2015-05-24 - OPERATION STRONGHOLD - ATC/AWACS/SEAD

[NECK]

The 132nd will host its 5th mission in the combined event campaign, OPERATION STRONGHOLD.

 

We are currently looking for participants to fill roles of ATC/AWACS using Aries gossipbox and LotATC. The 132nd will provide TTP's on how to fill the ATC/AWACS role. In addition, we are looking for a squadron/lonewolf's to fly the SU-25 in the SEAD role. If there are other organizations that would be interesting in participating in this campaign, in other roles, feel free to let me know here in this thread or by a pm.

 

The 132nd events focuses on immersion and a realistic game play, within a international/multi squadron environment. On our previous events we have had 20-30 participants and

tThe mission have so far been a mix between PvP and coop.

 

 

If anyone would be interested, please let me know by answering here in this thread, or sending me a PM.

 

 

 

 

MISSIONBRIEF

 

Situation

 

Date 02.06.2011

Time 0430h local

 

 

 

Russia have invaded Abkhazia and the western part of Georgia in a surprise attack.

 

NATO and allies to Georgia are in the process of organizing the defense of the eastern part of Georgia to delay the Russian advance and when the time is right, take back the occupied regions of Georgia.

Georgian Allies are building up air forces in the area of TBLISI, and RW assets have already been deployed to forward locations. There are currently limited allied ground forces due to the nature of this surprise attack, and NATO and its allies are racing against the clock to be able to provide the necessary ground forces to fight back Russia. NATO, Georgia and its allies need to rely on air power in this first stage of conflict.

 

In the recent 24-48 hours, intelligence have delivered reports that indicate preperations for a attack against SOUTH OSSETIA from the NORTH. SU-25 squadrons have been moved to forward locations, artillery units are moving toward staging areas.

 

Yesterday

In the morning hours of the 1st of june, Allied air forces conducted the first of a series of attackwaves against the Russian forces in both GEORGIA and RUSSIA. It is to soon to say something about the effect of the attacks, as the attacks happened this morning. It is likely that the attacks will have a short term effect on the Russian forces, and especially the attacks in killbox W3+X1 will likely have a good effect on postponing the planned Russian offensive toward SOUTH GEORGIA.

 

In addition recce flights were conducted, with sorties in the afternoon to further degrade the russian force build-up NORTH of the border, and a strike at a C2 installation.

 

 

The recce flight located a new company of artillery in firing position, and they were firing at friendly forces setting up the defense on the other side of the border, see picture below:

 

From AAR of flight IS4333, the pilots stated that the artillery were firing toward approximately N42°33.165 E044°07.017, which is ivo the village of KVEMO-ROKA on the Georgian side of the border, where Georgian forces are setting up their defensive positions.

It is imperative that allied forces are able to deny the Russian forces the use of indirect fire in their attack.

 

In addition the recce flight located the arrival of 2x SA-13 STRELA and 1x ZSU23/4 SHILKA, these Air Defence units were located ivo the artillery firing position, and it is likely that they are intended to be used to defend the artillery firing location.

It is assessed that the artillery firing location will be the Russian forward staging area.

 

During the time of the recce flight, MiG29's of the Russian forces were able to intercept and shoot down 2 of our KC-135.

 

During the air actions on the afternoon on the 1st of june, several air-to-air fighters of from the allied force were shot down by the Russian SU-27 squadron stationed at MINERALNYE VODY.

A single A-10C were also shot down by air defenses during a mission to support friendlies with CAS ivo the village of HOTEVI in killbox W4.

 

The SA-6 site ivo BESLAN got hit, and were temporay disabled the afternoon of 1st of June, however, it is reported as operational as of 0300.

 

 

 

 

Threat

General threat

 

The Russians have placed SA-6 batteries at the following airfields: Batumi, Kobuleti and Senaki-Kohlki.

A SA-10 battery is placed at Sukhumi.

A SA-3 battery is located ivo the city of KUTAISI. Exact position is currently unknown. This SA-3 battery have been struck both by KA-50, and a SEAD flight of SU-25's and was on the afternoon of the 1st not-operational, however, we have no reporting on the current status of the SA-3 battery.

The russian frontline forces are equipped with a vast number of Air Defence Batteries, which consist of ZSU23/4's and Manpads. In addition, it is expected that the Russian forces are moving forward SA-8, SA-9. SA-11's, SA-13's and SA-15's. The location and number of these is currently unknown.

 

 

Local threat

KILLBOX X3

-There is a SA-6 north of the killbox, ivo BESLAN airport

-There is a SA-19(2S6) ivo the war academy in the village of VERHINY KOMGARON. It is highly likely that this SA-19 will remain stationary to protect the war academy.

- There is a SA-15 ivo the military area in the souther outskirts of VLADIKAVKAZ. The SA-15 will highly likely remain stationary to protect the nuclear powerplant in the area.

- There is a SA-13 ivo the military area in southern outskirts of VLADIKAVKAZ.

- In TARSKOYE there is a AAA (ZU23 on URAL 375) to protect the HQ building.

It is likely that MANPADS are positioned throughout VLADIKAVKAZ. It is unlikely that manpads are positioned ivo TARSKOYE.

 

 

 

Killbox X1+W3

- There is a SA-6 NORTH of the killbox, ivo BESLAN airport

Earlier assessments were correct, as BDA have shown that the SAM site in VERHNIY ZARAMAG have been neutralized (1x SA-13 and 1x ZSU23/4). However, a recce flight confirmed the presence of additional SAM systems beeing moved into the area. 2xSa-13's and 1xZSU23/4 is confirmed to be in the vicinity of VERHNIY ZARAMAG, see picture below:

Assessment now is that it is likely that MANPAD systems are active in the killbox (was previously assessed as even chance with MANPADS). In addition it is an even chance that other SAM systems are active in the killbox, in other places than VERHNIY ZARAMAG. IF such systems are in the Killbox, they are likely protecting other high value assets. (Meaning: If someone locate a SAM system elsewhere than in VERHNIY ZARAMAG, then there is likely a High Value Target nearby.

 

 

 

 

 

Air-to-air

BESLAN Airbase: Only RW assets

MOZDOK Airbase: A Squadron of MiG-29A (Likely limited operational status due to maintanence standard)

MINERALYE VODY Airbase: A squadron of SU-27 (Fully operational, and have shown high skill )

NALCHIK Airbase: SU-25 Ground attack aircrafts (Forwarded to this location, likely to support an attack at SOUTH-GEORGIA).

SOCHI-ADLER Airbase: 1x Squadron MiG-29A , 1x MiG-29S.

 

The last few days the Russian forces have operated with 1x CAP NORTH of the border, between the border to SOUTH OSSETIA and BESLAN. This CAP have alternated between SU-27's from MINERALYE VODY and MiG-29A's from MOZDOK. It is assessed as likely that when MiG-29A's are flying CAP, SU-27's are ready on high alert as a backup

 

In addition the Russian forces have also operated with 2 X CAP's over WEST GEORGIA.

 

If Russian air forces are challenged, they are likely to scramble any alert fighters they have available.

 

The Russian forces have tried to challenge wester air superiority a couple times with complex attacks where they have tried shooting down High-Value-Units(AWACS+Tanker) combined with other air attacks.

 

Recent development, have shown that the Russian forces also are sending tankers airborne, and this is an indication that they want to keep their air-to-air fighters as much airborne as possible. Also, a A-50 AWACS were detected over MINERALNYE VODY, and it was engaged and destroyed by allied flights yesterday.

A flight of SU-33's were also arriving from the coast, and landed at BATUMI (after attacking two allied tanker over Georgian airspace). It is likely that Admiral Kutznetzov is present in the Area of Operations and can provide air support for the Russian forces in Georgia.

 

A flight of SU-25 were intercepted and destroyed by a friendly flight of F-15's. The SU-25 flight had course toward SOUTH OSSETIA, and was likely out to attack allied radar systems.

 

Another flight of SU-25's were escorted by MiG-29S from Sochi Adler. The flight arrived from the WEST and was bound for NALCHIK.

 

 

 

Tanker information

TEXACO - 1x KC-135 - 05Y - 150.0 VHF AM - FL140 - NORTH-SOUTH Track

SHELL - 1x KC-135 - 06Y - 151.0 VHF AM - FL150 - EAST-WEST Track

 

 

 

Airspace

Planned killboxes:

 

 

 

FARP

 

 

 

 

Taskings

 

A-10C

AXE flight - CAS in HOTEVI, in support of JTAC WARRIOR

 

 

BEAST flight - BAI South of KUTAISI, killbox V8

Mission: BAI SOUTH of KUTAISI against Russian rearming/refueling positions. Primary target: Main Battle Tanks. Heavy artillery (all artillery that are not mortar) are a target of oppertunity. Movement of artillery closer toward BAGDATI is a priority target.

Intelligence: The Russian forces are using the SOUTHERN axis toward BAGDATI in a effort to seize BAGDATI , to combine their forces after BAGDATI and KUTAISI is under their control. The attack along the southern axis is spearheaded by a T-80 bn, with support by indirect fires. In order to keep up the attack they are dependent on forward logistics sites to rearm and refuel their veichled during the attack. Reports indicate one of these logistics sites beeing set up WEST of VANI, likely to rearm and refuel 1x T-80 company at the time.

Threats: in the vicinity of the city of KUTAISI the Russian forces have established a SA-3 site. In addition, the Russian forces between KUTAISI airfield and KUTAISI city have likely established 1x Air Defence Battery. It is likely that this position is closer to KUTAISI airfield than KUTAISI CITY.

Airspace: KILLBOX V8

Remarks: RW operations will be conducted in the area of BAGDATI in KILLBOX V9.

Imagry:

 

 

 

DEVIL FLIGHT: Airborne alert CAS/SCAR

Airborne alert, availeble for CAS or SCAR tasking. Orbit around CP BRANDY, and be prepared for taskings in Russia, or in Western part of GEORGIA.

 

 

JACKAL FLIGHT: Air Interdiction, Strike against OBJECTIVE ANTON in KILLBOX X3, ivo city of TARSKAYE

Remarks: It is assessed that atleast 3 of the 4 fueltanks need to be destroyed for the correct effect have been reached. A single 500Ibs bomb is sufficient to destroy one fueltank, if it is a direct hit.

In addition, a HQ building has been identified, and also need to be struck to render the facility as destroyed.

Minimize time in target area, due to SAM threat and the possibility for russian air-to-air fighters.

Other targets positively identified as hostile and considered a threat to the mission can be attack at flight lead discretion.

TGP imagry of the results of the attack is desired for update of the target folder

Minimize collateral damage to civilian veichles and civilian infrastructure

Restriction: Do not fly WEST of KILLBOX X3, due to other missions in the area.

Imagry:

An overview image of the area surrounding TARSKAYE, with identified threats and areas of interest.

 

Location of targets

 

A picture taken from the woods NORTH of TARSKAYE

 

Targetfolder for OBJECTIVE ANTON:

 

 

CLAW flight - SCAR Killbox X1+W3 (forward staging area and artillery firing positions)

Primary mission is to locate any indirect fires assets, recce flights have confirmed presence of a arty firing battery ivo the village of VERHNIY ZARAMAG.

 

 

 

SU-25T

TECNO flight - SEAD against SA-6 at BESLAN and SA-10 at MINERALNYE VODY

 

 

 

KA-50

ASSASSIN flight - SCAR Killbox V6 (supply lines toward ONI)

Mission is to disrupt Russian logistical lines.The Russian forces are moving logistics convoys through the road axis in V6. Friendly OP's overlooking KUTAISI have seen atleast 2 convoys going NORTH into V6. The russians are consolidating their forces, and are preparing for the assualt in ONI.

 

 

BLADE flight - BAI BAGDATI, Killbox V9

Mission is to support ground forces in defensive positions in BAGDATI.

Primary target are MBT's that pose the largest threat to the friendlies. IFV's and infantry are secondary targets of oppertunity.

Restriction:All attacks WEST of E42 48.000. No attacks EAST of this gridline. In case of attacks EAST of this gridline, a JTAC/FAC(A) need to be in play, due to proximity to friendly forces.

 

 

 

 

F-15C

EAGLE flight - CAP in the SOUTHERN PART of RUSSIA, between NALCHIK and BESLAN.

 

 

 

SU-27

NINJA flight - Escort C-130's from TRABZON, TURKEY. Rendevouz with C-130's at TETRO, and escort them to LAGAS, before they will continue inbound for TBLISI-LOCHINI.

 

 

RACER flight - QRA(Quick Reaction Alert), 5 minute alert state at UGTB.

 

 

AWACS/ATC

MAGIC - Air-to-Air support of the mission

OVERLORD - Air-to-ground support of the mission.

TOWER - Tower of Tblisi Lochini

TOWER - Tower of Vaziani

APPROACH- Tblisi approach controlling the TMA

 

 

 

JTAC

WARRIOR

Mission: Support ground forces with CAS in order to hold the defensive position in HOTEVI

Airspace: KILLBOX W4

Intelligence: The russian forces are attacking from both directions toward HOTEVI, which is the last stand for the Georgian forces that can cause an influence against their planned assault at ONI.

Remarks: When in the OP, use F10 menu to get in contact with Ground Force Commander, and get the latest intel and information about the friendly and enemy forces.

Flights will check-in at CP Brandy prior to entering the ROZ

[Snoopy]

Wish I wasn't going out of town that weekend. I think we'll have at least two pilots from the 476th that have signed up.

[NECK]

Thanks Snoopy, looking forward to having a flight from the 476th participate, together with the 132nd , 5e Evc and 3rd wing and potentially some others.

[Serg23]

Preparation looks cool!:thumbup:

 

Comprehencive mapping!

 

Please keep inform for next event!

[104th_Maverick]

This event looks fantastic!

 

All community members who are looking for something a little more realistic than our 104th events should get involved straight away!

 

Please do not underestimate how much work has to go into producing something like this!

 

Let's all get behind the 132nd and support this event!

 

Neck, if you have an outstanding Air to Air requirement closer to the event give me a shout and I'll bring some 104th Eagles with me and we'll do the CAP for you.

 

Great work setting this up!

 

S!

[Midnight]

Lot of work went into this, good job. VSAAF is definitely interested in this.

[Highway]

Available for CAP. F15. 104th Highway

Edited May 19, 2015 by Highway

[Yskonyn]

Is this event open for non-VFS members as well? How does one maintain SOP, does that individual get briefed in advance on the 132rd SOPs?

 

VERY impressive work, Neck! And awesome to see several squadrons working together.

[Highway]

May I ask what are you going to be using for communication between all those flights? Just Teamspeak? Or Teamspeak with some added plugins like Aries? I have never used Aries. Used TARS, didn't much like it.

[ralfidude]

Used TARS, didn't much like it.

 

HEATHEN!

[NECK]

May I ask what are you going to be using for communication between all those flights? Just Teamspeak? Or Teamspeak with some added plugins like Aries? I have never used Aries. Used TARS, didn't much like it.

 

We always use ARIES and teamspeak. Aries is vital in order to be able to have a flow of communications, with different frequency during the mission.

 

I know that this kind of gameplay does not suit everyone, as we have a rather complicated setup, with SPINS and regulations to adhere to to have a realistic, immerse and international/multi-squadron environment during the event.

However, for the ones that enjoy this kind of events, I think we hit pretty good, and the organizations that have participated so far want to join again.

Edited May 20, 2015 by NECK

[NECK]

Is this event open for non-VFS members as well? How does one maintain SOP, does that individual get briefed in advance on the 132rd SOPs?

 

VERY impressive work, Neck! And awesome to see several squadrons working together.

 

We have not had non-VFS members participate so far, the reason for this is that we always have 2-ship flight operating on missions, and normally VFS is the best way to assure this. We have had singleships operating on some missions, but then normally as a part of a package together with other flights.

 

However, if the interest is there, I am open for "lonewolf's" as long as they fly in 2-ships with other "lonewolf's" and that the flight is able to work together, so ther should likely be some training beforehand between pilots that are in the flight together.

 

Our documents include a SPINS (Special Instructions) for the operation, that all pilots must adhere to, and we try not to inflict the various VFS SOP's too much, and allowing them to solve the mission "their" way, and just creating the event where it all comes together, which is a way of representing the real world operations, where you have various squadrons from different nations flying together in the same theater of operations, under one chain of command.

 

So, if "lonewolf's" are able to work under these conditions it should be possible to bring them in on the event.

[Schnarre Aggro]

this looks all very promising :thumbup: .... will check if i get Aries n stuff properly installed in time.

Is there a deadline for signing up ?

[NECK]

;2398691']this looks all very promising :thumbup: .... will check if i get Aries n stuff properly installed in time.

Is there a deadline for signing up ?

 

For external participants that have not participated before I would prefer to get the signup as soon as possible, for pilots that have participated before it is not that important, as I can make small adjustments to the mission before the event.

 

I have sent a PM with some more information

[Schnarre Aggro]

got it ...thx :thumbup:

[EntropySG]

NECK, that was a great event, thanks for all the work you put into this! Cant wait for the next one!

[Derk]

I would be very interested in seeing some footage from the event. The videos on youtube from the 132nd server are a great watch, mostly because of the way comms are handled. It creates a very immersive experience for the viewer, well for me anyway.

I even thought about applying for the 121st vAC but unfortunately i can't put in the time i think it deserves.

But yeah, i would love to see a video from this or other events like the pow rescue one.

[Nirvi]

I would be very interested in seeing some footage from the event. The videos on youtube from the 132nd server are a great watch, mostly because of the way comms are handled. It creates a very immersive experience for the viewer, well for me anyway.

I even thought about applying for the 121st vAC but unfortunately i can't put in the time i think it deserves.

But yeah, i would love to see a video from this or other events like the pow rescue one.

 

+++

Videos of events like thise are a great way to motivate more people to join, I would love to see some footage:thumbup:

[DirtyFret]

Sounds like you guys/girls had a blast. I hope, like many others that you'll share some footage or AAR. :thumbup:

[NECK]

Here are a few screenshots from the Operation Stronghold Campaign:

 

F-15Cs from the 3rd wing conducting a tactical break during recovery

 

Su-27's from the 3rd wing taking off, after a flight of A-10s from the 132nd has cleared the runway:

 

F-15s from 3rd wing escorting a CAS flight of A-10s from the 132nd

 

F-15 flight breaking to intercept a bandit

 

Ka-50s from the 132nd escorting a Huey from the 132nd

 

Inside view of a KA-50 from the 132nd (696th)

 

During startup of the largest mission

[VIKBELL]

That look real well done I am impressed.

[Highway]

Last screenshot looks great with all or most aircraft on ground. I'm wondering what sort of frames the guys at the rear were getting, looking out on all those aircraft. Glad it wasn't my computer, that's all i can say.

[Derk]

Thank you for the shots.

if any of the other participants has some shots or footage, please do share them!

[NECK]

Thank you for the shots.

if any of the other participants has some shots or footage, please do share them!

 

 

Here are some additional movieclips from other organizations participating on 132nd Operation Stronghold Campaign.

On some of the videos the intra-flight chat is in french, but all external comms is in English.

 

AWACS Part 1 (Perspective from 3rd Wing)

 

AWACS Part 2 (Perspective from 3rd Wing)

 

Air-to-air Part 1 (Perspective from 3rd Wing)

 

Air-to-air Part 2 (Perspective from 3rd Wing)

 

Air-to-ground (Perspective from 476th)

[Charly_Owl]

The ATC sounds like the most pleasant man ever! :)