assessing threats random quick missions

[rss0900]

A search for "assessing threats" did not return any results, so I'm wondering what a good approach for assessing threats is before entering an area. I understand the point of staying outside the immediate combat zone and using TGP to find and mark targets, but I'm really having a hard time finding anything. Any good tip or link to other post that talk about the best way to assess threats prior to entering the engagement zone?

[WildBillKelsoe]

the whole point of TGP, is to loiter from afar and high enough, and get a view. Then you listen to wingman calls for air defences, and let the AI handle it promptly. Last, assign a hard deck and plan not to breach it, specially with mechanized AAA.

[HugePanic]

-Take your time, use the fuel you are carrying

-choose your orbit on the safe side of the fence !!!!!

-use the ALT autopilot for orbiting

-use the IR functionality of the TGP

-take your time

[PhoenixBvo]

I'd like to add that any realistic mission should include proper preparation. You may expect some intel about enemy air defenses. At least which type of threat and approximate number of each type. For some larger systems a position may even be known and otherwise an area like FEBA or around a town or airfield.

When flying a mission generator scenario, open up the resulting mission in the editor and go to the unit list. Then check which air defenses are there, even if you don't know their position. That is IMO a good proxy to proper intel.

 

Also use the JTAC if available and listen for the threat list he gives for each target assignment. Then you know what to expect in that area.

 

EDIT: You may want to try filling out a mission data card like this one. It will take some time, but increases the realism and your survivability dramatically.

Edited January 22, 2013 by PhoenixBvo

[WildBillKelsoe]

-Take your time, use the fuel you are carrying

-choose your orbit on the safe side of the fence !!!!!

-use the ALT autopilot for orbiting

-use the IR functionality of the TGP

-take your time

 

^ That is very good advice. I normally loiter with fuel flow @ 1500-1700 lbs/hr on throttle setting. Today, I whacked 19 heavy vehicles, not changing from 1500 lbs/hr and doing gun runs too.. my base altitude was 12,000 ft, when I got off CBU's and mavericks, I had 6 mk-82's that lit a moving tank column like a tree of Christmas from 6,000 ft. Then I used my bleed energy for going up to 8,000 ft, then I schwacked with the gun from 3400- 4500 ft.. I still had 1500 (* 2 = 3000 lbs) after an hour and 35 minutes for RTB, which was 120 miles.

[Sven2157]

A search for "assessing threats" did not return any results, so I'm wondering what a good approach for assessing threats is before entering an area. I understand the point of staying outside the immediate combat zone and using TGP to find and mark targets, but I'm really having a hard time finding anything. Any good tip or link to other post that talk about the best way to assess threats prior to entering the engagement zone?

 

You most likely didn't find anything because new pilots usually don't say "threat", they say "bad guys" or "enemy": dcs a-10 find enemy :D

 

In that post, if you go to Crescendo's post( #6 ), he provides a link to a very well written psuedo-guide.

 

Hope that helps! ;)

[rss0900]

Thanks for the adivce all and the mission card too PhoenixBVO. Sounds like I'm doing the right things just not spending the time needed to followup through, I did not realize missions can/should last that long. Sven2157 checking out the guide, thanks for the link.

 

I passed on this info to my wife, I told her that the experts on the forum said my missions are not taking long enough, they should last a minimum of an hour. Each of you now have new nicknames :-0

Edited January 22, 2013 by rss0900