BeachAV8R Posted January 10, 2012 Posted January 10, 2012 *** Spoilers Below *** Operating in the mountains of Karachaevo-Cherkesiya we will be participating in operations to clear the area of enemy forces. Our task on this familiarization flight is to escort a Mi-24 who will be giving us the grand tour of the area of operations. No weapons will be loaded and the flight will take about 45 minutes to complete. While I setup my system the Mi-24 spools up on the far side of the FARP. Throughout the mission we are reminded to keep on our toes and our guide in the Mi-24 points out several action areas along the route. I set my counter-measures panel for flares in case we run across a MANPAD. With all the verbal warnings from the guide I half expect to see a missile trail come up out of the woods and blot out the Mi-24. After a leisurely pace the first 10 minutes we pick up the pace to 250 kph and start flying a bit more nap-of-earth for the middle segments. All the while the guide is calling out local landmarks and trying his best to help me get familiar with the area. Our route takes us across one of the forward operating areas and a FARP that we might be expected to occupy in the near future. It is fun flying formation on the Mi-24 and I alternate sides and close up on him hoping he doesn't make any abrupt maneuvers. It is a challenge to get the trim set just right for (near) hands off flying at 250 kph. Soon we are approaching our final waypoint as we finish up the large rectangle across the region. The EKRAN warns of a low fuel state just near the finish of the flight. We had departed with on 50% fuel and with no ordnance the aircraft performed like it was light as a feather. After the "Mission Success" I'm released from the escort and I land on the FARP pad while the Mi-24 lands on the far side of the base. Nice intro mission with a good pace and no action - which is a good way to start a campaign. I'm sure things will be heating up soon however. BeachAV8R
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