilst collecting the information. Although automatic you
will get an audible signal when it is operating.
To avoid detection by Russian air forces you must stay below the cloud base
until you are told you can rise above.
It is 20.30 in the evening. The weather is fully overcast with a cloud base at
6,200 feet. The wind is from the south 12knots at ground level, 25knots at
1,600 feet and 30 knots at 6000 feet. The rain is heavy. Not a nice day.
You are hooked up on CAT 1 already, your Hornet hot. You have just to set
your displays as normal. You receive a call from Stennis Control putting you
on hold whilst you wait for a Chinook to take off taking essential supplies to
the ground forces. You look at the weather conditions around you and wonder
what on earth lies ahead.
You, "Ford", as a single aircraft unit have been charged with collecting
information from Gori, the centre of the battle.
To pass this mission you need to follow your flight plan closely, be at 1000
feet when passing overhead Gori whilst the digital system is functioning (You
will be reminded during the mission) and land safely back at the Stennis.
WP1 First turn
WP2 Kutaisi Air Base
WP3 Commence Gori run in at low level.
WP4 Gori
WP5 to 9 Right turn to exit area over mountains.
TIP
On the run into Gori, as you must follow the route, if you need to jink to avoid
SAMS this needs to be done in the vertical but at the same time always
keeping below the cloud base.
NOTES
1 Although you will not generally have to operate the radio on this mission, as
most communications are trigger based, you will need to call the Stennis for
re-join. This will be on radio 1 channel 1 which is set for 127.5. (The reason
for this is that light will be failing, and you will need the Stennis runway
illuminated). You will be reminded during the mission.
2 The design of the mission is trigger based and so it is important that you
follow the route and/or the instructions which may vary it to realise all the
content and pass the mission.
Good luck and enjoy!
MISSION 3
SAM SLAM. (BLACK SEA)
Yesterday was a wake-up call. The Russian aircraft are definitely on the case
when alerted. You were lucky you were within reach of the fleet. You had
thanked the fleet weapons coordinator personally straight after you landed.
Yesterday’s exercise was a complete success. We now, thanks to the camera
systems, have full digital detail on “The Snakes” forces and crucially his SAM
sites.
Overnight, Command have formulated a coordinated strike against all his
SAMS using all available strike aircraft and JTAC troops on the ground. This
is to take place early this morning.
It is 6.58 am and for once a beautiful morning. The wind is from the South 12
knots, 33 knots at 1600 feet and 40 knots at 6,600 feet. There is still a little
low-level mist but hardly any cloud.
All aircraft have been warned again to keep below 10,000 feet at all times to
avoid detection by the Russians. These not empty words as was
demonstrated yesterday. Intel have explained once detected Migs will be in
Gori within 15 minutes.
You, “Ford”, have been selected to kill four SAM sites. Two to the West of
Gori and two to the East.
To pass this mission you are to follow the route and/or instructions which me
vary it, destroy the four SAM sites and land safely back on the Stennis.
You are armed with four AMG65 E’s (Laser Guided Mavericks). You will be
dependent on JTAC units on the ground to lase for you. The first two SAMS
will be West of Gori in the area of WP3. For these you will need to contact
“Warrior” on Radio 1 Channel 1 which is set to 133. The second two SAMS
are located to the East of Gori in the area of WP4. For these you will need to
contact “Finger” on Radio 1 Channel 2 which is set at 144. (You will need to
be familiar with the 9 line operation and use of the AMG65 E’s). See Mission
image 2.
Caution, the SAM systems being used have a range of 5.5 miles. Keep clear
of this radius. There are also anti-aircraft guns at Gori.
You will be contacted by “Dark Star” who will be providing an overwatch.
Once again you find yourself in the twilight on the deck of the Stennis. The
orange sun hiding just behind horizon. You can feel the vibration in your seat
as your Hornet is ready to go. All there is to be done is set up your screens
and punch in the agreed Maverick laser code of 1688. This time you are
hooked into CAT 4. Once again Stennis put you on hold whilst “Cutless”,
“Reaper” and “Python” leave on the other CATs, each to their own series of
strikes.
You wait patiently, the coffee taste still in your mouth from breakfast, your
hoping this early morning strike is early enough to surprise them.
WP1 First Turn
WP2 Kutaisi Air Base
WP3 SAMs 1 & 2
WP4 SAMs 3 & 4
WP5 Kutaisi Air Base
Stennis Tacan 10X ICLS Channel 1
TIPS
If you cannot get a lock on the JTAC laser, make sure you are high enough,
so the laser is not obscured by land or trees. If you miss a lock, then re-attack
higher and or in a different direction.
Make sure you do not fly into range of the East SAMS when dealing with
those in the West. IGNORE JTAC BEARINGS FOR ATTACK AND EXIT they
do not take account of adjacent SAMs and other threats.
NOTES
1You will not generally have to operate the radio on this mission as most
communications are trigger based. The exception to this is the calls to the two
JTAC units “Warrior” and “Finger”. You will be prompted as the mission
unfolds. The frequency’s and radio channels set out above
2 The design of the mission is trigger based and so it is important that you
follow the route and/or the instructions to realise all the content and pass the
mission.
Good luck and enjoy !
MISSION 4
BOMB THE BLOCKS. (BLACK SEA)
As our commander promenaded at the lectin in front of the men, he couldn’t
contain his excitement when explaining that yesterday’s coordinated attacks
had totally denied our enemy of all his SAM ground to air defences.
He was equally animated when telling us that today he was launching a
massive coordinated air to ground attack taking out all their key military
assets.
The commander then went on to explain that our allies had now established a
military satellite at Tiblis airport. He had sent out a team and supplies which
had set up in the parking area to act as a servicing point for our aircraft. As we
were in ground bombing mode now, as the air defences had been destroyed,
this would allow us to take heavy bomb loads to kill as many targets as
possible each sortie. We could then refuel and rearming at Tiblis without
worrying about returning to the Stennis.
Things were not going well for “The snake” now, things had changed, and we
had changed them.
It was 19.55 in the evening and the weather was good. Once again there were
hardly any clouds and a 12-knot wind from the South. (25 knots at 1,600 feet
and 32 knots at 6,600 feet)
As the coordinated ground attacks begin you have been selected to take out a
series of road blocks the enemy have established along the road structure.
You have been designated 6 road blocks located at the way points set out
below. Caution was required however as each road block is protected with
various numbers of anti-aircraft guns. As you progress you will lose your
element of surprise and the guns at the later targets are likely to be readier for
you.
To pass this mission you need to follow the flight plan and any instructions
you may be given to vary it, you must destroy all 6 road blocks and land safely
at Tibilis airport parking at the military satellite unit for refuelling and rearming.
As you wait hooked into CAT 4 you make the final adjustments to your
screens and set your weapons to drop one bomb at a time. As usual you are
on hold whilst “Python”, “Reaper” and “Cutless” lurch into the air destined to
their various designated targets. This time “Reaper” and “Cutless” will be
formating with you on the way until it is time for them to veer off for their
targets.
Tonight, you are spending on land at Tiblis, you wonder if you will sleep as
well without the movement of the Stennis you have become accustomed to?
WP1 First turn
WP2 Kutaisi Air Base
WP3 to 8 The six enemy road block targets.
WP11 via 9 and 10 Tiblis Airport and military satellite unit
TIPS
The winds will mean a reasonable crosswind from the right, be prepared when
landing at Tiblis.
NOTES
1 You will not have to operate the radio on this mission as all communications
are trigger based.
2 The design of the mission is trigger based and so it is important that you
follow the route and/or the instructions to realise all the content and pass the
mission.
Good luck and enjoy!
MISSION 5
REMOVING THE SERPENTS HEAD. (Black Sea)
You relax into your new temporary home at Tibilis, not bad for Satellite
accommodation, everyone had been helpful and friendly. You had been really
lucky today had “Reaper” and “Cutless” not been around things could have
been quite different. Four MIGs and only two 9X’s on the rails! You really do
owe them a pint!
Still, your Commander had been over the moon when he called. The
coordinated ground strike had been a great success the enemies’ ability had
been severely curtailed and the Georgian ground forces where pushing them
back in the wake of the allied forces onslaught. This so called “Snake”
character was well and truly on the back foot as his forces retreated.
It is 10.00 pm and you are just dozing in your bunk. You are jolted back to
reality by a soldier. You are wanted in the operations tent there has been a
major development.
It appears in response to the day’s events that the “Snake” had regrouped his
entire strategic team into one place to discuss a reprisal. This meeting of all
the enemy command is to be in Tskhinvali, 16 miles NE of Gori. It surprisingly
will be held in the local sports arena, not so smart. This will be known by the
code name “Renegade”.
Allied special forces had gathered this intel by taking a hostage, their team,
“Axeman”, was in the area on the adjacent hill. Our commander is clear this is
the time to make an effective strike. An invading army without a brain was
effectively confused, without direction and an easy force to be obliterated by
the Georgian forces on the ground.
As our Commander puts it,” time to remove the Serpents Head”.
Your Mission is to take off from Tiblis at 1.00am and strike the “Snakes”
strategic meeting, “Renegade”, and kill all personnel there.
To pass this mission you must fly the designated route and comply with any
instructions which may vary this, kill all personnel at the strategic meeting,
land safely back at the Stennis. Always keep below 10,000 feet to avoid
detection.
You have been armed with 4 Mk83 bombs, 2 AGM65E laser guided air to
ground missiles and 2 Aim9X Air to Air missiles. You are to take off from Tiblis
and head to WP4 via WP’s 1 to 3. You are then to orbit at WP4 awaiting
instructions from “Overlord”. “Overlord” will be eyes on throughout the
operation.
When signalled you will drop two Mk83s into the sports arena,” Renegade”.
Caution there may be anti-air guns in the area. To get on target you need to
fly through WP4 on a heading of 360. The target will be at 7 miles. To help as
you approach Axeman will fire illumination flares over the arena. If
unsuccessful you have one more chance as you are carrying 4 bombs.
If successful you will be sent back to WP4 awaiting further instruction in case,
there are any escaping survivors. If this is the case, they will be lased by
“Axeman”. Axeman can be contacted on Radio 1 channel 2 which is set for
133.
The weather is fine and there is a full moon. The wind is 12 knots from 180,
25knots at 1600 feet and 32 knots at 6,600 feet.
You have just strapped yourself into your seat, the canopy is up, your bird is
asleep and all you can hear is the wind hustling its way through the open
cockpit. You look to your 7 o’clock to see the bright moon sparkling off your
wings. Your ground team offer a few words of advice. It’s time to close the
canopy, bring this machine to life and set the systems and screens so you can
feel at home in your lethal office.
You contact Tiblis Control to get your departure clearances. You set radio 1
channel 1 (Set at 138)
This is it, the big one, a success here will fatally cripple the enemy.
Let’s do this!
WP1 to 3 On route points
WP4 Orbiting point whilst awaiting instructions. Orbit at height as instructed.
WP 5 Kutaisi Air base
Stennis Tacan 10X ICLS Channel 1
TIPS
The winds will mean a reasonable crosswind from the right, be prepared on
take-off.
If you cannot get a lock on the JTAC laser, make sure you are high enough,
so the laser is not obscured by land or trees.
IGNORE JTAC BEARINGS FOR ATTACK AND EXIT they do not take
account of adjacent threats.
NOTES
1 On previous missions you did not generally have to operate the radio most
communications were trigger based. On this mission you will need call for
Tiblis departure clearances, (Radio 1 Channel 1 set 138). Liaise with JTAC
Axeman,( Radio 1 Channel 2 set 133) and obtain joining instructions from the
Stennis, ( Radio 1 Channel 3 set 127.5). This primarily to control lighting at
night.
2 The design of the mission is trigger based and so it is important that you
follow the route and/or the instructions to realise all the content and pass the
mission.
Good luck and enjoy!