Mission ID: #M-203bc

BC BRAVO6ZERO (v1.1)


Download the mission file.

Loc:   Onboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65, Carrier Airwing 12 embarked),
       Persian Gulf.
Time:  0545Z
Cond:  Light Haze

SITREP:

Satellite photos have shown that an Iraqi research station at Al Blumir, built with US equipment under the pretext of a pesticide factory, is being used to manufacture chemical and biological weapons. CIA intelligence understands a large shipment is ready for movement to the Syrian border, where it will be used in Scud attacks on Israel.
The shipment leaves tonight.
Due to heavy SAM defences around the Al Blumir complex a direct airstrike would be impossible. Instead three teams from 22nd squadron SAS, callname bravo-six-zero, will perform a covert assault on the SAM sites, disabling them and allowing a B-52 strike from Safwan Airbase to destroy the lab.

MISSION PLAN:

05:45 - The SAS teams are ready to leave USS Tarawa (LHA-1), alongside the Enterprise, by CH-47 Chinook helicopter. They will travel to the foot of the ranges that surround Al Blumir. A UH-60 Blackhawk, loaded with a Marine Recon 1 platoon (bravo-five-zero), will accompany the Chinook to help secure the area.

05:50 - A B-52, supported by an F-16, will leave Safwan AFB (waypoint 3).

approx. 05:53 - Bravo-six-zero will swap to 3 HMMWVs at waypoint 2 and drive over the mountain range. Bravo-five-zero will set up an OP near the waiting helos.

approx. 06:02 - Bravo-six-zero will engage SAM sites with Mk-19 GLs. SAMs are destroyed.

06:05 - B-52 strike at waypoint 1.

ORDERS:

Together with your wingman and Capt. D. Boon from Safwan you are to provide air and ground cover for the entire mission. This will involve ensuring that the SAS incursion is not compromised, that ALL SAM and AAA defences have been disabled before the B-52 arrives, and that the B-52 is able to make it safely back to Safwan AFB.
Two MiG-23 Floggers are known to be performing a routine CAP around Al Blumir, and a T-72 section is also suspected to be in the area. If these units threaten the mission they are to be eliminated.
A large portion of the Iraqi airforce is situated at an airbase some distance to the Northwest. It is doubted that they will react in time cause any trouble, but it is imperative that you protect the B-52's westward return journey. For this reason you are to land at Safwan AFB (waypoint 3), which will become your base of operations untill further notice.

You are advised NOT to engage the lab, as Bravo-six-zero may still be in the compound.

IMPORTANT:

Use terrain masking to stay out of LOF of the Al Blumir complex until at least 3 of the SAM sites are down. Unknown long-range S-A missiles ('Al Kahdema') have been confirmed operational by Kurdish intelligence. Use extreme caution.

ROE:

Warning Level Red. Weapons free against all non-IFF ground and air targets.

SWR:

NONE expected. Maintain DEFCON 4.

UPDATE:

**WARNING**: A single Su-27K Flanker D is moving at high speed toward the carrier group. Launch immediately. This means advanced warning for the Iraqis - expect increased enemy air activity. MISSION IS STILL GREEN.



CHEAT NOTES:

You should take a fuel droptank for the long flight-time, 2 HARMs to clear out what SAM/AAAs are left, maybe a Maverick for the patrolling T-72 (it will destroy the Humvees when it gets in range), and the rest should be A-A missiles. Expect the enemy fighters to come in waves, with the latter ones having less (if any) missiles but behaving more aggressively. You'll only get a "mission successful" when the B-52 is back at it's base and the lab has been bombed. Best strategy? I haven't got a clue. If anyone pulls off this mission on a difficult setting send me the replay and I'll include it as an example :). Apparently hitting the last SAM before the B-52 arrives is the tough bit. Note that with 15 planes in the air and twice as many missiles things may slow down on older macs (like mine) so you might want to turn down the graphics.
Best of luck,
TM. tm@iprolink.co.nz

**Many thanks to Richard P. Grant and front.**