_______________________________________________________________________________ @GThe Red Banner Northern@H Russia's Northern Fleet offers both tempting targets and a significant threat. Its modern Sovremennyy-class destroyers carry SA-N-7 missiles, while the numerous Krivak-class frigates sport the SA-N-4. The larger Kiev-class carrier has the powerful SA-N-6, a sea-going equivalent to the SA-10. These warships are more than capable of defending themselves. Stationed off the northern coast, they significantly extend the Soviet anti-aircraft umbrella. In addition to these ships' SAMs, the Kiev carries a complement of Yak-38 "jump-jet" fighter aircraft. While less capable than ground-based fighters, the British Harriers in the Falklands taught the world not to underestimate the capabilities of such planes. An upcoming addition to the northern fleet is a class of huge aircraft carriers fitting out in the Crimea. Tentatively titled the "Kremlin" class, these ships are expected to join the Northern Fleet soon. @GCentral Europe-----------------------------------------------------------------@H @GIntroduction@H @GPolitics:@H Central Europe is where the full force of East and West meet. Since World War II Europe has been two hostile Blocs, with a few neutrals balanced between. On one side are the communist East European nations, created in the wake of Soviet armies at the end of WWII. On the other side are democratic Western European nations, created by the USA and Britain in the wake of their armies during WWII. Since 1949 the West has been linked by NATO. In 1955 the East formalized an equivalent organization, the Warsaw Pact, dominated by the USSR. From then to now the two greatest military organizations on earth have uneasily eyed each other along the German border. (Bit out of date aren't we Microprose?) @GMilitary Forces:@H The Warsaw Pact can deploy almost three million men, about 80,000 armored fighting vehicles, and 6,000 combat aircraft. Against this Juggernaut, the Western powers can field around two million men, 40,000 AFV's, and 4,000 combat aircraft. The numerical imbalance is partially offset by the higher quality of the Western troops and equipment, presumably along with the traditional advantages of being the defender. (Of course, the commies are bound to attack @4us@5, aren't they?) Together, the two sides have almost ten thousand nuclear weapons for battlefield use in Europe. These range from small, sub-kiloton shells designed to wipe out troop concentrations, up to multi-megaton city busters. Artillery, planes, and missiles of all types and ranges can deliver these weapons. At one time NATO felt it had to use nuclear weapons to compensate for numerical inferiority. Today it has an alternative plan: "Air-land battle, 2000". In this NATO uses superior technology, including its stealth planes, to attack deep in the rear of the Warsaw Pact armies, destroying their logistical support. If this innovative strategy works NATO need not use nuclear weapons to stem the Red tide. However, if this fails, NATO must choose between a nuclear holocaust and the conquest of Europe by the Soviet Union. (Hello Comrade, have a beer! Better red than dead...) @GGeography:@H The "Central Front" stretches 1000 kilometers through the middle of Germany, bordered on the north by the Baltic Sea, and on the south by the Alps. The initial strategic objective of a Russian invasion would almost certainly be the Rhine river, only 150 kilometers from the frontier (at the closest point). West German terrain is mildly favourable to the defender, especially in the forested and hilly southern half. The broad, flat North German Plain is the traditional invasion route. But every few kilometers there is a new town, village or city. Each could become a new defensive bastion. One often neglected geographic consideration is the terrain to the @4east@5 of the frontier. With the development of the "Air-land battle" this region takes on a new significance. The North German plain broadens towards the east, encompassing most of East Germany and Poland. It is crossed by a number of major rivers flowing northward, channeling road and rail traffic into a variety of bridges. This combination of open countryside and numerous "choke points" is well suited to air operations. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GLevel of Conflict@H @GCold War:@H This is the situation of the last 40 years. The two sides maintain a wary posture, generally trying to avoid overt provocations, probing each other to gain information, stir discontent in the enemy population, and gain psychological advantages. The stealth fighter, designed for clandestine penetration, is the perfect aircraft for the secret operations common in this situation. (If this is what the Americans are really up to, I think Britain should join the far more sane Warsaw Pact!!) @GLimited War:@H Now the conflict is at the brink of open warfare, but armies have not yet crossed any borders. As military acts escalate, the opportunity for stealth missions increases as well. Military actions are political signals that urge the other to back away in forceful terms. Unfortunately, sometimes fighting just escalates. This technique was successful for America on Grenada and against Libya, but it failed in Vietnam. Well, you're just a stealth pilot, carrying out orders. (Nazi soldiers were just "carrying out orders"...) @GConventional War:@H This is it! Russian tanks pour over the West German border while NATO forces scramble to stem the onrushing tide. On one side lies conventional defeat, on the other the disaster of thermonuclear war. "Air-land battle, 2000" goes into effect. Stealth aircraft, airmobile raiding groups, and long range "smart" munitions make the dangerous crossing over the front to hammer Soviet rear echelons. If they can isolate the Russian spearheads from their base, they may give the politicians an opportunity to avert disaster. (Microprose sound like they @4want@5 World War 3!!) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GFriendly Bases@H West Germany, Holland, and Denmark are studded with airfields that could serve as bases for stealth raids into Eastern Europe. They form a gentle, north-south crescent bulging west in the middle. Which is the most suitable starting point for a particular airstrike depends mainly on the location of the target. However, the stealth fighter's unique characteristics will be most affective in the areas only thinly covered by radar to the north and south of the main arena. Therefore, deep penetration raids will usually start from Denmark or Southern Germany. Shorter tactical strikes, however, must fly directly into the mouth of the tiger. @GJutland Peninsula - Vandel (CC52) & Leck (CB59):@H These far northern bases make ideal jump-off points for raids out across the Baltic. Often it's easier to deal with missile boats in the Baltic than the heavier SAM defenses in East Germany and Poland. @GNorthern Germany (Hanover) - Ahlhorn (CB37) & Gutersloh (CB53):@H These bases, directly behind BAOR (British Army Of The Rhine), face across the flat, densely populated North German Plain, the most likely axis of advance should the Warsaw Pact attack NATO. Therefore, they represent the most direct route to one of the greatest concentrations of hostiles in the world. (In 1990... I doubt it. Maybe Microprose missed the bit where all those heathen commie states turned into nice clean wholesome democracies?) @GCentral Germany (Westphalia) - Rhein-main (CB52) & Ramstein (CB50):@H These bases are the great, famous bases of American air power in Europe. Rhein-main is one of the largest military bases in the world, while Ramstein is headquarters for the 4th Tactical Air Force. @GSouthern Germany (Bavaria) - Neuberg (CA68), Leipheim (CA57) & Memmingen@H @G(CA65):@H These bases are all Luftwaffe (air force of the Federal Republic of Germany), but like many German bases, are entirely willing to host American aircraft as needed. Any of these bases makes an excellent jump-off point for missions into Czechoslovakia. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSightseeing from the Baltic to Bohemia@H Without doubt, the most impressive sights in this region are the vast urban metroplexes, from the northern ports of Hamburg (CB67) and Lubeck (CB77) to the old cities of Leipzig (CB82) or Warsaw (DB95), or the industrial sprawl of Prague (DB30) and Krakow (DB90). Those northern areas not covered with cities, towns or villages are divided into small plots of farmland. Much of the area is watered by extensive river systems flowing northward. Bridges large and small are common near cities. An especially impressive suspension bridge can be found on the southwestern outskirts of Hamburg (CB67). The southern part of this region is dominated by low mountains that virtually surround the Czechoslovakian lowlands of Bohemia (to the west) and Moravia (to the east). The valleys and passes amid the mountains provide numerous natural routes, and not a few flying challenges. Although much of the highland areas were once forested, in the last few decades acid rain has denuded many areas and started rampant erosion. The once green mountains are now more frequently brown, gray, and black. The much higher Alps, capped by perpetual snow, are generally obscured by haze to the southwest. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GThe Eastern Bloc@H @GEast Germany:@H During a limited or conventional war the main strength of the Warsaw Pact forces will travel through here, surging into West Germany. The greates natural barrier in East Germany is the Elbe River, running from the Czechoslovakian mountains northward to Hamburg. Destroying these river bridges would cut off the Pact's forward troops from their supply lines. Covering the Pact's forward areas are two main air defense complexes, one in the north near Wittstock (CB97) and Wittenburg (CB87), another in the south just east of Leipzig and Magdeburg, including the big radars at Mittenwalde (CB93) and Grossenhaim (CB92). @GPoland:@H In a NATO-Pact confict Poland is the "rear area" through which Russian troops and supplies would flow toward the front lines. Many important headquarters and depots are situated in the central and western part of the nation. The Wista-Vistula river system divides Poland in half, from north to south. Destroying the road and rail bridges can seriously damage Pact operations. Polish defense complexes include a powerful system west of Gdansk at Stupsk (DB48), and south of Lodz at Radom (DB83). In addition, Warsaw (DB95) is a major transportation hub, so active SAM batteries can be expected in that area during wartime. @GCzechoslovakia:@H This Pact nation, seperated from Germany by the mountains and the rugged highlands of the Bohemian Forest, is likely to play a secondary role in wartime. Czechoslovakian defenses are also somewhat lighter than those of East Germany and Poland. Tabor (DA38) is the most significant installation. Far to the east, guarding the entrance to Hungary and southern Poland, is another defense complex at Konmamo (DA87). @GKalingrad:@H This region of Russia, named after the major seaport of Kalingrad (renamed from Konigsberg in 1945) at DB89, is the Soviet "front line" on the Baltic. It includes a major OTH (over-the-horizon) radar station at EB09, as well as the Klaipeda airbase (EC02). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAir Defenses@H @GEquipment:@H Since the "Central Front" forms the focal point of the war, the anti-aircraft defenses on both sides are the most intensive in the world. The Soviets are certain to deploy large quantities of their most modern weapons, SA-10s and SA-12s, for area defense. In some areas the older, less effective SA-5 long range systems may still be in place. Radar guided SA-8s and SA-11s are the most commonly used for more local defenses, especially near important military concentrations or objectives. A few are even sited near the larger SAM batteries to provide local defense. The shorter-ranged infrared SA-9s and especially SA-13s may appear instead if the radar-guided weapons are not available. At sea the Baltic missile boats typically have either SA-N-5 or SA-N-7 systems, although Krivaks and larger ships with the SA-N-4 can be expected in wartime. @GDefended Areas:@H The whole region is alive with lethal metal. The most dangerous areas will undoubtedly be on or near the front lines in West Germany, and perhaps at any invasion sites in Denmark. Also beware of reserve troop concentrations in East Germany or Poland. But these are relative assessments, not absolute. Let down your guard anywhere and your aircraft will undoubtedly follow. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAir Forces@H The Soviet Air Force is the largest in the world, and one of the most modern. It deploys a wide variety of interceptor, bomber, and support aircraft. Some are obsolescent, but many can meet the best of the West. The Soviets know the value of air superiority. They'll give high priority to that goal in any European war. @GFighters:@H As always, the primary foe is another pilot. With 6,000 combat aircraft to chose from, you can bet that the Red Air Force will find a few to spare for you. They'll also have the hot new models. If you're lucky, you'll only see second-line MiG-23s, but more likely you'll encounter quality dogfighters like the MiG-29 and Su-27. In the rear areas you're more likely to see long-range interceptors like the MiG-25 and MiG-31. @GBombers:@H The Russians have many different bomber aircraft. One of the most troublesome is the Tu-95 "Bear" modified to carry cruise missiles. Keeping a number of these craft in orbit deep behind Russian lines gives them an "untouchable" airborne nuclear force. Your job as an F-19 attacker is to prove that this nuclear weapon can be hurt too. @GAirborne Early Warning & Control:@H The Soviet Il-76 "Mainstay" AEW&C was designed for work in this kind of environment. Flying "racetrack" orbits deep behind friendly lines, its powerful radars can see NATO air operations develop and radio appropriate orders to various fighter squadrons. The effort to develop these planes has been long and costly; the size, weight and expense of the electronic gear is gigantic. Each plane is precious. Eliminating them would cripple Soviet air operations. The Pact appreciates this too, so getting to them won't be an easy job. @GTransports:@H Thousands of air transports will shuttle back and forth on both sides of the front line, carrying troops, raiding parties, munitions, staff officers, etc. The new Russian workhorse that flies anywhere and carries almost anything is the An-72 "Coaler". Its high speed and short-field capability make it the natural choice for secret missions, and a natural target for your stealth fighter. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GNaval Forces@H The Russian Baltic fleet, headquartered at Baltiysk outside of Kalingrad, controls 4 cruisers, 16 destroyers (many of them obsolescent), 7 Krivak-class large frigates, 22 missile boats and other light warships, and 21 amphibious assault ships, as well as 45 submarines (mostly older diesel-electric models). It also controls the East German and Polish navies, which have numerous additional frigates and missile boats. This force has two goals: to cover the northern flank of the Warsaw Pact from air attack, and to invade Denmark in the event of war. Stealth missions will generally deal with the former, your problem being how to penetrate the warship screen in the Baltic. Because of the many confusing classes of Russian, Polish and East German missile boats and frigates, it's always wise to check the data on a ship. The SA-N-5 is just a first generation IR homer, and no serious threat. The SA-N-4 uses older pulse radar guidance, but the new SA-N-7 is a more serious problem. Fortunately very few Baltic warships carry the powerful, long-ranged SA-N-10. @GPART 5 EQUIPMENT--------------------------------------------------------------@H @GOrdnance & Weapon Data Charts@H The charts and tables on the following pages provide a detailed data reference for USAF ordnance available to the F-19. Also included is equivalent data on enemy aircraft weapons and SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) systems. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GUSAF Ordnance Summary@H (a-a: air-to-air, a-s: air-to-ship, a-g: air-to-ground) Max Max Guidance Attack Attack Qty. Weapon Range Speed System Altitude Technique - M61A1 20mm Cannon 6km 6000kts Hist. sight 0'+ anticipation firing 4 AIM-9M Sidewinder 17km 2000kts IR homing 500'+ a-a fire & forget 3 AIM-120A AMRAAM 32km 2400kts Radar homing 500'+ a-a fire & forget 2 Penguin-3 ASM 32km 500kts IR homing 500'+ a-s fire & forget 1 AGM-84A Harpoon 60km 500kts Radar homing 500'+ a-s fire & forget 1 AGM-88A HARM 20km 1400kts Anti-radar 500'+ a-g fire & forget 2 AGM-65D Maverick 32km 700kts Therm. Image 500'+ a-g fire & forget 2 GBU-12 Paveway 1+km glides Laser homing 500'c toss/level bombing 2 CBU-72 FAE 1+km glides Laser homing 500'c toss/level bombing 2 Mk20 Rockeye II 1+km glides Laser homing 500'c toss/level bombing 2 Mk20 Rockeye 0km retarded none 500'+ level bombing 2 Durandal 0km retarded none 500'+ level bombing 1 ISC B-1 Minelets 0km retarded none 500'+ level bombing 3 Mk82-1 Snakeye 0km retarded none 500'+ level bombing 1 Mk35 IN cluster 0km retarded none 500'+ level bombing 3 Mk82-0 Slick 0km free fall none 3000'+ level/dive bombing 2 Mk122 Fireye 0km free fall none 3000'+ level/dive bombing 1 135mm/IR cameras ~10km on plane fixed viewer 200'+ level run 1 special equipment 0km retarded none 500'+ level run _______________________________________________________________________________ @GKey to USAF Ordnance Summary@H @GQty:@H The number of weapons of this type you can carry in one of your bay positions (you have four weapons positions). The M61A1 cannon is fixed in the nose and always available. @GWeapon:@H The name of the weapon. @GMax Range:@H The maximum range at which the weapon can be launched or fired effectively. A 0km range means the weapon is a free-fall or retarded bomb that must be dropped onto the target. @GMax Speed:@H The speed at which the weapon reaches the target. This is given in knots so you can compare it with your own flight speed. @4glides@5 means the weapon 'flies' without power. Therefore your speed, at the time of launch, becomes the speed of the weapon. @4retarded@5 means the weapon is a retarded bomb that falls away behind your craft, decelerating as it drops. Some retarded weapons even open a parachute during their descent, to stabilize the fall and line up the warhead(s). @4free fall@5 means the weapon is a traditional free-fall bomb that arcs downward to the target. @GGuidance System:@H If the weapon has an onboard targeting system, it is mentioned here for general interest. @GAttack Altitude:@H The recommended altitude for the typical attack method. The "500'+" entry means any altitude above 500 feet is fine. The "500'c" entry means that a toss-bombing technique is used where the bomb is launched while the plane climbs from 500 feet. @GAttack Techniques:@H This references the appropriate attack technique. Techniques noted in second place (e.g. toss/level; level is the one we mean here) are alternate attack methods that are either more dangerous or more difficult to learn. See "How to Fight" earlier and "Air-to-Ground Tactics" for more details. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GKey to USAF Ordnance, Effectiveness against Common Targets@H @GTarget Type Abbreviations@H @G1:@H aircraft in flight. @G2:@H airbase hangar, which at military airfields are armored bunkers. @G3:@H airbase runway. @G4:@H planes on airbase runways and aprons (i.e., outside of hangars). @G5:@H airbase tower, including the tower radars and radios. @G6:@H nuclear power plant. @G7:@H bridge over a river. @G8:@H buildings, including terrorist camps, offices, warehouses, factories, villages, homes, etc. @G9:@H bunker, such as fixed Army HQ sites. @G10:@H depot of military fuel and supplies. @G11:@H missile launcher, including both fixed launchers and vehicles. Launchers may have SAMs or SSMs. @G12:@H SAM radar station, usually with SAM missile launchers. @G13:@H Large-scale Phased Array Radar station. @G14:@H Over The Horizon long-range radar station. @G15:@H offshore oil platform. @G16:@H oil refinery. @G17:@H oil storage tanks. @G18:@H oil wells. @G19:@H underground submarine pens. @G20:@H all ships, including cargo ships, warships, and surfaced submarines. @GResults Abbreviations@H The effectiveness of results is graded like a report card; the higher the grade, the more effective the weapon. @GA+, A and A-@H means the weapons are especially effective against this target. @GB+, B and B-@H means the weapons are of normal accuracy and effectiveness against this target. @GC+, C and C-@H means the weapons are not very effective against this target, but may do damage if either you're skillful or lucky (or both). @GD@H means the weapon has marginal effectiveness against this target. You have to be very skillful or very lucky to achieve an effective hit. @GF@H means the weapon is totally useless against this target. Any attacks will be a complete waste of time and ordnance. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GUSAF Ordnance: Weapon Effectiveness against Common Targets@H Weapon 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 --------------------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+ @GCannon@H M61A1 20mm Cannon B F F B B F F B F B B C- C- C- B B B B F C @GAir-to-Air Missiles@H AIM-9M 'Sidewinder' A+ F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F AIM-120A AMRAAM A- F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F @GAir-to-Ship Missiles@H Penguin-3 ASM F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F B AGM-84A 'Harpoon' F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F A- @GAir-to-Ground Missiles@H AGM-88A HARM F F F F F F F F F F F A- A- A- F F F F F B+ AGM-65D 'Maverick' F C- F C- C B B C B C C B B B B B B B F B @GLaser-guided Bombs@H GBU-12 Paveway F B D C- B B+ B+ B B+ B B B+ B+ B+ B B B B F C CBU-72 FAE F B F F A- B+ F A- B+ F F F F F B F F F B+ C- Mk 20 'Rockeye' II F F F B B F F B F B+ B+ B B B B B+ B+ B+ F B @GRetarded Bombs@H Mk 20 'Rockeye' F F F B B F F B F B B B B B B B B B F C Durandal F F A+ F F D C- F D F F F F F F F F F F F ISC B-1 Minelets F F A- F C F F C F C- C F F F F C C C F F Mk 82-1 'Snakeye' F F D B B F F B F B F C- C- C- F B B B F F Mk 35 IN cluster F D F A- B F F B F A- A- C C C A- A- A- A- F C @GFree-fall Bombs@H Mk 82-0 'Slick' F C D C B D D B D B C- C C C C B B B F C Mk 122 'Fireye' F C- F B B C- F B C- B+ C C C C C- B+ B+ B+ D C _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAir-to-Air Missiles (AAMs)@H System Nation Guidance Effective Max Name or plane System Range Speed Maneuverability @GLong-range Radar-Homing@H AA-6 Acrid MiG-25 SAPR 50km Mach 4 Poor AA-7 Apex MiG-23 SAPR 34km Mach 3 Poor AA-9 Amos MiG-31 SAPR 82km Mach 3.5 Fair AA-10 Alamo MiG-29 or Su-27 ADR 64km Mach 3+ Good AIM-7E Sparrow F-4,F-15,F-16 SAPR 44km Mach 3.7 Very Good AIM-120A AMRAAM any USA ADR 32km Mach 4 Very Good @GShort-Range Infrared-Homing@H AA-2 Atoll any USSR IR1 14km Mach 2.5 Very Good AA-6 Acrid (IR) MiG-25 IR1 50km Mach 4 Poor AA-7 Apex (IR) MiG-23 IR1 34km Mach 3 Fair AA-8 Aphid any USSR IR2 12km Mach 3 Excellent AA-10 Alamo (IR) MiG-29 or Su-27 IR2 64km Mach 3+ Good AIM-9H Sidewinder any Western IR1 12km Mach 3+ Excellent AIM-9M Sidewinder any USA IR2 17km Mach 3+ Excellent _______________________________________________________________________________ @GKey to Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs)@H @GSystem Name:@H The name of the missile system. @GPlane:@H The type of plane which can carry the missile. If a specific plane is listed, only those planes can carry that missile. Aircraft listed are restricted to those commonly encountered. @4any USA@5 means any plane of the US Air Force, but not current or former American allies (and therefore not Iran). @4any Western@5 means any plane of a western-allied nation, including former American allies such as Iran, or neutrals such as Sweden. @4any USSR@5 means any plane of a USSR-allied nation, including such Soviet allies as Libya, Finland, Iraq, East Germany, Czecholslovakia, Poland, etc. @GGuidance System:@H How the missile finds its target. @4SAPR@5 means Semi-active Pulse Radar. This requires that the launching plane continue to "paint" the target with radar until the missile hits. @4ADR@5 means Active Doppler Radar. The missile has its own radar set, allowing the plane to "fire and forget". In addition, the missile's doppler radar is only fooled by chaff if the target plane generates a small doppler (by running perpendicular to the missile's course). @4IR1@5 means Infra-Red (First generation). The missile is a first generation infrared homer. It chases the hot engine exhaust only, and is easily fooled by jammers and flares. @4IR2@5 means Infra-Red (Second generation). The missile is a second generation infrared homer. It aims at any hot part of a plane, including the nose, wings and tail as well as the engine exhausts. It can recover from jamming and continue seeking a target. @GEffective Range:@H The maximum range at which the missile can "lock on" to a target. @GMaximum Speed:@H The launching speed of the missile. Mach 1 is about 660 knots at sea level. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSurface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)@H Search Firing Max Max Search Range Firing Range Speed Alt Name Mounting Guidance (km) Guidance (km) (mach) (ft) M. @GLong-Range Radar-Guided SAMs@H SA-2 Guideline Site Poor PR 200 BRPR 125 3+ 55000 VP SA-5 Gammon Site Poor PR 350 BRPR 150 3 95000 P SA-10 Grumble Site/vehicles Superb DR 320 SACGDR 125 3 70000 F SA-4 Ganef Site/vehicles Poor PR 100 SAPR 70 2.5 75000 P SA-12 Gladiator Vehicles Good DR 290 SACGDR 150 3+ 70000 F SA-6 Gainful Vehicles Poor PR 80 SAPR 30 2.8 60000 F SA-8B Gecko Vehicle Fair PR 125 SAPR 65 2 25000 G SA-11 Gadfly Vehicle Fair PR 200 SAPR 100 2.5 45000 G MIM-23B Hawk Site Good DR 175 SAPR 125 1.5 52000 G Rapier Site/vehicle Good PR 75 SAPR 65 2+ 24000 VG SA-N-4 Warship PR 200 SAPR 30 2 25000 G SA-N-6 Warship DR 320 SACGDR 125 3 70000 F SA-N-7 Warship DR 50-200 SAPR 100 2.5 45000 G @GShort-Range IR/Visual-Guided SAMs@H SA-7B Grail Infantry Eyesight Visual IR1 10 1.5 20000 G SA-14 Infantry Eyesight Visual IR2 16 1.5+ 20000 E FIM-43A Redeye Infantry Eyesight Visual IR1 7 1.5 10000 VG FIM-92A Stinger Infantry Eyesight Visual IR2 10 2 20000 E SA-9B Gaskin Vehicle Eyesight Visual IR1 30 1.5 20000 VG SA-13 Gopher Vehicle Poor PR 125 IR2 65 1.5 30000 VG Tigercat Site Poor PR 65 Visual 30 1.5 12000 G SA-N-5 Warship Poor PR 50-150 IR1 30 1.5 20000 G Seacat Warship Poor PR 200 Visual 30 1.5 12000 G _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAbbreviations:@H DR Doppler Radar PR Pulse Radar BR Beam Rider SA Semi Active CG Command Guidance IR1 First generation Infrared IR2 Second generation Infrared M. Maneuverability... VP Very Poor P Poor F Fair G Good VG Very Good E Excellent Site Ground site (fixed emplacement) @GKey to Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs)@H @GName:@H The commonly used name of the system. @GMounting:@H How the system operates when seen. @4Site@5 means fixed missile launchers are positioned around a central radar station in a "star" pattern. @4Vehicles@5 (plural) means the missile launchers and radars are mounted on vehicles. The vehicles are usually parked on open ground in an irregular pattern. Radars and missile launchers are on seperate vehicles, so they remain fairly close together. @4Vehicle@5 (singular) means each vehicle has both radars and missiles. Although a battery usually has 2 to 4 vehicles, often widely dispersed. @4Warship@5 means the radar and missile launcher are mounted on a warship. @4Infantry@5 means the missile is man-packed, and therefore carried by ground military units, including installation guards, as well as by well-equipped terrorists. @GSearch Guidance:@H The type and quality of search radar used by the missile. Eyesight is a very poor search method. @4Doppler Radar@5 measures the change in range; it is most effective when you fly toward or away from it, least effective when you arc around it at a constant distance. @4Pulse Radar@5 bounces signals off a surface; it is most effective when you fly sideways to it, least effective when you fly straight at it. @GSearch Range:@H The theoretical maximum range of the search radar. However, against your F-19 radar performance is greatly reduced. The quality of the radar and local conditions determine its real, effective range. @GFiring Guidance:@H The way the missile finds your aircraft. Pulse and doppler radars have varying effectiveness depending on your flight path in relation to the missile (see search guidance, above, for details). @4BRPR@5 means Beam-Rider pulse radar; the missile uses pulse radar guidance, with the radar receiver at the launching site. It cannot "burn through" jamming at close range. @4SAPR@5 means Semi-Active pulse radar; the missile uses pulse radar guidance, with the radar receiver in the missile. Therefore it may "burn through" jamming at close range. @4SADR@5 means Semi-Active doppler radar; the missile uses doppler radar guidance, with the radar receiver in the missile. It too can "burn through" jamming at close range. @4SACGDR@5 means Semi-Active with Command Guidance doppler radar; the missile uses doppler radar guidance, with the radar receiver in the missile. It can "burn through" jamming at close range. In addition it has command guidance that permits multiple attacks (should the first attack miss). @4IR1@5 means IR homing (first gen.); the missile uses infrared homing that seeks hot exhausts. It is very vulnerable to both jamming and flares. @4IR2@5 means IR homing (second gen.); the missile uses infrared homing that seeks any hot surface, including nose, wing edges, tail, etc. It has logic circuits that help it recover from jamming or flares. @4Visual@5 means the missile is guided by a controller on the ground, who must watch your plane and react to your maneuvering. @GFiring Range:@H Maximum range at which the missile is fired. @GMax Speed:@H Maximum speed in flight of the missile. Mach 1 is about 520 to 660 kts. @GMax Alt:@H Maximum altitude the missile can reach. @GManeuverability (M.):@H The turning ability of the missile in flight. @GAir-to-Air Armament------------------------------------------------------------@H @GF-19 Weaponry@H @GM61A1 20mm "Vulcan"@H Very short range general purpose gun @4Quantity:@5 1 fixed internally @4Effective Range:@5 3 km @4Maximum Range:@5 6 km @4Attack Technique:@5 Tracking camera/laser historical gunsight @GNotes:@H This six-barrel gatling-gun type cannon is the standard internal armament of most US fighters today, including the F-4, F-14, F-15, F-16 and F-18. It can fire 6,000 rounds a minute, a high rate of fire that increases the chance that a shell will be in the "same piece of sky" as the target aircraft. Of course, this rate of fire also means that a wise pilot must fire in short bursts (otherwise he'll quickly exhaust all his ammunition). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAIM-9M "Sidewinder"@H Short range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Quantity on rack:@5 4 @4Guidance:@5 Second generation ("all aspect") infrared seeker @4Effective Range:@5 17 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3+ @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Excellent @4Attack Technique:@5 Air-to-Air "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H Almost every aspect of this missile has been redesigned and upgraded numerous times. The "M" model is the latest, with a greatly improved all-aspect seeker head, a new warhead and an improved rocket engine. Although an "N" model exists, it represents rebuilds of early "B" and "E" models and is less reliable. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAIM-120A AMRAAM@H Medium range air-to-air missile with active radar homing @4Quantity on rack:@5 3 @4Guidance:@5 Active radar homing (has its own radar in nose) @4Effective Range:@5 32 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 4 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Very good @4Attack Technique:@5 Air-to-Air "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H This is the West's first radar-guided "fire and forget" missile. The AMRAAM (advanced medium range air-to-air missile) has its own inertial guidance, onboard track-while-scanning radar, and computerized target discrimination. Pre-production and early production models are becoming available to Stealth units. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GEnemy Cannons@H @GM61A1 20mm "Vulcan"@H Very short range general purpose gun @4Effective Range:@5 3 km @4Maximum Range:@5 6 km @4Attack Technique:@5 Radar predicting gunsight @GNotes:@H This gun is carried by Iranian F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat fighters, which were purchased from the USA in the 1970s (when Iran was still an American ally). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GGSh-23 23mm Cannon@H Very short range general purpose gun @4Effective Range:@5 3 km @4Maximum Range:@5 6 km @4Attack Technique:@5 Radar predicting gunsight @GNotes:@H This is the standard aerial cannon of USSR-built aircraft. It is a twin-barrel design that fires about 3000 rds/minute. Range is equivalent to the US weapon. The slow rate of fire (compared to the American M61) makes it a less effective weapon. A six-barrel version with a rate of fire equivalent to the American weapon may arm the MiG-29 and/or Su-27. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GEnemy IR AAMs@H @GAIM-9H "Sidewinder"@H Short range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Effective Range:@5 12 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3+ @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Excellent @4Attack Technique:@5 Locks onto tail exhaust, then "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H This was the most advanced model Sidewinder sold by America to Iran. The missile is solid, reliable and easy to maintain - admirable features that unfortunately means it must be taken seriously by American planes flying against Iran. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-2 "Atoll"@H Short range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Guidance:@5 First generation infrared seeker @4Effective range:@5 14 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 2.5 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Very good @4Attack Technique:@5 Locks onto tail exhaust, then "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H This early 1960s vintage IR missile is now obsolete. However, it was produced in vast quantities and sold throughout the world to Soviet clients. As a result, it is still carried by aircraft of poorer nations, as well as the second-line planes of larger and richer nations. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-6 "Acrid" (IR)@H Medium range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Guidance:@5 First generation infrared seeker @4Effective range:@5 50 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 4 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Poor @4Attack Technique:@5 Locks onto tail exhaust, then "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H Designed exclusively for the MiG-25 interceptor, this missile is an IR version of the powerful AA-6 radar homer (see below). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-7 "Apex" (IR)@H Medium range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Guidance:@5 First generation infrared seeker @4Effective range:@5 34 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Fair @4Attack Technique:@5 Locks onto tail exhaust, then "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H This missile is an IR version of the AA-7 radar guided AAM (see below). It is most commonly found on MiG-23s. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-8 "Aphid"@H Short range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Guidance:@5 Early second generation infrared seeker @4Effective range:@5 12 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Excellent @4Attack Technique:@5 All-aspect lock on, then "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H This small, lightweight missile is a pure dogfighting missile. Although its IR seeker may be inferior to the AIM-9M, it is considerably superior to earlier Soviet designs. This missile is replacing the now obsolete AA-2, and is carried by just about every Soviet-built fighter, interceptor and combat helicopter now in service. Soviet clients within Europe have the weapon, as do an increasing number of client states and customers around the world. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-10 "Alamo" (IR)@H Medium range air-to-air missile with infrared homing @4Guidance:@5 Second generation infrared seeker @4Effective range:@5 about 64 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3+ @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Good @4Attack Technique:@5 All-aspect lock on, then "fire and forget" @GNotes:@H This missile is the IR version of the AA-10. It may be the longest- ranged second-generation IR missile in the Soviet inventory today. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GEnemy Radar AAMs@H @GAIM-7E "Sparrow"@H Medium range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar homing @4Guidance:@5 Semi-active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) @4Effective range:@5 44 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3.7 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Very good @4Attack Technique:@5 Semi-active radar guided from launching aircraft @GNotes:@H Nicknamed "The Great White Hope" because of its prominent exhaust plume, this missile was America's standard radar AAM in the 1960s and 1970s. The missile is not especially accurate, and depends on a close match with the firing aircraft's radar. Both the missile and radar demand regular and exacting maintenance. Although Iranian F-4s have this weapon, all these drawbacks greatly compromise its effectiveness. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-6 "Acrid" (Radar)@H Long range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar homing @4Guidance:@5 Semi-active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) @4Effective range:@5 50 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 4 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Poor @4Attack Technique:@5 Semi-active radar guided from launching aircraft @GNotes:@H This huge missile is the standard long-range armament of PVO MiG-25 interceptors, and is roughly equivalent (though technically inferior) to the Phoenix AAM on the F-14. The missile is matched purely to the MiG-25; other aircraft cannot control it. MiG-25Rs sold to Soviet client states are not normally equipped with this weapon. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-7 "Apex" (Radar)@H Medium range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar homing @4Guidance:@5 Semi-active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) @4Effective range:@5 34 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Poor @4Attack Technique:@5 Semi-active radar guided from launching aircraft @GNotes:@H This was the standard USSR radar homing missile of the 1970s, the Russian equivalent of the AIM-7 "Sparrow". It requires a matching aircraft radar, found in MiG-23s of the USSR and Warsaw Pact. Many MiG-23s sold to smaller Soviet clients outside of Europe had inferior radars incapable of controlling this missile. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-9 "Amos"@H Long range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar homing @4Guidance:@5 Semi-active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) @4Effective range:@5 82 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3.5 @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Fair @4Attack Technique:@5 Semi-active radar guided from launching aircraft @GNotes:@H This new, large missile is a revision or redesign of the AA-6 "Acrid" and is designed exclusively for the MiG-31 interceptor. There are some reports that the missile is an active radar homer (i.e., has its own radar), allowing "fire and forget" launching. There is even speculation that the missile could receive mid-course corrections from the launching aircraft or a ground radar station, but it is unlikely that Russian computer electronics are capable of successfully implementing this yet. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAA-10 "Alamo"@H Medium range air-to-air missile with active radar homing @4Guidance:@5 Active radar homing (has its own radar in nose) @4Effective range:@5 64 km @4Missile Speed:@5 Mach 3+ @4Missile Maneuverability:@5 Good @4Attack Technique:@5 Active radar homing independent of launching aircraft @GNotes:@H This new, medium-sized radar AAM is strongly believed to be an active radar homer, that is, it carries its own onboard radar for "fire and forget" use, like the AIM-120 AMRAAM. It is commonly found on the new MiG-29 and Su-27. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAir-to-Ground Armament---------------------------------------------------------@H @GM61A1 20mm Cannon@H The 20mm cannon listed in the air-to-air armament section can be used against ground targets as well. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GGuided Missiles@H @GPenguin-3 ASM@H Medium-altitude infrared-homing anti-ship missile @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Ships at sea @4Effective Range:@5 32 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 0.8 @4Attack Technique:@5 Air-Ground fire-and-forget launch against any worship @4Minimum Launch Altitude:@5 500' @4Maximum Launch Altitude:@5 40,000' @GNotes:@H Designed by Norway, this modestly-sized and priced missile is aimed at a point on the surface, and flies there under its own inertial guidance. At this pre-designated point the missile switches on an infrared homer, seeking out the heat of a ship against the cool ocean background. The missile is not a sea-skimmer, and is therefore easier to shoot down. However, the missile's guidance system are entirely passive (unlike the Harpoon, which broadcasts its presence with radar signals). Although maximum range in high altitude launch is supposedly 80 kilometers, the range used here is appropriate to a lower altitude attack. Supplies of this weapon are limited because the US government is reluctant to purchase weapons from the same source that sold important military technology to the USSR in 1981. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAGM-84A "Harpoon"@H Sea-skimming radar & inertial-guided anti-ship missile @4Quantity per bay:@5 1 @4Optimum (grade A) Targets:@5 Ships at sea @4Effective Range:@5 60 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 0.8 @4Attack Technique:@5 Air-Ground fire-and-forget launch against any worship @4Minimum Launch Altitude:@5 500' @4Maximum Launch Altitude:@5 40,000' @GNotes:@H The Harpoon is the standard anti-ship missile of the American Navy and Air Force. This weapon is more powerful, longer ranged and harder to stop than the Penguin. It is launched under inertial guidance with considerable computer assistance, flying at sea-skimming altitudes to avoid detection. At a pre-programmed point it turns on its radar, to find and home in on the target. Depending on the terminal guidance package installed it will either pop up and dive on the target, or fly straight in. Like most anti-shipping missiles, the remaining rocket fuel is almost as destructive as the warhead itself. (At this point, I think PP Sledgehammer would like me to say that the Harpoon is a piece of garbage, and Seawolf beats the crap out of it...) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAGM-88A HARM@H High speed anti-radiation ("homes on radar") missile @4Quantity per bay:@5 1 @4Optimum (grade A) Targets:@5 Ground radar stations @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Warship radars @4Effective Range:@5 20 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2+ @4Attack Technique:@5 Air-Ground fire-and-forget launch against any radar @4Minimum Launch Altitude:@5 500' @4Maximum Launch Altitude:@5 60,000' @GNotes:@H This is America's most advanced anti-radar missile. It can lock and home on hostile radars even if they jump frequencies or switch off. The US Defense Department has hinted that it can even home on radar set components that are still warm, even if the set itself is turned off! The missile also has a "loiter" mode where it is fired blind and circles, waiting for a hostile radar to appear so it can attack it. The "loiter" attack mode is not available to HARMs carried on the F-19. (Sledge... is ALARM better than this one?!) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAGM-65D "Maverick"@H Thermal-imaging air-to-ground guided missile @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Bridges, bunkers, radar sites, oil facilities, ships @4Poor (grade C) Targets:@5 Airbase hangars, ground planes, buildings, depots, missile sites @4Effective Range:@5 32 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1+ @4Attack Technique:@5 Air-Ground fire-and-forget launch @4Minimum Launch Altitude:@5 500' @4Maximum Launch Altitude:@5 40,000' @GNotes:@H The Maverick is America's standard air-to-ground guided missile, and has a wide variety of guidance systems. The original design put a simple video camera in the missile's nose. While the missile remained attached to the plane the pilot used a miniature stick and screen to aim the bomb at the target below, locked it in, and released the weapon. Once in flight the bomb steered toward the image locked into its computer brain. Later versions added zoom- lenses, PAVE TACK lasers, and ultimately, in the "D" model, a FLIR (forward- looking infrared) thermal imaging system that can "see" through clouds, smoke, and night. The missile usually carries a shaped-charge warhead for maximum effect against hardened targets impervious to normal bombing attacks. However, high explosive warheads can be fitted instead for maximum destructive effect against unarmored targets. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GLaser-Guided Bombs@H @GGBU-12 Paveway@H Laser-guided glide bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Hangars, buildings, bridges, bunkers, depots, missile sites, radar sites, oil facilities @4Poor (grade C) Targets:@5 Ships @4Effective Range:@5 2 kilometers per 1K' of altitude @4Maximum Speed:@5 Glide bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Toss bombing or level bombing @4Toss Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 500' and climb @4Level Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 2,000' and turn away @GNotes:@H The GBU-12 is one of the standard laser-guided bombs in the US armory. Large fighter-bombers like the F-111 favor heavier 1,000lb and 2,000lb models, but the F-19 must carry lighter weight munitions in its small bays. The Pave Tack guidance system is the most accurate way of placing a bomb on a target (short of using a guided missile like the Maverick). The advantage of using a bomb is that the weapon weight is almost entirely explosive, while guided missiles must, of necessity, use some of their weight for the rocket motor. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GCBU-72 FAE@H Laser-guided triple fuel-air explosive ("overpressure") bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Optimum (grade A) Targets:@5 Buildings @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Submarine pens, hangars, bunkers, oil platforms @4Poor (grade C) Targets:@5 Ships @4Effective Range:@5 2 kilometers per 1K' of altitude @4Maximum Speed:@5 Glide bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Toss bombing or level bombing @4Toss Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 500' and climb @4Level Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 2,000' and turn away @GNotes:@H This weapon contains a mixture of three heavier-than-air gases. When the bomb lands, the gases are released into the air, forming an explosive mixture. A delayed-action fuse ignites the mixture, which causes the contaminated air to burn. As well as incinerating everything, the burning gas expands instantly. In the open air this is sufficient to set off mines and flatten soft objects (such as men). However, in an enclosed space the effect is vastly magnified, with the walls, floor and roof of the structure broken and blown apart. The result in underground structures, like submarine pens, is total destruction. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMk 20 "Rockeye" II@H Laser-guided high-explosive cluster bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Grounded planes, buildings, depots, missile sites, radar sites, oil facilities, ships @4Effective Range:@5 2 kilometers per 1K' of altitude @4Maximum Speed:@5 Glide bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Toss bombing or level bombing @4Toss Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 500' and climb @4Level Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 2,000' and turn away @GNotes:@H This weapon marries a laser-guided glide-bomb system with a Mk 20 Rockeye cluster munition (see below). The laser guidance allows for earlier release and greater bomblet release accuracy. With an area weapon like a cluster bomb the former is more important, since it gives an increased safety margin to the launching aircraft. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMk 20 "Rockeye"@H Retarded fragmentation cluster bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Acceptable (grade B) Targets:@5 Grounded planes, buildings, depots, missile sites, radar sites, oil facilities @4Poor (grade C) Targets:@5 Ships @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Retarded bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Low-altitude level bombing @4Level Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 500' @GNotes:@H This cluster bomb breaks open about 100' above the surface, spinning out 247 shaped-charge bomblets that can destroy buildings, armored vehicles, and people. The opening height and pattern can be pre-set for various types of targets. The U.S. Navy discovered these bombs were effective against small warships when a single cluster bomb wrecked a Libyan Nanuchka-class missile boat in 1986. Of course, not all warships are as vulnerable. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GDurandal Bomb@H Parachute-deployed runway-penetration bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Optimum (grade A) Targets:@5 Runways @4Poor (grade C) Targets:@5 Bridges @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Retarded bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Low-altitude level bombing @4Level Bombing Attack Altitude:@5 500' @GNotes:@H This is the standard anti-runway weapon in the USAF arsenal, even though it's French made. When the Durandal is released over target it deploys a parachute. This causes it to float nose-down and roughly stationary over the runway surface. Then its rocket motor ignites, blasting the warhead straight down through the concrete, where a delayed action fuse explodes it. This heaves up large sections of runway surface, while smaller shards fly hundreds of feet through the air. The result is a thoroughly ruined surface and tons of wreckage that requires both heavy equipment and considerable time to repair. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GISC B-1 Minelets@H Parachute-deployed minelet dispenser @4Quantity per bay:@5 1 @4Optimum (Grade A) Targets:@5 Runways @4Poor (Grade C) Targets:@5 Buildings, depots, missile sites, oil facilities on land @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Retarded bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Low altitude level bombing @4Level bombing attack altitude:@5 500' @GNotes:@H This new weapon breaks open at altitude and dispenses a variety of small anti-personnel, anti-vehicle and delayed fuse mines. Used on airfields they prevent flight operations until cleared. They can also cause problems around open-air structures such as refineries, oil wells etc. Clearing the mines is complicated by the variety of types, as well as random delayed-fuse bombs (i.e., you'll never know when another will explode!). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMk 82-1 "Snakeye"@H Retarded high-explosive ("iron") bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 3 @4Acceptable (Grade B) Targets:@5 Grounded planes, buildings, depots, oil facilities on land @4Poor (Grade C) Targets:@5 Radar sites @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Retarded bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Low altitude level bombing @4Level bombing attack altitude:@5 500' @GNotes:@H Retarded bombs use parachutes ar vanes to slow their descent, allowing the plane to clear the area before they land and explode. As a result they can be dropped from a lower altitude than free-fall bombs. However, they are less accurate, making them unsuitable against small targets. For the most accurate release, retarded bombs should be dropped in level flight. The Snakeye is the standard vane-type retarder unit for many US bombs, here attached to the Mk 82 500 lb. high-explosive bomb. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMk 35 IN Cluster@H Retarded incendiary cluster bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Optimum (Grade A) Targets:@5 Grounded planes, depots, missile sites, oil facilities @4Acceptable (Grade B) Targets:@5 Buildings @4Poor (Grade C) Targets:@5 Radar sites, ships @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Retarded bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Low-altitude level bombing @4Level bombing attack altitude:@5 500' @GNotes:@H This cluster bomb is similar to the Rockeye, but filled with 57 incendiary bomblets. The cluster breaks apart in mid-air, spreading the bomblets over an area of several hundred yards. Then each bomblet spreads a burning liquid wherever it lands. The result is a raging fire that completely covers a wide area. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GFree-Fall Bombs@H @GMK 82-0 "Slick"@H Free fall high explosive ("iron") bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 3 @4Acceptable (Grade B) Targets:@5 Buildings, depots, oil facilities on land @4Poor (Grade C) Targets:@5 Hangars, grounded planes, missile sites, radar sites, oil platforms, ships. @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Free-fall bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Level bombing or dive bombing @4Level bombing attack altitude:@5 3,000' @4Dive bombing attack altitude:@5 Dive from 8,000', release at 3,000' @GNotes:@H This weapon is the traditional 500 lb high explosive bomb, virtually unchanged in concept since WWII. The effectiveness of this bomb depends almost entirely on the skill of the bomber. The most important consideration when using "iron" bombs is that releases below 2000' don't give the bomb time to arm in flight, causing "dud" hits. This occurred in the Falklands war of 1982, when Argentine pilots repeatedly hit British ships with bombs dropped from 50' to 100'. Not one bomb exploded. (Yeah, more than one exploded!) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMK 122 "Fireye"@H @4Free fall incendiary ("fire") bomb @4Quantity per bay:@5 2 @4Acceptable (Grade B) Targets:@5 Grounded planes, buildings, depots, oil facilities on land. @4Poor (Grade C) Targets:@5 Hangars, bunkers, missile sites, radar sites, oil platforms, ships. @4Effective Range:@5 Nil @4Maximum Speed:@5 Free-fall bomb @4Attack Technique:@5 Level bombing or dive bombing @4Level bombing attack altitude:@5 3,000' @4Dive bombing attack altitude:@5 Dive from 8,000', release at 3,000' @GNotes:@H This weapon contains an incendiary gel that spreads a burning liquid over a wide area. The liquid can flow into vents, grates, weapon slits, etc., making it effective against vehicles and fortifications as well as open-air targets. Of course, the bomb must be placed on the target with some accuracy to achieve this effect. Bombing skill is extremely important with this weapon. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GOther Equipment@H @G135mm/IR Camera@H Visual and Infrared photographic reconnaissance camera @4Quantity per bay:@5 1 @4Targets:@5 Any @4Effective Range:@5 Not Applicable @4Maximum Speed:@5 Not Applicable @4Attack Technique:@5 Level low-altitude photographic run @4Photo run altitude:@5 200' @GNotes:@H@5 This pallette contains a 135mm high resolution camera for use in visible light and, and a second camera for infrared (IR) thermal photography. Both photographs are taken simultaneously under pilot control. When this camera is deployed through the bomb bay, the F-19's tracking camera is "frozen" into a pre-programmed position, allowing it to function as a viewer for the big 135mm lens. _______________________________________________________________________________ @G1900 lbs Fuel@H Additional fuel for extended range flying @4Quantity per bay:@5 1 @4Targets:@5 Not Applicable @4Effective Range:@5 Improves flight range by 19% per tank @4Maximum Speed:@5 Not Applicable @4Attack Technique:@5 Not Applicable @4Altitude:@5 No effect @GNotes:@H This fuel container gives extra range with the mininum container weight. It replaces the weapons mounting in one bay. The fuel can be transferred into the main tanks by the flip of a switch. The F-19 turbofan engine fuel lines run only to the main tanks; the engines cannot be fed directly from extra tanks. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSpecial Equipment@H The data below refers to airdropping secret equipment @4Quantity per bay:@5 1 @4Targets:@5 Not Applicable @4Effective Range:@5 Not Applicable @4Maximum Speed:@5 Not Applicable @4Attack Technique:@5 Airdrop from level flight or land at airstrip @4Airdrop altitude:@5 500' to 1000' @GNotes:@H@5 Airdropped equipment in the F-19 uses a simple ripcord-and-chute design. When the equipment package is released from the weapons bay, a long ripcord remains attached. Within a second the cord draws taught and pulls open the chute. @GSurface-to-Air Missile Systems-------------------------------------------------@H @GSAM Technical Specifications@H @GRadar Ratings:@H Pulse radars are generally less effective than doppler radars. Obsolescent radars of either type are greatly inferior to modern radars. As a result, modern doppler radars are the most dangerous, while obsolescent pulse radars are the least dangerous. @GRanges@H are given in kilometers. Note that a maximum firing range is often less than the maximum search range, due to the limited fuel carried by most missiles. @GGuidance Systems:@H @4Radar guided@5 missiles, with or without command guidance, are confused by your ECM jammer unless they are very close. If they are close, chaff is needed instead. @4Infrared guided@5 missiles are confused by your IR jammer unless very close, where flares are used instead. A decoy is effective against any type of missile. @4Visually guided@5 missiles cannot be fooled, but are usually slow reacting, allowing you to outmaneuver them fairly easily. @GMaximum speed@H is a useful measure of whether you can outrun a missile, and how much reaction time you have if one is fired. Mach 1 or 2 missiles are fairly slow and easier to deal with. Mach 3 or faster missiles are much more formidable opponents. @GMaximum altitude@H is also a useful measure, since in some cases you can fly above the missile's ceiling. @GManeuverability@H indicates how easy it is to outmaneuver the missile. The less maneuverable the missile, the better your chance of turning perpendicular to its course and outmaneuvering it. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GRadar-Controlled SAMs@H The standard long-range SAM is controlled by radar. First the search radar scans the sky to find your plane. Search radars are graphically portrayed in the pre-flight briefing, and on your cockpit CRT maps. When the search system finds your plane, it will "hand off" the prospective target to a narrow beam fire control radar, usually running on a different frequency. The "TRAK" warning light in the cockpit alerts you whenever a narrow-beam tracking radar "paints" your craft. Tracking continues while the missile is airborne. @GBeam Rider@H radar guided missiles are the least flexible. They "ride" the controlling radar's beam. They can be easily jammed, have poor maneuverability, and cannot "turn around" for a second attack if they miss. @GSemi-Active@H radar guided missiles are more flexible. They can "burn through" jamming as they approach the target, and often have better maneuverability. However, like beam-riders, they cannot "turn around" for a second attack if they miss. @GCommand Guidance@H radar-guided missiles are the most flexible. Like semi-active missiles, they can burn through jamming at short distances and have good maneuverability. In addition, they can be commanded to turn around and try again if they miss on the first pass. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-2 Guideline@H Long-range fixed-site radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar bunker with missile emplacements @4Search System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 200 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar "beam-rider" @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 125 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 3+ @4Maximum Altitude:@5 55,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Very poor @GNotes:@H This very old system is used by many third world nations outfitted with Soviet equipment. Although the radar systems have been upgraded over the last two decades, they are still inferior to modern systems. The last time SA-2s were used effectively was in the air defense of North Vietnam in the early 70s. Today it is almost worthless. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-5 Gammon@H Long-range fixed-site radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar bunker with missile emplacements @4Search System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 350 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar "beam-rider" @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 150 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 3 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 95,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Poor @GNotes:@H The SA-5 is the largest and longest ranged SAM in the world today. However, bigger is not always better. Missile accuracy at extreme ranges is poor, its radar control system mediocre, and the huge missile has very poor maneuverability. Still, the extreme range poses a formidable threat. In its 1986 exchanges with Libya, the US Navy's first priority was disabling the SA-5 Gammon batteries with HARM missiles. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-10 Grumble@H Long-range fixed-site or vehicular radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar bunker or armored vehicle with missile emplacements or armored vehicle missile launchers. @4Search System:@5 Phased-array doppler radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 320 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern doppler radar and command guidance @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 125 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 3 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 Over 70,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This semi-mobile all-altitude defense system was originally designed to defend the borders of the USSR from both cruise missiles and aircraft. However, recent failures to detect and engage low-flying aircraft suggest this system is less than perfect. The SA-10 is a "new generation" long range air defense weapon designed to replace the obsolescent SA-5 Gammon. Because this weapon is new, details may be innaccurate. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-4 Ganef@H Medium-range fixed-site or vehicular radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar bunker with missile emplacements, or radar and launcher on tracked vehicles @4Search System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 100 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar & semi-active radar homing @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 70 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2.5 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 75,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Very poor @GNotes:@H The SA-4 was Russia's first mobile, battlefield SAM, designed to accompany large military formations as they maneuver on the battlefield. It operates in the rear areas of the front lines, attacking aircraft that IR SAMs fail to hit. The SA-4 entered service in the 1960s. It is now obsolescent, found only in 2nd and 3rd line Russian units. It has been sold extensively to Russian allies and client states. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-12 Gladiator@H Medium/long-range site or vehicular radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Temporary site with radar and missile launchers, or dispersed radar and launcher vehicles @4Search System:@5 Phased-array doppler radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 290 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern doppler radar and command guidance @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 150 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 3+ @4Maximum Altitude:@5 Over 70,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This very new system is believed to be a semi-mobile SAM designed to accompany armies, deploying far to the rear. From that position the missile can provide a wide umbrella of defense against both air raids and missile attacks. Because this weapon is quite new, the details may be innaccurate. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-6 Gainful@H Medium-range vehicular radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar and launcher on tracked vehicles @4Search System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 80 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar and command guidance @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 30 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2.8 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 60,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This medium ranged battlefield SAM is also obsolescent in the Russian army, but extensively used by the first-line forces of Soviet allies and client states. It is designed to accompany combat troops, protecting them from positions only a short distance behind the front lines. The missile was very effective in the first few days of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, but soon succumbed to advanced ECM jammers. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-8 Gecko@H Medium-range vehicular radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar and launcher on a single vehicle @4Search System:@5 Modern pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 125 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern pulse radar, semi-active with video backup @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 65 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 25,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This shorter-ranged but higher quality successor to the SA-6 was the standard "up front" radar SAM of the Soviet Army in the 1970s and early 1980s. Now being replaced by the SA-11, it is likely to appear among the armies of Russia's allies and client states soon. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-11 Gadfly@H Medium-range vehicular radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar and launcher on a single vehicle @4Search System:@5 Modern doppler radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 200 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern pulse radar, backup unknown @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 100 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2.5 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 45,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This weapon is the "next generation" battlefield radar SAM designed to replace the SA-6 and SA-8. The weapon is very new, and details may well be inaccurate. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMIM-23B Hawk@H Medium-range fixed-site radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Radar bunker or trailer with missile launcher emplacements or trailers @4Search System:@5 Moder pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 175 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern pulse radar and command guidance @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 125 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 52,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H The HAWK has long been the standard SAM of the USA, with various models exported to allies, including Iran. Lt.Colonel North's famous arms deal to Iran included extra parts and missiles for HAWK batteries, then Iran's most powerful air defense system. This missile was adequate for the 1970s, but is no longer "state of the art" against first-line 1980s aircraft. The US Army's replacement, the MIM-104 "Patriot" has not been sold to any other nation. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GRapier@H Short-range fixed-site visual/radar-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Combined radar and launcher pedestal, or on tracked vehicle. @4Search System:@5 Modern pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 75 km @4Guidance System:@5 Optical command guidance with semi-active pulse radar backup @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 65 km @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2+ @4Maximum Altitude:@5 24,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This is a British high-precision, high-speed SAM for general battlefield defense (roughly equivalent to the SA-8). However it is greatly hampered by its short range, and was not very effective in the Falklands for this reason. Fixed pedestal versions were sold to the Iranian air force for airbase defense. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-N-4@H Medium-range area-defense naval SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Integral to warship @4Search System:@5 depends on the ship, usually some type of pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Depends on the ship. Typically 100-200 km @4Guidance System:@5 Modern pulse radar with video backup @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 30 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 25,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This missile is the naval version of the SA-8 Gecko, used on some cruisers, frigates, newer missile boats (including the Nanuchka class), and amphibious warfare ships. The twin missile launcher pops up from an armored silo when ready to fire. The missiles can be fired against surface ships as well as airplanes, but are ineffective against modern anti-ship cruise missiles. This is a serious drawback, since many cruisers have a longer range than this SAM. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-N-6@H Medium-range area-defense naval SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Integral to warship @4Search System:@5 Phased array doppler radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 300+ kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern doppler radar and command guidance @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 125 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 3 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 over 70,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Average @GNotes:@H This is the naval version of the SA-10 Grumble long-range air-defense SAM, mounted on the Kiev-class aircraft carriers and Kirov-class battlecruisers. It is an excellent all-altitude weapon capable of reaching out long distances to intercept incoming airstrikes before they launch their own missiles, as well as planes that approach more closely. It is also designed to shoot down incoming cruise missiles, should a hostile aircraft manage to launch one. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-N-7@H Medium-range area-defense naval SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Integral to warship @4Search System:@5 depends on ship, usually modern doppler radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 depends on the ship, 50 to 200 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Modern pulse radar, backup unknown @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 100 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2.5 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 45,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This is the naval equivalent of the SA-11 Gadfly, found on Sovremennyy class and later destroyers. It is a good self-defense weapon against air attacks that fly near or over the ship, but lacks the range to engage distant planes launching anti-ship cruise missiles. This missile is not good enough to shoot down anti-ship cruise missiles, but the Sovremennyys carry 30mm gatling guns for that job. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GShort Range IR & Visual SAMs@H Expensive, sophisticated short range SAMs rely on search radars, but the less expensive designs use simple eyesight. Once acquired, the target may be tracked by eyesight, cameras or radar. If the missile is an IR homer, it is aimed along the tracking line, and its infrared seeker turned on. When the seeker locks onto the target the missile is launched. From that point onward the missile steers itself, using its seeker. Infrared seekers home on heat sources. "First generation" seekers were easily confused by the sun, common distress flares, even greenhouses or sun-heated rocks. More modern "second generation" seekers have filters, improved technology and computer logic, making them more difficult to "fool" with jammers or flares. Visually guided weapons require that the controller guide the missile to the target in sight. Early designs (such as the Tigercat and Seacat) required the controller to actually fly the missile like a plane, later designs (such as the Rapier) requier the the controller just keep the target in his crosshairs - the missile automatically guides itself in whatever direction the crosshair sight indicates, Visually guided systems cannot be jammed, have trouble tracking wildly maneuvering targets, or even finding a target in bad visibility. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-7B Grail@H Short-range shoulder-launched infrared-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Carried by infantrymen, or in any light vehicle. @4Search System:@5 Eyesight @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Eyesight @4Guidance System:@5 Infrared homing (first generation) @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 10 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 20,000'+ @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H One of the first shoulder fired SAMs, this missile has good speed and range but a very weak warhead. The IR seeker has been improved in the B model, but even more upgrades appeared in the SA-14 (see below). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GFIM-43A Redeye@H Short-range shoulder-launched infrared-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Carried by infantrymen, or in any light vehicle. @4Search System:@5 Eyesight @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Eyesight @4Guidance System:@5 Infrared homing (first generation) @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 No more that 7 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Altitude:@5 10,000'+ @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This was America's first shoulder-fired SAM, and was never really very effective. Its IR seeker was very simple, the warhead small, and the range and speed barely adequate. However, during the 1970s the US Army had nothing better, and a few NATO allies were loyal enough to buy it. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-14 & SA-16@H Short-range shoulder-launched infrared-homing SAM. @4Battery configuration:@5 Carried by infantrymen, or in any light vehicle. @4Search System:@5 Eyesight @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Eyesight @4Guidance System:@5 Infrared homing (second generation all-aspect) @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 About 16 kilometers @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5+ @4Maximum Altitude:@5 20,000'+ @4Maneuverability:@5 Excellent @GNotes:@H This is a completely upgraded version of the SA-7, with greater speed, range, and a much improved seeker. Even further improvements and refinements will appear with the upcoming SA-16. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GFIM-92A Stinger@H Short-range shoulder-launched infrared-homing SAM. @4Battery Configuration:@5 Carried by infantrymen, or in any light vehicle. @4Search System:@5 Eyesight @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Eyesight @4Guidance System:@5 Infrared homing (second generation all-aspect) @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 2 @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 about 10 kilometers @4Maximum Altitude:@5 about 20,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Excellent @GNotes:@H Entering production in 1981, this was a much-needed replacement for the Redeye. The Stinger is much more effective missile, largely because of its excellent and quite "intelligent" IR seeker. The CIA has been supplying quantities of this missile to guerilla movements, who in turn have traded or given this weapon to groups hostile to America, including the Iranian Shi'ite militia. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-9B Gaskin@H Short-range vehicle mounted infrared-homing SAM. @4Battery Configuration:@5 Radar and launcher on same armored vehicle @4Search System:@5 Eyesight @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Eyesight @4Guidance System:@5 Pulse radar aiming and infrared (IR) homing @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 30 kilometers @4Maximum Altitude:@5 20,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This is an upgraded version of the SA-9 missile vehicle. The original design did very poorly in the Bekaa Valley against Israeli aircraft in 1981. The SA-9 is designed to accompany front-line combat units and provide low-level defense against strike aircraft and helicopters. The missile itself is fairly small and not especially destructive. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-13 Gopher@H Short-range vehicle mounted infrared-homing SAM. @4Battery Configuration:@5 Radar and launcher on same armored vehicle @4Search System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radars or eyesight @4Maximum Search Range:@5 visual or 30-60 kilometer pulse radar @4Guidance System:@5 Pulse radar aiming and infrared (IR) homing @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 65 kilometers @4Maximum Altitude:@5 30,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This is an improved SA-9 with a new launcher, better radar, and an improved missile. Unlike the SA-9, it can be linked with a seperate search radar system, including other obsolescent systems from older radar-guided SAMs. A number of third world nations have received this with the SA-9B missiles on the new tracked launcher. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GTigercat@H Short-range fixed site visual SAM. @4Battery Configuration:@5 Emplacements with controller position, trailer laucher(s). @4Search System:@5 Visual or obsolescent pulse radar @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Eyesight or 65 kilometer pulse radar @4Guidance System:@5 Joystick (visual) command guidance @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 30 kilometers @4Maximum Altitude:@5 12,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This inexpensive land version of the Seacat missile is only useful for protecting installations from direct air raids. It is very short ranged, cannot reach high altitudes, and has a primitive "operator must fly the missile" control system. Missiles are heavy, and mounted on trailers that must be deployed well to the rear of any battlefield frontline. It's hard to take this missile seriously. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSA-N-5@H Short-range point defense naval SAM. @4Battery Configuration:@5 Integral to warship @4Search System:@5 Naval pulse radar of varying quality @4Maximum Search Range:@5 Varies with ship, 50-150 kilometers @4Guidance System:@5 Infrared (IR) homing @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 30 kilometers @4Maximum Altitude:@5 20,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This is the naval version of the SA-7 Grail. Older frigates and missile boats (including the very common Osa class) use this system. The missiles are aimed visually, their IR locked on, and then fired. Larger launcher systems have four launching tubes and an operator position. The system is effective only against aircraft that fly close to the boat or ship. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSeacat@H Short-range point defense naval SAM. @4Battery Configuration:@5 Integral to warship @4Search System:@5 Obsolescent pulse radar (on Vosper Mk 5 Frigates) @4Maximum Search Range:@5 200 kilometers (on Vosper Mk 5 Frigates) @4Guidance System:@5 Joystick (visual) command guidance @4Maximum Speed:@5 Mach 1.5 @4Maximum Firing Range:@5 30 kilometers @4Maximum Altitude:@5 12,000' @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H The Seacat missile is the naval version of the Tigercat, with the same primitive control system and short range. It is the anti-aircraft defense of Mark 5 frigates, built by Vosper in England for export. Iran bought a number of these ships. The Vosper's search radar is the obsolescent AWS-1, whose maximum range is 200 kilometers. Its effective range against a stealth aircraft would be much, much less. @GWarplanes----------------------------------------------------------------------@H @GKey to Aircraft@H @GRoles@H A @4fighter@5 plane specializes in air-to-air combat, where the objective is destroying enemy aircraft. An @4interceptor@5 is a fighter designed to fly long distances and attack distant enemy aircraft. Many interceptors are poor dogfighters. A @4strike@5 plane is designed to hit surface targets in enemy territory. @4Close@5 @4support@5 strikes are against enemy front-line troops, @4interdiction@5 strikes are against military rear areas (headquarters, supply dumps, columns on roads, etc.), while @4deep strikes@5 attack enemy installations far behind the front line (railroad yards, bridges, airbases, etc.). Strike aircraft designed to function against warships are sometimes termed @4attack@5 aircraft. @4Bombers@5 are designed for interdiction, deep strike, and/or naval attack, as well as carrying nuclear weapons and/or reconnaissance gear. @4Transports@5 carry personnel and equipment. They are not designed to fight, and almost never carry and armament. @4AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control)@5 planes carry powerful search radar and communications gear, designed to watch friendly and hostile aircraft while simultaneously controlling friendly air operations. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GCrew@H If a plane has a crew of one man, cockpit aids are important: the workload for one man in a jet warplane is quite high. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMission Weight@H This is the typical total weight of the plane, with fuel and weapons, at takeoff. If the plane can serve in both fighter and strike role, the fighter (air-to-air) weight is given. In a strike role a plane often carries 15-35% additional weight. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GEngines@H The total thrust of the engines (on afterburners if available) is important. Airplanes with greater thrust than weight can fly "ballistically", a useful advantage in air combat. A high thrust/weight ratio is desired by all fighter pilots. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GRange@H This is the combat radius of the plane when loaded for action, but using only internal tanks (no extra fuel tanks). Often the figure is an approximation. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GCeiling@H Maximum altitude of the plane, using afterburners if available. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMaximum Speed at 0'@H Sea-level maximum speed is often much less than high altitude maximum speed, especially in high-speed jets. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMaximum Speed at 36,000'@H This altitude level is an important benchmark because above it Mach 1 is a constant 573 knots. Although this speed is important, note that the optimum turning speed for most aircraft is Mach 0.75 to 0.90 (i.e., 550-650 knots, depending on the plane and altitude); higher speeds are only good for chasing opponents, escaping from them, or quick dashes into and out of enemy airspace. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GArmament@H Often weapons pylons can be fitted to carry multiple bombs or lightweight missiles. The number of pylons need not limit the number of ordnance items. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAir-to-Air Radar Quality@H As a stealth pilot, you are naturally interested in the range and quality of enemy airborne search radar. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GManeuverability@H This is a comparative rating of how well the plane can maneuver in a dogfight. All aircraft are rated on the same standard: the superb maneuverability of the F-16 Falcon. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAmerican-Built Warplanes@H @GF-4E Phantom II@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 McDonnell Douglas, USA @4Role:@5 Fighter & strike fighter @4Crew:@5 Two @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 27 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two General Electric J79-17 turbojets for 35,800 lbs thrust. @4Range:@5 830 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 58,750' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 800 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1260 kts @4Armament:@5 6-barrel 20mm cannon, 4 missile recesses, 5 weapon pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Fair quality and range pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair to good @GNotes:@H This all-purpose plane served the US Navy and Air Force as both a fighter and strike fighter throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. In the USAF it is now obsolescent, serving mainly for reconnaissance and electronic warfare ("Wild Weasel"). However, hundreds were sold to western nations worldwide, including Iran under the Shah. For air-to-air combat the plane can carry four AIM-9 Sidewinders and four AIM-7 Sparrows. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GF-5E Tiger II@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Northrop, USA @4Role:@5 Fighter & strike fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 12 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two General Electric J85-GE-21B turbojets for 10,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 220 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 51,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 Not available, probably 500-600 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 950 kts @4Armament:@5 Two 20mm cannon, 5 weapon pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Poor quality and range pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This inexpensive and unsophisticated fighter was never adopted by US combat arms, but has been widely sold abroad, including 138 to Iran. Underpowered, with poor avionics, it is useful only against obsolete opponents. It can carry AIM-9 Sidewinders, but not AIM-7 Sparrows. (Microprose get it wrong again... The American Aggressor squadron used F-5s... even dummies know that... TopGun anyone? And radar? It actually has one?!) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GF-14D Tomcat@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Grumman, USA @4Role:@5 Fighter & interceptor @4Crew:@5 Two @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 35 tons @4Engine(s):@5 originally two Pratt & Whitney TF30-412A turbofans for 41,800 lbs thrust, upgraded in D model to two General Electric F110-400 turbofans for 54- 58,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 1280 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 over 56,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 800 kts with TF30, higher with F110 @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1350 kts with TF30, higher with F110 @4Armament:@5 6-barrel 20mm cannon, 4 weapons pallets, 2 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Excellent range, high quality doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This heavy, long-range interceptor has extremely powerful avionics for use with the AIM-54 Phoenix semi-active radar-homing missile, which has a 200 km effective range. The aircraft is the US Navy's long-range defender of carrier battle groups. Standard USN armament is four Phoenix and four Sidewinder missiles (two per pylon). The swinging wings are computer controlled for maximum performance, but their swing also shows the plane's energy state to the enemy. In 1987 the Navy began a program that upgraded the original TF30 engines with the newer, more powerful F110s. About 80 TF30-engined F-14s were supplied to Iran, but engine troubles, complexities in the avionics system, and the delicacy of the Phoenix missiles have greatly reduced their military value. They are often used as radar-warning patrol aircraft. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GF-15C Eagle@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 McDonnell Douglas, USA @4Role:@5 Fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 22 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Pratt & Whitney F100-100 turbofans for 47,660 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 1200 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 63,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 810 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1260 kts or greater @4Armament:@5 6-barrel 20mm cannon, 4 missile ejectors, 4 weapons pylons, 2 FAST pallet points (extra fuel, not the federation!) @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium range, high quality doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This large, powerful dogfighter is the dream plane of many USAF pilots. Although not as nimble as the lightweight F-16, it has longer ranged avionics, plus a brute size and power unmatched by any fighter until the new Su-27 appeared. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GF-16C Falcon@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 General Dynamics, USA @4Role:@5 Fighter & strike fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 540 kilometers @4Engine(s):@5 One Pratt & Whitney F100-200 turbofan for 23,830 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 12.5 tons @4Ceiling:@5 over 50,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 800 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1190 kts @4Armament:@5 6-barrel 20mm cannon, 7 weapon pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium range, high quality doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Excellent @GNotes:@H The latest production fighter added to the US Air Force, the F-16 is the most maneuverable dogfighter in the world (possibly excepting the MiG-29). The inherently unstable airframe that gives this agility would be unflyable except for the computerized electronic controls, hence its nickname "Electric Jet". Advanced air-ground avionics and anti-missile defenses are "extras", making the basic aircraft relatively cheap. Many western nations have purchased F-16s. However, until the AIM-120 AMRAAM it had no long-range AAM. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GF/A-18A Hornet@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 McDonnell Douglas/Northrop, USA @4Role:@5 Fighter & strike fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 18 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two General Electric F404-400 turbofans for 32,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 740 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 50,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 less than 660 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1050 kts @4Armament:@5 6-barrel 20mm cannon, 9 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium range, high quality doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Good to very good (see note below) @GNotes:@H Although not as maneuverable as the F-16 (see note below), this heavier multi-role fighter has numerous avionic and defensive aids built in. These were required by the US Navy, its main user, who needed an all-purpose fighter and attack bomber able to fire a variety of sophisticated weapons. Like the F-16, it also is sold to western nations. (Alien here... dunno what Microprose are on about with this 'not as good as the F-16' business! The F-18 is actually reputed to be far @4superior@5 to the F-16, and in numerous mock dogfights the F-18 consistently came out the winner. Combine that with it's far superior range of ordnance, and I think the F-16 is just cheap junk compared to this baby...) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GA-6E Intruder@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Grumman, USA @4Role:@5 Attack & interdiction bomber @4Crew:@5 Two @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 13 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Pratt & Whitney J52-8A turbojets for 18,600 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 870 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 44,600' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 570 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 540 kts @4Armament:@5 5 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Poor, but superb air-to-ground weapons radars @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair to poor @GNotes:@H Designed at the end of the 1950s as a low-level attack bomber for use in bad weather or at night, this plane remains an unqualified success. Avionics and weapons have been rebuilt more than once to maintain the "state of the art", with upgrades under development. Electronic warfare (EA-6 and EA-6B) and aerial tanker (KA-6D) versions exist. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAV-8B Harrier II@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 British Aerospace, UK (original design) and McDonnell Douglas, USA (American version) @4Role:@5 S/VTOL Fighter & strike fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 15 tons STOVL, 10 tons VTOL @4Engine(s):@5 One Rolls Royce Pegasus 11-21E for 22,000 lbs vectored thrust (no afterburner) @4Range:@5 240 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 55,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 585 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 520 kts @4Armament:@5 one 25mm cannon, 7 weapon pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Poor, target acquisition is usually visual @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H Originally designed as a strike fighter, the British-American co- redesign greatly enhanced maneuverability. The avionics are designed for ground attack rather than air-to-air combat. Despite this, Harriers were successful as interceptors and combat air patrol in the 1982 Falklands War. The Harrier is the primary fighter of the US Marines, the British Royal Navy, and frontline squadrons of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) in Germany. Usually it uses short segments of roadway or a "ski-jump" deck for rolling takeoffs, and later lands vertically, like a helicopter. (Oh dear... Royal Navy harriers are primarily fighters, which would explain their success at doing that job in the Falklands, would it not? And the latest Harriers have great radars, AMRAAMs, all sorts of nice kit. The RAF uses them for ground attack, as does the USMC. And one cannon? I think not. Two slung under the belly is a bit more like it!) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GA-10A Thunderbolt II@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Fairchild Republic, USA @4Role:@5 Close support aircraft @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 20 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two General Electric TF34-100 turbofans for 18,130 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 960 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 under 40,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 370 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 Unknown, probably less than 370 kts @4Armament:@5 7-barrel 30mm cannon, 11 weapon pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Poor, air-to-ground avionics quite basic @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good @GNotes:@H This slow, heavily-armored plane was designed purely for frontline ground attack with "tank busting" its speciality. This role (unglamorous to the USAF), along with its peculiar appearance, earns it the unofficial nickname "Warthog". Although intended for combat in Europe where low clouds and bad weather are frequent, the A-10 is a fair-weather day-only plane. The manafacturer hopes to interest the USAF in a night-flying variant, currently without success. Unless protected by good fighters (F-15s and F-16s), this plane is doomed if sent into airspace contested by USSR fighters. (The USAF is now gradually getting rid of the A-10... numerous accidents may have had something to do with this.) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GEF-111A Raven@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 General Dynamics, USA @4Role:@5 Electronic warfare escort @4Crew:@5 Two @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 43.5 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-3 turbofans for 37,000 lbs thrust (with afterburners) @4Range:@5 1,900 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 54,700' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 700 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1020 kts @4Armament:@5 ALQ-99E electronic warfare system, no other weapons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium-long range, high quality pulse & doppler @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This is a specially built electronic warfare version of the F-111 strike and interdiction bomber. The original concept of the F-111 was a high- speed bomber for deep strikes at high and/or low altitude, especially at night or in bad weather. The EF-111 is popularly known as the "Electric Fox", or "Spark Vark" (the unofficial nickname of the F-111 is "Aardvark" or "Vark"). It is designed to accompany deep strike and interdiction missions, providing electronic screening and jamming. It is the fastest, most powerful such craft in the world. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GB-1B Bomber@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Rockwell International, USA @4Role:@5 Strategic bomber @4Crew:@5 Four @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 225 tons with internal load only @4Engine(s):@5 Four General Electric F101-102 turbofans for 120,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 5,900 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 Unknown, probably under 50,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 530 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 725 kts @4Armament:@5 37.5 ton capacity bomb bay, 29.5 tons additional on external mounts if desired @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium range, high quality doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Poor @GNotes:@H This redesign of the B-1A (cancelled in the late 1960s) emphasizes low-level attack and minimal radar signature. The aircraft is now seriously overloaded by the numerous revisions and often unreliable electronic defensive gear. Despite the usual carping from the US press, in combat against first-line Russian aircraft this bomber has some hope of survival. The obsolescent B-52s it replaces would have no chance whatsoever. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GE-3C Sentry "AWACS"@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Boeing, USA @4Role:@5 Airborne Early Warning & Control @4Crew:@5 15 to 17 @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 162.5 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-100/100A turbofans for 84,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 3,000 kilometers (11 hours unrefueled endurance) @4Ceiling:@5 over 29,000' @4Cruise Speed at altitude:@5 over 350 kts @4Maximum Speed at altitude:@5 460 kts @4Armament:@5 Surveillance radar, communications, air traffic control, and electronic defenses; weapons pylons may be added @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Excellent range and quality radars @4Maneuverability:@5 Poor @GNotes:@H This 707 airliner frame holds the most sophisticated and effective airborne radar in the world. No other nation has a plane of equivalent effectiveness (the British Nimrod and Russian Moss are failures, the new Russian Mainstay is stil unproven). Flying "racetrack" circles behind friendly lines at 25-30,000', this AWACS can watch and direct aircraft out to 300 miles range. Until the "C" model upgrade, too many aircraft and limited computer power caused temporary "blind spots". In wartime weapons pylons carrying AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAMS could be added. In addition each Sentry carries various electronic defenses and always has a fighter escort. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GRussian-built Warplanes@H @GMiG-21 Fishbed@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Mikoyan-Gurevich, USSR @4Role:@5 Fighter @4Crew:@5 one @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 9 tons @4Engine(s):@5 One Tumansky R-11F2S-300 turbofan for 14,500 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 630 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 59,000' (often only 50,000') @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 700 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1220 kts @4Armament:@5 Two 23mm cannon, 4 weapons pylons, 1 fuel tank pylon @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Very short range, low quality pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Good @GNotes:@H This agile, maneuverable, easy-flying fighter waas the premier dogfighting plane of the 1960s and early 1970s. It has simple avionics and a standard armament of 2 or 4 AA-2s (now often replaced by AA-8s), making it inexpensive to buy, arm and maintain. However, it has little or no HUD, weak radars, and low quality defenses, making it obsolete as a fighter. Unfortunately, its limited carrying capacity makes it poor as a strike fighter. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMiG-23 Flogger@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Mikoyan-Gurevich, USSR @4Role:@5 Fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 16 tons @4Engine(s):@5 One Tumansky R-29B turbofan for 27,500 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 900 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 61,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 740 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1190 kts @4Armament:@5 Two 23mm cannon, 4 weapon pylons, 1 fuel tank pylon @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Very poor, short range pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This swing-wing fighter replacement for the MiG-21 originally had few avionics and a 22,485 lb. R-27 engine. This variant, incapable of firing sophisticated weapons and with serious performance flaws, is often sold abroad. The more advanced models, listed above, are mediocre performers. All commonly carry AA-2 and/or AA-8 missiles, most USSR and East European versions use the AA-7 radar homing missile also. With its MiG-27 brother, this plane has huge production runs, making it the cheapest fighter available today. This alone makes it one of the world's most popular aircraft. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMiG-27 Flogger@H [Physical appearance equivalent to MiG-23, but slimmer 'duck-nose'] @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Mikoyan-Gurevich, USSR @4Role:@5 Strike Fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 22 tons @4Engine(s):@5 One Tumansky R-29 turbofan for 25,353 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 400 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 52,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 635 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 925 kts @4Armament:@5 One 6-barrel 23mm cannon, 5 weapon pylons, 2 bomb racks @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Very poor, very short range pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This is the ground-attack variant of the MiG-23. In Russian frontline units it includes a laser designator for laser-guided munitions and simple terrain-avoidance radars for low-level attacks. Improved jammers and decoys are added as well. However, many sophisticated attack aids common on western strike fighters are not present. Presumably the MiG-27s compensate for this with quantity, as huge production runs greatly lower its cost. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMiG-25 Foxbat@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Mikoyan-Gurevich, USSR @4Role:@5 PVO Interceptor @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 40 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Tumansky R-31 turbofans for 48,500 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 1,100 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 80,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 570 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1860 kts @4Armament:@5 4 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium quality, medium range pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Poor @GNotes:@H This plane was originally designed to defend the distant borders of the USSR from air attack, working with special ground radars to attack enemy bombers with a special long-ranged AAM (the AA-6). It is extremely fast, but quite unmaneuverable. A few are bought by client states for status reasons, but the reconnaissance version (MiG-25R) is more popular - it's 88,000' ceiling makes it immune to normal SAM or fighter interception. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMiG-29 Fulcrum@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Mikoyan-Gurevich, USSR @4Role:@5 Fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 18 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Tumansky R-33D turbofans for 36,600 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 650 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 Probably 55-65,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 700 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1260 kts @4Armament:@5 One multi-barrel cannon, 6 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Medium quality and range doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good to excellent @GNotes:@H Originally designed to outfight the F-15, this plane is a modern, lightweight dogfighter with superlative agility. It has engine power in excess of its weight. Common armament is AA-10 "fire and forget" radar-homers along with some AA-8 and/or AA-10 IR missiles. The degree of sophistication in the avionics is unknown, but unlikely to match western models. Considerable debate exists regarding the relative superiority of this plane versus the F-16. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GMiG-31 Foxhound@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Mikoyan-Gurevich, USSR @4Role:@5 PVO Interceptor @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 45 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two turbofans or turbojets, estimated thrust 50-60,000 lbs @4Range:@5 1,500 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 75,500' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 790 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1400 kts @4Armament:@5 Cannon possible, 4 missile recesses, 4 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Superior quality and range doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This aircraft is a redesigned MiG-25. Although slightly slower, it is improved in all other categories, especially low-altitude interceptions against planes and cruise missiles. The new AA-9 long-range missile is designed for look-down attacks on low-level cruise missiles. It also has AA-8s and AA-10s. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSu-24 Fencer@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Sukhoi, USSR @4Role:@5 Strike Fighter & Interdictor @4Crew:@5 Two @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 43.5 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Tumansky R-29B turbofans for 50,700 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 300 to 1,800 kilometers (varies with mission profile and load) @4Ceiling:@5 57,400' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 765 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1400 kts @4Armament:@5 6-barrel 23mm cannon, 8 weapon pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 nil, avionics designed purely for air-ground role @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H This is the most advanced air-ground attack plane built by the USSR. Externally it appears similar to the F-111, including the side-by-side seating in the cockpit. However, its armament and avionics are designed for front-line and rear-area strikes, into the teeth of enemy air defenses. Western air and ground commanders fear the Su-24 more than any other Soviet aircraft. The aircraft may carry a few AA-8s for self-defense, but it is not designed for air-to-air combat. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSu-27 Flanker@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Sukhoi, USSR @4Role:@5 Fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 25 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two unknown turbojets for estimated 60,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 1,150 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 probably 60,000' or more @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 725 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 1350 kts @4Armament:@5 Probably a cannon, 6 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Above average quality and range doppler radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Very good to excellent @GNotes:@H This aircraft was designed to defeat the F-14 and F-15 fighters. It is a large, powerful dogfighter whose usual armament is probably four AA-8 and four AA-10 missiles. In comparison to the MiG-29, the Su-27 is a larger, heavier plane. If its avionics and flight controls are truly modern, the Su-27 may be the superior plane. However, in dogfighting maneuverability the MiG-29 and F-16 probably have the edge. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GYak-38 Forger@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Yakovlev, USSR @4Role:@5 VTOL Fighter @4Crew:@5 One @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 12 tons @4Engine(s):@5 One Lyulka AL-21 vectored-thrust turbojet for 17,985 lbs thrust (no afterburner), plus two Koliesov lift engines @4Range:@5 370 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 39,370' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 535 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 550 kts @4Armament:@5 4 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Poor quality and range pulse radar @4Maneuverability:@5 Fair @GNotes:@H Originally known as the Yak-36MP, this vertical take-off fighter operates from the Kiev-class aircraft carriers. These lack the equipment and deck space for conventional jets. Initially thought to be a Russian equivalent of the Harrier, the Yak-38 is considerably inferior. It has a limited interception ability and very limited strike capacity. However, until this plane the Russian navy had nothing bigger than helicopters for its warships at sea. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GTu-26 Backfire@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Tupolev, USSR @4Role:@5 Bomber @4Crew:@5 Four @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 61 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two uprated Kuznetsov NK-144 turbofans for 88,180 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 5,500 kilometers @4Ceiling:@5 55,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 525 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 970 kts @4Armament:@5 Three heavy Air-Surface missiles or 13 tons of bombs @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Fair, with excellent air-to-surface avionics @4Maneuverability:@5 Very poor @GNotes:@H Many of these swing-wing bombers are in service with the Soviet naval air arm, carrying long-range missiles to attack hostile warships up to 3,000 kilometers out to sea. The Backfire's exceptionally long range and high speed, plus its powerful missiles make it a mortal threat to USN aircraft carriers. With aerial refueling it has sufficient range to get within curise-missile- launch position of the USA. As a gesture to arms control, the USSR has removed air refueling equipment from its Air Force Backfires. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GTu-95D Bear@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Tupolev, USSR @4Role:@5 Reconnaissance bomber @4Crew:@5 7-12 @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 unknown, about 145-165 tons @4Engine(s):@5 four Kuznetsov NK-12MV turboprops @4Range:@5 8,250 kilometers (7 hours endurance) @4Ceiling:@5 41,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 410 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 475 kts @4Armament:@5 Unarmed @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Very good long-range pulse radars @4Maneuverability:@5 Terrible @GNotes:@H The Tu-95 has been the world's most sophisticated turboprop bomber for over thirty years (it entered service in 1955). It is primarily used for long-range reconnaissance, electronic intelligence, electronic warfare (jamming), anti-ship missiles, and cruise-missiles. The "D" model is a reconnaissance version, the "H" model (on a slightly modified airframe) a cruise-missile carrier. (Believe it or not, this plane's design ancestry can be traced back to the WW2 American Flying Fortress...) _______________________________________________________________________________ @GIl-76 Mainstay@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Ilyushin, USSR @4Role:@5 Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) @4Crew:@5 Estimated at 15 to 20 @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 About 150 tons @4Engine(s):@5 four Soloview D-30KP turbofans for 106,000 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 About 6,400 kilometers (7 hours endurance) @4Ceiling:@5 About 40-50,000' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 400 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 460 kts @4Armament:@5 Possibly twin 23mm tail cannon, 2-4 weapons pylons @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Excellent long-range doppler radars @4Maneuverability:@5 Terrible @GNotes:@H The "Mainstay" is a conversion of the huge Il-76 Candid transport plane to "AWACS" duties. Its purpose is to detect enemy aircraft and low-flying missiles, and act as a mobile, airborne command post that controls friendly aircraft engaging such threats. The earlier Tu-126 "Moss" AEW&C with turboprops was a disastrous failure. Like many AEW&C planes, the Il-76 could carry a few AAMs (AA-8s or AA-10s) for self defense, as well as extensive jammers, decoys, etc. _______________________________________________________________________________ @GAn-72 Coaler@H @4Designer/Manafacturer:@5 Antonov, USSR @4Role:@5 Air transport @4Crew:@5 3 @4Mission Weight at Takeoff:@5 28 tons @4Engine(s):@5 Two Lotarev D-36 turbofans for 28,660 lbs thrust @4Range:@5 1000 kilometers (max cargo) to 3,800 kilometers (no cargo) @4Ceiling:@5 36,100' @4Maximum Speed at 0':@5 350 kts @4Maximum Speed at 36,000':@5 410 kts @4Armament:@5 unarmed; can carry 32 passengers or 11 tons cargo @4Air-to-Air Radar Quality:@5 Navigational only @4Maneuverability:@5 Terrible for a fighter, but good for a transport @GNotes:@H This is the latest general-purpose medium air transport of the Soviet Union. Its jet engines and short-takeoff performance make in an outstanding utility craft for transporting all types of personnel and cargo between remote airfields. @GAPPENDIX-----------------------------------------------------------------------@H @GGlossary@H @GAAM:@H Air-to-air missile. @GAce:@H Pilot with five or more confirmed kills of enemy aircraft. @GAce-of-the-Base:@H Best flyer in the squadron. @GAFV:@H Armored Fighting Vehicle, and armored vehicle designed for front line combat. This includes tanks, armored personnel carriers, anti-aircraft tanks, SAM missile carriers, etc. @GAGM:@H Air-to-Ground Missile. Originally used by the US Air Force for missiles designed to hit land surface targets, but commonly extended to mean missiles designed for use against land or sea targets. @GARM:@H Anti-radiation Missile. Missile designed to home on enemy radar sets. @GASM:@H Air-to-Surface Missile. Often used for missiles designed to attack ships, but sometimes generalized to mean any missile launched against targets on the surface of the Earth. @GBravo Sierra:@H Military words for BS, which in turn is an abbreviation for a common expletive, here indicating something especially unpleasant or unbelievable. For example: "Doing the bunny hop down the runway to a bellyflop landing, then complaining about wind sheer, is true Bravo Sierra!" @GBVR:@H Beyond Visual Range. Any engagement where you cannot visually distinguish the target. During peacetime pilots are often prohibited from firing BVR, for fear of hitting the wrong target. @GCAP:@H Combat Air Patrol. Aircraft patrolling over friendly forces. Originally it meant fighters launched from aircraft carriers, and assigned to patrol over those carriers, protecting them from air attack. @GCheck your Six:@H Watch your tail; literally, watch the six o'clock position of your aircraft. @GColors:@H Silk neck scarf worn by fighter pilots. @GDitch:@H Bail out, esp. over water. @GDriver:@H Pilot. @GECM:@H Electronic Counter-measures. Devices designed to jam or fool ("spoof") enemy electronic sensors, notably radar. @GECCM:@H Electronic Counter-counter-measures. Devices designed to protect against jamming or "spoofing" by enemy ECM. @GElectric Jet:@H F-16 Falcon. @GFangs Out:@H Seeking air-to-air victory in a dogfight, regardless of other dangers or considerations, such as worry about other enemy aircraft, your EMV, or even your altitude. See Knife Fight. @GFEBA:@H Forward Edge of Battle Area. Older NATO abbreviation for the front line or battle line with the enemy. @GFitRep:@H Fitness Report. A report by commander that recommends subordinates for promotion (or not, as appropriate). @GFLOT:@H Forward Line of Troops. Current NATO abbreviation for the front line or battle line with the enemy. @GFlying a Desk:@H Staff or command job with no flying duties. @GFrisbee:@H Unofficial nickname of the F-19 Stealth Fighter. @GHUD:@H Head-Up Display. A large piece of glass mounted on the cockpit front, arranged so a pilot can look forward through the glass. All crucial (i.e., "real time") information is projected onto the glass, so the pilot can watch the outside while getting detailed information. Some HUDs have become so complex they defeat their designed purpose (and are equipped with a "de-clutter" switch!). @GKnife Fight:@H Dogfight to the death - what happens when you go "fangs out". This situation is advantageous to low-speed, highly manueverable planes and disadvantageous to higher speed but less maneuverable planes. However, either or both contestants can be surprised by other fighters and SAMs. @GILS:@H Instrument Landing System. A device that receives signals from an airport and displays to the pilot his position in relationship to a hypothetical glide path. @GINS:@H Inertial Navigation System. A device that keeps track of an airplane's position (using a gyroscope) and displays that position and a desired destination. There are many different types of INS systems; those which use cockpit CRT maps and HUD pointers are the most sophisticated. @GIR:@H Infrared. A portion of the electro-magnetic spectrum where the intensity of the signal is directly related to the heat of the object. @GMike Mike:@H Military words for "mm", generally referring to 20mm cannon shells. Ex: "Then I placed some Mike Mike right up his tail". @GMiG:@H Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, which specializes in the design and construction of jet fighters for the Soviet Union. Often used as a generic name for all Soviet-built fighter aircraft (even though other bureaus contribute fighter designs). @GNiner:@H Reference to the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. The 9L version is known as the "Niner Lima", the 9M version used by the F-19 is a "Niner Mike". @GObsolescent:@H Outdated but not yet useless; not quite obsolete. @GPromo:@H Promotion. @GPucker Factor:@H Level of fear (e.g., "When those 20 Flankers jumped us, the pucker factor sure went up!"). @GPunch His Ticket:@H To shoot down an enemy fighter plane. @GPunch Out:@H Specifically to bail out using an ejection seat, but generally applied to a departure ("Let's punch out of here!"). @GSAM:@H Surface-to-Air Missile. @GSierra Hotel:@H Military expansion of the letters "SH", here an abbreviation for heated excrement. Curiously, the expression denotes admiration and excitement. For example, "Sierra Hotel, look at that guy smoke MiGs!". @GSkunk Works:@H Quasi-official nickname of the Lockheed plant in Burbank, California that designs and builds top-secret aircraft. @GSmoke:@H To destroy, as in "Smoked that MiG!". Originally from the smoke plume emitted by burning aircraft as they fall to earth. @GStar:@H As in, "getting your star". Refers to the much coveted promotion from Colonel to General, where your rank insignia is now a single gold star. @GVVI:@H Vertical Velocity Indicator. A gauge that indicates how fast a plane is ascending or descending. @GWhiskey Delta:@H Military expansion of the letters WD, which in turn refers to weakness in a certain male organ rarely discussed in polite company. The term is an especially derogatory and insulting description of a fighter pilot (e.g., "that Whiskey Delta couldn't even find his own airbase, much less hit it with a bomb."). @GWing Weenie:@H Administrative staff officer attached to a fighter unit, but with no combat or flying duties. A mildly derogatory term. @GZero-Zero:@H Nickname for the zero-zero type ejection seat. So named because, in theory, a pilot can eject safely from a plane with zero speed and zero altitude (i.e., sitting on a runway). @GTHE END------------------------------------------------------------------------@H Actually, there were a couple more pages of self-congratulatory rubbish from Microprose, but if you want to read them you better buy the original... @GHints, tips and bug reports from The Alien!------------------------------------@H I'll start with SAMs... in this game, the most commonly encountered SAMs are the SA-14, SA-10 and HAWK. The SA-14 is an IR SAM, and all you have to do is stick the IR jammer on! In fact, sometimes you don't even need to do that, as it often runs out of fuel before it gets anywhere near you! The HAWK is also a bit of a loser- just put the ECM jammer on and it will fly blindly past. The SA-10, however, is a bit more dangerous. The best strategy is to dump a decoy, fly at right angles to the missile (use tactical map) and dump chaff if it gets close. And pray... Next, what weapons to choose... if you know that you are going to encounter a lot of enemy aircraft, load up with Sidewinders. In fact, if you are on air-to-air missions and the secondary target is a strike mission (not a recon mission), then take nothing but Sidewinders, unless you need extra fuel. Why take no air-to-ground weapons? Because you have a very good gun!! The gun can take out just about anything, as long as you hit the target in the right place. When strafing a ground target, it often helps to aim slightly @Gbelow@H the target- this definitely works when strafing SAM batteries anyway. Sidewinders are preferable to AMRAAMs most of the time, because you can carry four Sidewinders in one bay, and only three AMRAAMs. And the Sidewinders actually seem to have the same range as an AMRAAM- over 35 kilometers! Never mind that they should run out of fuel after 15-20 km... these are Super- Sidewinders! Against an aircraft flying towards you, you could probably get away with firing a Sidewinder at 40 km! The gun also has a longer range than the manual says- I've splashed MiGs that were 18 km away, on numerous occasions. And it is VERY powerful! For instance, I have destroyed the following targets with the gun... USS America (whoops), Missile Boats, Oil Rigs, SAM Radars, Tank farms... I think just about anything can be destroyed by the gun if your aim is true. Dogfighting is EASY... first, the enemy doesn't use guns on you. Second, they hardly ever fire missiles when up close. And third, they have this great habit of flying in straight lines (even Veterans!). I don't know much about Elite enemy pilots; I've only engaged them with AMRAAMs, and never got up close. But I do know that Elite pilots seem to have a knack of avoiding Sidewinders that are fired at long range (i.e. above 15 km). What planes are friendly and what ones are hostile? Well, all Boeings are civilian airliners and the only other friendlies are the F-18s, so shoot anything else... Taking off is so easy I won't mention it. Landing is also surprisingly easy, even on Realistic Landings you can come down very fast indeed and still come out without a scratch. Carrier landings are tougher... if you don't hit the rear quarter of the deck, then the arrestor wires won't catch you. If they do catch you, you stop almost immediately, so you're ok! If you do miss them, then it IS possible to stop just by using the brakes and shutting down the engine, but it will look very scary- the nosewheel will hang over the edge of the deck! And maybe even the main wheels too, so it'll look like you're hovering in front of the carrier... this is because the deck is a bit longer than it actually is on screen. Ok, next is fuel. If you fly with the throttle around the half-way mark, you will use fuel at a VERY low rate- so low that you can loiter for up to half and hour (real time) in any area, waiting for bad guys to show up (so you can shoot them down!). Two disadvantages with this throttle setting are that you will have to put down the flaps to stay in the air, and your airspeed will probably be as low as 200 knots- accelerated time is a good idea! To finish off with... radars. I hate 'em! Damn things! Pulse radars aren't too worrying, but Doppler ones are very dangerous - if there are any near your flight path, take them out with a Maverick, or you could risk going in and strafing the radar, but that means risking SAM launches against you. Missile boats are also best destroyed if any are near your flight path. In mountainous areas, radars are less of a problem; it's quite easy to zoom in and strafe one before it even realises you exist! Now... bugs. The major one is that sometimes the plane flips upside down for no reason! This can cause a crash if you are using autopilot at the time, as the dumb autopilot tries to correct by rolling over and diving into the ground! When the plane does this little party trick, it sometimes does an instant 180 degree turn as well! Another bug I've noticed is that when your plane is heavily damaged (8 out of the 9 damage lights were on), then selecting the damage display (F6) locked up the game. But I only saw it do that once, because normally I'm so brilliant at the game that I don't get damaged (ego!)... The final bug I have had happen to me twice now; in Libya, for no apparent reason, it crashes out, displaying the registers, exception type, etc. A little bit annoying when I had spent half an hour sneaking around mountains avoiding detection... oh well, at least it isn't as buggy as v1.01 (the version released on the continent. That's Europe to you Americans!). zed by a seeker with advanced computer logic, and once recognized the seeker actually homes on the jammer, instead of being confused by it. Therefore, it's unwise and sometimes downright dangerous to leave a jammer running when second-generation IR missiles are getting close (not to mention the jammer overheating and shutting off at an inconvenient time). @GFlares:@H Although called "flares", these are really small, finely tuned heat decoys. A flare lures an IR missile toward it (and away from you), but only during the 2 to 3 seconds it burns. After that the flare dies and the missile resumes seeking. Therefore, like chaff, the standard technique is to wait until the missile is a couple of seconds away (the klaxon sounds), then drop a flare while you turn away. @GManeuvering:@H Maneuvering techniques against IR missiles are the same as those used against radar guided missiles. The only difference is that IR missiles tend to be smaller and more maneuverable. Second generation missiles are often the most maneuverable, so you're best off relying on decoy, jammer and/or flares against them. Unlike radar guided SAMs, most IR SAMs are very maneuverable, with the ability to turn toward their target almost immediately after launch. As a result, flying low and close to a battery of maneuverable IR SAMs is @4very@5 dangerous! @GWarnings & Responses:@H Your first warning of an IR missile attack can occur at any time. A search or tracking radar may alert you, just like a radar-guided SAM attack. In fact, at that point you can't tell that an IR missile attack is coming. However, when the missile is launched, the "I" missile warning light goes on (rather than the "R" light). In many cases your first warning of an attack is the "I" missile warning light. This is because lots of cheap IR SAMs have no search radar - just eyesight searching. Your first warning is their launch. If you know the missile is a first-generation homer, you can turn on the IR jammer, change course and laugh it off. However, it pays to be wary. Against second generation missiles the IR jammer may still work - if you can get outside its 45 degree field of view before it gets too close, or the jammer overheats. The reduced airspeed due to using the jammer doesn't help, either. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the proximity alarm klaxon. Many IR missiles are fired from very short ranges, so short that the "I" light is almost immediately followed by the proximity alarm klaxon. When you hear the klaxon and see the "I" light burning, your first act must be to drop a flare and then dodge! _______________________________________________________________________________ @GOutmaneuvering a Missile@H Whether you're using jammers, decoys, or just plain guts, the basic principles of outmaneuvering a missile remain the same. @GEvading the Missile's View:@H SAMs can only "home" on targets within the acquisition arc of their seeker. This arc is a bare 45 degrees ahea. If decoys, jammers, or whatever temporarily confuse a missile, you evade attack by moving outside this 45 degree arc. Usually the quickest escape course is one perpendicular to the missile's flight path. @GTurning inside a Missile:@H When a missile is close, you still have a chance to outmaneuver him. Its turning arc is larger than yours. If the missile is trying to fly up your tail, roll over onto a wingtip for a tight turn, then pull back hard on the control stick to tighten the turn further. Keep an eye on the airspeed, since you can't stay long in this kind of a turn - soon the plane will stall. But meanwhile, the missile is making a wider, faster turn that causes it to zoom past harmlessly. @GTurning toward a Missile:@H If a SAM approaches you from the side, gradually turn toward it, increasing the tightness of your turn as it comes closer. The objective is to keep the missile's course at right angles (perpendicular) to your own. This tactic works because the missile cannot turn with you. Instead it gradually falls behind, zooming past your tail. @GEvading Frontal Attacks:@H If a SAM approaches you from the front, wait until it's about 8 to 12 kilometers away (about 2/3rds of a grid square on the tactical display). Then make a quick 90 degree turn. This puts the missile facing your side. Now roll over 180 degrees and turn toward the missile. Now you're set up for a turning battle (see "Turning toward a Missile" above). _______________________________________________________________________________ @GSpecial Tactics & Problems@H @GMissile Minimum Range:@H Large less-maneuverable missiles fire straight up when first launched. This means that they can't begin homing until they're beyond a certain distance (in range and altitude) from their launchers. As a result, circling right over a battery of low-maneuverability SAMs can actually be very safe. @GDoppler Missiles:@H Enemy missiles with doppler guidance systems are a special danger. These missiles will not home on the chaff unless your course is perpendicular (at right angles to) the missile. If the missile chases you from the rear or attacks from straight ahead, chaff has no effect. Only three SAMs (Surface-to-Air missiles) currently have doppler guidance: the SA-10, SA-12, and SA-N-6. Only one AAM (air-to-air missile) has doppler guidance: the AA-10. @GThe "Doppler Cross" Missile Evasion:@H The F-19 observes an enemy doppler- guided SAM approaching (SA-10, SA-12 or SA-N-6), and until his course is perpendicular (at right angles to) the missile, Then the F-19 drops chaff or a decoy, and continues on a perpendicular course, keeping the missile at a constant range. Flying on a different course can be disastrous, as the missile will "see" the doppler shift as you change range.