AAR: Nicobar Vengeance [Spoiler Alert]
A Harpoon Classic Gold scenario
By Mark Gellis


How do you find a submarine that doesn't want to be found? Well, at least I had a surfeit of ASW assets. Wow, a full complement of helos on my 2 little ships; my Horn-of-Plenty was certainly overflowing.

Since a Bear can stay up all week, I launched it right away. I intended to ferry my fighters over to Port Blair and refuel them before going out on patrol. However, a pair F-16 lurkers were spotted approaching my ships and the Bear. As my Rules of Engagement [ROE] forbade me from initiating hostile action, my beautiful long-ranged Air-to-Air missiles were simply going to be dead weight. I moved my escorting Flankers to interpose themselves between my Bear maritime reconnaissance plane and the approaching Falcons. As good bodyguards, they set themselves up to "Catch the Bullet" for their Charge de Protection. It was a dangerous game of cat and mouse, but the Falcons let loose with 4 AIM-9L Sidewinders at near point-blank range. My pilots immediately returned fire with AA-11 Archers. Since the Archers were slaved to a helmet-mounted sight, they could be fired without requiring the pilots to be directly pointed at their targets. This meant that the Flankers could turn away more quickly after releasing their own infrared-homing missiles and this fact saved them from loss after the Falcons exploded in twin fireballs.



The Flankers retired to India for refueling while the Bear pressed onwards in hopes of locating some clue to the whereabouts of the submarine. She saw nothing but a passing freighter. Instead, she issued a Mayday call that was cut off in mid-transmission. Her last reported position was just north of Sumatra. HQ listed her as "Missing and Presumed Lost" and I still had no idea where that sub might be lurking. All that I knew was that there were lethal air defences active in the region.

I sent my Sea King aloft for surveillance of the local area when a sub contact was returned from ZYR Nagala. (I think it is a game bug.) So, I guess luck cuts both ways. She was in the vicinity of the last reported position of the Bear so I was expecting things to get very HOT. It turned out to be a Neutral sub (definitely a game sonar bug).

I had the Flankers ferry over to Port Blair, re-fuel, and then ordered them to investigate the disappearance of the Bear and look for possible survivors. They found a Searchmaster on patrol and 2 Hawk Mk 209s on a course to intercept them. Another game of chicken ensued. Once in visual range, the Hawks fired 4 AIM-9P Sidewinders at the Flankers. The Flankers returned fire and turned the Hawks into chicken soup before they went to Bingo fuel status and had to return to Bangalore. On their return leg, they stumbled over a pair of Mandau gunboats and reported them to the approaching frigates.

The submarine contact was reported as a Cakra Type 209. Indian intelligence knew that these subs were in the Indonesian Order of Battle. I was baffled as to why it was evaluated as neutral, but I had to watch my step in possibly firing on neutral vessels.

My Flankers, again, ran into a counter-air patrol of Hawk 209s over Banda Aceh. I got the distinct impression that the Indonesian military did not want any interlopers in this area. Another exchange of missiles and 2 more Indonesian pilots joined there ancestors.

Two Skyhawks emerged from the Indonesian airbase on a course that would take them near my approaching ships so I ordered the Combat Air Patrol [CAP] to investigate. As they came within visual range, they were engaged with gunfire so they returned fire and 2 more Indonesians would not see the next dawn.



The Mandau gunboats were beginning to stir and approach my frigates. As they had exhibited no overtly hostile actions, I could not take them under fire with the superior range of my Surface-to-Surface missiles [SSMs]. Instead, I positioned my Flanker CAP between the ships in hopes of him being able to shoot down any enemy missiles should they be fired. The Mandau turned away at the last instant and a confrontation was avoided. This time.

My little task force continued to comb the area, but could not re-establish contact with the Cakra. They did walk all over a wandering whale, but never found the sub again. Time expired and victory was denied.

A nice little scenario with an interesting setup. Having to perform Combat Air Patrols [CAP] at the limit of their endurance was definitely a challenge.

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AAR: Foothold [Spoiler Alert] - Blue
By Daren Lorentz



The Strait of Gibraltar has been a natural choke-point for centuries. With its narrow width and fluctuating currents, it was a perfect place for lurking submarines to hide. I held my breath as the convoy made its transit of the Strait. I was just breathing a sigh of relief when a sub was detected after leaving Gibraltar. Three Lynx were ordered aloft to interdict since she was well within the declared 150nm Exclusion zone. However, a Sea King already on formation patrol got there first and dropped her torpedoes on the Sugar Skunk. One struck aft of the sail. Another nasty surprise was revealed -- a second sub! The three Lynx were re-tasked to prosecute this second Sugar Skunk and caught her 80nm away from the convoy. A sole Stingray torpedo was enough to put her on the bottom. It looked as though the convoy's transit was going to be opposed throughout its journey.



Shortly thereafter, a mixed force of missile boats and frigates was detected by an EH101 on patrol over Cagliari. They were well within the 150nm exclusion zone as set out in the ROE [Rules of Engagement]. A strike of six AMX from Cagliari left 3 missile boats burning and sinking in their wake. A second strike would be needed.



Meanwhile, FF Montrose reported an explosion soon after a force of missile boats were detected. The boats were only detected by their ESM signature so the convoy immediately turned away from the potentially hostile contacts until they could be properly evaluated. I suspected an SSM strike, but was not certain. All calm one moment, and then BAM! And the Montrose was in danger of sinking. Sure enough, the Lynx confirmed that the missile boats were the culprits, indeed. A salvo of Harpoon missiles put paid to these ambushers. The convoy and the limping Montrose continued onwards at a reduced pace.

A second visit to the missile boats off of Cagliari completed the destruction of the force. It appeared to be a long and uneventful transit when a Sea King on patrol reported a MAD contact. She immediately dipped her sonar and found a submarine. Two Stingray torpedoes were dropped and both struck home. The entire sequence took only 4 minutes. Real Quick Draw McGraw.



Yet another sub was detected 30nm later. Two more, in fact. The Libyans appeared to be very, very serious about this convoy not reaching her destination. Both subs were detected early enough that they could be prosecuted relatively safely. As the convoy was passing Bizerta, two more Kilos detected just off of Cape Bon. These modern subs could have been lethal but they were easy prey for the helos on patrol.

Just as the convoy was approaching its destination, one last surprise was encountered. A minefield was detected at the doorstep of Sousse. The convoy immediately slowed to a dead crawl while the escorts scrambled to deal with this threat. After the mines were swept, the convoy made landfall and victory was awarded.

An enjoyable scenario and excellent job for your first production. I certainly look forward to many more scenarios. Thanks for sharing it with us.


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AAR: Third Idea [Spoiler Alert]
A Harpoon Classic scenario
By Brad Leyte



After reading the Order of Battle arrayed against the Japanese Self-Defence Force, all JSDF fighter-bombers were re-configured for Air Superiority operations. The sheer number of enemy aircraft was staggering to say the least. CVBG Bush went to full speed and raced for the Japanese home islands in the hope that she would arrive in time. Her CVW [Air Wing] was ordered to ferry to Japan with whatever loadouts they had available. Since the JSDF and the USN both used AMRAAMs, they could re-load from Japanese stockpiles. The JSDF was going to need every helping hand they could get. Guam was a long way away so the Air Combat Command bombers stationed there took to the air right away.

As the Airborne Early Warning [AEW] aircraft launched, they immediately detected an aircraft carrier in the northern Sea of Japan. The Hawkeyes were quickly counter-detected and the CV had interceptors out after them right away. Japan was surrounded by bases on three sides. The air combat group based at Shemya in the Aleutian Islands was tasked with the suppression of Kamchatkan bases Petropavlovsk and Yelizovo while the Guam forces would try to relieve the pressure from the southern flank by concentrating on the destruction of Naha.



Tsuiki radar suddenly reported DF-25 SRBMs inbound! Defending PAC-3 Patriots opened fire, but could not stop the attack which cost the JSDF five aircraft when their hangars collapsed upon them. However, the runways were only slightly damaged and the base was, therefore, functional. This would prove significant in the ensuing battle. Barrier Combat Air Patrols [BarCAP] positions were assigned and the F-4EJ, FS-X, and F-15Js hurried out to them in their attempts to stem the waves of anticipated Sino-Russo aircraft. Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Forces hoped to keep a low profile and remain hidden under EmCon [Emissions Control]. They would allow their helicopters and the dedicated AEW platforms to keep them appraised of the situation through their data linkages.



The Su-33D Flankers from the carrier were attracted to the AEW planes like flies to honey. The initial four interceptors were easily killed by the FS-X escorts, but their replacements were quickly launched and each successive wave drove the defenders back a bit more until the AEW was forced to re-position herself over the island of Hokkaido.

While defending the Hawkeyes, the JSDF could only watch the approach of many aircraft low on the deck. These planes were turned out to be Su-25 Frogfoots in from the Kuriles and they were heavily supported by jamming aircraft. They were only detected when they were nearing their release points. It mattered little. There simply weren't enough assets to intercept them. The large number of attacking groups quickly soaked up all of the defending air patrols. At one point, the exasperated commander had to simply choose the groups that he was going to intercept and allow the others to simply attack unmolested because he ran out of forces. At one point, Hokkaido was attacked from three separate axes.



One of his pilots was Kazuo Musashi, a direct descendant of Nippon's most famous swordsman. Today, he would no longer fall under his ancestor's shadow, but would shine in his own luminescence. Musashi was piloting an F-15J armed with eight Sparrow/Sidewinders. He and his wingman were appraised of the situation by their friendly eye-in-the-sky. Five separate groups were looking to kill the Hawkeye and he was the only CAP that was, as yet, unengaged. Musashi had considered himself a warrior of the old ways - a Samurai - in every sense of the word. He practiced with Katana and Wakizashi religiously when on the ground. Today, his Eagle would serve as his steed, his Sparrows were his Katana, and his Sidewinders were his Wakizashi.

As he approached his first targets, he controlled the rhythm of his breathing in order to focus his Kiai. And then he struck. Both he and his wingman sent a pair of Sparrows out to kill the first attacking group before wheeling around to face another Flanker pair. Like the master swordsman, he lunged with his Eagle and parried the enemy's Alamo missiles before sending him down in flames with salvo of Sparrows. With his Katana out of action, his flight was seriously outmatched by the remaining three groups of Flankers. However, as his Sensei had taught him, "There are no dangerous weapons. Only dangerous men." He still had his Wakizashi.

Musashi would approach each group and entice them to fire before quickly turning to evade the missiles. It was a very tricky dance, but well rehearsed by the Samurai. Soon, both sides only had their short-range missiles remaining. The ultimate battle between Flanker and Eagle was played out over Hokkaido. After a series of punishing high-G manoeuvres, feints, parries, and slashes, Musashi and his wingman slew all six of the remaining Flankers, but not without cost. Musashi landed at the aerodrome alone after his wingman failed to shake off an AA-11 Archer.



Meanwhile, the strike from Shemya was fighting its way towards Kamchatka. They peeled the layers of air defences like peeling an onion and equally unpleasant. The defending Flankers, Fulcrums, and Foxbats died, but they also sapped the missile inventory of the attackers. As fresh replacement fighters rose from deck to challenge the approaching Falcons, Eagles, and Raptors, the package commander decided that the mission could not be completed. He simply lacked the combat power to breach the defences. He ordered a withdrawal after the launch of a few HARMs [High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles]. A second strike would be needed.

Over the Sea of Japan, the aerial waves were slowly, but surely beaten back and some breathing room was gained. Unfortuately, SAG Myoko was detected and became the focus of the enemy's main strike efforts. First came the Shipwreck SSMs from the CV group. These were promptly intercepted by the Kongo's Standard missiles. Then multiple flights of Frogfoot fighter bombers rolled back the defences and soaked up the SAMs. Once the Aegis destroyer's SAMs were depleted, the little group was a sitting duck as successive waves of AShMs [Anti-Ship Missiles] were launched from maximum range by Backfire bombers. The big missiles sank the major units LPD Osumi, DDG Kongo, DDG Takanami, LST Osumi, and AOE Tokiwa. Only a few escorts and the minesweepers survived the onslaught.



The JSDF was beginning to win aerial superiority over the Sea of Japan when the first of forty ALCM launched by B-52s from Guam arrived at Naha and left it a smoking ruin. Evidently, the enemy commander was disheartened by the loss of Naha because victory was granted to the JSDF. A very nice (and welcome) surprise, indeed.

A very fine scenario. I was paddling like mad just to keep my head above the water!


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AAR: Foothold [Spoiler Alert] - Red
A Harpoon Classic scenario
By Daren Lorentz


Well, the orders were clear enough. Sink the convoy or don't bother coming back. The Colonel certainly had a way of motivating people.



I ordered my Bear AEW assets to spot the Convoy and coordinate for the subs. Unfortunately, the first one was killed by marauding fighters as she passed Cagliari. I would have to give that base a wide berth in the future. I sent the second Bear far to the south. She spotted the convoy making it's transit of Gibraltar and issued intercept vectors to the Rajs Hadi Mubarek and Dzik.



Rajs Hadi Mubarek ate a torp on her approach. Dzik was detected and had a torpedo dropped on her, but she broke contact and raced in. No time to be stealthy. She was barely able to get into range before another torp was dropped on her. She salvoed her 8 torpedoes at two escorts and ran for her life.



Three struck a Sheffield-class frigate and blew her right out of the water. The other four torpedoes cleanly missed the Duke-class FF they were aimed at. However, they did get a consolation prize. They converged on an unsuspecting merchant and put her on the bottom. Dzik had very little time to enjoy her victories. Another helo dropped two more torpedoes on her and both struck. The score was even. Two subs were exchanged for an escort and a merchant.

I ordered a mixed-group of fast missile boats and frigates to full speed. I wanted them to try and widen the hole in the screen so that the submarines could penetrate more easily. However, as they were making their approach, three of them just EXPLODED! Curses, they must have fallen prey to roving ASuW (Anti-Surface Warfare) patrols from Cagliari. The sole survivor was a Sirte-class torpedo boat; more of a liability than an asset. She might be effective against unarmed merchantmen, but she could not stand up to any of the escorts. Only if the remaining escorts could be killed, would she be useful.

The next submarine to make her approach to the convoy was the Foxtrot-class Wilk. She received reports from the orbiting Bear and could see the thick cloud of ASW helos on patrol. The patrols were well-spaced and she would not be able to approach from an oblique angle in order to avoid the screen. Even at flank speed, she could only match the convoy's speed of eighteen knots. A very difficult decision for the skipper. Eventually, he elected to try and penetrate the screen where the Sheffield had already been killed. He would pray and trust in Allah that his boat would survive long enough to deliver her torpedoes.

After a quick sprint, she was in! However, her fortune was short-lived. Helicopters outward-bound to replace those already on patrol must have caught her scent and immediately dropped torpedos on her. Since she had already been detected, there was no further need for stealth. She went to flank speed and kept her trust in Allah. Wilk was able to launch 4 torpedoes at the Montrose, a Duke-class frigate. She barrelled in towards the convoy's centre in hopes of delivering her other four torpedoes into the merchants. However, her luck had run out. A torpedo struck her and she carried her remaining torpedoes with her to the bottom. The crew did not know, but Allah did not forsake them. The four torpedoes struck and sank the Montrose a few minutes later. The score remained tied at 3:3.

A flotilla of missile boats and frigates was annihilated as it attempted to make passage around Cagliari. The next submarine to make contact was the Lada-class boat. There was a gaping hole in the screen, however, the helos were still present. They had been thinned out a bit, but were still very dangerous in their reduced numbers. The Lada elected to try the same daring approach and attack from the front. She was detected and attacked by no less than four helos with a total of 10 torpedoes. After another torpedo exchange, she was killed and her 3 USET-80 torpedoes missed. She would draw no blood.



Well, the direct approach did not prove successful. I only had four Kilo boats left so I decided to try and make an oblique approach from the flank and hope to get behind the screen. The excellent coordination efforts of the Bear allowed the Orzel to slip in behind the screen along with another Kilo. Once in, she approached to point-blank range before loosing her deadly cargo. She sank her 533mm fangs into the Duke escort and ravaged the formation with her UGST claws. A total of eight more ships were sunk and victory was awarded.

A super-challenging scenario from the Red perspective. I can't believe that this is a premiere effort for a new designer.

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Thanks bud i really like what your doing makes choosing a scenario alot easier

Yup, gotta love Herman's AAR's. He is probably the greatest ambassador that the Harpoon community has ever had.

You guys are very kind. I am just SO glad that someone actually reads them.

The real credit goes to all the hard work from the scenario writers. Without them, there would be nothing to enjoy or write about.

Hats off to the guys in the trenches.

I only played Fleet Command, but man, great write up. Makes me want to get harpoon.