AWACS Options for TARAWA-Class

Thisdale · March 10, 2018

Hey guys,

I'm having a lot of fun planning Navy-oriented missions for the Harrier in a "1980s" scenario. Lots of stuff to do and many good options, including Caucassus.

But i'm a bit bugged out about AWACS options.

Are there any options of this that can operate off a TARAWA-Class Navy Carrier? Helicopter, or plane?

Also, do we have something for Refuel that can takeoff from the TARAWA-Class?

Silver_Dragon · March 10, 2018

Hey guys,

I'm having a lot of fun planning Navy-oriented missions for the Harrier in a "1980s" scenario. Lots of stuff to do and many good options, including Caucassus.

But i'm a bit bugged out about AWACS options.

Are there any options of this that can operate off a TARAWA-Class Navy Carrier? Helicopter, or plane?

Also, do we have something for Refuel that can takeoff from the TARAWA-Class?

Actually not, but not bad put them on the Wishlist to ED implement them into Core Code and add to others big ships (Carriers, LHA, picket ships)

Thisdale · March 10, 2018

Actually not, but not bad put them on the Wishlist to ED implement them into Core Code and add to others big ships (Carriers, LHA, picket ships)

Interesting. I'll add to the wishlist forum.

As a more academic inquiry, what was available in real life?

Thisdale · March 10, 2018

I also learned that the TARAWA-CLASS was decommissioned late 2000s. Replaced by the AMERICA-CLASS.

I presume that its what the British use as well nowadays.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America-class_amphibious_assault_ship

WOPR · March 10, 2018

Hey guys,

I'm having a lot of fun planning Navy-oriented missions for the Harrier in a "1980s" scenario. Lots of stuff to do and many good options, including Caucassus.

But i'm a bit bugged out about AWACS options.

Are there any options of this that can operate off a TARAWA-Class Navy Carrier? Helicopter, or plane?

Also, do we have something for Refuel that can takeoff from the TARAWA-Class?

I don't know that I would expect anything from light carrier. You need heavier aircraft for AWACS and refueling, maybe you'll see what you want when the F/A-18 releases.

joey45 · March 10, 2018

We use Sea Kings / Merlins for our AEW stuff..

Thisdale · March 10, 2018

We use Sea Kings / Merlins for our AEW stuff..

Ok, interesting. I figured something like that would happen.

Strange that DCS didn't plan for this (yet)...

I'll try to script-fake this with a hidden AWACs plane linked to the life of an unarmed SH-60.

joey45 · March 11, 2018

When we had proper carriers we used A-1 Skyraiders (for AEW role) until the Gannet took over.

USSInchon · March 11, 2018

The LHA(D) Class ships do not carry an indigenous AEW or Refueling aircraft (yet for the refueler, the V-22 is being looked at for both refueling from a CV and LHA(D)). The USMC does not have any AEW platforms, rather they rely on Navy E-2C/D and USAF/NATO E-3 AWACS for AEW support. In a situation where a Marine expeditionary force is required, you can bet a CSG or land based support is not far behind.

AcroGimp · March 14, 2018

The LHA(D) Class ships do not carry an indigenous AEW or Refueling aircraft (yet for the refueler, the V-22 is being looked at for both refueling from a CV and LHA(D)). The USMC does not have any AEW platforms, rather they rely on Navy E-2C/D and USAF/NATO E-3 AWACS for AEW support. In a situation where a Marine expeditionary force is required, you can bet a CSG or land based support is not far behind.

Knowing this I typically set the LHA as part of a CVN task force and have the CVN launch an E-2 as well as an S-3 and just have them orbit - my normal naval operations setup is a CVN with 3 DDG's, an LHD with 2 DDG's and a skiff, with the support ships set up around the big and little boat at key points for the carrier approach patterns.

Still learning mission editor and of course the Harrier but this gives more than enough immersion and looks fantastic to boot.

'Gimp

Thisdale · March 14, 2018

Knowing this I typically set the LHA as part of a CVN task force and have the CVN launch an E-2 as well as an S-3 and just have them orbit - my normal naval operations setup is a CVN with 3 DDG's, an LHD with 2 DDG's and a skiff, with the support ships set up around the big and little boat at key points for the carrier approach patterns.

Still learning mission editor and of course the Harrier but this gives more than enough immersion and looks fantastic to boot.

'Gimp

Would you care to share an example setup .miz? I'm very interested to see how you set all this up.

AcroGimp · March 14, 2018

Would you care to share an example setup .miz? I'm very interested to see how you set all this up.

Sure, can share later today.

It is setup by eye/thumbsuck currently, so not spot on but works for me - I know the Stingers and others have more accurate setups.

'Gimp

AcroGimp · March 16, 2018

Sorry it took so long to get back to this. Having some comms issue with Tanker and AWACS (not responding last time I flew but might have been a start-up issue with me in the Harrier) but attached is the current .miz I had set up. One of my first attempts so if anyone finds ways to make it better let me know.

This is the Tarawa escorted by 2 DDG's (you will need the free USS Cole download) and an armed patrol boat/skiff, and the Bush escorted by 4 DDG's. For both carriers the support ships are arranged to aid in flying the pattern but are not to USN spec, I eye-balled it.