Conduct a challenging deep-strike mission against a high-value logistic site in central Syria as part of OPERATION WILDCAT, flying the A-10C II Tank Killer in a mission that includes scores of high-quality voice-overs and sound effects. The mission will test your ability to fly very low, navigate with pinpoint accuracy, and accurately hit a target with unguided bombs, all in close proximity to a heavily defended city. This version of the mission has been designed as HARD difficulty; it will be tough to survive. A separate INTERMEDIATE version of the mission is also available, as are versions for the original A-10C. The Syria map is required for this mission.
Context of the mission:
After years of internal tension, factional warfare has once again broken out in Syria. Repeated atrocities by the Syrian government against some of its citizens and displaced persons have triggered international outrage. Finally, an international coalition sponsored by NATO commenced military actions against the Syrian regime, OPERATION WILDCAT. Russia, weakened by ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, has not intervened directly and, so far, has only provided limited military support.
The blue force Joint Coalition has lodged a substantial land force in north-western Syria, supported by air assets flying from two captured airbases and launched directly from NATO states. One of those captured airbases, Abu al-Duhur airfield, has been hastily set up to support air operations by F-16s, A-10Cs and other aircraft.
Your task:
As part of a small A-10C group based at Abu al-Duhur airbase, you have been ordered to conduct a short-notice strike against a Syrian ammunition storage site. It is believed that a large shipment of Russian-made MAPADs, thought to be SA-18 'Grouse' IR systems, has been delivered to the site and it is prepared for distribution across the Syrian area of operations.
You will fly as Colt 11, the lead aircraft in a two-ship A-10C bombing mission. The target is around 200 miles east of your airbase, but your ingress route has been plotted over empty desert to avoid settlements and towns in order to achieve surprise. Your penetration of Syrian-controlled airspace will be conducted at extremely low level, less than 1500 feet, to avoid detection. However, once the target has been hit your exit from the target area and flight back into our airspace is likely to be very challenging.
Further information on the mission is provided in the mission briefing package, including a schematic of your route, images of the target, and tips for a successful mission. A custom kneeboard with useful weapon arming information is included. The ingress phase of the mission might seem long but it will test your low-level flying skills and there remains the possibility of accidental contact with hostile forces, despite our precautions. Good luck!
Designer's notes:
1. Apart from your final approach to land back at your base, there is NO NEED TO USE THE RADIOS as all the radio traffic is provided as voice-over sound files.
2. Follow the route as closely as possible, passing each waypoint in turn. Watch the distance-to-go readout so you don't overfly any waypoints.
3. During the infiltration phase you'll be nagged by 'Betty' occasionally about being so low; the sweet spot to avoid terrain, obstacles, and the nagging, is to maintain about 1480 feet indicated. Use the autopilot if you desire, that's what it's for.
4. The mission involves a long(ish) approach at very low level but there are some events of interest to fill in the time, so stay alert.
5. It might be wise to do a bit of CCIP bombing practice before starting this mission so that you can confidently hit a target with four Mk-84 bombs in one pass using a pop-up technique. The provided weapon arming notes will be of help to get everything set up correctly. Also, it might pay to refresh yourself on a quick air-to-air engagement - that entails hitting the Master Mode (M) button to sel ect air-to-air mode.
6. During the initial part of the dash to get away fr om the target, remember to cycle to the next waypoint (waypoint 6) and keep advancing the nav system as you pass each waypoint. You will basically follow the Euphrates River to the west. Stay low once again.
7. Especially during the escape phase, keep your head swiveling to watch for AAA or other threats. Duck and dive as required.
8. Finally, the INTERMEDIATE level mission is configured to help you get home in one piece. If that isn't satisfying enough, try the HARD version but be ready for a very tough time getting out of the target area!
