Campaign description

[Sandman Simulations]

Flaming Sunrise Campaign for DCS F/A-18C Hornet is based on semi-dynamic campaign system developed by Sandman Simulations. I was inspired by idea of Operation Pontus Campaign made by 373vFS Greg, 373vFS_Petritis and Baltic Dragon, where events of previous mission determined situation at beginning of next mission. DCS campaign engine does not support this kind of dynamicity very well making design of this kind of campaign quite laborious. Huge respect for the crew of Operation Pontus for making it work. I wanted to bring into this campaign that same kind of dynamicity and even go a bit deeper if possible. I wanted to give a player even more possibilities to affect the situation around. I wanted that there is a real ground war going on and that player can be a part of it. I mean things like you are flying a cap flight over front line and spot enemy attack helicopters. If you decide to ignore them, helos might next go and kill some tanks from good guys side. If you decide to take them out, it may affect the situation on the ground.

Because DCS campaign engine does not transfer any information from mission to other some player action is needed. In Flaming Sunrise Campaign events in ground war will determine the starting point of next mission. At end of the mission, you will get detailed debriefing about ground war situation, success of strike missions by your squadron, effect of your squadron against enemy air defense and air superiority situation. Most important, you will get air superiority and enemy air defense levels for next mission. You will need them to make next mission work as meant so it could be a good idea to write them down.

You will progress through campaign story line but situation around is strongly affected by success of your squadron. Ground forces may become overpowered by enemy if air support is not available. Air support is not possible if enemy has air superiority over front line. You can affect air superiority situation just by killing enemy aircrafts or choose more effective way by attacking against enemy airbases. You can support ground forces by choosing close air support missions, by enabling other squadrons to fly support missions by maintaining local air superiority or by striking against strategic targets like harbor, oil refinery or naval convoy weakening enemy support. Of course, strike missions will take a huge part of your squadron resources needing fighter sweep, SEAD flight or two and at least one strike flight. It’s always a compromise how to use your squadron to help ground troops to achieve their objective. 

If that sounds complicated I will promise it isn't. You can find tutorial video guiding you through flight planning, setting up mission parameters and tasking your squadron. There is also a tutorial mission included where you will get hints what to do.

Campaign voice overs have been updated after making of the video below. I found some great voice actors! Hope you will enjoy playing this campaign.

 

Edited August 3, 2023 by Sandman Simulations