AAR: MatchPlay [Spoiler Alert]
A Harpoon3 scenario for the PlayersDB
By Freek Schepers



In the most natural way I'm playing with my own country: The Netherlands. In the mission orders I found an interesting remark about the superior AAM's (Air to Air Missiles) and the superior AEW. After a few minutes of hard thinking I found the solution and it worked quite well in the game.

Started off with sending 2 Apaches airborne from Gilze-Rijen bound for the French Demolition team in The Hague. At the same time two pairs of F16 equiped with AMRAAM airborne from Leeuwarden, along the coast to the South.

The first pair went feet dry approximately 20nm north of Dover at an altitude of 100m, trying to find a juicy target (keeping well clear of any groun units/bases). Off course assuming that the air defence belt of the French will be up north. They found the wanted E3F just south of Reims. Approaching it on afterburner and one AMRAAM shot left me discovered in the middle of some frenchies. I think it was a nice trade. Two F16 for 1 E3F and a mirage 2000.

The second pair stumbled (!) across two E2C's going on station. After this engagement, one of the two was killed by a hidden SAM site.

The Apaches in the north worked like honey on the French AD fighters. The ZPRV (HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën) and the HMSK (HNLMS Jacob van Heemskerck (my old ship)) was at the westerschelde. Keeping weapons tight and waiting to kill the "superior" AAMs with their SAMs. Almost the same happened with the patrolling F16s in the East and the Patriot site.

Meanwhile the good old navy at the North Sea was working like a horse. The two walrus SSKs in the channel were passing targeting info the the southerly naval TG. Identified the targets with a lynx hovering over the south coast of England, just south of the NAV zone. Two pair of AMRAAM equipped F16s kept the area clear of any French helo/MPA or Super Etandard. The Southerly TG fired their harpoons in salvoes of two per ship at the French ASW screen. Those units are not very capable of AD. Then the wolfpack with the two SSKs. The northerly crept in front of the force and firing at fours DDG's with its Mk48 ADCAPs. Oops, counterfire by one of the DDGs with a rocket propelled Torpedo? It plunged in the water behind me and started a search turn. The walz began. It turned towards me and I turned after it. The Torp with 30 knots left me in the inside circle with 12. It worked, and every time the TG passed me in the front I could fire two Mk48s. Killing the whole carrier battle group in just an half hour!

After these (winning) opening moves an almost boring, compared to the first hour, air (dutch) to ground (french) battle began. I searched for an airfield for Very Large Aircraft (remember the E3Fs). Found it, and killed just the aircraft revetment with a twoship F16 armed with 8 AGM65s. This, afterwards, golden move killed three (!) E3Fs. Probably no more left in the french airforce.

As in every battle: Take the initiative, but be wise. In this scenario, a dutch frontal assault with "dutch courage" will leave you immediately empty handed. Go for the golden points! Be smart and you will find this a challenging scenario.

World War III has been raging across the globe for three days already. Casualties have been high on both sides. Where the Soviets expected to make rapid gains on land, they have not. And where NATO expected to quickly gain control of the skies above Europe, the Pact has made more than a fight of it.

At sea, there are only the quick and the dead. What were supposed to be set piece battles turned into bloodbaths with the winner being whoever fired first. While no American carriers have been sunk, yet, three have been heavily damaged in the GIUK Gap alone. One of the few things going as planned is NATO's campaign against Soviet subs in the Atlantic and North Sea. With the combination of first-class sonar, excellent signals processing, and land and ship based aircraft, NATO has been able to smother almost any sub contact they run across.

Reinforcements are being rushed into the meat grinder that is the North Atlantic. Here, at least, NATO has the advantage of unrestricted access to the sea. Any Pact units in transit to the Atlantic must pass through restricted (and often NATO-controlled) seaways.

AAR: Atlantic Convoys[SPOILER ALERT]

After Action Report

Scenario : Atlantic Convoys
Designer : Freek Schepers
Side : NATO
Reporter: : Taitennek


Introduction.

This scenario takes several days to cover. So, I have decided to report by day.

I am in command of two large convoys [30+8 and 16+7], an Amphibious Group [12], a CVBG [7], 5 nuclear attack submarines [including the brand new SSN 21 USS Seawolf], as well as more than 200 aircraft and helicopters [some of the units are in maintenance or need longer readiness times before they can come in action].

My orders are to transit the convoys and the Amphibious Group through the Atlantic to Portsmouth in the UK. The aircraft carrier must survive in a position to cover future convoys. No losses of LHA, LHD, LSD and LST are allowed.


For a comprehensive version of the orders, please click here.

DAY 1

November 26th, 2003.
00:06:00 Zulu Time.

Immediately after game start, 6 submerged contacts appeared on the screen. All contacts are more ore less within firing range of the 5 submarines under my command. I am not authorized to attack, but all units will defend themselves when fired upon [no sitting duck policy]. 1 submerged contact was discovered east of convoy #1.


2 F-14 Tomcats are already airborne, supported by a E-2C Hawkeye II. I ordered them to set course north of convoy #1 and #2.


2 F/A.2 Sea Harriers of the Royal Navy are in the air [supported by a SH-3D Sea King AEW.2 helicopter] within minutes, as well 2 USMC AV-8 Harrier II.

E-2C Hawkeye [Photo: US Navy]

00:30:00 Zulu Time.

I am now authorized to attack the submarines. Meanwhile the USS Philadelphia [SSN 690] cruised at top speed to stay away of the fast approaching torpedo. The submarine which fired the torpedo is destroyed, as well as the sub that fired a torpedo at the USS Norfolk. Both submarines were killed before I was authorized to attack, but I am responsible for the safety of the crew and The US navy may own the boat, But I am the captain!!! I bet the Admiralty will put me in command of a rusty decommissioned WW II diesel for this, if I survive the mission.

Within the hour I managed to destroy 5 enemy submarines and survived their torpedo-attacks. What really concerns me are the 2 submarines east of convoy #1.

2 ASW-helicopters are trying to locate them before they are in range for an attack.

01:00:00 Zulu Time.

6 Russian Backfires are approaching convoy #2. 4 Harriers are available and on interception course. Soon they could launch their AMRAAM missiles and managed to destroy the enemy bombers and all 4 aircraft returned to the HMS Illustrious.
Meanwhile a third submarine was detected east of convoy #1 and the USS Seawolf [SSN 21] made her second victim after the enemy submarine was hit by a MK48 ADCAP torpedo.

4 enemy submarines are visible on the screen; a fast moving submarine close to the USS Augusta [SSN 710]. The USS Hyman G. Rickover has been ordered to assist the USS Augusta for the hunt for that submarine.
It seems that there is a complete Wolf Pack operating east of convoy #1; a 4th submarine has been discovered.

02:30:00 Zulu Time.


I just received a strange message that from now on I only am authorized to kill submarines only…..What the heck???? Is there a war going on or not?
From time to time 1 or more of the submerged contacts disappeared, but an earlier sub contact showed up again, I think it is the same submarine the USS Augusta was hunting for. The USS Hyman G. Rickover is in the neighbourhood as well, cruising south of the contact. Perhaps she is able to intercept the submarine. The enemy sub is still cruising at high speed [35kts] southwards.


03:00:00 Zulu Time

All 6 helicopters available for convoy #1 are in the air to track down the submarines. 4 Tomcats are cruising north of the convoy, supported by 1 E-2C Hawkeye. 1 Tomcat is escorting the AEW unit.
The CVBG is heading north, but still is 500+ nm away. The 2 other surface groups do not report incoming threats and are heading to the English Channel on schedule.
No losses for NATO reported so far. Registered Russian losses are 5 submarines and 7 Backfire bombers.

The Hawkeye Radar is detecting several airborne contacts north of convoy #1.
My personal opinion is that Russia is about carrying out an operation to attack convoy #1 with combined forces.
Escorts of convoy #1 are actively involved in the hunt for the enemy subs and heading towards the contacts.
Suddenly a torpedo was detected! Later the contact disappeared, but I now know that one of enemy submarine is within firing range
Meanwhile, the exact course and location of 2 enemy air contacts were available and soon 1 of the Tomcats destroyed both aircraft with AIM-54 Phoenix missiles.
The bombers have arrived!
10 other air contacts are now identified as Backfire bombers, underway in two groups to convoy#1.
I immediately ordered all Tomcats to intercept the bombers [first thing I did with game start was to re-arm the Tomcats with 4 and 6 AIM-54 Phoenix each].

In a 20 minute air-to-air confrontation, my fighters managed to destroy at least 20 Backfire bombers with AIM-Phoenix-Sparrow-Sidewinder missiles, and a helicopter took out a submarine with 2 torpedoes. She was later identified as the Volgograd.
Convoy #1 managed to survive the first attack and is still intact.
There are, however, 3 enemy submarines laying in ambush and convoy #1 still had to travel 1,300 nm to safe waters of the English Channel.


Russian Tu-22 Backfire Bomber [Photo: unknown author]

05:00:00 Zulu Time.

The situation hasn’t changed so far. All involved aircraft in the past event are returning to the USS Theodore Roosevelt. They have been replaced by 2 Tomcats.
2 E-2C Hawkeye’s are non-stop in the air for EAW-duties.
Meanwhile, the USS Augusta [SSN 710] reported that she lost contact with the submarine in her area.

Suddenly 1 of the submarines was detected at periscope depth and launched 10 P-120 Malakhit [SS-N-9 Siren]. The USS De Wert [FFG 45] managed to intercept all incoming missiles.
One of the nearby helicopters immediately launched to MK50 Barracuda torpedoes. Both torpedoes hit target and destroyed the submarine.
Minutes later, incoming missiles were reported by the USS Roosevelt [DDG 80].
As soon the missiles came within firing range, the USS Roosevelt launched her Standard Missiles. [SM2MR III]. The incoming missiles, later identified as SS-N-19 Shipwrecks, didn’t came through the barrier. None of the Shipwrecks reached convoy #1. The DDG 80 has used all onboard SMMR. I will use her for ASW-duties now. These Shipwrecks came from an undetected OSCAR-class submarine southeast of convoy #1. I must locate and destroy this submarine. She may have fired all her Shipwrecks, her magazines still contain the deadly torpedoes.
A new sub contact has been detected by the HMS Argyll [F 231], one of the escorts of convoy #2. I Immediately set up a search & destroy operation with 3 helicopters.

06:00:00 Zulu Time.

FFG 50 Taylor has located a enemy submarine, classified as Goblin-504, cruising west of convoy #1 at a distance of 15 nm. The submarine later was identified as the K-157 Vepr. 1 of the helicopters launched a MK50 Barracuda and destroyed the submarine.
I lost contact with the enemy submarine west of convoy #2.

07:00:00 Zulu Time.

At the moment there are no enemy units visible. But I know that 1 submarine is active near convoy #2. Another submarine is moving with high speed southward.
An last but not least, the OSCAR-class submarine who fired the Shipwrecks at
convoy #1.
Intelligence reports Tu-22 over the Norwegian Sea, so I expect another attack on one of the surface groups.
The Helicopters of convoy #2 managed to locate the submarine and destroyed her with torpedoes.

09:30:00 Zulu Time.

An Airborne contact close to 2 Sea Harriers from convoy #2. Immediately it was killed by AMRAAM missiles. Some minutes later, more contacts appeared on my screen. Tomcats are underway to investigate the contacts. Minutes later the contacts were gone.
Some time later, a Tomcat destroyed a Cub C.

11:20:00 Zulu Time.

A submarine has been detected southeast of convoy #1. 2 helicopters are underway to find and destroy the contact. Later I lost contact
New airborne contacts appeared on my screen. It seems that this time the Amphibious group is target of the coming attack. 4 AV-8 Harriers are in the air and I decided to launch 4 more. This time the Backfires were escorted by Su-27 Flankers!.
I managed to kill 1 Backfire and 1 Flanker, but I lost 3 USMC-Harriers.
6 Contacts are visible. 5 Harriers are in the air. The CVBG is too far away to assist with fighters.
Kh-22 Kitchen missiles were launched. The USS Philippine Sea [CG 58] turned on her radars and directly started launching her SM’s. 2 more Backfires were destroyed by the Harriers, but the third Backfire launched her missiles. 2 more Harriers were shot down by Russian Flankers. The Amphibious Group survived the attack.


AV-8B Harrier II [Photo: US Navy]

12:00:00 – 24:00:00 Zulu Time.

A new submerged contact [later identified as K-442 Cheljablinsk[OSCAR-II] was detected south of convoy #1. Three helicopters are on the spot and try to locate her. The submarine disappeared several times from my screen. Finally, after a long search [it took hours], helicopters managed to destroy the K-442 with torpedoes.
Meanwhile a large group Backfires approached convoy #2.
2 Sea Harriers were already airborne, but I launched 2 more and ordered 2 Tomcats to fly to the area for assistance. After some minutes the Tomcats could take out the first bombers with their AIM-54c Phoenix, soon the Sea Harriers followed with their AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles.
All Bombers [12] were shot down before they could launch their missiles.

At 17:30:00 4 air contacts were spotted, cruising northeast of convoy #2. Again, I ordered 2 Sea Harriers and 1 Tomcat to intercept incoming aircraft. 2 pair Su-27 Flanker fighters engaged my aircraft and managed to shoot down the Tomcat, 2 Flankers were destroyed, the other two disappeared from my screen.
The following hours nothing serious happened. From time to time some faint airborne contacts were spotted, but I couldn’t intercept the aircraft.

22:37:00… A new sub contact appeared on my screen. Cruising at a distance of 25nm east of convoy #2. As usual, I ordered 2 helicopters to investigate the new contact. Sometimes contact was lost.


The situation after 24 hours:

The escorts and aircraft have performed very well!
Not a single ship was hit by a weapon. Russia launched several air strikes on both convoys and Amphibious Group. Lot of the Russian submarines were detected before they could launch torpedoes. There were no attacks at the CVBG.

NATO losses so far:

Aircraft:
5 AV-8B Harrier II [USMC]
1 F-14 Tomcat

Russian losses so far:

Submarines:
4 Akula I
1 Akula II
3 Victor III [imp]
3 Charlie II
1 Oscar II

Aircraft:
44 Tu-22 Backfire C
1 Tu-16 Badger J
1 Tu-95 Bear J
1 An-12 Cub C
4 Su-27 Flanker D

Report of Day 2 will follow soon!

Taitennek.

TaitennekSPOILER ALERT



After Action Report


Scenario : Atlantic Convoys
Designer : Freek Schepers
Side : NATO
Reporter: : Taitennek

Introduction.

This scenario takes several days to cover. So, I have decided to report by day.


I am in command of two large convoys [30+8 and 16+7], an Amphibious Group [12], a CVBG [7], 5 nuclear attack submarines [including the brand new SSN 21 USS Seawolf], as well as more than 200 aircraft and helicopters [some of the units are in maintenance or need longer readiness times before they can come in action].
My orders are to transit the convoys and the Amphibious Group through the Atlantic to Portsmouth in the UK. The aircraft carrier must survive in a position to cover future convoys. No losses of LHA, LHD, LSD and LST are allowed.

For a comprehensive version of the orders, please click here .



DAY 2


November 27th, 2003.
00:00:00 -06:00:00 Zulu Time.

First a report of the current situation:

As I reported on Day 1 of this operation, NATO performed very well. None of the surface vessels were sunken and no units damaged. NATO losses were minimum; 6 aircraft. The losses on Russian side, however, were much heavier; 12 submarines and 51 aircraft.

Estimated distance to Portsmouth.
Amphibs 525nm,
convoy #1 1,250nm,
convoy #2 2,000nm.

The CVBG is cruising north in coastal waters of the Azores. The USS Norfolk [SSN 714] and USS Philadelphia cruising west of the entrance to the English Channel.

The USS Hyman G. Rickover [SSN 609] guards convoy #1, the USS Augusta [SSN 710] is underway to convoy #2, and the USS Seawolf [SSN 21] moves south to escort the CVBG. The convoys and Amphibious Group are behind schedule, but I will try to gain on the original schedule.

An unknown sub contact has been detected east of convoy #2; helicopters are in the air to intercept and destroy this submerged threat. Now it has gone again. It takes a lot of your nerves to be the captain of a ship within the convoy.
You see the helicopters taking off after a submerged contact has been detected. The enemy is there, perhaps even within firing range. It might be your ship or the floating super bomb [LNG-tanker] 3nm away from you.
Convoy #2 is now under attack! The just discovered enemy submarine is launching torpedoes. Soon more torpedoes cleaved the water, fired by the unallocated submarine. The helicopters finally managed to destroy the submarine, but, some of USET-80 and 65-76WH torpedoes hit their targets. 15 minutes later it is all over, the merchants turned back to their position in the convoy and move on. Leaving 4 burning sinking ships behind; 3 supertankers and 1 bulk carrier. Another supertanker has been damaged [55%].

The Hawkeye, now southeast of the CVBG picked up surface contacts south of the Iberian Peninsula. Two Tomcats, just took off the USS Theodore Roosevelt, have been ordered in that direction to investigate these contacts. However, if it is a Russian SAG, I have to wait 45 hours before I can launch aircraft to engage the surface contacts; almost all planes are in maintenance at the moment.
I will continue shadow these contacts and try to find out what is there.


It is 03:45:00 and torpedoes have been detected near convoy #1.
The FFG 49 USS Robert G. Bradley, a frigate of the Underwood class was hit first, and sunk almost immediately. Helicopters are searching for the submarine. Her attack came as a complete surprise. The enemy submarine fired 9 torpedoes and later even more. The structure of convoy #1 is a mess; merchants are fleeing away from the spot, away from the USET-80 and 65-76WH torpedoes.
13 Russian deadly fishes are underway to meet their partner for a last explosive waltz…….



Russian Sierra II - class submarine [Photo: unknown Author]

The Russian submarine’s attack was very successful! I personally doubt if it was just 1 submarine, it fired in a very short time more than 13 torpedoes, but 17 ships were destroyed. I could have missed some torpedoes in the heath of this monstrous attack. The Russian submarine is still launching torpedoes. Another merchant hit.
The helicopters can’t track this monster. Later she even disappeared from my screen. And, again, there she was, in the centre of convoy #1!!!
At 05:20:00 the attack was over. The USS Stump [DD 987] managed to take the submarine out with a torpedo. Now it is time to make up the balance.
The submarine was later identified as a Sierra-II class submarine.
She killed 17 merchants and 1 escort! Only 20 ships left, including 7 escorts.

1 thing is for sure. I cannot match Victory conditions anymore. Convoy #1 suffered a loss of 17 merchants and 1 escort. Only 10% of each convoy may be destroyed.
But I will go on and make best of it.



One of the victims, a bulkcarrier [Photo: unknown author]

06:00:00 – 12:00:00 Zulu Time.

Intelligence reports that Tu-22 have been spotted over Narvik [Norway].
I launched 4 Tomcats to let them cover the northeast flank. The Amphibious Group must reach its destination intact. I ordered SSN 21 and SSN 690 to set course to coastal waters of southeast Portugal.
SSN 710 is 260nm east of convoy #2. SSN 709 is patrolling southeast of convoy #1, SSN 714 is patrolling northwest of the entrance to the English Channel.

The CVBG is underway to her next turning point; 100nm south between convoy #1 and #2. The new position of the CVBG will make it possible to provide more frequent air support. But the Group is then also capable to intercept the SAG, now cruising south of Portugal in a northern direction.

Soon 4 air contacts appeared north of the Amphibious Group. Tomcats making best speed to intercept the aircraft, but for now, I only can rely on 2 AV-8B Harriers, each armed with 4 AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The rest of the Air Wing has been destroyed some hours ago in dogfights with Su-27 Flankers.
The USMC Harriers effectively took out the Backfire bombers with their missiles and now returning to their home base. Tomcats have arrived to take over CAP for the Amphibious Group.
Meanwhile A Russian RORSAT came over.

12:00:00 – 24:00:00 Zulu Time.

At 12:38:00 another submerged contact was detected north of the Amphibious Group. I immediately launched 3 helicopters to intercept the contact. For assistance I also ordered the USS Spruance to take part of the search. From time to time I lost contact with the submarine. The USS Norfolk [SSN 714] is cruising north of the AG.
The AG still has to travel 250nm before she will reach the English Channel.
Some hours later, the USS Philippine Sea reported a [new] submerged contact, west of the Amphibious Group, but soon it was gone. This happened a few times and no doubt about it that this game of mouse and cat will go on as long the Russians have submarines left to put in combat.
Finally, at 20:51:00, the Russian submarine was located and soon destroyed by torpedoes.


F-14 Tomcat [Photo: US Airforce]


The Russian SAG is moving north with high speed. I lost 2 Tomcats. They were destroyed by SAM after I closed in for identification. The 2 submarines are less than 200nm away from this Russian surface group.


Russian losses today:

Aircraft:
5 Tu-22 Backfire C
2 Su-27 Flanker D
2 Ka-27 Helix AEW

Submarines:
1 Victor III [imp]
1 Sierra II

NATO losses today:

Aircraft:
2 F-14 Tomcat

Surface vessels:
22 Merchants
1 Escort [FFG 49]





Coverage of Day 3 follows soon!:smoke:

Taitennek SPOILER ALERT

After Action Report

Scenario : Atlantic Convoys
Designer : Freek Schepers
Side : NATO
Reporter: : Taitennek

Introduction.

This scenario takes several days to cover. So, I have decided to report by day.


I am in command of two large convoys [30+8 and 16+7], an Amphibious Group [12], a CVBG [7], 5 nuclear attack submarines [including the brand new SSN 21 USS Seawolf], as well as more than 200 aircraft and helicopters [some of the units are in maintenance or need longer readiness times before they can come in action].
My orders are to transit the convoys and the Amphibious Group through the Atlantic to Portsmouth in the UK. The aircraft carrier must survive in a position to cover future convoys. No losses of LHA, LHD, LSD and LST are allowed.


For a comprehensive version of the orders, please click here .


DAY 3

First a report of the current situation:

Day 2 turned into a disaster for NATO! Convoy #1 lost 18 merchants and 1 escort after being attacked by a single Russian Sierra II-class submarine. There were 2 Russian air strikes, but without success, Especially the British Sea Harriers performed very well; armed with the AMRAAM, this aircraft fits well in CAP/Defence situation for a convoy.
The Russian SAG is moving northwards at high speed. Her last known position is west of Portugal. The SSN 21 and SSN 690 have arrived in that area after a 500nm journey at top speed. This SAG is still far away from the convoys, but it is important to neutralize it as a threat to NATO convoy #1 and #2.
The SSN 710 is patrolling east of convoy #2, the SSN 709 east of convoy #1 and the SSN 714 has entered the English Channel. All three groups are behind schedule. Convoy #2 suffered 4 losses, convoy #1, 18. The Amphibious group is 120nm away from the entrance to the English Channel. A spotted submarine has been successfully intercepted by Seahawks of the AG..
The CVBG is cruising southwest of convoy #1. The CVBG must cover the south flank and engage the enemy SAG in case she breaks out to continental waters of Western Europe.
Readiness times for 22 aircraft is 21:30 hours [the aircraft I need to attack surface targets].


Game on!!!



SSN 21 USS Seawolf [Photo: US Navy]

November 28th, 2003.
00:00:00 -06:00:00 Zulu Time.

There are only few enemy air contacts on my screen. But I am sure that it is the silence for the next Red storm.
I was able to identify 2 ships of the Russian SAG. The aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, and the Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov-class battle cruiser. I bet that the other ships are Udaloy and Sovremenny destroyers. If so, I have to deal with seriously dangerous opponents.

At 02:45:00 Harriers of the HMS Illustrious successfully intercepted an aircraft [later identified as a Tu-95 Bear J] north of convoy #2.
Meantime, the Seawolf and Philadelphia are closing in. Both subs are able to fire missiles already, but I have decided to close in at torpedo launch range. The E-2C Hawkeye and the F-14 Tomcats in the air can track down and take out Russian helicopters.

04:05:00 Zulu Time.

Suddenly the sky was filled with incoming missiles. The CVBG is under attack. Seconds later a surfaced submarine was detected by one of the Hawkeye’s. This submarine, probably an OSCAR, just launched a full salvo [24 SS-N-19 Shipwrecks].
The USS Ramage [DDG 61] managed to intercept great deal of the incoming missiles and the USS Vella Gulf [CG 72] took care of the ones who slipped through the barrier of the USS Ramage. There were no hits and the CVBG is still intact. The USS Ramage is out of SAM’s now.
I will take care of the submarine, but have no assets available at the moment. A SH-60 Ocean Hawk is returning to her base to refuel and then will go after her.

Meanwhile, the SSN 690 has now taking in position, 19nm north of the Russian SAG.
Ready to launch the RGM-84D Harpoon IC missiles, back to safety depths, reload with ADCAPS and ready for the final approach to the Russian SAG. The SSN Seawolf will attack with Tomahawk missiles first, than Harpoon, and finally attack with ADCAPS as well.
The Russian SAG survived the Missile attack. None of the missiles hit target.

05:00:00 Zulu Time.

There is no Russian SAG anymore…..The SSN 690 Philadelphia destroyed all surface contacts with torpedoes in a surprise attack. The enemy helicopters took off after the first torpedo was launched, but were destroyed by F-14 Tomcats [since the discovery of this SAG, 2 F-14’s were there to intercept enemy aircraft/helicopters as soon they take off].
None of the surface vessels did survive this deadly attack; The BCGN was hit by 3 torpedoes, the Kuznetsov 2. Other ships of this group each took 1 MK48-ADCAP torpedo.
Enemy torpedoes, launched by Ka-27 Helix helicopters, are in the water, but the Philadelphia survived these attacks. Leaving the burning and sinking Admiral Kuznetsov and her escorts behind, the submarines travelled north again. Mission successfully accomplished. The Kuznetsov sank after 2 hours.

Meanwhile, a helicopter of the CVBG, detected and destroyed the Russian submarine, the one that attacked the CVBG with Shipwrecks. The submarine, an OSCAR II SSGN, did not had a chance. She was effectively taken out by the Ocean Hawk’s torpedoes.


Russian Ka-27 Helix ASW helicopter [Photo: unknown author]

06:00:00 Zulu Time.

There are no Russian contacts on my screen.

Let’s jump to 11:11:00 Zulu Time.

As expected, a submarine showed up in the English Channel. Immediately 3 helicopters are on their way to engage the submarine. The enemy submarine is cruising 14nm northeast of the Amphibious Group in shallow waters [-80m].
Soon torpedoes were underway and hit the submerged contact [later identified as a Kilo-class submarine].
At 11.45.00 Zulu Time a RORSAT came over again.
Now a jump to the evening of day #3.

19:15:00 Zulu Time.

The USS Seawolf has picked up a new submerged contact, now identified as GOBELIN-1045. Soon a second contact appeared, not far away from the first one, 350nm east of convoy #1. Minutes later, both contacts disappeared from my screen. Meanwhile, some air contacts were detected far north. 2 Tomcats are underway to intercept these aircraft. Suddenly, one of the submerged contacts showed up again, this time within firing range of the SSN 21. Immediately a torpedo was launched. The enemy submarine fired a torpedo as well. The enemy submarine [Akula II] survived the first torpedo. A second torpedo, however, hit the submarine. The Seawolf is now searching for the other submarine.

Day 3 is coming to an end.

The Amphibious Group has reached waters of Portsmouth intact. 5 AV-8B Harriers, however, were destroyed on the first day. The USS Norfolk [SSN 714] is patrolling at the entrance of the English Channel.

Convoy #2 must still travel 780nm. Convoy #2 1,500nm. The CVBG is intact as well. But escorts are running out of fuel.

Summary of this day’s losses:

Russia:

Surface vessels:
1 aircraft carrier [Admiral Kuznetsov]
1 BCGN [Admiral Nakhimof]
2 DDG Udaloy II
1 Sovremennyy I

Submarines:
1 Akula II
1 Oscar II
1 Kilo

Aircraft:
5 Ka-27 Helix A
24 Su-27 Flanker D [onboard the Admiral Kuznetsov]
1 An-12 Cub C
1 Tu-95 Bear J
6 IL-78M Midas

NATO: No losses.

Coverage of Day #4 will follow soon!

Taitennek.

Taitennek SPOILER ALERT

After Action Report

Scenario : Atlantic Convoys
Designer : Freek Schepers
Side : NATO
Reporter: : Taitennek

Introduction.

This scenario takes several days to cover. So, I have decided to report by day.

I am in command of two large convoys [30+8 and 16+7], an Amphibious Group [12], a CVBG [7], 5 nuclear attack submarines [including the brand new SSN 21 USS Seawolf], as well as more than 200 aircraft and helicopters [some of the units are in maintenance or need longer readiness times before they can come in action].
My orders are to transit the convoys and the Amphibious Group through the Atlantic to Portsmouth in the UK. The aircraft carrier must survive in a position to cover future convoys. No losses of LHA, LHD, LSD and LST are allowed.

For a comprehensive version of the orders, please click here .


DAY 4



Losses on both sides are high so far. I doubt if Russia is able to stop the convoys anymore. NATO was able to destroy 17 submarines, a complete SAG [5 ships], and about 100 aircraft [49 Backfire bombers], but suffered heavy losses to their convoys as well.
21 merchants and 1 escort. 1 Merchant is damaged. The losses to aircraft are minimal so far; 7 aircraft.
All submarines are still in action. The USS Philadelphia [SSN 690] is running out of torpedoes after her successful attack on the Russian SAG. She has 3 torpedoes left in her tubes.

Convoy #1: 750nm to Portsmouth, UK.
Convoy #2: 1,500nm to Portsmouth, UK.
Amphibious Group: 39nm to Portsmouth, UK.
CVBG: 525nm east of Spain.

The USS Seawolf [SSN 21] is searching for the second enemy submarine in her patrol area. The USS Norfolk [SSN 714] is patrolling in shallow waters of the English Channel, north of Brest [not on map]. The USS Hyman G. Rickover [SSN 709] is patrolling 90nm east of convoy #1, the USS Augusta [SSN 710] 160nm east of convoy #2.

2 E-2 Hawkeye are patrolling north of the convoys, as well as 4 F-14 Tomcat fighters. The airborne helicopters are searching for enemy submerged contacts [Formation Editor].

Game on!!!


American S-2 Viking ASW aircraft


November 29th, 2003
00:00:01 - Zulu Time.

The day started with a pass-by of a Russian RORSat. There are no other contacts visible at the moment.
More aircraft are available on the USS Theodore Roosevelt [CVN 71],
The CVBG is now more or less fully operational [51 of 75 aircraft are now ready for combat air patrols]. There is, however, no Russian SAG left to attack. Immediately I ordered 2 S-3B Viking ASW-aircraft in the air to assist the Seawolf with her search for the enemy submerged contact.

Soon, 2 Tomcats picked up 2 airborne contacts far north. I ordered the aircraft to investigate and destroy the aircraft.
Meanwhile, the USS Seawolf detected a faint submerged contact. I bet it is the same submarine which was detected first on Day #3. It is now identified as GOBELIN-1078. There are, btw, still Russian helicopters operating in the are where the Russian SAG has been destroyed. 2 Tomcats are underway to destroy the remaining of the SAG. It could mean that a second Russian surface group is approaching from the south. I launched 4 more aircraft, all F/A-18 Hornet, armed with Harpoon and HARM to cover the south flank. I also launched 1 EA-6B Prowler, equipped for EAW/ECM duties.

Contact with GOBELIN-1078 has been lost. I have to wait until the Vikings arrive in the area with their MK50 Barracuda torpedoes and excellent ASW-capabilities.

03:00:00 Zulu Time.

One of the Hawkeye’s picked up 2 surface contacts west of Portugal. Another SAG?
I launched 4 F/A-18 Hornets, armed with HARM and Harpoon. Later I launched a second group Hornets. 2 Viking ASW aircraft have arrived at the scene where the submerged contact first was discovered by the USS Seawolf. At 07:30:00 I lost contact.

Meanwhile the Hornets started with the attack. First I fired HARM missiles. Both surface vessels took some hits, but the Harpoons didn’t came through the defence.
The second group, however, managed to destroy one of the ships.

06:15:00 Zulu Time.

The USS Seawolf has detected the submerged contact again. Immediately I ordered the 2 Viking to kill the submarine. Sonar buoys are in the water. Later, the submarine disappeared again.

10:25:00 Zulu Time.

The 2 Vikings have returned to the aircraft carrier and have been replaced by a single Viking. The submarine showed up again and the hunt was on again.

A third group has successfully attacked the remaining surface vessel [later identified as the FFG Neustrashimyy].


Russian FFG 712 "Neustrashimyy" [Photo: US Navy]



Later I received orders for the CVBG….. The group must travel to ref. point. “2ndC12”. A journey of 860nm.



18:00:00 – 24:00:00 Zulu Time.

A second submerged has been detected by the USS Augusta [SSN 710]. The SSN 710 is patrolling east of convoy #2. I immediately ordered 2 helicopters to assist the USS Augusta. The other submarine, east of convoy #1 still hasn’t been destroyed. Several times, I loose contact. The second submarine is by the way a much higher threat as the other sub; this new contact has been detected much closer to convoy #2.
The clock is ticking the minutes away. Day 4 is history now. Day 5 is the reality. 1 of the 2 enemy submarines is visible on my screen [convoy #1]. The other has disappeared again. But she is still there…………… Read about it all in Day #5 coverage.

Today’s losses:

Russia:

1 Frigate

NATO:

No losses.

Coverage of day #5 follows soon!!!

Taitennek.:smoke:

Taitennek SPOILER ALERT

After Action Report

Scenario : Atlantic Convoys
Designer : Freek Schepers
Side : NATO
Reporter: : Taitennek

Introduction.

This scenario takes several days to cover. So, I have decided to report by day.

I am in command of two large convoys [30+8 and 16+7], an Amphibious Group [12], a CVBG [7], 5 nuclear attack submarines [including the brand new SSN 21 USS Seawolf], as well as more than 200 aircraft and helicopters [some of the units are in maintenance or need longer readiness times before they can come in action].
My orders are to transit the convoys and the Amphibious Group through the Atlantic to Portsmouth in the UK. The aircraft carrier must survive in a position to cover future convoys. No losses of LHA, LHD, LSD and LST are allowed.

For a comprehensive version of the orders, please click here .

DAY 5

November 30th, 2003.
00:00:01 Zulu Time.

Convoy #1: 425nm from Portsmouth
Convoy #2: 1,100nm from Portsmouth
The CVBG is moving westward to ref. point “2ndc12”

2 enemy submarines are to be known active close to convoy #1 and #2. Several aircraft, helicopters and submarines are desperately searching for them, but so far without results.
Some minutes after midnight, 8 airborne contacts were detected. Fighters are in the air, but exact position of the detected aircraft is unknown at the moment.

At 00:50:00 Zulu Time, I finally was able to locate the enemy submarine close to convoy #1. A torpedo, fired by one of the helicopters, hit the target and destroyed it.

01:00:00 Zulu Time.

Missiles are in the air, underway to convoy #1.
1 missile came through the defence and heavily damaged a containership. More kh-22 Kitchen ASM were underway, but successfully intercepted by the escorts SAM’s.
I also managed to shoot down some more Backfire bombers.

The SSN 710 USS Augusta has been destroyed by a Stallion [Vsplesk] ASW-missile, launched by the undetected enemy submarine!
Convoy #2 now has to rely on her helicopters. And, believe it, or not, the same happened with the SSN 709. Just within an half hour, NATO suffered the loss of 2 high-valuable units. Most concerning is the fact that the Russian submarines still are in close range of both convoys. This convoy-trip to Europe is turning into a disaster for NATO.


CVN 71 USS Theodore Roosevelt [Photo: Us Navy]

06:00:00 Zulu Time.

Both convoys are behind schedule.

Convoy #1 is decimated by Russian attacks, but estimated arrival is now scheduled for 17:00:00 today. I expect another loss since a containership is badly damaged [76%], on fire and has problems with the rudder, but still can hold line at 18kts.

One specific order disturbs me; The order to pull back the CVBG far west of both convoys for future actions…..Both Convoy #1 and The Amphibious Group escorts will soon face shortage of SAM’s and only have few aircraft [USMC AV-8B Harrier, AIM-9 Sidewinders only [!!!]. They need the air cover provided by the CVBG. CVBG-escorts are running out of fuel. [Underway replenishment of ammunition is possible, but underway refuelling capacities are not included in version 3.6.3.]. A bad decision!!!
Convoy #1 and the Amphibious Group depend on air support from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. I would rather escort the Convoys, replenish in Portsmouth and move the CVBG to the Northern Atlantic. Fighters of the CVBG already have to bridge 600+ nm to the English Channel. So, I have to ready the 3 Vikings for Tanker duties, this, while I need them so much for ASW-duties [especially for convoy #1; only 6 helicopters for ASW operations available].

Convoy #2 has proven that it can defend herself. The Sea Harriers were very successful so far, in my opinion better equipped with the AMRAAM air-to-air missiles than the USMC AV-8B.
Convoy #2, however, still has to travel some 48 hours. She suffered only “minimal” losses so far [4 merchants], 1 supertanker [168,000 ton] is damaged [55%] and on fire, but still on course within convoy #2.

Both Amphibious Group and CVBG are still intact, the air losses not counted.

Only concern is that All three remained operational submarines [SSN 21, SSN 690, and SSN 714] only have few torpedoes left, but they have performed well so far.

06:05:00 Zulu Time.


FFG 45 USS De Wert suddenly picked up contact of a surfaced submarine. This time, however, I have exact location of this submarine. 3 helicopters and 1 S-2B Viking are underway. The nearest ship, the FFG 45, is 21nm away from the enemy submarine’s location. Soon, a torpedo killed the submarine. Convoy #1 is now cruising at 145nm from the entrance of the English Channel.

The submarine is now known as the K-418 Bars, An Akula-class submarine, identified by an OceanHawk.The helicopter launched all torpedoes [3]. Soon 1 of the torpedoes hit and destroyed target.



Russian Victor III class submarine [Photo: Russian Navy]

14:00:00 Zulu Time.

Convoy #1 has entered the English Channel. The SSN 21 and SSN 714 are patrolling just outside the English Channel, just in case if a Russian sub shows up.

There were no enemy contacts during the rest of the day, except passing RORSat.

Convoy #1 has reached the harbour of Portsmouth. She suffered great losses. Convoy #1 leaved the US coastal waters with 30 merchants and 8 escorts [CG, DD, DDG, FFG] and 6 helicopters.
At arrival in the coastal waters of Portsmouth, there were 20 ships left [including 7 escorts]. 10 merchants and 1 escort have been destroyed during the transit.

Convoy #2 is still heading to the safety waters of Portsmouth. Still 550nm to go, a 30 hour journey.
The CVBG is moving west to ref. point “2ndc12”

NATO losses:
1 San Juan [SSN 710]
1 Providence [SSN 709]

Russian losses:
1 Akula I
1 Akula II
1 Bear J
4 Backfire C

Coverage of Day 6 is coming soon!:smoke:

Taitennek.

AAR: Guardian [Spoiler Alert]
Remake from original HC game (Delwin Hinkle) by Herman Hum
Harpoon 3.7.3

Situation is I'm protecting the GIUK Gap Airspace, with Denmark and Iceland bases containing Soviet planes.

My orders were to defend two airbases against two Russian ones, and to mount some OCA missions.

I launched 16 F3s from Stornoway and and E3, 4 F22s and 4 F4s from Rhein Main.
Soon I started detecting MiG 29s over Denmark. a pair of F22s moved North and swiftly killed 6. My semi-circle of F3s was now patrolling 250nm around Stronoway and detected some air activity over Reykjavik. They also detected a lone merchant and a bit later 2 ships steaming at 32 knots with two helo's in attendance who kept EMCOM and thus coulc not be classified. I launched my four tornado's armed with ARM; the only planes with effective standoff weapons. Plan was to force the unknowns to switch radar on by flying F3s over them once the Tornado/ARMs were in range.

Meanwhile a skirmish over the North Sea proved that F3s are not superior to Mig29s; I lost a pair and killed a pair. I decided to redirect to F3s to RheinMain and release some F4s with AMRAAM to patrol the North Sea. Plan was to have the AMRAAM aremed planes fight it out with the Mig29s and keep the F3s for the inevitable air strikes.

However the Tornado/ARMs suddenly ran into a group of shipwrecks on their way to Stornoway. I switched to weapons free but the Tornado's did not fire sidewinders at the shipwrecks. I intercepted the missiles with F3s and launched my last 4 F3s; but the AI did not autofire on the shipwrecks and my manually fired only downed a few shipwrecks before these moved out of the engangement envelop.

At the same time my second pair of F22s downed 6 Fencers coming from Denmark to Stornoway, though the Fencers heat seaking missiles claimed both of my Raptors!

Over 16 ground targets were destroyed by the shipwrecks - game over.

This scen obviously depends on killing the Shipwrecks in flight; the player does not have the time or ordnance to kill the Russian ships before they fire. I found it nearly impossible to micromanage my planes to intercept the Shipwrecks. Maybe the intercept logic of 3.7.3. is tougher than 3.6 -- but I am not the best micromanager also!
I'm sure its possible to shoot down enough Shipwrecks not to lose the game -- play this game if you like that sort of thing.

Freek