@GAttack Techniques@H

@GMissiles@H
AIM-9M Sidewinder
AIM-120A AMRAAM

 @GMissile Ranges:@H The maximum range of a missile depends not only on its motor,
but your plane's speed at launch and the direction of enemy movement. The
initial "lock-on" range corresponds to missile maximum range if you're at
maximum speed. However, if you're moving slower the missile may not get that
extra boost needed to reach the target.
 A much more important consideration is the enemy's flight path. If the target
plane is flying toward you, even a maximum range launch is likely to reach him.
However, if the target plane is flying away the missie has a long "stern chase"
ahead of it. In such a situation you should wait until the oval turns red
before launching.
 @GRadar Guided Missiles:@H Your AIM-120 AMRAAM missile is one of the best medium-
range weapons in the world. It is the only "fire and forget" radar-guided
missile in American inventory. It has sufficient circuitry to penetrate most
defenses, and sufficient maneuverability to chase down most fighters, not to
mention nailing bombers and transports. Because the AIM-120 has greater range
than the Sidewinder (32 km compared to 17 km), pilots typically open fire with
the AIM-120, then switch to Sidewinders if any enemy aircraft survive to that
range.
 @GIR Guided Missiles:@H The short-range AIM-9M Sidewinder is probably the best
dogfighting missile in the world. It is more maneuverable than the AMRAAM,
giving it a better chance of "hanging on" to a twisting, turning target. The
most advantageous firing position for the Sidewinder is up the enemy's
tailpipes. The next best position is from above, diving down onto the top (hot
side) of the enemy plane. The third best position is directly into the enemy's
nose. Shots against the enemy as it crosses in front of you, or at its
underside (the cold side) have very little chance of hitting.
 The main weakness of the Sidewinder is its limited range.
 @GTechnique:@H When firing a missile, always remember to (1) open the bay doors,
and (2) wait for the lock-on. If you don't wait for the target box to become
oval-shaped, you're firing without a lock-on, and will almost certainly miss.
Then look at your airspeed. If you're moving fast (around 500 kts) or the
target is closing, a maximum range lock-on shot will probably hit. However, if
your speed is low or the target flying away you should wait until the range
closes, ideally until the oval turns red.
 Missile accuracy doesn't take into account enemy defensive equipment or
evasive maneuvering. First line and elite fighter aircraft may prove more
difficult to hit. Although the "Mainstay" AEW&C craft maneuvers poorly, it has
superior defensive equipment. You may find that guns are necessary against
Mainstays flown by a capable crew.
 @GFiring Attitude:@H Also remember that AAMs, like other missiles, will fall 300'
to 400' before their motor is powerful enough to guide them away to the target.
Until then the missile has your speed and VVI. If you're diving at the ground,
the missile may slam into the ground before it can fly away. Firing in a tight
turn, or while inverted, can cause the missile to tumble as it leaves the
weapons bay. The wisest method is to fire only when you're level and above
500'.
 @GTarget Discrimination:@H Sidewinders and AMRAAMs always home on the most
prominent target, which is usually the nearest. They will do so even if you
were tracking someone else. In Cold War and Limited War, beware of this limited
"brainpower" in your missiles. You may be tracking a primary or secondary
target, fire a missile, and then discover it goes for one of the fighter
escorts that happens to be closer!
 @GNotes:@H Your F-19 uses a tracking camera instead of weapon guidance radars.
This system "downloads" appropriate launch parameters to the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Although the AIM-120 itself uses radar, the set switches on when the missile
is launched. As a result, missile targeting does not increase your EMV. Of
course, opening the bay doors to fire does increase your EMV. A skillful
stealth pilot only opens the bay doors just before a launch, or during a
dogfight.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GGuns@H
 Jet aircraft travel so quickly that conventional machine guns and cannons
cannot fire fast enough to guarantee a hit: a plane could literally fly
between the shells. Therefore, modern aircraft cannon are either a group of
guns (such as the twin 23mm cannons in many Russian MiGs) or a multi-barrel
gatling gun (such as the six-barrel 20mm M61A1 on most American jets). Cannons
are used because they fire explosive shells (machine guns fire less destructive
solid lead slugs). Small 20mm to 30mm cannons are used because large weapons
cannot fire fast enough.
 Aircraft cannons have an effective range of 0.5 to 3 kilometers, a maximum
range of 6 kilometers. Inside 0.5 kilometers there is a significant danger that
a piece from a disintegrating target might hit you.
 @GThe Historical Gunsight:@H Your F-19 has the most modern and advanced gunsight
available: a "historical" gunsight with automatic laser rangefinder. In normal
operation this gunsight "assumes" you are firing at maximum range (6
kilometers). However, if your tracking box is on a closer target, that shorter
range is used instead for gunsight calculations.
 The gunsight computer constantly calculates range, flight path, and ballistics
for you. It then displays where your shells @4would be@5 if they were hitting the
target now. The gunsight continually calculates firing, delays the appropriate
time and display potential hits as they would occur. Therefore, the sight is
"assuming" that you fired at the correct time in the past (hence the term
"historical" gunsight).
 @GAnticipation Firing:@H It takes about two seconds for M61A1 20mm shells to
travel the maximum 6 kilometer range. Therefore, to hit a target you must judge
the speed at which the target and your sight converge. You should fire about
two seconds before they meet. If the range is less than 6 km, wait a little
less. For example, at 3 km wait until target and sight are one second apart; at
1.5 km wait until target and sight are a half second apart, etc.
 You can use this sight like an old fashioned predicting sight. That is, wait
until the sight is on the target, then shoot. But at 6 km range you'll have to
hope the target stays on the same course for two seconds to insure a hit.
Airplane targets aren't always so obliging!
 In short, the key to using a historical gunsight is anticipation. Don't wait
for the sight to reach the target. Instead, learn to @4anticipate@5 the meeting of
sight and target, then shoot ahead of time.
 @GPerformance Limitations:@H Although the maximum range of your M61A1 20mm Vulcan
cannon is 6 kilometers, this is not the recommended engagement range. At ranges
beyond 3 kilometers accuracy falls off considerably. Also beware of firing at
ranges less than 0.5 kilometers. If the enemy is any closer, you could be hit
by pieces of wreckage.
 Your 20mm cannon has a large ammunition supply, bu the huge rate of fire means
it goes quickly. Fire short bursts instead of long ones, especially against
aircraft. "Hosing down" a target is extremely wasteful. If the shot is that
difficult to achieve, you're crazy to waste ammo on it. In air combat cannon
shots are usually very good or very bad, with very few intermediate cases.
 @GNotes:@H The historical gunsight requires conscious "retraining" to use well,
since it doesn't require you to "place the sight on the target". However, this
weakness is more than compensated for by the advantages of anticipation firing.
The sight allows you to fire sooner, and more accurately, than any other sight
in existence. The historial gunsight is the device of choice among "in the
know" fighter jocks.
 The gunsight on this model uses a laser rangefinder slaved to the tracking
camera, rather than the traditional ranging radar. This means you can use your
gun without increasing your EMV.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAir-to-Air Duels@H
@GThe Ambush@H

 The best way to start air-to-air combat is to surprise your opponent. Enemy
aircraft have only forward-facing radars (except the Il-76 "Mainstay" AEW&C
craft). The best way to ambush an enemy plane is to slide up behind him.
 Traditionally fighter pilots prefer to attack from above. This gives them an
energy advantage in any dogfight. However, missile tactics and the importance
of secrecy make a height advantage less valuable for a stealth pilot. Gaining
height makes you visible to enemy radar, which in turn will certainly warn your
targets. Therefore, approaching low and from behind is often wiser. Only if
your missile attacks fail and the enemy discovers you should you begin to seek
an altitude advantage.
 If you're surprised or "bounced" (attacked from above) by the enemy,
immediately look for incoming missiles and take appropriate defensive action.
Missiles arrive faster than aircraft, and therefore must be avoided first. Only
then can you begin dogfighting or attempt to escape.
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GThe Missile Exchange@H
 Often an air-to-air battle starts because the enemy has discovered you, and
vectors fighters in your direction. The result, quite frequently, is a head-to-
head face-off, you against him.
 In this western-style showdown each side starts with an exchange of long- to
medium-ranged radar missiles. Be prepared to decoy, jam, and possibly chaff
the "incoming". Once your radar missile is away, switch to an AIM-9M
Sidewinder. You may get a second close-range missile shot if the AMRAAM fails.
Scoring with a head-to-head cannon shot is much more difficult, and not worth
the ammo unless either (a) you're out of missiles, or (b) you're an incredibly
good marksman.
 Naturally, if you can get off a second missile shot, so can the enemy if he
carries second-generation IR missiles (the AA-8 or AA-10 IR version). These
nasties show up frequently on MiG-29s and Su-27s, but aren't unknown on other
craft flown by Veteran or Elite pilots.
 @GThe Early Turn:@H One of the most difficult, but most useful tactics in a head-
to-head match is making an early turn. This is a maneuver where you make a
tight 180 degrees turn so that you come out of the turn already closing on the
incoming MiG's tail. Against inexperienced pilots this trick is easy, since
greenhorns usually keep boring in, hoping for a cannon shot, and only thinking
about a turn after they've passed you. Against vets and better an early turn
requires fine timing. If you turn more than a second or two ahead of the enemy
you're just telegraphing your intentions. If you wait too long, you get no
advantage at all.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GEnemy Missiles@H
 @GRadar-Homing AAMs:@H The Russian AA-10 Alamo is a "fire and forget" missile
just like your AIM-120 AMRAAM. All other Russian radar-guided weapons are semi-
active homers. Here the launching aircarft must continue to "paint" you with
its radar - the missile homes on the "paint".
 You avoid radar-homing AAMs just like SAMs (see Air-Ground Tactics, Defensive
Tactics Against SAMs, earlier). That is, use reduced EMV, ECM jamming and
ultimately chaff. Decoys can be very effective. Note that the MiG-25 and MiG-31
carry extremely long-ranged radar AAMs. Low EMV, ECM and decoy tactics are
especially effective against these weapons.
 Consider yourself fortunate that none of the Iranian F-14s have operational
Phoenix missiles. These long-range killers are especially difficult to evade.
 @GInfrared (IR) Homing AAMs:@H All IR homing AAMs are "fire and forget" weapons.
Of these the AA-8 is the most dangerous because of its second generation IR
seeker and great maneuverability. If enemy MiGs and Sukhois close to AA-8
range (8 kilometers) you're often in trouble.
 Techniques to evade IR AAMs are the same as those used against IR SAMs (see
Air-Ground Tactics, Defensive Tactics Against SAMs, earlier). That is, use the
IR jammer at long range, flares at short range. The decoy also works.
 In practice, many IR homers are fired at short ranges during a dogfight. This
means that you've got to leap onto the IR jammer when you get a launch warning,
then dodge out of the missile's 45 degree field of view immediately. At
dogfighting ranges missile flight times are very short - you don't have time to
fool around! If this fails, or you delay too long, the missile approach klaxon
will go off. Now you've got bare seconds to react: dump a flare immediately and
dodge, or you're history.
 One nice thing about IR AAMs is that the older AA-2, AA-6 and AA-7 designs all
use first generation seekers. The enemy must get on your tail before these
missiles lock on. Keep him off your tail and you avoid this entire class of
weaponry. Of course, doing that requires dogfighting skills.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GDogfighting@H
 The essential rule in dogfighting is to get on the enemy's tail. On all
fighter aircraft, guns and missile guidance systems only face forward. If
you're on the enemy's tail, you can shoot and he cannot. If you can't get on
his tail, at least try to place his aircraft ahead of you as much as possible,
so you have the maximum number of firing opportunities.
 Maintaining higher speed or altitude is valuable in a dogfight. A plane
slower and lower can only dodge attacks. A plane faster or higher can attack or
retreat as desired. Having a higher speed or altitude is termed the "energy
advantage".
 If the enemy is behind you, there are various classic escape maneuvers:
Turning Inside, the Scissors, the Immelmann, the Split-S, and the Yo-Yo. Not
only should you learn them, but also learn to recognize these maneuvers so you
can apply the appropriate counter-maneuver.
 @GTurning Inside:@H The simplest solution to an enemy plane coming up behind you
is - turn toward him (i.e., turn in the direction of the enemy aircraft). If
you're turning faster than he, you'll gradually circle around and get onto his
tail. This kind of a "turn match" is frequently seen when greenhorns dogfight.
 Of course, if the enemy is turning faster than you, he will eventually come
around behind you. If this happens try something else immediately. The longer
you wait the worse it gets, until he lines up a shot and toasts you.
 @GScissors:@H A more complex way to out-turn an enemy aircraft is the scissors
maneuver. Begin a turn toward him, but once he begins to turn with you,
quickly roll over to turn in the other direction. This opens the scissors. As
the enemy realizes you've turned away and turns toward you again, you reverse
the procedure and roll back toward him again. If your turns were quicker and
tighter than his, and/or you're a slower plane, he will eventually pass in
front of you. This allows you to get onto his tail.
 Novice pilots trying to turn with you can be lured into a scissors with ease.
Even if their planes turn better, their slow reactions to each scissor opening
and closing will quickly give you the edge. More experienced enemies may avoid
this tactic by anticipating your next turn and blasting you (if they're less
maneuverable), or by pulling up and over in a yo-yo (if they're faster).
 @GImmelmann Turn:@H This maneuver is an excellent way to reverse direction
quickly. First you perform a half loop to reverse direction, then a half roll
to right your aircraft. If an enemy aircraft is behind you, an Immelmann can
bring you nose-to-nose with him.
 The original Immelmann, a German WWI fighter pilot, reputedly rolled while
vertical, allowing him to finish the loop in whatever direction he desired. He
still finished the half-loop inverted - it's aerodynamically more efficient
that way.
 Note that an Immelmann gives you an altitude gain but costs speed, since a
half-loop upward slows you down significantly.
 @GSplit-S Turn:@H This maneuver complements the Immelmann. Begin by rolling
inverted, then pull the stick back to half-loop downward. Many pilots begin
the loop before the roll is completed, rolling the plane while looping. The
split-S causes you to lose considerable altitude, so it's often wise to reduce
throttle and/or use speed brakes to minimize altitude loss.
 The Split-S complements the Immelmann because you gain speed and lose
altitude. Unwary fighter pilots have sometimes tried to Split-S into or away
from the enemy without remembering their altitude. The result can be a Split-S
right into the ground!
 @GYo-Yo Turn:@H This maneuver is used mainly by higher speed jets against slower
opponents. Therefore the relatively slow F-19 has little occasion to use it
dogfighting. However, you may see enemy MiGs attempting it against you! This
turn also requires excellent cockpit visibility, something that both the F-19
and early MiGs lack.
 In a Yo-Yo turn you climb and roll toward the enemy - until he's visible out
the top of your canopy. Then pull over into a dive while still turning. During
the dive you roll the plane to help line up your shot. Very often you'll take
that shot while inverted. Don't let it bother you.
 Because a Yo-Yo requires good spacial perception, first practice it using the
Slot View (if alone) or Tacti View (if you've got a target). In combat
conditions switching to a wide angle view is extremely helpful in pulling the
HUD around onto the enemy after you come over the top. Then you can switch back
to normal view again.
 In effect a Yo-Yo plane makes a very big turn in three dimensions. Most of the
turn radius is "consumed" with the climbing and diving, allowing a faster plane
to travel further and turn wider, yet still come out on the tail of the more
maneuverable plane. American F-4 Phantom pilots used the maneuver with great
success against slower but more maneuverable MiG-21's over North Vietnam during
the Vietnam war.
 Note that the best defense against a Yo-Yo is to reverse your turn, or to use
the third dimension yourself, usually by going into a split-S).

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GEnemy Guns@H
 The enemy has cannons equivalent to yours in range and power. However, the
enemy still uses old predicting gunsights. This means they are virtually
required to get behind you before they can make a decent shot. In addition, all
but the most elite pilots will be slow to fire, since they must place the
gunsight on the target and keep it there to score a hit.
 If you sense the enemy is behind you and ready to fire cannons, "jinking"
(small violent moves in random directions) can throw off his aim.
 Finally, Russian-built aircraft with the older GSh-23 cannon may not always
hit, since the lower volume of firepower increases the chances of you "flying
between the shells" and escaping serious injury. Don't rely on this, though -
not every 23mm shell is an unlucky one!





@GPART 4	MISSION BRIEFINGS------------------------------------------------------@H
@GRules of Engagement@H
 Rules of Engagement (ROE) outline what targets a pilot can and cannot attack.
In an age of nuclear weapons unrestricted warfare would destroy the planet
within 24 hours. Therefore, all wars are limited to some degree. If warfare is
limited to just a local area with specific goals, ROEs are much more
restrictive. If an official state of war does not exist then the rules will be
extremely restrictive.
 In stealth missions, ROEs also determine what "exposure" of your aircraft is
allowed. In cold and limited war situations it is important that the enemy not
know exactly who or what performed the attack. This allows the politicians to
say whatever they want.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GCold War Situations@H
 @GROE:@H "You may attack and destroy a target only if it is specifically required
by your mission orders. You may engage other targets only if they fire first,
or if they have spotted your plane. The mission is completely clandestine. You
must avoid detection, especially visual detection by enemy aircraft. Enemy air
or ground forces that do detect your should be destroyed, to prevent
embarassing disclosures. Neutrals and civilians must be considered friendlies,
and above all you should avoid detection by neutral aircraft and radars."
 @GBackground Notes:@H In cold war situations the State Department must have
"deniability" for every mission. If the mission is successful and the political
climate seems good, the USA may claim credit for the deed. In other cases,
however, American may not wish to attach its name to the action.
 You are warned when enemy radar returns are good enough to spot your craft, or
when enemy aircraft come close enough to visually identify you. These enemies
should be destroyed, although the effort can be counterproductive if the attack
generates lots of additional sightings!
 Gratuitous or wanton destruction of all other targets is very bad in cold war.
Hitting targets of value to the civilian sector, such as bridges, oil wells and
tanks, refineries, etc., is especially bad. Your record will rapidly accumulate
black marks if you act like "Rambo" during the Cold War. After all, Rambo is
fiction, this is reality!

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GLimited War Situations@H
 @GROE:@H "You will engage, attack, and destroy all targets specifically required
by your orders. In addition, all other targets with active weaponry (i.e.,
which could fire on your craft) may be attacked. You may engage these military
targets even if they haven't seen you yet. You may never attack non-military
targets unless so required by your orders. Neutrals must be considered
friendlies at all times, and in addition you should avoid detection by neutral
aircraft and radars at all costs."
 @GBackground Notes:@H In limited war the State Department may require
deniability, since American aid to the contestants may need to be secret.
However, since there is a war, and military targets get destroyed in war, you
can attack military targets of opportunity and be rewarded (rather than
penalized) for your efforts. However, hitting non-combatant targets of value to
the civilian sector (unless ordered to) is forbidden.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GConventional War Situations@H
 @GROE:@H "You will engage, attack, and destroy all targets specifically required
by your orders. In addition, any and all other targets in enemy territory may
be attacked, including civilian targets. If able to select additional targets,
select those with immediate military capability first. Neutrals must be
considered friendlies at all times, and in addition you should avoid detection
by neutral aircraft and radars at all costs.
 @GBackground Notes:@H In a conventional war you are allowed unrestricted
conventional attacks on enemy territory. This includes civilian targets
formerly forbidden. However, targets with immediate military capability are
more important. Therefore, destroying enemy aircraft, airbases, SAMs, radars,
depots, headquarters, etc., gives more reward than bridges, oil refineries,
oil wells and platforms, etc., whose importance is long-term. This is because
even conventional wars are fought for short-term goals (such as the Grenada
invasion in 1983, or the Falkland Islands campaign of 1984).
 However, from a pilot's point of view, conventional war is "fun" because
anything in enemy territory is fair game. Of course, the disadvantage is that
the enemy are prepared and alert for intruders.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GONC Map Coordinates@H
 ONC maps use the standard US Army military grid system for locating positions
anywhere on the globe.
 The maps are divided into large squares. Each square is identified by a two-
letter code, such as WX, JC, etc. Within each square are smaller rows and
columns, ruled into smaller squares. These smaller squares are identified by a
column and row number from 0 to 9. Following the "read right and up" rule, the
column number appears first, then the row number. This is the same as basic
algebra, where the "x" horizontal value is given first, then the "y" vertical
value. (@4Algebra?@5 American algebra obviously...)
 For example, coordinate JC79 means large map square JC, column 7, row 9.
 Unfortunately, we didn't have the time, inclination, or diskspace to fit the
four maps in... possibly they will appear on a future menu.





@GMissions-----------------------------------------------------------------------@H
@GAir-Air Missions@H

@GSelecting Armaments@H
 In limited or conventional war situations the AIM-120A AMRAAM is the missile
of choice. You can lob these at the enemy from a full 30 kilometers range. If
you're firing at a plane with close escorts, space the shots 5 to 10 seconds
apart (the higher their altitude, the longer the spacing). This is because a
burning, exploding plane is a prominent target to the missile's seeker. If your
missiles arrive right behind one another, those following may home on the plane
hit by the first. Worse, the terminal homing of the AMRAAM is somewhat
questionable - it tends to take the closest target at the time, rather than the
target you originally designated! Therefore, when shooting into a group you
can't count on which plane will be hit. Finally, if the enemy is veteran or
elite, don't be surprised if the enemy manages to outmaneuver your missile by
turning inside it.
 In cold war, guns are the weapons of choice. With these you can insure the
proper target is hit, and no others. Unfortunately, getting close enough for a
shot may reveal your presence. A good compromise is the AIM-9M Sidewinder, a
fast-turning close-in dogfighting missile. It's usually easy to line up a 5 to
8 km shot, where the Sidewinder has a clear run at the target and nobody else
is likely to get in the way.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAmbushing a Leader@H
 Here an important personage is travelling by plane; your job is to make sure
he doesn't arrive! The plane takes off about the same time as your own.
Remember that his plane, your objective, is NOT the flashing dot on the
satellite/radar map (on your left-side cockpit CRT). That is his @Gdestination.@H
 Although it's possible to just fly to his destination and wait, roving fighter
patrols or local air defenses eventually will spot you. In general, the wiser
approach is to find the best way to "sneak through" enemy patrols and SAM
radars to intercept him @4en route.@5
 In limited or conventional war you can take down his plane and escort with
AMRAAMs. In a cold war situation you'll need to close for a clean Sidewinder
or gun shot. Remember, though, that if the fighter escorts get a visual ID on
your plane you must "zap" them too. If your attack location is well away from
any ground radars or Mainstay AEW&C planes, you can attack from above, hit your
man, drop a decoy to confuse them, and zoom away with maximum speed at low
altitude (say 200').

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GIntercepting Terrorists or Commandos@H
 In this mission you know a transport plane, accompanied by fighters, will head
for friendly territory. Your objective is to eliminate them before they arrive.
The problem is, you don't know their destination.
 As you take off, watch the enemy aircraft carefully. Circle around a bit,
observing their course until you can guess their objective. Once you know their
goal, it's easy to pick a nice quiet spot to ambush them. Often you can stay in
friendly territory all the way! Properly executed, this mission is a nice, easy
milk run.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GEliminating a Fighter Patrol@H
 Enemy fighter patrols have a nasty habit of lurking near their own air
defense systems, and/or being supported by Mainstay AEW&C planes. Going in
after them can cause quite a battle.
 One trick to avoid this mess is to publicize your presence in a nearby area.
You should pick an area with little or no SAM coverage, and with no nearby
airbases. If you can lure the fighter patrol to you, at this spot, the battle
may be much easier. The typical way to accomplish the lure is to raise your
EMV (by flying high, turning on the ECM, and opening the bay doors). If that
doesn't work, clobbering a thing or two on the ground may catch their interest.
 Once you've "dangled the lure", it's wise to take a low profile again, so you
can ambush the enemy fighters as they arrive. As in many other aspects of
modern warfare, getting the first shot is a big advantage.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GDestroying a Recon Bomber@H
 In most cases you must chase an enemy plane on its way home. Catch and attack
him as quickly as possible. The longer you delay, the closer he gets to SAM
cover and fighter aid. This is one mission where climbing to a higher altitude
can be rewarding - you travel faster, farther at high altitude than low. Of
course, don't go so high that you wake up the enemy and attract lots of
fighters and missiles.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAttacking a Cruise Missile@H
 These aircraft are most unobliging targets. They cruise around deep behind
their own lines, guarded by SAMs and closely escorted by fighters. Given the
defenses, attacking these planes is like hitting a ground target. You need to
sneak or punch your way through defenses, elude counterattacks, and blast the
primary, just like a strike mission.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GTaking Down the Mainstay@H
 The Il-76 "Mainstay" AEW&C plane is the most difficult aircraft target. Sooner
or later its radar will see you, forcing you to fight through fighters and SAMs
to reach it. Make your approach as stealthy as possible: it postpones this hour
of reckoning. Destroying one or two crucial SAM radar sites on your way in can
be useful - it opens a radar-free corridor to the target, and at the same time
may draw off enemy interceptors, perhaps even some of the Mainstay's fighter
escort.


_______________________________________________________________________________
@GStrike Missions@H
@GChoosing Your Weapons@H
 Selecting armaments for ground attacks is always difficult. The favorite
weapon is the AGM-65D Maverick missile. It's your longest-ranged ground attack
weapon (30 km; the Harpoon fires farther but is only good against warships).
The Maverick's also an accurate "fire and forget" weapon. Its only weakness is
that one missile can't always do the job (see the Weapon Effectiveness Chart
at the end of this doc - ratings below B- mean the missile may not destroy the
target). Fortunately, Mavericks are just fine against radar installations. Most
pilots carry as many as they can afford, and fear the day when the crew chief
tells them no more are available.
 Choosing between laser-guided bombs, retarded bombs, and free-fall bombs is
often a matter of personal preference. Many times more than one weapon will do
the job, so you can pick a type whose attack run suits your style. Other times
you may be forced to use a certain weapon because nothing else does the job
right.
 When choosing weapons, don't expect much from a weapon rated C or D against a
target. Scoring a hit with such always requires a lot of luck. Certainly don't
rely on such to take out your primary target. Weapons rated A or B can be
relied upon, provided you deliver them accurately.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GSecret Airstrips@H
 Dropping off or picking up items deep behind enemy territory seems rather
straightforward. After all, you don't have to fly into SAM batteries or go
head-to-head with fighter patrols.
 Instead, a secret airstrip challenges your flying skill. You must manage a
landing without an ILS to guide you. Worse, the strip is only half the length
of a normal runway. You must land gently, at low speed (under 160 kts,
preferably), and touchdown near the start. Otherwise you'll roll off the other
end and crash! To make matters worse, the strip's lights are only on for a
limited time. Make a note of the time the lights go off, then periodically
check the Waypoints screen on the right-side CRT (tap @4Select Way Pt@5 key) to
see how much time you've got. Once the lights are out landing is virtually
impossible.
 If your opponents are skillful, their intelligence may have dangerous
information about this mission. You could find enemy fighter patrols
uncomfortably close to your objective, or bouncing you just as you're trying to
land!

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAirdrops@H
 These missions are usually "milk runs". Your job is to avoid action and just
fly over a radio beacon that's quite clear on your HUD. The only real worry is
reaching the beacon before it is turned off. Make a note of the "turn off" time
and periodically check the Waypoints screen on the right-side CRT (tap @4Select@5
@4Way Pt@5 key). Once the beacon turns off there's no way to find the drop site.
 Be warned that skillful opponents may have intelligence about this mission
from their spies. You could find enemy fighter patrols lurking around the
objective. If so, you could attempt to lure them away, or blow them away,
depending on your ROE (rules of engagement).

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GPhoto Recon Runs@H
 There are two hard things about photographic missions: using the camera, and
keeping a low profile while you're doing it!
 Because the 135mm/IR camera is on a fixed mounting, you must steer the plane
to aim the camera. This is more difficult than it seems, since the target swims
into and out of view all too fast. Experienced pilots advise you to line up on
the target 8 to 10 km away. Set up a perfectly straight course and keep to it.
At 2 km to 4 km hit the bay doors and brakes, then pull the nose gradually up,
bringing the camera's aim onto the target. Keep in this regime, using subtle
pitch changes to keep the target in the camera, while snapping pictures. You've
got plenty of film: don't be afraid to take plenty of extras!
 Success is announced right on the CRT. As soon as you have it, close the doors
and brakes, then dive low for your escape. Don't be surprised if the enemy
spots you during the photo run.
 Photo runs over enemy troop concentrations and/or near SAMs are especially
nerve-wracking. You may need to take out a SAM radar before making the run. If
shoulder-fired SAMs infest the area, your only hope is to dump a decoy before
you start, run your IR jammer as long as you can, and/or periodically dump
flares.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GFlying against SAMs@H
 Destroying a SAM battery requires that you "sneak up" on them as best you can,
then nail his radar first with a Maverick or HARM. With the radar out of
action, the missiles are helpless. Unless there are other SAMs nearby you can
have a strafing "picnic" with the missile launchers until a fighter patrol
shows up.
 Remember that the safest place around a SAM battery is directly above it. The
radar cannot look straight up, and the longer-ranged missies (such as the SA-2,
-5,-10 and -12) have a minimum range of 4 to 5 km. Of course, getting to this
point can be rather tricky. It doesn't hurt to run over the litany of defense
techniques before going after a SAM: disappearing, decoys, ECM, chaff and
manuevering.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GHitting the Sub Pens@H
 The Severomorsk submarine pens in the North Cape are a unique and special
target. These must be attacked by toss bombing from the north: you must place
an FAE @4through@5 the sea doors. This means flying straight at the mountain,
pulling up at the last minute. You may wish to make your run at 500' to 1,000',
instead of 200'. This lets you begin the toss sooner (about 3 to 4 km away),
giving you more leeway to clear the mountainside.
 Beware the Krivak-class frigates that patrol seaward of this submarine base.
Their radars and SAMs cannot be ignored! You'll want to bring along a couple of
Penguin-3 ASMs to eliminate these fellows. Even in Cold War, chances are good a
Krivak will get a radar "make" on you, forcing you to hit him.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GSinking Ships@H
 The ideal ship-killer is the AGM-84A Harpoon. This heavy missile is your
longest-ranged weapon. It has a superb targeting system that hits the ship you
target, even a carrier with a ring of escorts.
 However, don't underestimate enemy warships, especially those of the Russian
Northern Fleet. The larger ships have exceptionally good radars and very
powerful SAMs. Patrol ships can be knocked out with a single missile, but a
task force has so many ships that any close approach means you'll be dodging
missiles left and right.
 Most enemy ships stay close to friendly shorelines, with fighter cover nearby
(if not overhead already). Don't forget that enemy aircraft carriers have their
own fighters: you can count on a few flying CAP (combat air patrol).
 When fighting a conventional war with Libya, or in the Persian Gulf, be
careful about attacking merchant ships. Avoid those on the high seas or near
friendly coastlines; only attack ships close to enemy ports or shore.
Otherwise, you could end up hitting a neutral ship by accident.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GBombing Runs@H
 When attacking with laser or free-fall bombs, you'll have to rise above
minimum altitude during the attack run. This, combined with the open bay doors,
raises your EMV considerably. Try to minimize this exposure as much as
possible. Remember, the higher your EMV, the better target you are for enemy
missiles. The longer you're a big target, the more chances the enemy has to
launch and hit you.
 The most frightening prospect is a bombing run directly over enemy troop
concentrations. There's nothing worse than a host of shoulder-fired SAMs rising
up at you. These are on the one missile site you can't knock out. Fortunately,
they have a very short range. Still, flying through a barrage of SA-14s,
dumping a flare every two seconds, while trying to line up a bomb, will turn
your hair prematurely white.





@GLibya--------------------------------------------------------------------------@H
@GIntroduction@H

 @GPolitics:@H Libya is ruled by Col. Mu'ammar al-Qadhaffi, leader of the secret
army organization that deposed the former king in 1969. The capital city is
Tripoli and the nation's cjief source of wealth is oil sold to western nations.
 @GMilitary Forces:@H Rich by third world standards, Libya buys most of its
armaments from the Soviet Union. Personnel are trained by Soviet military
advisors, but national pride has prohibited (so far) any significant Soviet
presence. Soviet advisors are not invited on combat operations.
 The Libyan Army has approximately 60,000 men, the Navy has 53 ships and 6,500
men, while the Air Force has about 530 planes, 30 combat helicopters, and 8,500
men. A paramilitary "Pan-African Legion" of about 10,000 also exists.
 In addition, Libya has built and supported a variety of training camps for
terrorist groups.
 @GGeography:@H Libya is a desert nation. Along the coast it has only one mountain
region that is visually distinctive: the Jabal al Akbar to the east of
Benghazi. These mountains greatly restrict the capabilities of Benghazi and
Benina radars. Deep in the desert, east of Sabha, are the more desolate and
isolated mountains of the Al Haruj al Aswad, while to the west are the great
sand seas (ergs).

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GLevel of Conflict@H
 @GCold War:@H At times Libya has been enthusiastic backer of international
terrorist organizations. It provides funds, arms, military training, and base
camp sites for a variety of Arab and other terrorist groups. America has
already attacked tactical military targets in retaliation for Libya's role in
numerous incidents of international terrorism in Europe and the Mediterranean.
 @GLimited War:@H The Libyan army has fought minor border clashes against Egypt to
the east. Egypt is an American ally, and so far has proved considerably
superior, militarily, to Libya. The Libyan army has also attempted an invasion
of Chad to the south. After a protracted campaign against Chad and her ally
France, Libyan supply lines through the Sahara desert were cut, forcing a
Libyan retreat. Future limited wars between Libya and any of her neighbours are
possible.
 @GConventional War:@H In the even of NATO-Warsaw Pact conflict in the
Mediterranean and/or Europe, Libya is expected to provide bases for Soviet
aircraft and warships operating in the Mediterranean. These bases could become
the westernmost outposts of Russian forces contesting the Mediterranean.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GFriendly Bases@H
 @GSigonella on Sicily (UD15):@H The USA maintains a military base at Trapani, on
western Sicily, and the Sigonella military field in southeastern Sicily. The
Sigonella runway is the main staging point for air attacks against the North
African coast, especially Libya. Unfortunately, the flight distances are quite
long. Using this base virtually requires that your F-19 carry extra fuel.
 @GCV America at Sea (UD70):@H This 60,000-ton "Kitty Hawk" class conventional
aircraft carrier, designated CV66, often serves with the US 6th fleet in the
Mediterranean. It participated in the 1986 raids against Tripoli and Benghazi.
The carrier is ideally positioned for launching and recovering strikes against
Benghazi, the Gulf of Sirte, or targets deep in the Libyan desert. Here it
cruises on a southerly course with its traditional ring of close escorts. The
carrier remains well north of the Gulf of Sirte to avoid SSM attacks from
enemy ships and aircraft. It is surrounded by escorts and regularly replenishes
the CAP (combat air patrol) with F-18 launches.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GNeutral Bases@H
 These airbases are in neutral territory. You should not use these bases unless
specifically so ordered, or if you must make an emergency landing.
 @GSuda Bay on Crete (VD41):@H This airfield, near the city of Khania, is not an
American base, although in years past it was a major NATO air and naval base.
It has the advantage of being both closer and less public than equivalent
airfields in Greece or Egypt.
 @GHalfar on Malta (UD13):@H This airfield is on the island of Malta. Once a
critical strength position for the British Commonwealth in the Mediterranean,
it is now a neutral port and sometime tourist haven.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GSeeing the Sights in Libya@H
 Flying over Libya is a unique experience. It is a truly desert nation, a land
of red and brown hardscrabble with patches of tan sand and gray boulder fields.
Water is all underground, seeping to the surface in occasional patches of green
oasis or mountain valley. Mountain ranges are low, undulating areas full of
small hillocks and short peaks. From the air it's often hard to tell the
difference between again roadways and the dark wadis (gullies) in the desert.
But some works of man stand out, particularly the rust red of oil wells and
pipelines, or the distinctive star-pattern of SAM batteries.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GLibya@H
 @GTripoli (TC87):@H The capital city of Libya has a large military-civilian
airbase at Idris, and is well protected by SAM batteries. Until recently these
were long-range SA-5 Gammons, but there are indications that Russian military
advisors may replace these with the formidable SA-12 Gladiator.
 Tripoli is also the site of a major army headquarters, various military
depots, oil storage areas, and sometimes terrorist training camps. Missile
boats often cruise off the coast.
 @GSabha (UB17):@H This southern town is the main military base supporting Libya's
southerly border expansion. It was the major depot for the Chad war, and is
still extremely important to Libyan trans-Saharan ambitions. The most
important military installations here are the large airbase and the SAM battery
protecting it.
 @GMisratah (UC26) & Sirt (UC43):@H These two coastal towns are much smaller
areas, with lower level military headquarters. The ports include oil storage
tanks for refueling ships. Sirt is a secondary naval base, supporting missile
boats that cruise the western side of the "Line of Death".
 @GRas Lanuf (UC82) & Port Brega (UC92):@H Ras Lanuf is Libya's largest and newest
oil facility. The majority of all oil for export is stored here, and a large
number of oil tankers are usually coming and going at all times. There is also
a refinery, vast "farms" of oil tanks, and a major military headquarters. Port
Brega is an older oil facility, still in operation despite the completion of
Ras Lanuf.
 A number of SAM batteries are sited in this strategically vital area. In
addition the Port Brega airfield, west of the town, serves both ports.
 @GBenghazi (VC16):@H This city is the site of Libya's second-largest military
base, including the Benina airfield and powerful protective SAM batteries. The
city itself is large, with a military headquarters and a few small oil storage
facilites to serve the ancient port. Terrorist training camps are not uncommon
in the hills to the west.
 @GAl Badya (VC37):@H This sleepy coastal town in the mountainous Jabal al Akbar
has major military significance. It overlooks the narrow Ionian sea between
Libya and Greece, making it an ideal site for anti-ship missiles. There is a
small airstrip and SAM site as well.
 @GOil Fields:@H The great oil fields of Libya are in the southeast, where
literally thousands of wells pump crude from the ground, which is piped to Ras
Lanuf and Port Brega. The great producing fields can be found near Raguba
(UC90), Waha (VB18), Amal (VC30), Jalo Oasis (VC40), and Gialo (VB49). Most of
the great fields have a few storage tanks on site, to hold crude temporarily
until it can be piped to the port. However, the majority of storage tanks are
at the ports, not here on the fields.
 @GSecret Bases:@H Western intelligence operatives in Libya are preparing two
secret, hard-pack surfaces suitable for aircraft landings. One is at Al
Mukhayli (ONC VC43), the other is on the edge of the great ergs, at Yafran
(ONC TC93).

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAir Defenses@H
 Libyan air defenses use Russian-built equipment. Russian advisors train native
Libyan crews, who then operate the equipment. SA-2 Guideline and SA-5 Gammon
SAMs have been the backbone of Libyan air defenses, but there are rumors of
upgrades to the new SA-10 Grumble and SA-12 Gladiator systems.
 Local military forces make use of the SA-7 and SA-14 shoulder-fired missiles.
These are also popular terrorist weapons, and can be expected in the vicinity
of terrorist camps, Libyan army units use various medium-range SAMs, including
the SA-8, -9, -11, and -13. However, these are not always in the best state of
repair.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAir Force@H
 @GFighters:@H The Libyan Air Force is primarily composed of MiG-23MF "Flogger"
fighters, with over 140 craft in inventory. It also has a smaller number of
MiG-25 "Foxbats" for reconnaissance and long-range interception, as well as
some antiquated MiG-21s. The Air Force also has various Mirage 5D fighter-
bombers for ground attack missions.
 Intelligence expects that MiG-23s and 25s will be your primary air-to-air
opponents, although in Conventional War, or against higher quality pilots, you
may encounter the new MiG-29 "Fulcrum" flown by Soviet personnel.
 @GReconnaissance Bombers:@H Although Libya does not possess any Tu-95 "Bear"
reconnaissance bombers, Russian planes of this type frequently operate from
Libyan bases.
 @GAirborne Early Warning & Control:@H Libya has no AEW&C craft. No Russian
Il-76 "Mainstays" are expected to use Libyan bases, since they are too
precious. In wartime Libya is a distant outpost in the middle of NATO's great
strength in the Western Mediterranean. Aircraft losses would be high - too
high to permit risking the rare and costly AEW&C craft.
 @GAir Transports:@H It is suspected that Libya's antiquated fleet of C-130H and
C-47 air transports (built in America) will be replaced with Russian
equipment, perhaps including the new An-72 "Coaler" jet transport.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GNavy@H
 The Libyan Navy is primarily composed of Missile Corvettes and Missile Patrol
Boats. The largest of these are the 770-ton Russian-built Nanuchka II class
armed with Styx surface-to-surface missiles, SA-N-4 surface-to-air missiles,
and a twin 57mm gun turret. The other boats include the Russian Osa-class,
Italian-built Wadi M'ragh class and the French-built La Combattante II types;
these have poorer missiles and SA-N-5 SAMs, or no SAMs at all.
 The Nanuchkas are the best boats in the Libyan Navy. They perform the most
aggressive patrols, making them the primary threat. Patrols occur frequently
in the Gulf of Sirte, south of the "Line of Death". Sometimes the Libyan air
force flies fighter missions in support of the patrols.





@GThe Persian Gulf---------------------------------------------------------------@H
@GIntroduction@H
 @GPolitics:@H Iran has been ruled by Shi'ite (a Moslem sect) radicals since their
overthrow of the pro-American Shah in 1979. In September, 1980 Iraq attacked
Iran, beginning a long, costly war between those nations. Both contestants are
viewed with distrust by the Arab states along the south of the Persin Gulf.
Iran's use of international terrorism as a tool of foreign policy has not
improved the nation's image.
 Iran also calls for a Shi'ite religious revolution throughout the Islamic
world. This naturally bothers the leadership of the Arab states, since their
governments are Sunni (another Moslem sect). However, Iran is populated by
Persians, not Arabs. So far this cultural and linguistic barrier has hindered
the spread of Iranian Shi'ite radicalism across the Persian Gulf to the Arab
states.
 @GMilitary Forces:@H Under the Shah, Iran's oil-rich finances permitted massive
investment in military forces, mostly from the USA. Since the revolution many
complex weapons have failed for lack of spare parts and maintenance, while most
of the rest were damaged or destroyed in the war with Iraq. Iran has some
sophisticated aircraft and missiles remaining, but these are deployed to
protect key cities in the interior, rather than as a border defense.
 @GGeography:@H Iran is a large nation with varied geography. The Elbruz and
Zagros mountain ranges run from the northwest corner (where Iran touches
Turkey and the Soviet trans-Caucasus) diagonally southeast, along the border
with Iraq, and then parallel to the Persian Gulf. South of these mountains, at
the head of the Gulf, are Iran's oilfields. North of the mountains the nation
is divided into two regions. The western part, near Iraq, Turkey, and trans-
Caucasus Russia, is fertile, heavily populated, and includes most of the major
cities and industrial plants. The eastern part, bordering Pakistan,
Afghanistan, and Soviet Central Asia, is mostly barren deserts and mountains
with a small, impoverished, undereducated population.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GLevel of Conflight@H
 @GCold War:@H Iran's use of terrorism has been very effective to data. America's
confused policy respons, culminating in the Iran-Contra scandal, is one
example. However, eventually the continue violence may provoke a military
response from the Western nations.
 @GLimited War:@H Iran and Iraq have been fighting a limited war since 1980. The
cities of Abadan and Basra, on the national border where the Tigris-Euphrates
rivers empty into the Gulf, are largely ruined by the fighting. Running
northward are two opposing lines of trenches and bunkers with a "no-man's land"
between.
 Each side attempted to discourage Persian Gulf shipping from aiding the
opposition, resulting in missile and rocket attacks on many freighters and
tankers. In 1987 and 1988 American fleet units escorting oil tankers became
involved in surface battles with Iranian ships and boats, as well as an
unfortunate civilian airliner that flew through a battle area and was shot down
by the somewhat inept crew of the missile cruiser USS Vincennes.
 @GConventional War:@H Russia could invade Iran as part of a wider NATO-Warsaw
Pact conflict, or as a counter to the Shi'ite radicals, who would like to
spread their revolution to the USSR's Moslem population. America may be drawn
into invading Iran by its confused foreign policy. The vast and often hostile
geography, not to mention a large and hostile population, argue against
traditional military invasions. Instead, a gradual escalation from limited war,
including bigger and deeper air attacks, is more probable.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GFriendly Bases@H
 America's strongest allies in the Persian Gulf are Saudi Arabia and the tiny
island kingdom of Bahrain.
 @GCV Nimitz at Sea (KY83):@H This huge 80,000-ton nuclear carrier is the class
ship of the latest and most powerful program of aircraft carriers. Normally
assigned to the Pacific Fleet, it is prepared to visit the Indian Ocean at any
time. Here it sails with a close escort of destroyes, and has its F-18s on
regular rotation in CAP (combat air patrol).
 American aircraft carriers do not sail into the restricted waters of the
Persian Gulf, where they would be "sitting ducks" for land-based air and
missile attacks. Carrier task forces remain in the Indian Ocean, although the
Nimitz and her ring of close escorts have sailed deep into the Gulf of Oman, to
provide a base as close as possible to Persian Gulf targets. If threatened the
ship can always sail to the southeast and escape into the vast expanses of the
Indian Ocean.
 @GRas as Saffaniyah (JY19):@H This is Saudi Arabia's northenmost oil terminal and
port along the Gulf. Its airfield is in a useful strategic location. Basing
privileges for a secret "stealth" mission can be arranged with the pro-American
Saudi monarchy.
 @GDhahram (JY54) & Al Hufuf (JY44):@H Dhahram is Saudi Arabia's largest port city
on the Persian Gulf, making its airfield and unwise choice for stealth
aircraft operations. However, the Al Hufuf airfield slightly inland is a
strategically useful and less public position for basing missions and raids.
Either can be used for stealth missions, although Al Hufuf is preferable.
 @GAs Salamiyah (JY00):@H This small airbase outside of the capital Riyadh is a
nice, quite location where clandestine missions can be organized easily.
Unfortunately, the gulf coast is far away.
 @GBahrain (JY65):@H This small island nation is strongly pro-American, providing
large naval and air base facilities for American military forces. It is fairly
easy to operate stealth missions from here.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GNeutral Bases@H
 Kuwait is a friendly neutral nation, Oman is neutral but pro-Western, and the
UAE are studiously neutral. (At the time of writing/typing this, Iraq has just
invaded Kuwait, but America is being amazingly limp-wristed about it, and have
not offered military assistance, though Kuwait has requested it. USS
Independence is steaming towards the Gulf, but is unlikely to actually @4do@5
anything!)
 @GKuwait City in Kuwait (JZ12):@H Originally neutral, Iranian threats and attacks
caused Kuwait to seek US military aid and support. The Kuwait airport can be
used to occasionally stage missions that demonstrate America's support to
Kuwait, or for emergency landings. However, Kuwait is fearful of provoking more
Iranian hostility, and therefore will not grant America basing rights. Besides,
they'd like to stay on the good side of the Soviet Union too!
 Kuwaits great oil fields are south of the city, in ONC JZ20 and JZ30.
 @GQatar (JY75):@H This small independent nation works hard at the appearance of
neutrality, probably because it has strong pro-American and strong pro-Iranian
factions. Although missions cannot be staged regularly from here, it is
possible to use the pro-American groups to aid in specific clandestine
missions or emergency landing situations.
 @GRuweiss (KY01) & Tarif (KY11):@H These small oil ports of the United Arab
Emirates are not especially friendly to the American cause. Because the UAE is
a decentralized government, pressure and money in the right places could permit
a clandestine mission or emergency landing.
 Some of the largest oil fields of the UAE are in this area (ONC KY22-23).
 @GAbu Dhabi (KY31):@H Abu Dhabi is the major city of the United Arab Emirates
(UAE), where the appearance of neutrality is most important. Staging missions
or emergency landings from this base is very difficult, but not impossible if
Iranian diplomacy succeeds in making yet more enemies.
 @GAl Khafi at Dubai (KY65):@H This large airfield, outside the city of Dubai, is
the most strategically useful of all UAE airfields. It is the base closest to
south-central Iran, and as such an important launching or retrieval point for
deep missions. However, as at Abu Dhabi, political problems make the use of
this base difficult to impossible.
 @GMuscat in Oman (KY90):@H Oman is careful to remain neutral in all affairs, but
is strongly pro-Western. For example, much of its army is trained and officered
by "retired" British military personnel. The military portion of the Muscat
airfield is available for missions and emergency landings, provided everything
remains secret and politically "deniable".

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GThe Sights in the Persian Gulf@H
 The Persian Gulf is a desert region, not unlike Libya, except for the large,
high spine of mountains that runs diagonally through Iran from the northwest to
the southeast. However, water is more plentiful, especially in Iran, resulting
in increased agriculture and a large number of local irrigation works to
control the seasonal run-off from the mountain highlands.
 The Gulf has many interesting and exceptional areas, such as the Tigris-
Euphrates watershed that reaches the head of the gulf around Abadan. Once a
great seaport and teaming metropolis, the destruction of the Iran-Iraq war has
reduced the area to a ruin of small towns and villages.
 Kharg Island, despite wartime attacks, remains one of the great wonders of the
world. Surrounded by oil platforms and supertankers, guarded by missile boats
and fighter patrols, it remains the site of numerous refineries and oil
storage tanks. There are also great oilfields south of Kuwait City, north of
Bushehr in the Bandar-e-Rig, on Bahrain and Qatar, and along the UAE coastline
near Ruweiss and Tarif, as well as assorted individual platforms along the
Arabian Gulf coast.
 Another interesting region of Iran is the great valley of Bandar-e-Lengeh and
Bandar 'Abbas. Seasonal rivers, flowing from the mountains, have formed a
fertile valley floor that empties into the Straits of Hormuz, the strategic
doorway to the Persian Gulf. On the opposite side (the southern side) of the
straits, the mountainous peninsula of Musandam knifes into the straits,
creating a narrow choke-point of naval traffic.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GIran@H
 @GUpper Khuzestan Triangle - Dezful (JZ38), Masjed Soleyman (JZ47), Ahvaz@H
@G(JZ37):@H These cities are the main "rear areas" behind the Iraq-Iran
battlefront. They have a variety of SAMs. Although all originally had airbase
facilities, it is believed that only Masjed Soleyman's is still intact.
 @GAbadan (JZ24):@H This city is located at the final junction of the Tigris and
Euphrates Rivers, just before they empty into the Persian Gulf. Numerous
battles in and around this area have destroyed a large part of the city. The
surrounding countryside, once contained with dikes and irrigation projects, is
now reverting to a poisonous marshland in the aftermath of heavy fighting,
which included the use of poison gas.
 @GBandar Khomenyi (JZ44):@H This is the main Iranian military base behind the
southern part of the Iran-Iraq front, and a major staging base for military
supplies and munitions of all sorts. It has a large airbase, powerful SAM
batteries, and a major military headquarters.
 @GBandar-e-Rig Oil Fields:@H These oil fields, clustered along the coast and
inland hills (JZ61 and JZ71) are a key source of Iran's oil wealth.
 @GKharg Island (JZ60):@H This island is covered with refineries, oil storage
tanks, and port facilities for oil tankers. Until the Iran-Iraq war it was the
greatest oil terminal in the world. Repeated attacks have ruined many of the
facilities, but never all of them. Now protected by SAM batteries, and missile
boat patrols, it is still Iran's main port for oil export.
 Much of Iran's oil wealth is slightly offshore. One of the heaviest
concentrations of oil platforms exists in the vicinity of Kharg Island. Beware
that some platforms are now used by Iranian Shi'ite "Guards" as military bases.
 @GBushehr (JZ80):@H This important coastal city was once a major oil port, but is
now completely overshadowed by neighboring Kharg Island. The military forces on
its airbase, and the SAM batteries, are not always first rate. However, it is
home port for many Iranian frigates and missile boats that patrol the gulf.
 @GShiraz (KZ03):@H This inland city, sited on a highland plateau, is one of
the largest Iranian cities. It is also the nerve center and main headquarters
for Iran's southern military command - the forces responsible for the Persian
Gulf. There is an exceptionally large military airbase here, and it is usually
protected by a powerful SAM battery.
 @GEsfahan (JZ89):@H This inland city, nestled in a large col of the Zagros
Mountains, is the classic "gateway" to northwestern Iran. As a transportation
and population center it naturally boasts an airfield, and SAM sites protecting
it. The current state of the Iran-Iraq war has a powerful effect on what sorts
of aircraft are based here.
 @GYazd (KZ38) and Kerman (KZ84):@H These two cities are distant population
centers on the edge of the Iranian deserts. Both cities are dominated by a
strong traditionalist sentiment, which in recent years has translted into
fervent Shi'ite extremism. However, the huge war losses are causing many
families to reconsider their support for the Jihad.
 @GBandar-e Lengeh (KY57):@H This western city on the Straits of Hormuz has a
minor military base, including an airfield and SAM battery. However, its
primary function is civilian, serving the large oil fields in this area.
 Seasonal rivers running from the mountains to the west down into Bandar-e
Lengeh have a variety of interesting road and rail bridges over them.
 Offshore Oil Platforms are especially common in KY35-45.
 @GBandar 'Abbas (KY68):@H This city is Iran's major military base on the Straits
of Hormuz. Major Iranian Navy elements are based here, as well as the latest
SAMs and a large, well equipped military airbase.
 @GSecret Bases:@H Western intelligence operatives in Iran are preparing two
secret, hard-pack surfaces suitable for aircraft landings. One is in the
Shalamzar valley (JZ67) in the Zagros Mountains, the other in the mountains
south of Kerman, at KZ82.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAir Defenses@H
 HAWK batteries are Iran's longest ranged surface-to-air missiles. Nearly
exhausted in fighting with Iraq, these weapons are formidable defenders of
Iran once more. The reason? A large shipment of parts and spare missiles by
Lt. Colonel Oliver North, USMC. He hoped to trade them for American hostages in
Lebanon. Iran got the missiles, the hostages remained in Lebanon, and North
resigned from the Marines Corps. Think about that when one fires at you!
 Rapier batteries, sold by Britain to Iran, are fast, but shorter ranged, and
hindered by a fire control system that is primarily visual, with the radar
intended originally as backup. The Rapier radar system never approached the
quality or sophistication of the HAWK (MicroProse must have shares in the
company that makes HAWKs!). In fact, in the Falkland Islands fighting, the
Rapier was surprisingly ineffective. (It was?!)
 The Tigercat, an antiquated British design, appears in less-important areas.
Many Tigercat sites have little or no radar, since the missile is designed for
visual control. The Seacat is a naval version of the Tigercat, found on
Iranian Vosper Mk 5 type frigates. It is somewhat more dangerous because the
frigates have decent radar search systems.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GIranian Air Force@H
 This service arm is composed primarily of American-built aircraft acquired
during the Shah's rule. Before the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq war the Air Force
had a nominal strength of 75 F-14 Tomcats, about 200 F-4D and F-4E Phantom IIs,
140 F-5E Tiger IIs, plus various other planes and helicopters, including C-130
Hercules transports and P-3F Orion reconnaissance bombers.
 @GFighters:@H Iran lacks the sophisticated technicians and parts to keep its
F-14s operational. Within a year after the revolution fewer than five were
functional. No missiles or parts exist for the long-range Phoenix AAM system,
but some F-14s still have functional long-range radars. F-14s can carry AIM-7F
Sparrows or AIMN-9H Sidewinders.
 The older but less effective F-4s and F-5s are easier to maintain. These
planes are the backbone of the Iranian fighting air force, intercepting Iraqi
raids, guarding rear areas and ships from attack, and occasionally attempting
a raid into Iraqi territory.
 Iranian fighters are equipped with AIM-9H Sidewinders, one of the last and
best first-generation IR AAMs. The F-4 Phantoms (but not the F-5 Tigers) are
designed to carry the AIM-7F Sparrow, a long range radar-homing missile.
 @GReconnaissance Bombers:@H Iran has few naval reconnaissance bombers, and
most of those are P-3C Orions with inoperative electronic gear. Such planes
are reduced to making visual patrols only - a waste of aviation fuel in a
modern warfare environment!
 However, it's possible that long-range Russian Tu-95 "Bear" bombers may make
an appearance, flying from Afghanistan or Yemen.
 @GAirborne Early Warning & Control:@H Iran has no "AWACS" or other AEW&C
aircraft. Instead, the few operational F-14s are used in this role, since the
F-14 has an extremely powerful air search radar.
 @GAir Transports:@H Iran has a variety of small, medium and large air transports,
including the American C-130 Hercules, German Fokker F.27, French Dassault-
Breguet Falcon 20, and Boeing 707 and 747 transport models. The exact types
available vary greatly, depending on the supply of spare parts and the presence
of knowledgeable mechanics. Given Iran's dislike of the West, some consider it
likely that she will shop in Russia for the next transports bought, perhaps the
new and very flexible An-72 Coaler.

_______________________________________________________________________________
@GNavy@H
 The Iranian Navy has suffered greatly in the Iran-Iraq war, since most
resources go into the army and air force. Many ships were damaged in the
fighting and remain unrepaired; others have deteriorated badly for lack of
maintenance. The great naval base at Khorramshahr, near Abadan, was destroyed
early in the war and remains a ruin in no-man's land.
 It is believed that one or more of the four Vosper Mark 5 frigates are still
functional. These 1,100-ton ships include a Seacat SAM surface-to-air missile
system and a 4.5" gun turret. Occasional patrols by these or smaller ships can
be expected in the region of Kharg Island or in the Straits of Hormuz. If
functional, the Vosper frigates pose a significant military threat.
 Iran's Shi'ite "Guards" also man a large number of fast motorboats. The crew
carry rocket-propelled grenades to attack shipping, and shoulder-launched IR
SAMs to protect themselves from air and helicopter attack. Virtually invisible,
these "mosquitos" are a threat only to unarmed merchant shipping, or an
aircraft unlucky enough to pass over the area. These boats are based all along
the Iranian coast, especially at Bandar 'Abbas, and from a variety of offshore
oil platforms.





@GThe North Cape-----------------------------------------------------------------@H
@GIntroduction@H

@GPolitics:@H The North Cape area is shared by four nations. West to east, they
are Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Soviet Union. Their political orientation
parallel their geographic locations: Norway belongs to NATO, Sweden is a pro-
Western neutral, neutral Finland accomodates the Soviets, and the Soviet Union,
of course, leads the Eastern bloc.
@GMilitary Forces:@H In terms of global politics, the North Cape is the single
most important military region in the Soviet Union. Murmansk is Russia's only
year-round open-sea access to the Atlantic ocean. Russian SSBNs (ballastic
missile nuclear submarines), the heart of nuclear deterrence, sail from here
into the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. The Soviet Northern Fleet protects these
invaluable weapons, as well as maintaining a credible threat to NATO's Atlantic
lifelines.
 @GNorway@H fields a large, tough force tailored for a dogged defense of its
mountainous homeland. Reasonably well-equipped, the majority of the forces
guard the populous southern regions. The northern bases have only token
garrisons. Northern Norway seems more important to NATO than it is to the
Norwegians, since important NATO air, naval and marine troop assets are planned
to reinforce this area in time of war.
 @GSweden'@Hs armed forces are designed to make the Russians (or anyone) think
twice about violating that country's neutrality. The forces are well equipped
and well trained, with a nationwide reserve system that makes a large part of
the citizenry part-time soldiers. However, the northern part of Sweden is
almost unpopulated, so the defenses there are considerably lighter.
 Recently Sweden has been greatly irritated by Russian midget submarines
literally crawling around inside her fleet bases, and by a Russian diesel sub
that ran aground in a harbour entrance while carrying a nuclear-tipped torpedo
(a serious insult to anti-nuclear Sweden). As a result, Sweden may be willing
to support NATO clandestine operations as a form of revenge.
 @GFinland@H fields a much smaller and less sophisticated force than its
neighbours. Although fiercly independent, Finland has learned to accomodate the
desires of its powerful neighbour, the Soviet Union. The Soviets maintain this
"friendly" attitude by garrisoning powerful military forces near the Finnish
border, and strongly encouraging Finland to buy Soviet military equipment. So
even if Finland could detect F-19 overflights in its northern regions, it's
unclear whether it would bother informing its "friend" Russia immediately.
 @GGeography:@H This entire region is a harshly cold climate. Northern Norway is a
long, mountainous country with a harsh climate and "iron" (rocky) seacoast. In
this terrain a small group of determined defenders could stop an army for
years. The "open" areas of Finland and Sweden are deceptive. On the map it may
appear to be an open plain, perfect for attack. In reality it's a frigid
wilderness in the winter and a vast, marshy bog in the summer.
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GLevel of Conflict@H
 @GCold war:@H Because of the potential threat posed by the Northern Fleet's ships
and aircraft to the shipping lanes in the Atlantic, NATO and Russian forces are
constantly sparring with each other, testing the other's responses and
jockeying for position should hostilities break out. Officially at peace, the
two sides wage a covert conflict of intelligence gathering and military
posturing that can turn deadly at any instant.
 @GLimited War:@H If Russian or American foreign policy was conducted with
greater hostilty, the North Cape would make an ideal place for Western raids of
retaliations against the Soviets. Similarly, their air and sea defences could
get excessively "trigger happy" and shoot before asking questions. Even among
men of good faith, there is always a temptation to send in a secret mission to
"take out" something that really bothers you. Israel and South Africa, for
example, have surrendered to this temptation from time to time.
 @GConventional War:@H The baloon's gone up. NATO and the Warsaw Pact are
officially shooting at each other in this part of Europe (perhaps elsewhere
too). The Northern Fleet is making a sortie into the Atlantic, Soviet troops
have crossed the border into Norway, Mainstays and MiGs are clouding the skies.
Now missions are no joke at all. Getting in and out with your skin intact will
be very, very tricky!
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GFriendly Bases@H
 The two Norwegian land bases here are civilian airfields, but both are closer
to the Russian border than the NATO bases at Banak and Bardu. It is easy and
wise to stage stealth missions through either Lakselv or Kautokeino, rather
than flying longer distances from more rearward fields. Such staging could be
just a quick landing and refueling both inbound and outbound. In effect, the
fields can function as grounded refueling tankers.
 @GKautokeino (WX11):@H Located in the barren tundra of the Finnmarksvidda,
Kautokeino airfield is well suited for operations across the top of Finland to
Murmansk. The population is very small and the entire area well defended by
tundra swamps and bogs in the summer, or sub-zero blizzards in the winter.
 @GLakselv (WX34):@H Located at the inland end of the Porsangen Fjord, Lakselv
town has an airfield ideally suited to operations into Russia. It is far enough
from the border to survive the first few days of fighting, but close enough for
easy flying.
@GCV Kennedy at Sea (WX67):@H In the middle 1980s the Secretary of the Navy
announced a new policy - a wartime policy of sending aircraft carriers deep
into the Norwegian Sea, to challenge Russia's fleet near its home ports.
Although considered suicidal by some, this policy is certainly useful for
launching stealth missions. Here CV67, one of the conventional carriers with
the US Atlantic Fleet, makes a quick dash to the North Cape to launch your
mission. As always, the carrier is accompanied by a screen of escorts, and is
constantly launching and recovering a CAP of F-18s.
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GNeutral Bases@H
 Available neutral bases in this region are all Swedish. Sweden is strictly
neutral in international politics, but economically closely tied to the Western
bloc. Given recent events and aggressive Russian moves, it's not unlikely that
a few clandestine stealth missions, or emergency landings, would be allowed at
northern Swedish airbases.
 @GKiruna (WW28):@H The northernmost airfield in Sweden, this base is located in
the nearly unpopulated foothills of the Esrange mountains. Stealth missions
could operate easily from this area, with nobody but reindeer to observe the
events.
 @GGallivare (WW26):@H Although this airfield is also far north in Sweden,
Gallivare town is a junction of rails and roads. In the summer months it is
also a popular tourist area, with the Muddus National Park a few miles to the
west. Stealth missions operating from this base must be very discreet.
 @GLulea (WW13):@H This fairly populous city is the main Swedish military base in
the Northern Region. It is also a port on the Gulf of Bothnia, the northernmost
arm of the Baltic sea.
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GThe Land of the Midnight Sun@H
 The North Cape (Nordkapp in Norwegian) is a realm of extremes. In summer the
sun shines throughout the night, while in winter it never rises above the
horizon.
 The most northerly areas are realms of tundra and permafrost - ground that
remains frozen thoughout the year, save for the top few inches in the summer.
Only moss and coarse grass grows here, although it can turn brilliant green on
good summer days.
 The majority of the region is taiga, vast pine forests that are home to
reindeer, artic fox, and rock ptarmigan. The southerly lowlands are a deep
watershed, full of small lakes, marshes and bogs. The White Sea coastline is
almost entirely marsh as the land blends gradually into sea.
 The interior of the Kola Peninsula has the characteristic mountains of a
tundra-taiga borderland: low, rolling, rocky and bare, with pockets of snow
even in summer. The Norwegian coast has more dramatic terrain. Here is the
topmost end of the spine of mountains that divides Norway from Sweden. Even
here they are still steep, bare rock with clinging patches of ice and snow.
 Amid this monotonous, desolute terrain are impressive human works, especially
the city of Murmansk with its sprawling military complexes. Hideously expensive
to build and maintain through the long, deep winter, this region is surely the
most valuable military real estate in the world, judging by money invested per
acre!
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GNorthwestern Russia@H
 @GMurmansk (XX11):@H This major city is Russia's only year-round port on the
Atlantic ocean. Its great piers and depots support not only a steady stream of
merchant shipping, but the powerful Red Banner Northern fleet. Murmansk is
literally "at the end of the line", in this case a long railway line that runs
southward 700 miles to Leningrad.
 Murmansk is also the nerve centre of Russia's powerful airforces, including
both PVO air defence planes and Naval Aviation of the Northern fleet. Satellite
airfields surround the city, including large bases at Kildenstroy (XX10) and
Kilpyaur (XX00). The Northern fleet includes, roughly, one aircraft carrier, 75
other major surface warships, one marine brigade, 133 submarines, and 446 naval
aircraft. The protection of its bases is the duty of 12 Divisions of army
troops (about 300,000 men total) and 150 planes of Tactical Aviation (airforce
planes supporting the army) and the PVO (airforce interceptors guarding the
border).
 The great Severomorsk (XX31) submarine pens are also just outside of Murmansk.
This underground base is the home port for the new Typhoon class of ballistic
missile subs, as well as many other diesel and nuclear undersea craft.
 @GPechenga (WX91):@H This town is Russia's forwardmost military base in the far
north. Just a few miles from the Norwegian border, Pechenga is the inevitably
staging point for any invasion into NATO territory. Although it has an airbase
and strong SAM defenses, the Polyarnyy airbase complex to the east (in WX80) is
somewhat larger.
 @GMonchegorsk (XW18) & Olenegorsk (XW19):@H These two towns, near the base of the
Kola peninsula, are major airbases for long-range naval aviation bombers, as
well as providing fighter and SAM cover to the railroad link between Murmansk
and the south.
 @GKandalaksha (XW16):@H This small city is the main population centre at the base
of the Kola peninsula. It is primarily a transportation hub, with rail lines
and a naval port that faces eastward, into the White Sea.
 South of the city lies the Loukhi (XW04) air defense complex, including a
large SAM battery that covers this section of the Murmansk-Leningrad rail line.
 @GKem (XW21):@H South of Kandalaksha, Kem is the next significant city along the
Murmansk-Leningrad line. It too is a small port facing onto the White Sea. It
is also the starting point for the Voknavolok rail line that runs westward to
the Finnish border. This is a purely military line, intended to support the
Russian military presence on the Finnish border.
 @GArkhangel'sk (XW71):@H This city is Russia's largest port on the Atlantic.
Although closed by ice during the winter, it has much better rail and road
connections to the interior of Russia, and is almost totally invulnerable to
enemy attack. In addition to large port facilities, the city is surrounded by
military defenses, the most notable being the complexes at Severodvinsk
(XW51) and Kushkushara (XW84). In addition, units of the Northern Fleet patrol
offshore in the White Sea.
 @GSecret Bases:@H Western intelligence operatives in this area have secretly
created two hard-frozen airstrips suitable for landings, one at XW57, the other
at XX20.
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GAir Defenses@H
 The Kola peninsula is vital to the Soviet Union because of the access it
affords to NATO's lines of communications, but its very proximity also makes it
particularly vulnerable to NATO counterstrokes. Consequently, the Kola
Peninsula is likely to prove one of the most challenging anti-aircraft
environments in the world today.
 In clandestine missions it may prove impossible to penetrate and escape this
area without eliminating at least one radar system. However, you get lucky -
the systems often shut down for varying periods of time due to maintenance
difficulties in this most rigorous of climates.
 @GLong Range SAMs:@H These are area defense weapons that, along with fighters, are
your primary opposition. The older SA-2s and SA-5s have been undergoing
continual upgrade to SA-10 and SA-12 quality. The entire system is enhanced by
the LPAR early warning system at Kirovsk.
 @GLight SAMs:@H Soviet ground forces in this area are outfitted with the usual
battlefield SAMs, including the older SA-9 and SA-13 IR missiles, as well as
the newer SA-8 and SA-11 radar guided missiles. Mobile infantry carrying SA-7
and SA-14 shoulder-launched IR SAMs are a significant threat as well. Check out
your intelligence briefing (preflight) for "special event" areas showing the
latest enemy troop concentrations.
_______________________________________________________________________________
@GThe PVO and Naval Aviation@H
 @GFighters:@H This region is defended partly by the PVO units, with long-range
MiG-25 and MiG-31 interceptors using long-range radar-homing AAMs. Naval
aviation fighters operating from either carriers or land strips include the
Yak-38 V/STOL jet and the new Su-27 multi-purpose fighter. During wartime
shorter-ranged units may arrive, including MiG-29 and SU-27 dogfighters with
short-range IR missiles as well as long-range radar weapons.
 All these planes but the Yak-38 are worthy opponents. The Yak can only carry
IR homing missiles (generally AA-8 Aphids). It is considerably slower and less
flexible than the other fighters.
 @GReconnaissance Bombers:@H Many long-range Tu-95D "Bears" are based in this area,
to keep tabs on NATO naval activity in the North Atlantic. A nuisance in
peacetime, these planes pose a serious threat in a war. Eliminating them is
always a high priority in NATO war plans. That would blind the Russian high
command to activities in the Atlantic and Norwegian seas.
 @GTransports:@H Russia possesses numerous air transports for its huge force of
airborne units. The most modern of these is the jet propelled An-72 "Coaler",
which is particularly suited to fast, high priority missions like inserting
commando teams or transporting critical command personnel.
 @GAEW & C Aircraft:@H The Soviets routinely deploy Il-76 "Mainstay" aircraft in
this region. The 300+ mile radars on this plane may be your most formidable
enemy. If you're spotted and can't discover how or by whom, chances are it's a
Mainstay.
_______________________________________________________________________________