Su27 STRiKER

Su27 STRiKER by front and D. Allen Smith
Copyright © 1997 STRiKE Software
2 November 1997


1 - INTRODUCTION

"Yuri Gremencho, Max Kaganov, and I reached Baghdad in the back of an old truck in the early hours of a cloudy January morning... twelve hours later we were at Al Basrah Air Base inspecting the Su-27s, and two days after that we went to war.

Max had been there before as director of a "pilot exchange program," training IQAF pilots on the Mig-21/F-7 conversions which the IQAF had purchased. Unhappy to be here again he nevertheless cheered up when ordered to...

Yuri was a veteran of the Afghanistan, flew the Su-25 for a while before an "Stinger" put him out of action. He converted to the "fast burners" so it would not happen again...

When we arrived in Iraq I felt a little uneasy. The youngest of our group, I knew that we were about to fight the most efficient military machine in the world. Though we were there as "advisors" we knew that we would see combat, "advisor" was a diplomatic lie.

We did not know it, but we were about to be betrayed back home. One day we would be told we could only have fifty flight hours a year, and be expected to work for pennies. We would watch our squadrons fall apart and, of course, do nothing about it. The Soviet Union would be exchanged for a Commonwealth, with the same people wearing the same faces and bringing the same corruption.

Yet on that January morning we were sure of ourselves, there could be no room for self-doubt in the mind of a fighter-pilot. We would be brave, we would be strong, we would be supported, we would be conquering heroes,... we would be so wrong.

The IQAF disintegrated over the space of a few weeks and finally just myself, Yuri, and Max would be the only ones who dared take to the skies. Short on missiles, and fuel, maintenance, and sometimes luck, with the Allies everywhere we flew, we somehow managed to survive.

They came to know us, the Allied pilots... so confident they were, so righteous in their beliefs. In time we could not afford the luxury of "belief," we could not afford anything, in the end we had only ourselves to save.

"Ex-Soviet Mercenary Pilots" the Allies began to call us. The Kremlin denied categorically that we had ever been in the combat, preferring to dither about diplomacy and talks, already a spent force they did not even have the respect to acknowledge our true achievements. Yuri was still "attached" to the official military at the time. Max and I were "just civilian advisors."

The history of human conflict is full of our stories, and this is a special one. The story of the last Soviet Air Force fight with the West, a story that needs to be told and remembered, and a story which you are about to fly."

Su27 STRiKER is "Hornet 3.0" like you have never flown before.

You now fly for the IQAF in the skies above Desert Storm. You take the place of a "Soviet Mercenary", and the controls of the Su-27 Flanker. Low on missiles and allies, low on friends and ammunition you are the only ones that dare to challenge the "Thunder and Lightning" of the Allied air-strikes, accepting battle with an enemy known as the "F/A-18 Hornet."

6 new Training missions help you to get to grips with the Flanker. Take on two Vipers under strict rules of engagement (first pass is cold) to practice 1 vs. 2 ACM tactics, learn the advantages of the Flanker against the guns of the Hornet, and practice "missile avoidance techniques" as you go up against elite SAM sites, HARMs will lose lock...

The 28 Kuwait missions are altered to put you in the battle from the IQAF's point of view, the Hornets will be everywhere, so will the F-117s, the Buffs, and Hogs, and the Vipers... Allied SAM sites will "loom up" out of the haze, nowhere will be safe, your bases will be attacked when you least expect it.

The IQAF Migs will hardly show their faces and if they do, be wary of "friendly fire." Your Flanker does not turn as well as the Hornet, your mission targets will be further spread out, you will ambushed and "faked out" by diversionary attacks, the Hornets will never miss if they lock you up and you had better get within two miles of them before using heat seekers.

You are now the interceptor. These missions are primarily "Air-To-Air." You can still "haul some iron" which may come in handy to silence an Allied heavy caliber gun emplacement or an Allied SAM site. BVR missile shots will not work too well, most of the time, against the Hornets... you will have to get in close and "mix it up" with them.

The 6 Network missions have not changed. You still fly the Hornet as part of Red or Blue Force. We did not change the planes in these missions as it would have brought great confusion to the "Net-play" aspect. Contact us for more information.

We thank Graphic Simulations Corporation for allowing us to release our mission sets. Without their hard work in their "F/A-18 Hornet" project we would not have had this excellent flight/combat simulator. A special thank-you goes out to GSCEric and GSCGabe for their support.

If you have any questions please mail us at strike@kagi.com, and keep an eye on our Website for more information:

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dbsmith/strike/


2 - OPEN BRIEFING

The basic six training missions have been changed. It is accepted that you are familiar with the keyboard commands and have had some experience with the original Kuwait theater missions. The six new training missions are "air-to-air" missions, containing mixes of 1 vs. 2, 2 vs. 2, 2 vs. 4, and 1 vs. 4, with variable "hot" and "cold" first passes under strict Rules of Engagement. More on these missions in the next chapter.

The briefings contained in chapter four are short. The same text appears on page three of the mission notes window in the simulation. Detailed synopses of each mission are not provided as they were in "STRiKE Korea '97," as most of the 28 original Kuwait missions are well known by now. The short briefings will tell you all you need to know to complete a mission as a Flanker-B pilot.

The load outs that are available to you have been changed to reflect, somewhat, the capabilities of the Su-27 Flanker. Soviet designed weapons systems are similar to Allied systems in intent, if not ability. This statement should be taken into account... "intent, if not ability". Your load outs are limited anyway... you are in Iraq, not the Soviet Union.

The two "wingmen" SU-27s are fully controllable using the standard "F/A-18 Hornet 3.0" function key commands. However you should attempt to fly formation with them instead of commanding them to immediately form up on you after take-off. Some of the combat areas are quite far from the air bases which you launch from. Excessive use of the function key command cause the wingmen to burn up fuel at a faster rate than they would if they were simply left to follow their own directions, speeds, and altitudes. We have not placed the wingmen in situations where they will be "easy kills" for the Allies, if fact these wingmen are "souped up," and will avoid Allied missiles better than the Hornet wingmen in the original missions.

Your wingmen are always loaded with two AMRAAM type missiles, and two Sidewinder type missiles. They will also carry one or two "bags" of fuel, and sometimes will carry MK82LD type bombs. In the later missions they will carry up to four Sidewinder type missiles.

They are very aggressive, and will sometimes spot Allied aircraft before you do. When they engage, or you are about to engage, the Allied aircraft, you can choose the targets for them. Otherwise they will press their attacks on the leader of the Allied formations.

When cruising in formation "buddy-spike" one of them and watch your closure rate. This will help you to maintain a good formation. Cruising speeds are set at between 340 and 420 KIAS, which is optimum for fuel conservation... remember that extra weapons on your wing and fuselage stations means extra drag, quicker "Bingo," less available afterburner time, and eventually the loss of your jet. Be aware of this fact before "tooling up" your jet with ordnance that you may not need. Most of these missions are "air-to-air" intercepts.

Use the mission notes on page three of the briefing windows for short advice on the mission tasks. Remember that USN Hornets rarely fly alone into "harms way"... usually they arrive in flights of four, bristling with AMRAAMS and Sidewinders. On ground attack missions the Hornets need only damage one structure of the various targets to win. Engage them as far from the target as you can.

You will be able to refuel at the IQAF Air bases, or re-arm, and we invite you to explore the theater. Nearly every mission has some extra activity, far from the designated Way point One areas... surprises for the adventurous pilot.

Keep well away from the American Carriers... no enemy pilot in his right mind would attempt to get near an American Carrier in times of war, or peace for that matter, unless it was his specific mission to attack it, and even then he would be part of a massive, combined effort. Those cruisers around the carrier look harmless enough when you fly the Hornet, however as a Flanker-B pilot you will not even realize that you are under attack. "BOOM!" is all you will hear...

If you are forced down or eject south of the "neutral zone" (on your internal scrolling map display)you will be captured by the Allies.

You will be heavily outnumbered in these missions. By the 26th January 1991, the IQAF had disappeared from the skies above Iraq...

After nine days of combat, the IQAF abandoned its attempts to intercept coalition aircraft, acknowledging the coalition's absolute mastery of the air.

(Barbara Starr et al., "Success from the Air," Jane's Defense Weekly, 6 April 1991, p. 531.)

The IQAF was unable to launch any capable defense of its skies in the first week of the Desert Storm conflict.

In contrast to the 2,000-plus coalition missions flown on the first day of hostilities, the IQAF sortied only 24 combat aircraft, nine of which never returned.

(Steve Morse, ed., Gulf Air War Debrief, London: Aerospace Publishing, 1991, pp. 64, 226.)

Subsequently IQAF officers ran to Iran to escape the Allied assault, later this escape seemed to have become official policy. It is believed that the top ranks of IQAF officers were executed during Desert Storm...

...reports from the Soviet news agency Interfax that the commanders of the IQAF and air defense forces had been executed "for failing to perform their duties with sufficient zeal and determination." The alleged executions have never been verified, but at approximately that time Gen. Mezahim Saib replaced Lt. Gen. Hamid Shaaben al Khazraji as commander of the IQAF.

(Tom Masland, "Seeking Haven in Iran," Newsweek, 11 February 1991, p. 32.)

Though the IQAF looked good on paper, so to speak, it was completely outclassed by the Allies.

Please keep in mind that the SU-27 Flanker was not in the IQAF inventory, nor is it ever likely to be. The fact that it appears in this "F/A-18 Hornet 3.0" started us thinking and inspired us to invent the supposition that "Soviet Mercenaries" were involved.

No disrespect is intended to those involved in Desert Storm, in anyway, by this supposition. Officially no Allied aircraft are thought to have been destroyed by any direct action of the IQAF in the air during Desert Storm. This is a testament to the training and courage of the individual pilots, and support staff, of the Allied air forces.


3 - TRAINING BRIEFS

Training Mission #1- Anti-Armor

You start in the air, some distance from Kahoolawe. There are two moving M1A1 Tanks on the island, protected by elite SAM and AAA sites, as well as ZS23 vehicles. The elite SAM sites will switch on and off their radar, denying you a positive lock with your HARM type weapon. The tactics are to get in low and fast before popping up to deploy the HARM type weapon, with ECM on, and deliberate use of dispensables. The elite SAM sites will have no difficulty in acquiring you at up to 70 nm if you are at altitude.

Mission will be successful when the M1A1s are destroyed.

Training Mission #2- 2 vs. 2, Hot Pass

You start in the air with your wingman slightly ahead of head. Moving up from your first way point are two USN Hornets, armed with Sidewinders. You and your wingman are to engage them. Use this mission to practice awareness of your wingman at all times. Try to keep HIM alive, clearing his six when necessary. Be careful, the Hornets are very aggressive and will easily dodge your missiles if you "pop that Slammer" at more than 5 nms. "Hot Pass" means you may open fire at your discretion, in other words you may open fire before the initial merge.

Mission will be successful when the Hornets are destroyed.

Training Mission #3- 2 vs. 4, Hot Pass

You start in the air with your wingman slightly ahead of head. Moving up from your first Way point are two USN Hornets, armed with Sidewinders. You and your wingman are to engage them. Also there are two USAF F-16s moving from your Way point Two towards you. The F-16s will arrive some minutes after you have merged with, and removed, the Hornet threat. Use this time to set up an advantageous position to receive them.

Mission will be successful when the Hornets, and the Vipers, are destroyed.

Training Mission #4- 1 vs. 4, Hot Pass

A similar mission to number three, except you are now alone...

Mission will be successful when the Hornets, and the Vipers, are destroyed.

Training Mission #5- 2 vs. 2, Guns Only, First Pass Cold

Strict Rules of Engagement govern this and the next mission. Your targets are two F-16s moving from your first Way point. As you enter the mission, in the air, select and fly to your first Way point, co-altitude with your wingman at 14,999 feet. As you near the F-16s you will notice that they are not emitting any radar signals. They have been set to only acquire you and your wingman post-merge. This will negate the need for you to "open up" on the merge. After they pass you the Vipers will attack you. If you keep to a stable Way point One heading, and at the already stated altitude the Vipers will pass you, one on the left and one on the right, at a distance of about a hundred yards. Watch your wingman as he passes them, then break into the other Viper. You must accept this mission as is, the first few times you fly it at least. Then you may use it to practice lead-turns, higher altitude advantages, low alt/low speed merges, whatever you like. Whatever you do, this mission is GUNS ONLY... using missiles will not be as enjoyable. Remember: The Vipers will only acquire you after you have passed inside guns range.

Mission will be successful when the Vipers are destroyed.

Training Mission #6- 1 vs. 2, Guns Only, First Pass Cold

A similar mission to number five, except you are now alone. A little more difficult, you should use this mission to practice your close in situational awareness, and different tactics of defeating two smaller, and more agile, fighters. Try out different approaches, going vertical post merge perhaps, or a Split-S away from the Vipers. Maybe try a "blow through" attack next, concentrating on opening up yourself on the merge (damn the ROE!) and then extending away from the second Viper. Whatever you do remember that hard, deliberate high-G turns bleed your speed (to put it simply) and when you are slow in a Flanker-B between two F-16s you will be in trouble. Concentrate on high-deflection gunnery, use the rudders to slew the gun site that extra yard or two to gain a snapshot. Be wary of mid air collisions, and finally use the "padlock" view for short periods to identify the nearest Viper. This is usually a short mission post merge, two USAF Vipers can really mess you up!

Mission will be successful when the Vipers are destroyed.


4 - MISSION NOTES

Mission-201 Chornoye Zoloto
Stationed at Al Basrah AB, otherwise known as "H1", you are about to be introduced to the Hornet, for real. The Dar Woodir refinery was hit yesterday and Allied strategies are to hit targets again and again in "follow up" attacks. Take Yuri on a short CAP to Waypoint One. Standard Operating Procedures must be adhered to, in other words STAY NORTH as much as you can...

Mission-202 Sbitaya Ptitza
Somehow a SAM site got lucky and nailed a Hornet near your first Waypoint. Allied SOP is to rescue the pilots of downed aircraft as soon as possible so time is of the essence. The airspace is crawling with Allied aircraft so you have been chosen to make a fighter sweep across Eastern Iraq and stop any Allied aircraft you find. Then get home quick, watch your fuel and keep an eye on your wingman, don't let him stray!

Mission-203 Ty Nemozhesh' Spryatatsa
The Al Blumir Laboratory is essential to the production of "noxious chemicals". The Allies are aware of it's presence now for many years and we know that it is high on their "fragged tasking orders". Perform a medium level CAP about Waypoint One. You are looking for their strike-fighters... don't mix it up too long, just hit and run, and make sure they don't reach the lab...

Mission-204 Vozvraschenie
Al Basrah AB is coming under light probing attacks, obviously the Allies are testing the resolve of the IQAF. You're now in a high-threat environment, and your planes are too valuable to lose. Deploy to Air Base "H2", north of Qasumah, as quickly as possible. Don't stray too close to Safwan. Yuri is "hauling iron" on this mission, you are to land and refuel at H2, then try a "light probing attack" of your own... don't bother to bomb the Allied base, your mission is to cover Yuri.

Mission-205 Prosto Skazhi Nyet
Now "sheltering" at the "H4" Air Base in Western Iraq, you are beginning a series of sporadic CAPs running down to the border. You'd prefer to catch them as they come in, heavy with fuel and bombs, but if you can catch them as they come off target, then so be it. Protect the Al Smithar Chemical Works... do not allow a single building to be hit.

Mission-206 Ohota za Utkami
A group of MI-24 helos have run into trouble as they make for the "H3" Air Base, north of Rafah. Some have gone to ground and others are trying to run for it. They say they were swept by enemy radar... and they don't want to be bait for the Hornets. Take your flight to Waypoint One and ensure the helos make it to the base. Max Kaganov is flying with you today as your number three, keep him in sight.

Mission-207 Probeg s Bombardirovschikami
The "heavy hitters" are pounding Iraqi front line bunkers. You are ordered to find the latest attack and destroy it. The B-52s will be at high altitude so now is the time to really use the Su-27's climbing ability. Though only Yuri will be with you, an IQAF Mig-21 will be flying as well. He's having a little "trouble" at the moment, so don't wait for him... take off now!

Mission-208 Tyoploe Privetstvie
The pilots of the TU-20s may be brave or stupid but the IQAF has decided to attack the Allied AB at Rafah. You and your wingman are ordered to protect them... not a task you relish but it has to be done. If any Hornet or Viper gets within 20 miles of the Bears you will have problems... right now the Bears are passing over your base, so get up there and join them.

Mission-209 Izmenit' Storonu
The upper ranks of the IQAF have been depleted by purges over the years. Frightened of an Air Force sympathetic to a coup, it's leaders are now Baathist Party members. Unfortunately for the IQAF, air combat with the Allies could cut short the political aspirations or lives of their pilots, so one or two are leaving the IQAF... with their jets! Find the latest Mig-23 traitor and "retire" him. He is running south at the moment

Mission-210 Zavisimost' ot Himikatov
Back at the "H1" Air Base at Al Basrah, the Combat Air Patrols continue. A Mig-21 is landing so be careful as you launch. Take your two wingmen to Waypoint One and stop any Allied intrusions.

Mission-211 Cmotri Vverkh!
You are deployed to "H3" Air Base north of Rafah. Two IQAF Mig-27s are determined to punch through the Allied CAPs, and attack the Rafah AB. Yuri has decided to "haul some iron" today as well, so Max Kaganov is coming too... remember this is hit and run, protect the Mig-27s ensuring that they get home.

Mission-212 Vxod
At "H3" Air Base you are "asked" to help out two IQAF Mig-27s in their attack on a Saudi factory to the south. You'll be their cover on this sortie so keep an eye on the RWR. Don't allow the Allies to get near them, though the IQAF pilots are determined to fight if they get cornered. Max Kaganov is coming with you today as you'll need all the help that you can get...

Mission-213 Krasnyi Blesk
The SCUDs are being deployed. Right now a number of launchers are moving to firing positions in the West. Though the missiles are transported in stripped out civilian buses, the launchers are being found by the Allies at an alarming rate. Take off with your two wingmen for a CAP about your Waypoint One. Don't let any Allied aircraft get near the launchers.

Mission-214 Perehvatit' Deda Moroza
An IQAF DC-10 is currently far to the East, making for the "H1" Air Base at Al Basrah. The pilot is nervous, and at the moment he is unescorted. Confusion in reports has left you lagging behind, you should have been there sooner to escort him to Al Basrah. Launch quickly and proceed to Waypoint One. Be aware to Vipers moving up from the south...

Mission-215 Doroga k Unichtozheniyu
A group of covert agents in utility vehicles have managed to get close to the Ritzhaupt Oil Refinery but they believe they have been discovered... it's only a matter of time before the Hornets arrive to kill them. Launch from "H1" and fly south west to Waypoint One, stop any Allied attempt to destroy the vehicles and the attack on the refinery.

Mission-216 Strelyai v Indyukov
The IQAF is leaving for Iran... though some have been deserting, it is now official policy. Low on fuel they won't have much chance. A group of six are passing over "H1" at the moment, launch and escort them to the Iranian border. Don't allow any to get hit, they're all in a bad state of repair and some don't even have a working radar...

Mission-217 Poimai Volnu
Back at "H3" for essential maintenance you are suddenly scrambled against an attack on the Deniz Munitions Facility. You know the attack is coming as the Allies just wiped out all the SAM sites in the area... they won't be expecting you, though by now they are coming out in force. The "mysterious Flankers" are being noticed, questions are being asked, you are having an effect...

Mission-218 Letai Vysoko!
Deployed to "H2" earlier for re-arming, you are talking with the pilots of two Mig-21s. They have been ordered to Iran and you are their escort. Then the news of approaching aircraft comes in and you and Yuri are ordered to intercept. The attack is coming from the south, the Mig-21s are coming too... Yuri is worried about that, be wary of friendly heat seekers!

Mission-219 Nochnoi Yastreb
Max Kaganov is laid out with injuries... he swears he saw "black planes" yesterday off in the distance. This worries you, the "Stealths" must be here. Take Yuri down to your Waypoint One on yet another short CAP. These CAPs are having an effect on the Allies order of battle, they are committing more and more aircraft in their attacks... "More targets!" says Max...

Mission-220 Most
An American carrier is moving closer to the coast. You have absolutely no intention of going anywhere near it, yet it's planes are pounding the bridges over the river south of Al Basrah. This is a known tactic... "They are cutting the Iraqis off from the northern escape routes." agrees Max. Take your flight down to Waypoint One, and sweep fast through the area...

Mission-221 Vertolyotnii Perelyot
A large number of IQAF MI-24s are supplying the battered front line troops. The Iraqi Army is in tatters already, unconfirmed reports of mass surrenders are reaching your ears. They need those supplies, but the MI-24s are sitting ducks. Take your flight down to Waypoint One and ensure the helos make it back to the "H3" Air Base. "Helo pilots are nuts, no wings!" says Max...

Mission-222 Nochnaya Ugroza
The presence of the American carrier is a fearsome reminder of the might of the Allies, but every chain has a weak link. The Hawkeye is the airborne "eyes and ears" of the USN and this fact has made all E2CA aircraft priority targets. Straying far south east, like it was lost, a Hawkeye has been spotted near your Waypoint One. Make a quick sweep south and splash it.

Mission-223 Pasnyie Vody
Ground attack is not the main role of the Flanker-B, but it can put the rounds on target like the bast. Today you're all "hauling iron". The target is the Mina Al Amanda Power Plant. An Iraqi Navy attempt to destroy it has ended in disaster, and you are the back up strikers. An IQAF Mig-27, one of the only ones left, is coming too... just as soon as he refuels. Hit any buildings at Waypoint One.

Mission-224 Goryaschie Vody
The Sunar Oil Field was one of the reasons for the "liberation of Kuwait"... now it is time to destroy it. Two IQAF Mig-27s are tasked with destroying as many rigs as they can, you are their escort and also "hauling iron". Destroy any rigs they may miss... mind the American carrier to the south, and get back home safely. Max is worried about this mission, he can't swim too well!

Mission-225 Lunka v Odin Udar
Max is recovering after his last ejection, but your time in Iraq is nearly over. Two of the last Mig-21s in eastern Iraq have joined you to protect the "supergun" on Mt. Shatrah. It has been "discovered" by the Allies, and it's only a matter of time before it is attacked. Take Yuri and the IQAF Migs on a short CAP to Waypoint One. This is your last mission, you're going home after this...

Mission-226 Spasibo Itak
"H1" Air Base was never really put out of action by the Allies, the Iraqi fields were the best examples of redundancy you've ever seen. Back at Al Basrah for a last mission to protect the Az Zubayr Oil Storage facilities you, and your flight, are to sweep down to Waypoint One. Be careful, it's your last sortie, you are going home as soon as you land back at base...

Mission-227 Ekspress "Krasniy Shar"
You start in the air on the way to the "H2" Air Base. You and your flight are in tight formation with a Mig-21 of the IQAF as a high "stinger" behind you. Land at "H2" and prepare for departure, it's time to go home. "I'm just happy to be here after all these ejections!" says Max, "Those Hornets are nippy machines..."

Mission-228 Vytashi Probku
One of the USN Hornet squadrons is known as the "Dambusters", and you're about to meet them. Take your flight down to Waypoint One on a sweep of the area. The Hornets have pounded it twice already with hi-ex bombs, Max thinks the next attack will be nuclear. You're glad to be going home after this sortie... nukes can really mess up your day.


5 - Su-27 Flanker in this mission set

The Su-27 Flanker featured in these missions has a greater all-round speed than the F-18 or the F-16. At 25,000 feet you can reach a top speed of 2.7 MACH, or 2.7 times the speed of sound. The Flanker has a slightly faster rate of acceleration than the Hornet.

At 1,000 feet you can comfortably cruise at just under 1.0 MACH, even when carrying 4 AAMs.

The Flanker can carry about one third more fuel internally than the F-18. The Flanker can carry 15,000 lbs of fuel, while the F/A-18 is left with only 10,200 lbs. 15,000 lbs of fuel is enough for about 56 minutes of flight at 100% thrust.

You can add three external tanks to the Flanker, giving you a very hefty 22,500 lbs of fuel. This is enough for about 99 minutes of flight at 100% thrust. However you will not need that much fuel on any of the 34 missions. There are no "ferry" missions in the set, and adding more than one external fuel tank may decrease your effectiveness in a fight... it's up to you.

22,500 lbs of fuel will also allow you to reach 75,000 feet (above sea level), though you may find it necessary to employ full afterburner with a high AOA just above stall speed to maintain level flight. This is not tactical, as the Allied missiles will easily catch you if you maintain level flight for any length of time.

The corner velocity (or the speed at which it will pull the fastest, tightest turn to put it simply) of the Su-27 Flanker in this simulation is about 400 KIAS (knots indicated airspeed). Soviet designed aircraft employed metric measurements of meters and kilometers, you will still use miles and feet in this version.

Due to it's high speed and acceleration you may find that you can outrun the Allied fighters, sometimes easily. Use the Training missions to experiment. However you are there to fight so don't run away too much, instead disengage and extend (meaning break off briefly from a fight and put some distance between yourself and the enemy to achieve a more advantageous position).

While it is good practice to maintain a high closure rate when flying at the enemy fighters, you will find that they will pull lead on you. They will try to minimize any separation on the merge and they will take the head-on shot, (in other words they will A) track you, B) fly right at you pointing their noses just ahead of you, and C) they will shoot you as you pass them by). If you survive a head-on pass and extend past them, you will sometimes find that you are now going way above 800 KIAS. This is not a Hornet you are flying... At this speed it will take you a long time to get turned around and as the enemies carry all-aspect missiles you will be defensive far sooner then you hoped or wished for. So a high rate of closure is preferable (speed = life) but too high is worse than too low, so watch your throttle.

You can now "pull" you wingmen Flankers into formation with you for extended periods as they have the fuel to survive the constant changes in speed. The Hornet wingmen find it harder as they go to "bingo" fuel sooner. If you are flying in formation with your Flanker wingmen following your lead at speeds above 420 KIAS they will use afterburner more and more (even if you are not) to maintain a formation with you. Be careful that you do not over-extend their capabilities.


6 - FINAL NOTES

As with all STRiKE mission sets you should set the Skill Levels for the "Pilot Enemy Skill" to maximum, anything less decreases your enjoyment. Weapons lethality should be set at "5," as should all other settings. The "General" and "Systems Damage" boxes should all be checked, bullet-proof Flankers have not yet been invented...

As most of these missions are "air-to-air" good use should be made of the excellent Film feature of "F/A-18 Hornet 3.0"... and try to spot why you won or lost at a particular point in time. The computer controlled planes will sometimes act as if they are lead-turning you, other times they may seem to "rope-a-dope" you... see if you can spot this.

Please keep in mind that you are flying an interceptor in these missions. During a "Tour Of Duty," when you progress through the missions you must remember that your primary role is "air-to-air"... if you strike against unfragged targets on the ground i.e. targets which you have not been briefed about nor ordered to bomb, like Allied air bases, then you run the risk of being court-martialled, with dire consequences for your career. Sometimes the Allied bases will be protected by F-16s and SAM sites and the loss of your jet is a risk you must not take. The motto for these missions is "Hit fast, and EXTEND like hell!" Don't linger over the battle area, don't wander off on your own bombing missions (unless you are in "Instant Action" mode), and don't go near the American Carrier.