A.C.E. 2

home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search

/ A.C.E. 2 / ACE CD 2.iso / FILES / DOCS / F117ADOC.LHA / F-117aStealthBomberPart3.doc < prev next >

Wrap

Text File | 1994-11-27 | 93KB | 2,385 lines

______________________________________________ | | | | | __: | | N u t ______/. ___ __/\______ | | _____| _ // | \ _ o _ / | | __ | // | \/ \\__/ & | | +--/\_| \ o___________ \-------+ | | | \_/_____ / ________Sk¡n | | | | \/P r e s e n t s | | | | | | | | _ ________ ______/\_____ | | |/\_______________ \ _ ______\ _ o _ / | | /_______ _ / / \ _ _ / \__// \__/| | | +--___./ // / \/ /____/, \--+ | | / |\ \__________/ / ________ | | __________ ________ / | | \/ B o l t | ______________________________________________ ¦ | | ¦ | | F117A STEALTH FIGHTER FULL MANUAL By SHaRD!/N&B PART 3 Vietnamese Cities and Targets Hanoi: Surrounded by numerous airbases and SAM batteries, the capital city of Vietnam is one of the most heavily defended air targets in the World. Nearby airbases are located at Gia Lam, Phuc Yen, and Kep. Haiphong: this city is a major Vietnamese port, and it is guarded by SAM missiles and a fighter airbase nearby at Cat Bi. Located near Haiphong are numerous military storage dumps and tank farms. Vinh: This coastal city supports an interceptor airbase that defends the major bridges to the northwest. The approaches to Vietnam from Thailand, and the supply routes to the southwest. Dong Hoi: This city supports a major Vietnamese airbase used for strikes into Thailand. Although often attacked by friendly forces flying in from the sea, it remains operational and its interceptors will attack US fighter bombers heading west. Da Nang: Formerly a major US base durin g the first Vietnam War. The Vietnamese have converted it into a major air defense center. Like Dong Hoi, its airfield and accompanying SAM batteries and radar installations protect the long Vietnamese coastline from US carrier attacks, and launch strike bombers into Thailand Nha Trang: Located to the east of the central highlands, aircraft from his base form another link in the air defense system that guards Vietnamese coastal waters US seaborne air forces. Ho Chi Minh City:Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is now the chief industrial center of Vietnam. It is a major port. and is protected by numerous SAM batteries and security forces Tan Sonh Nhut Airbase: Located out side of Ho Chi Minh City this is the largest and busiest airport and base in Southeast Asia. Military aircraft based here are used primarily to support supply operations into Cambodia. Cambodian and Laotian Cities and Targets Phnom Penh: The capital city of Cambodia has fallen under the control of the Vietnamese Enemy planes are operating from the airbase outside the city and SAM batteries have been placed in the area. Vientiane: Laos is now officially controlled by the Vietnamese and enemy aircraft are based at Wattay, near the Laotian capital of Vientine Friendly Bases CVNs Constellation and Kitty Hawk at Sea: these 80,000 ton carriers have a complement of approximately 85 aircraft, and are placed in the Gulf of Tonkin to strike targets deep in Vietnam. The navy concentrates on transportation routes bringing supplies south and west into Laos. Each carrier group consists of one carrier and a ring of escort destroyers. A combat air patrol of fighter planes is continuously overhead to intercept any approaching Vietnamese aircraft. Udorn: Just over the border in thailand from the former Laotian capital of Vientiane. Aircraft based here reach out to bomb targets in Vietnam and Laos. Don Muang: Located in the southeast corner of Thailand, this is an important base for attacks into the southern areas of Vietnam, and the coastal plains Korat: Located southeast of Bangkok in central Thailand, aircraft from here conducted bombing attacks on targets in Cambodia and Laos. Takhli: This base northeast of Bangkok in Thailand was part of the air defense of the capital and was not an important base for war missions. Bangkok: The capital of Thailand, its largest city, and only substantial port, the airbase here is used for staging attacks into Vietnamese-held Cambodia. Cuba: 1995 For many years the US has watched the tiny island nation of Cube became more and more isolated from the West. Since the communist revolution there in 1959 the US and Cuba have lived in a constant state of mutual distrust In I961, the US sponsored an abortive coup attempt against Fidel Castros gov ernment. Styled "the Bay of Pigs," Cuban exiles, supported by minor US forces attempted an invasion of the island. The 1,300-man invasion force landed on the south coast, but was quickly overwhelmed by Cuban forces led by Castro himself After discovering Soviet nuclear missile sites on the island in October 1962 President Kennedy slapped a naval blockade around Cuba. This action almost led to a full blown military confrontation between the two superpowers but the Soviet leader. Nikita Kruschev finally agreed to to US demands, averting a possible nuclear exchange Now, encouraged by the recent re-establishment of conservative factions in the Soviet Union. Fidel Castro has decided to expand his control of the Caribbean. Level of Conflict Cold War: Recently, Cuban military exchange with the Soviets has intensified Rumors are that the Soviets have increased sales of arms and equipment and are sending more and more advisers. Terrorism against US backed governments in Central America has increased; the flow of illegal drugs into the US through Miami (only 90 miles from Cuba) has also risen. The US strongly suspects these agitations are attributable to Castro's regime. Limited War: It is clear that Cuban sponsored terrorists are training on Cuban territory, and recently Castro initiated a subversive policy of aggression toward pro-US Honduras. The US has determined to make limited strikes against the island to force Castro to rethink some of his recent decisions. Conventional War: thinking the new Cold War between the superpowers will prevent US intervention. Cuba has sent forces into several surrounding island states. The Soviet Union has promised support should the US intervene. Cuban Military Force The Cuban military has nearly 300,000 men under arms, a sizeable force for such a small country. By 1990 it was spending nearly $15 billion annually on military concerns, and by now that figure has increased significantly. Air Defenses: Cuba, of course, uses Soviet built equipment. Its old SA-2s and SA-5s are believed to have been phased out in the early 90s and replaced by the newer SA 10 and SA 12 systems. Local ground forces have acquired SA-14s and SA-16s Air Force: Cuba's rapidly expanding air force is made up primarily of MiG-21s MiG 23s, and a few old MiG 17s. However, over the past five years the Soviet Union has sold Cuba a large number of MiG 29 "Fulcrums" and it is believed the Mig-21s are being replaced by these far superior fighters. Cuba also flies some of the best Soviet transports and helicopters for its airbourne troops, including the An 72 "Coaler" jet transport Navy: Cuba is an island nation and boasts a substantial naval force for its size It has 3 Mariel class Soviet frigates, over 200 sa I and II class missile boats, and a large number of smaller patrol boats. Additionally, it has several ex Soviet Foxtrot submarines and 15 or more minesweepers. Cuban Cities and Targets San Julian: Located at the westernmost end of Cuba, San Julian is one of the major air defense bases on the island. An airbase and powerful SAM battery protect the facilities here Havana: The capital city of Cuba, Havana has a major port and naval base, as well as an airbase (San Antonio de los Banos) and substantial air defense installations Much of the nations sugar exports go to sea from this harbor. Managua, Guines, and Matanzas: Southeast of Havana, one of the country`s major military base complexes and an important base for fighters and interceptors is located. This is an extremely dangerous area for air operations because of the extensive SAM sites and ground forces that are likely to be found here. Cienfuegos: Due east of the infamous Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) Cienfuegos is a major naval facility and airbase. Santa Clara, Chambas, and Ciego de Avilla: These locations are home to airfields and SAM installations. Camaguey: A major road and rail junction, Camaguey is one of the largest cities in Cuba Santiago de Cuba: This old (1514), lovely seaport city is the capital of Santiago province and second largest city in the country. Scene of Castro`s first abortive rebellion (1953), this city lies close to the US base at Guantanamo Bay. There is a minor military airbase here and a small SAM battery. Antonio Maceo: This is one of Cuba's major fighter bases, rumoured to house all the country's best fighter aircraft, most likely a squadron of MiG-29s. Baracoa: A minor airfield and SAM site is located at this tiny coastal town, more importantly, military transports are constantly loading here to take Cuban forces abroad. It is said that this is the main embarkation point for forces heading to neighboring war zones. Friendly Bases Key West Naval Air Station: Located less than 100 miles from Havana. Key West is a logical location for staging stealth sorties against the Caribbean. Although a naval base, the new cooperation of the four services guarantees free access of the Air Force units to Key West Guantanamo Bay Naval Base: The US has maintained this base - "Gitmo" to the Marines and sailors based there essentially since the Spanish-American war It was developed as a US base in 1902 to protect the almost completed Panama Canal. Top secret stealth sorties would probably be flown from Guantanamo at least until a serious war erupted. CV America in the Caribbean Sea: This 60,000-ton Kitty Hawk class con ventional aircraft carrier, designated CV66, has been transferred to the Second Fleet and now cruises south of the Cuban archipelago. Korea: 1997 Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the US has kept a large force in the Republic of Korea (South), defending its border with North Korea against possible invasion. China, too, has watched Korea uncomfortably since ending its involvement in that conflict. It is safe to say that the tension between North and South Korea could become a flashpoint for a US Chinese confrontation, rapidly leading to a superpower conflict and possibly involving the USSR as well. The Soviet Union and China, both nominally committed to the concept of a Communist future, have been wary allies for many years, and tensions between these two nations have been a source of uneasy comfort to the US. Should the two communist giants ever reconcile their differences (an unlikely scenario), the West would face a monolithic superpower with forces possibly in excess of 30 million a vast nuclear arsenal, and some of the best military equipment in the world. This is the West`s nightmare The area of the two Koreas represents the junction of three superpowers, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the People's Republic of China. North Korea is an extension of Chinese communist philosophy and could be viewed as a geographical extension as well. The primary base of the Soviet Pacific Fleet is located nearby at Vladivostok. The US maintains Eighth Army HQ in Seoul with a large contingent of ground and air forces immediately at hand in nearby Japan. Level of Conflict Cold War: Tensions between the North and South have intensified as scattered firing has erupted along the border. China is on alert status. claiming it has news of a major South Korean push into the North. The US,denying these claims, has maintained a policy of staunch resistance to any Chinese move of aggression. The Soviets have alerted their naval and air defenses for possible incursions into their territory, and are ready and willing to act. It is very dangerous to fly near Vladivostok. Limited War: The North Koreans, alleging unacceptable atrocities by the South has sent armored forces across the DMZ in the west toward Seoul; the eastern DMZ areas are still relatively quiet. The Chinese have yet to react, but intellligence reports indicate they will intervene quickly. The Soviet forces are on active alert and are waiting for the order to commence hostilities. Stealth missions will provide valuable information and may well get a point across. Conventional War: The Chinese have begun supporting north Korean forces with air power, and the US has responded with open air operations against North Korean and Chinese targets. Though not officially "in the war," the Soviets are shooting at anybody that violates their airspace and beyond this could quickly escalate into a major superpower confrontation possibly WWIII Korean Military Forces The North Korean People's Army (NKPA) is large compared to the size of the country, with more than 1,000,000 men actively under arms, another 200,000 security forces and an additional 2.3 million in the Workers. and Peasants Militia. North Korea gets most of its military equipment from Soviet or Chinese sources. Air Defenses: The Democratic People`s Republic of Korea supports 4 SAM brigades equipped primarily with SA 2 "Guidelines" and SA 5 "Gammons". Units of these brigades are spread at various areas around the perimeter of the country primarily at airbases and other important military sites. Recently, however, reports have been filed stating that SA-10 "Grumbles" have been delivered. Other ground forces of the infantry and armored divisions use SA-2s and SA-5s as well, and some deploy with the newer SA 8 "Gecko." Air Force: The People.s Air Force uses Chinese and Soviet aircraft (although Chinese fighters and interceptors are themselves essentially clones of Soviet craft) including MiG 17s, MiG 23s, MiG 25s, and MiG29s. Navy: The People's Navy too is equipped with Soviet vessels. Osa class missile boats, 20 submarines (again surprising for a country of this size), and at least 3 frigates. Korean Cities and Targets P'yongyang: The capital of the People's Republic of Korea, P`yongyang has a population of over one million and is Korea's oldest city (dating from 1122 BC). It is the site of one of the People's Air Force's major bases and has powerful SAM batteries protecting it. Wonsan: Almost due east of P'yongyang, Wonsan is the largest city on Koreas east coast and is one of its two major naval bases. The SAM batteries protecting it also provide air security for the large military airbase just outside the city. Sinuiji: On the banks of the Yalu River just across from the Chinese city of Andong, Sinuiji houses another of North Korea's air force facilities and SAM sites. Namp'o: Southwest of P'yongyang, Namp.o lies on Korea`s western coast and houses a major naval and air facility. Sunan and Taechon: North of P'yongyang, these two moderately sized cities house airfields and SAM sites. Sunan is part of the complex of air defenses that ring the capitol of P'yongyang, while Taechon is near the border with China and is part of the general air defense of the country. Ch'ongin, Yong-an, and Hamhung: These eastern coastal cities have bases which protect the country from air attack from the sea, forming the first line of defense against Japan based US forces. The SAM sites in these areas are part of the country`s general air defense system. Chinese Military Forces The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is perhaps the largest armed force in the world. It has some 3,200,000 men in active armed service and some 20,000,000 security forces under arms; it also has an estimated 182,000,000 men fit for military service should mobilization ever be necessary, however it is doubtful whether the economy could support such a force. China has had nuclear arms for a number of years with a force substantial enough to make it a "superpower." It has a large, world class navy, though it doesnt appear in this game because Chinese access to the Sea of Japan is limited. Interestingly, China has some 35,000 marines, which, except for the US, gives it the the largest marine force in the world (the US has 136,000 and the USSR has around 15.000). Most of its "high-tech" military equipment was cloned from antiquated Soviet models. Though it is well-known that China's own arms industry is modernizing, the pace of modernization is somewhat slow, especially in view of recent Western embargos on military technology. the sheer size of the organization of the PLA makes it unwieldy and inefficient. Though, as the US discovered in the Korean War, it can respond quickly and fight fiercely. Air Defenses: Chinese SAMs are primarily fixedsite SA2s which the Chinese call HY 2. Air Force: The PLA.s primary fighters are MiG-17s and MiG-21s (J-4/5s and J-7s) Recon planes are usually MiG-17s and they have several antiquated Soviet bombers Chinese Cities and Targets Tonghua: The major Chinese city in this part of northeast China is Tonghua located on a tributary of the Yalu River and a major east west crossroads, this city is home of a major PLA airbase and air-defense station. Hunjiang and Fusong: Northeast and north of tonghua, these small cities are important air defense centers in northeast China. Yanji and Diyingou: These small cities are located in the easternmost areas of China and form the first line of defense against an attack from the Soviets at Vladivostok. Changbai and Changchun: These small cities sport substantial SAM batteries and are a part of the larger air defense system. Soviet Military Forces The Soviet Pacific Fleet and large air units are based in and around Vladivostok All the most modern Soviet equipment is found in the region. Long-range SAMs: The older SA-2s and SA-5s have been upgraded to SA-10 and SA-12 quality. The entire system is enhanced by the LPAR early warning radar system at Poltavka. Light SAMs: Soviet security forces in this area are outfitted with SA-8 and SA-11 radar guided SAMs The PVO and Naval Aviation Fighters: This region is defended partly by PVO units, with MiG-25 and MiG-31 interceptors using long range radar homing AAMs. Naval aviation fighters operating from carriers or land strips include the Yak 38 V/STOL jet and Su-27 multi-purpose fighters. During wartime shorter ranged units may arrive, including MiG-29 and Su-27 dogfighters with short- and long range weapons. Reconnaissance Bombers: Many long-range Tu-95D "Bears" are based in this area, to watch the enlarged US presence. A nuisance in peacetime, these planes pose a more serious threat in war. AEW &C Aircraft: The Soviets routinely deploy IL-76 "Mainstay" aircraft in the region. The 300+ mile radars on these planes may be your most formidable enemy Navy: The Soviet Pacific Fleet (based at Vladivostok) offers a significant threat. Its modern Sovremennyy class destroyers carry SA-N-7 missiles, while Krivak class frigates sport the SA-N-4. The larger Kiev-class carrier has the powerful SA-N-6, a sea going equivalent to the SA-10. These warships are more than capable of defending themselves. Stationed south of Vladivostok, these units extend the Soviet air defense umbrella far into the Sea of Japan. In addition to these ships' SAMs, Kiev-class carriers mount a complement of Yak 38 "jump jet" fighters. and the new Kremlin class nuclear aircraft carriers have also joined the Pacific fleet. Soviet Cities and Targets Wadivosto: Founded in 1860, Vladivostok is relatively young as Asian cities go It is the home port of the Soviet Pacific Fleet, the chief Soviet port in the Pacific, and the terminus of the Trans Siberian Railroad. A powerful contingent of Soviet Naval Aviation is also based here along with powerful elements of the PVO (National Air Defense) Poltavka: This is a smaller city used as a support for Vladivostok. A long range Phased Array Radar (LPAR) system that extends the defense umbrella far into the sea of Japan is located here along with an airfield and SAM battery Nachodka: This small city is perhaps the southeastern-most city in the Soviet Union. Its airfield and SAM sites protect the approaches to Vladivostok Friendly Bases Ch'unch'on (South Korea): This is one of South Korea's major cities. Located about 60 miles northeast of the capital at Seoul, it has one of the country`s major USAF airbases in South Korea. CVN Nimitz and Constellation at Sea: These huge 80,000 ton nuclear car riers are the the latest and most powerful aircraft carriers available. They now cruise the Sea of Japan in case the "Korean problem" should turn "hot. ARMS AND EQUIPMENT Ordnance And Weapons Data Performance Characteristics Max Max Guidance Attack Qty Weapon Range speed system Altitude M61A1 20mm Cannon 6km Historical sight 0` 4 AIM 9M Sidewinder 17km 2,000 kts IR-homing 500`+ 3 AIM 120 AMRAAM 32km 2,400 kts Radar homing 500`+ 2 AGM-65D Maverick 32km 700 kts Thermal image 500`+ 1 AGM-88A HARM 20km 1,400 kts Target radar 500`+ 2 Penguin 3 ASM 32km 500 kts IR-homing 500`+ 1 AGM 84A Harpoon 60km 500 kts Radar homing 500`+ 2 GBU 12 Paveway 1+ km glides Laser homing 500`+ 2 CBU 72 FAE 1+ km glides Laser homing 500`+ 2 Mk 20 Rockeye II 1+ km glides Laser homing 500`+ 2 Mk 20 Rockeye 0km retarded none 500`+ 2 Durandal 0km retarded none 500`+ 1 ISC B-1 minelets 0km retarded none 500`+ 3 Mk 82-1 Snakeye 0km retarded none 500`+ 2 Mk 35 IN cluster 0km retarded none 500`+ 3 Mk 82-0 Slick 0km free fall none 3000` 2 Mk 122 Fireye 0km free fall none 3000` 1 special equipment 0km retarded none 500` 1 135mm/IR cameras ~10km onplane none 200` Key to Performance Characteristics Qty: the number of weapons of this type you can carry in one of your bay positions you have 4 weapons positions). The M6 1 A 1 cannon is fixed in the nose and always available Weapon: the name of the weapon Max Range: Maximum range at which the weapon can be launched or fired effectively A 0 km range means the weapon is a free fall or retarded bomb that must be dropped onto the target. Max Speed: The speed at which the weapon reaches the target. This is given in knots so you can compare it with your own flight speed. glides means the weapon 'flies' without power. therefore your speed, at the time of launch, becomes the speed of the weapon. retarded means the weapon is a retarded bomb that falls away behind your craft decelerating as it drops Some retarded weapons even open a parachute during their descent, to stabilize the fall and line up the warhead(s). free fall means the weapon is a traditional free-fall bomb that arcs downard to the target. Guidance System: the guidance system used to bring the weapon to bear on the target. Attack Altitude: the recommended altitude for the typical attack method. The .'500+" entry means any altitude above 500' is fine. Attack Techniques: This references the appropriate attack technique. Tech niques noted in parenthesis are alternate attack methods that are either more danger ous or more difficult to learn. Key to F-117A Weapons Effectiveness Target Type Abbreviations ac: aircraft in flight. hgr: airbase hangar, which at military airfields are hardened bunkers rwy: airbase runway. pln: planes on airbase runways. twr: airbase tower, including the tower radars and radios. nuc: nuclear power plant and biological/chemical weapons plants brg: bridge over a river. bld: buildings, including terrorist camps, offices, warehouses, homes etc. bnk: bunker, such as fixed army HQ sites, and palaces of dictators dep: depot of military fuel and supplies msl: missile launcher, including both fixed and mobile sam: SAM radar station, usually near or among SAM missile launchers par: LPAR ABM radar station oth: OTH long range radar station plt: offshore oil platform ref: oil refinery tnk: oil tanks wel: oil wells Pen: underground submarine pens shp: all ships, including cargo ships, warships, and surfaced submarines Results Abbreviations The effectiveness of results is rated as follows: - the weapon is useless against the target 1 the weapon has almost no chance of doing damage to the target. 2 the weapon may do some damage to the target. 3 the weapon does poorly against the target 4 the weapon is usually effective against the target. 5 the weapon is almost always effective against the target. 6 the weapon is very effective against the target. 7 the weapon was designed for use against this target type. F-117A Weapons Effectiveness Weapon Airbases Structures Military Radars ac hgr rwy pln twr nuc brg bld bnk dep msl sam par oth M61A1 20mm Cannon 4 - - 4 4 - - 4 - 4 4 2 2 2 AIM-9M Sidewinder 7 - - - - - - - - - - - - - AIM-120 AMRAAM 6 - - - - - - - - - - - - - AGM-65D Maverick - 2 - 2 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 Penguin-3 ASM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AGM-84A Harpoon - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AGM-88A HARM - - - - - - - - - - - 6 6 6 GBU-12 Paveway - 4 1 2 4 5 5 4 5 4 4 5 5 5 CBU-72 FAE - 4 - - 6 5 - 6 5 - - - - - Mk 20 Rockeye II - - - 4 4 - - 4 - 5 5 4 4 4 Mk 20 Rockeye - - - 4 4 - - 4 - 4 4 4 4 4 Drandal - - 7 - - 1 2 - 1 - - - - - ISC 5-1 minelets - - 6 - 3 - - 3 - 2 3 - - - Mk 82-1 Snakeye - - 1 4 4 - - 4 - 4 - 2 2 2 Mk 35 IN cluster - 1 - 6 4 - - 4 - 6 6 3 3 3 Mk 82-0 Slick - 3 1 3 4 1 1 4 1 4 2 3 3 3 Mk 122 Fireye - 2 - 4 4 2 - 4 2 5 3 3 3 3 Air To Air Missiles (AAMs) System Nation Guideance Effect Max Name or Plane System Range Speed Maneuverable Long Range Radar-Homing AAMs AA-6 Acrid MiG 25 SA Pulse 50 Mach 4 Poor AA-7 Apex MiG 23 SA Pulse 34 Mach 3 Poor AA-9 Amos MiG 31 SA Pulse 82 Mach 3.5 Fair AIM-7E Sparrow F-4, F-15, F-18 SA Pulse 44 Mach 3.7 Very Good AA-10 Alamo MiG 29. Su 27 Active Dop 64 Mach 3+ Good AIM-120A AMRAAM US Active Dop 32 Mach 4 Very Good Short Range lntrared-Homing AAMs AA-2 Atoll USSR IR (1) 14 Mach 2.5 Very Good AA-6 Acrid (IR) MiG 25 IR (1) 50 Mach 4 Poor AA-7 Apex (IR) MiG 23 IR (1) 34 Mach 3 Fair AIM-9H Sidewinder Western IR (1) 12 Mach 3+ Excellent AA-8 Aphid USSR IR (2) 12 Mach 3 Excellent AA-10 Alamo (IR) MiG 29. Su 27 IR (2) 64 Mach 3+ Good AIM-9M Sidewinder US IR (2) 17 Mach 3+ Excellent Key to Air to Air Missiles (AAMs) System Name: The name of the missile system. Nation or Plane: The type of plane which carries the missile. If a specific plane is listed, only those planes carry that missile. US: Any plane of the US Air Force, but not current or former US allies Western: Any plane of a western allied nation, including former American allies such as Iran, or neutrals such as Sweden. USSR: Any plane of a USSR allied nation, including such Soviet allies as Libya Finland, Iraq, East Germany. Czechoslovakia, Poland, etc. Guidance System: The method used by the missile to find its target SA Pulse: Semi Active Pulse radar. Requires the launching plane to continue to "paint" the target with radar until the missile hits. Active Dop: Active Doppler radar. The missile has its own radar set, allowing the pilot to fire and forget. In addition, the missile's doppler radar is fooled by chaff only if the target plane runs perpendicular to the missile`s course. IR (1): First Generation IR-homing. The missile chases the hot engine exhaust only and is easily fooled by jammers and flares. IR (2): Second Generation IR-homing. The missile homes on any hot part of a plane including the nose, wings, and tail, as well as the engine exhausts. It can recover from jamming and continue seeking. Effective Range (km): The maximum range (in kilometers) at which the missile can lock-on to a target. Max Speed: The launching speed of the missile. Mach 1 is about 660 knots. Maneuverability: The turning ability of the missile in flight. Surface To Air Missiles Search Search Firing Name Mounting Guidance Range(km) Firing Range Mach Long Range Radar-Guided SAMs SA-2 Guideline fixed Poor pulse 200 BR pulse 125 3+ SA-4 Ganef fixed/mobile Poor pulse 100 SA pulse 70 2.5 SA-5 Gammon fixed Poor pulse 350 BR pulse 150 3 SA-6 Gainful mobile Poor pulse 80 SA pulse 30 2.8 SA-8B Gecko mobile Fair pulse 125 SA pulse 65 2 SA-11 Gadfly mobile Fair puise 200 SA pulse 100 2.5 Rapier fixed/mobile Good pulse 75 SA pulse 65 2+ SA-12 Gladiaior mobile Good Dop 290 SA+CG Dop 150 3+ MIM-23B Hawk fixed Good Dop 175 SA pulse 125 1.5 SA-10 Grumble fixed/mobile Excellent Dop 320 SA+CG Dop 125 3 SA-N-4 warship Pulse 200 SA pulse 30 2 SA-N-6 warship Dop 320 SA+CG Dop 125 3 SA-N-7 warship Dop 50-200 SA pulse 100 2.5 Short-Range IR/Visual-Guided SAMs SA-7B Grail infantry Eyesight Eyesight IR (1) 10 1.5 FIM-43A Redeye intantry Eyesight Eyesight IR (1) 7 1.5 SA-9B Gaskin mobile Eyesight Eyestght IR (1) 30 1.5 SA-14 infantry Eyesight Eyestght IR (2) 16 1.5+ FIM-92A Stinger infantry Eyesight Eyesight IR (2) 10 2 SA-N-5 warship Poor pulse 50-150 IR (1) 30 1.5 SA-13 Gopher mobile Poor pulse 125 IR (2) 65 1.5 Tigercat fixed Poor pulse 65 Visual 30 1.5 Seacat warship Poor pulse 200 Visual 30 1.5 Key to Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) Name: The commonly used name of the system. Mounting: How the system appears when seen. Fixed: Fixed site missile launchers. Positioned around a central radar station Mobile: Vehicle-mounted launders and radar, usually parked in an irregular pattern Warship: Ship borne system. The radar and missile launcher are mounted on a warship Infantry: Shoulder-launched SAM, carried by infantrymen. Search Guidance: The type and quality of search radar used by the missile Dop: Doppler radar. It is most effective when you fly toward or away from it, least effective when you arc around it at a constant distance. Pulse: Pulse radar. It is most effective when you fly sideways to it least effective when you fly straight at it. Search Range (km): The theoretical maximum range (in kilometers) of the search radar. However, against your F-117, radar performance is greatly reduced. The quality of the radar and local conditions determine its real, effective range. Firing Guidance: The way the missile finds your aircraft. Pulse and Doppler radars have varying effectiveness depending on your flight path in relation to the missile (see search guidance, above, for details). BR Pulse: Beam Rider Pulse radar. The missile uses pulse radar guidance with the radar receiver at the launching site; it cannot "burn through" jamming at close range. SA Pulse: Semi-Active Pulse radar. The missile uses pulse radar guidance, with the receiver in the missile; it may "burn through" jamming at close range. SA Dop: Semi Active Doppler radar. The missile uses Doppler radar guidance with the receiver in the missile; it can "burn through" jamming at close range SA+CG Dop: Semi-Active Doppler radar with Command Guidance. The missile uses Doppler radar guidance, with the receiver in the missile. It can "burn through" jamming at close range and can conduct multiple attacks. IR (1): First Generation IR homing. The missile seeks hot exhausts. It is very vulnerable to jamming and flares. IR (2): Second Generation IR homing. The missile seeks any hot surface, including nose, wing edges, tail, etc. It has logic circuits that help it recover from jamming or flares. Visual: The missile is guided by a controller on the ground, who must watch your plane and react to your maneuvering. Firing Range: Maximum range (in kilometers) at which the missile is fired Max Speed: Maximum speed in flight of the missile. Mach 1 is about 660 kts. Max Alt: Maximum altitude the missile can reach. Maneuverability: The turning ability of the missile in flight. Air To Air Weapons F-117A Air To Air Weapons While the Lockheed F-117A carries no air-to-air armament, the MicroProse version does. M61A1 20MM "VULCAN" CANNON Very short range general purpose gun. Quantity: 1 fixed internally Effective Range: 3 km Maximum Range: 6 km Attack Technique: Tracking camera/laser historical guns AIM-9M "SIDEWINDER" Short range air to air missile with IR-homing. Quantity on rack: 4 Guidance: Second generation ("all aspect") IR-seeker Effective Range: 17 km Missile Speed; Mach 3+ Maneuverability: Excellent Attack Technique: Self-guided fire and-forget AIM-120A AMRAAM Medium range air to air missile with active radar homing. Quantity on rack: 3 Guidance: Active radar-homing (has its own radar in nose) Effective Range: 32 km Missile Speed; Mach 4 Maneuverability: Very good Attack Technique: Self guided fire and forget Enemy Cannons M61A1 20MM "VULCAN" CANNON Very short-range general purpose gun. Nation of Manufacture: USA Effective Range: 3 km Maximum Range: 6 km Attack Technique: Radar predicting gunsight Rate of Fire: 3000 rds/minute Nationality: Iranian Fighters GSH-23 23MM CANNON Very short-range general purpose gun. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Effective Range: 3 km Maximum Range: 6 km Attack Technique: Radar-predicting gunsight Rate of Fire: 3000 rds/minute Natlonality: Soviet-Built Fighters Enemy IR AAMs AIM-9H "SIDEWINDER" Short range air to air missile with IR-homing. Nation of Manufacture: USA Effective Range: 12 km Missile Speed; Mach 3+ Maneuverability: Excellent Aiiack Technique: Locks onto tail exhaust, then fire and forget Nationality: Iranian AA-2 " ATOLL" Short range air-to-air missile with IR-homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: First generation IR-seeker Effective Range: 14 km Missile Speed: Mach 2.5 Maneuverability: Very good Attack Technique: Locks onto tail exhaust, then fire and forget Nationality: Soviet-built Fighters AA-6 "ACRID" (IR) Medium-range air to air missile with IR homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: First generation IR seeker Effective Range: 50 km Missile Speed: Mach 4 Maneuverability: Poor Attack Technique; Locks onto tail exhaust, then fire and forget Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet MiG 25 AA-7 "APEX" (IR) Medium-range air to air missile with IR-homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: First generation IR seeker Effective Range: 34 km Missile Speed: Mach 3 Maneuverability: Fair Attack Technique: Locks onto tail exhaust, then fire-and-forget Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet MiG-23 AA-8 " APHID" Short range air-to-air missile with IR homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: Early second generation IR seeker Effective Range: 12 km Missile Speed; Mach 3 Maneuverability: Excellent Attack Technique: All aspect lock on, then fire and forget Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet, most fighters AA-10 "ALAMO" (IR) Medium-range air-to-air missile with IR-homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: Second generation IR seeker Effective Range: about 64 km Missile Speed: Mach 3+ Maneuverability: Good Attack Technique: All aspect lock on, then fire and forget Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet, most fighters Enemy Radar AAMs AIM-7E "SPARROW" Medium-range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar-homing. Nation of Manufacture: USA Guidance: Semi active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) Effective Range: 44 km Missile Speed: Mach 3.7 Maneuverability: Very Good Attack Technique: Semi active radar guided from launching aircraft Nationality and Aircraft: Iranian F-4s AA-6 "ACRID" (RADAR) Long range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: Semi active radar-homing (requires radar guidance from plane) Effective Range: 50 km Missile Speed: Mach 4 Maneuverabiltty: Poor Attack Technique: Semi active radar guided from launching aircraft Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet MiG 25s AA-7 "APEX" (RADAR) Medium-range air-to-air missile with semi-active radar-homing Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: Semi active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) Effective Range: 34 km Missile Speed: Mach 3 Maneuverability: Poor Attack Technique: Semi active radar guided from launching aircraft Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet and Warsaw Pact MiG-23s AA-9 "AMOS" Long range air to air missile with semi-active radar homing Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: Semi active radar homing (requires radar guidance from plane) Effective Range: 82 km Missile Speed: Mach 3.5 Maneuverability: Fair Attack Technique: Semi-active radar-guided from launching aircraft Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet MiG-31s AA-10 "ALAMO" Medium-range air-to-air missile with active radar homing. Nation of Manufacture: USSR Guidance: Active radar homing (has its own radar in nose) Effective Range: 64 km Missile Speed: Mach 3+ Maneuverability: Good Attack Technique: Active radar homing independent of launching aircraft Nationality and Aircraft: Soviet MiG-29s and SU-27s F-117A Air To Ground Weapons Guided Missiles AGM-88A HARM High speed Anti-Radiation Missile Quantity per bay: 1 Optimum Targets: Ground radar stations Acceptable Targets: Warship radars Effective Range: 20 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2+ Attack Technique: Air-to ground fire and forget Min Launch Altitude: 500' Max Launch Altitude: 60,000' Notes: America's most advanced anti-radar missile, theHARM1 can lock-on to hostile radars even if they change frequencies or switch off. US officials have hinted that it can home on radar components that are still warm, even if the set is turned off! The missile also has a "loiter" mode where it circles, waiting for a hostile radar to turn on. The "loiter" attack mode is not available to HARMs carried on the F-117A. PENGUIN-3 ASM Medium-altitude infrared-homing anti-ship missile. Quantity per bay: 2 Acceptable Targets: Ships at sea Effective Range: 32 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 0.8 Attack Technique: Air to-ground fire and-forget launch against any warship Min Launch Altitude: 500' Max Launch Altitude: 40,000' Notes: Designed in Norway. This modestly sized and priced missile flies to a designated point, then switches on an infrared homer that seeks the heat of a ship against the cool ocean background. AGM-84A "HARPOON" Sea-skimming radar- and inertial-guided anti-ship missile Quantity per bay: 1 Optimum Targets: Ships at sea Effective Range: 60 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 0.8 Attack Technique: Air-to-ground fire-and forget launch against any warship Min Launch Altitude: 500' Max Launch Altitude: 40,000' Notes: America's standard anti-missile, the Harpoon is more powerful and harder to stop than the Penguin. It is launched under inertial guidance, flying at sea-skimming altitudes to avoid detection. At a designated point its radar is activated to find the target. It either pops up and dives onto the target, or flies straight in. AGM-65D "MAVERICK" IR-imaging air-to-ground guided missile. Quantity per bay: 2 Acceptable Targets: Bridges, bunkers, radar sites, oil facilities, Poor Targets: Hangars, ground planes, buildings, depots missile sites Effective Range: 32 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1+ Attack Technique: Air to ground fire and forget launch Min Launch Altitude: 500' Max Launch Altitude: 40,000' Notes: America's standard air to-ground guided missile, the Maverick has had a wide variety of guidance systems. Originally, a video camera in the missile's nose stored an image of the target in the missiles "brain." Once in flight it steered itself toward the image. Later versions added zoom lenses, PAVE TACK lasers, and ultimately, a FLIR imaging system that can "see" through clouds, smoke, and night. Laser-Guided Bombs GBU-12 PAVEWAY Laser-guided glide bomb. Quantity per bay: 2 Acceptable Targets: Almost any Poor Targets: Ships Effective Range: 2 kilometers per 1K` of altitude Max Speed: Glide bomb Attack Technique: Toss bombing or level bombing Toss Release Altitude: 500' and climb Lavel Release Altitude: 2,000' and turn away Notes: The GBU-12 is a standard in US inventory. Large fighter bombers like the F-111 favor heavier 1,000 lb and 2,000 lb models (GBU 15s, for example, that F-111s used to destroy the oil pumping manifolds during the Iraqi War), but the F-117A must carry lighter munitions in its smallbays. The PAVETACK laser guidance system is probably the most accurate precision bombing system in the world. CBU-72 FAE Laser guided triple fuel-air explosive bomb Quantity per bay: 2 Optimum Targets: Buildings Acceptable Targets: Submarine pens, hangars, bunkers, oil platforms Poor Targets: Ships Effective Range: 2 kilometers per 1k of altitude Max Speed; Glide Bomb Attack Technique: Toss bombing or level bombing Toss Release Altitude: 500' and climb Level Release Altitude: 2,000' and turn away Notes: This weapon contains a mixture of three gases, which are released into the air, forming an explosive mixture. A delayed action fuse ignites the mixture, causing the contaminated air to expand and burn. The sudden expansion sets off mines and flattens soft objects. (US warplanes dropped FAEs on Iraqi minefields during the Gulf War to render them less deadly, in preparation for the ground attack) Mk 20 "ROCKEYE" II Laser-guided high-explosive cluster bomb Quantity per bay: 2 Acceptable Targets: Almost anything Effective Range: 2 kilometer per 1K' of altitude Max Speed: Glide bomb Attack Technique; Toss bombing or level bombing Toss Release Altitude: 500' and climb Level Release Altitude: 2,000' and turn away Notes: This weapon marries a laser guided glide bomb system to a Mk 20 Rockeye cluster munition. The laser guidance allows for earlier release and greater bomblet release accuracy. Retarded Bombs Mk 20 "ROCKEYE" Retarded fragmentation cluster bomb. Quantity per bay: 2 Acceptable Targets: Most anything Poor Targets: Ships Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Retarded bomb Attack Technique: Low altitude level bombing Min Release Altitude: 500` Notes: This cluster bomb breaks open at a predesignated altitude spinning out 247 shaped-charge bomblets that can destroy buildings armored vehicles, and people. (The U.S. Navy discovered these bombs were enormously effective against small warships when a single cluster bomb wrecked a Libyan Nanuchka-class missile boat in 1986.) DURANDAL BOMB Parachute-deployed runway-penetration bomb Quantity per bay: 2 Optimum Targets: Runways Poor Targets: Bridges Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Retarded bomb Attack Technique: Low altitude level bombing Min Release Altitude: 500' Notes: This French made weapon is the standard anti-runway weapon in the USAF arsenal. Durandal deploys a parachute causing it to float nose down over a runway. A rocket motor suddenly ignites blasting the warhead straight down through the concrete where it explodes. The result is a thoroughly ruined surface and tons of wreckage ISC B-1 MINELETS Parachute-deployed minelet dispenser. Quantity per bay: 1 Optimum Targets: Runways Poor Targets: Buildings, depots, missile sites, oil facilities on land Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Retarded bomb Attack Technique: Low altitude level bombing Min Release Altitude: 500' Notes: This extremely new weapon dispenses a variety of small anti-personnel, anti vehicle, and delayed fuse mines. Used on airfields it prevents flight operations until cleared. Clearing the mines is compli cated by the variety of types. as well as random delayed-fuse bombs, and magnetic fuses that ignite when metul gets too close to them. Mk 82-1 "SNAKEYE" Retarded high explosive "iron" bomb Quantity per bay: 3 Acceptable Targets: Grounded planes, buildings, depots, oil facilities on land Poor Targets: Radar Sites Effective Range: Nil Max Speed; Retarded Bomb Attack Technique; Low altitude level bombing Min Release Altitude: 500' Notes: The Snakeye is the standard vane-type retarder unit for many US bombs, here attached to the Mk 82 500 lb high explosive bomb. Mk 35 IN CLUSTER Retarded incendiary cluster bomb Quantity per bay: 2 Optimum Targets: Grounded planes, depots, missile sites oil facilities Acceptable Targets: Buildings Poor Targets: Radar sites, ships Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Retarded bomb Attack Technique: Low altitude level bombing Min Release Altitude: 500' Notes: Similar to the Rockeye, but filled with 57 incendiary bomblets this cluster bomb spreads bomblets over an area of several hundred yards. Each bomblet in turn spreads burning liquid wherever it lands, resulting in a wide ranging, raging fire. Mk 82-0 "SLICK" Free-fall high-explosive "iron" bomb. Quantity per bay: 3 Acceptable Targets: Buildings, depots, oil facilities on land Poor Targets: Almost anything else Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Free-fall bomb Attack Technique: Level bombing or dive bombing Level Release Altitude: 3,000' Dive Release Altitude: Dive from 8,000'. Release at 3.000' Notes: A traditional 500 lb high explosive, virtually unchanged since WWII Mk 122 "FIREYE" Free-fall incendiary "fire" bomb. Quantity per bay; 2 Acceptable Targets: Grounded planes, buildings, depots, oil facilities on land Poor Targets: Hangars, bunkers, missile sites, radar sites oil platforms, ships Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Free-fall bomb Attack Technique: Level bombing or dive bombing Level Release Altitude: 3,000' Dive Release Altitude: Dive from 8,000'. Release at 3,000' Notes: This weapon contains incendiary liquid that spreads over a wide area and can flow into vents, grates, weapon slits" etc." making it effective against vehicles and fortilications as well as open air targets Other Equipment 135MM/IR CAMERA Visual and FLIR photographic reconnaissance camera. Quantity per bay: 1 Targets: Any Effective Range: Nil Max Speed: Remains internal Attack Technique: Level low altitude photographic run Photo Run Altitude: 200' Notes: This pallet contains a 135mm high-resolution camera for use in visible light, and a second camera for infrared (IR) thermal photography. Both photographs are taken simultaneously, under pilot Control and the pilot can view through either. When in use the F-117As tracking camera is "frozen" into a pre-programmed position" allowing it to function as a viewer for the big 135mm lens. Surface To Air Missile Systems SAM Technical Specifications Radar Ratings: Pulse radar is generally less effective than Doppler and obsolete radar of either type is greatly inferior to modern radar. As a result modern Doppler radar is the most dangerous, while obsolete pulse radar is the least dangerous Ranges: The maximum firing range is often less than the maximum search range, due to the limited fuel carried by most missiles. Guidance Systems: Radar-guided missiles, with or with or without command guidance, are confused by the ECM jammer unless they are very close. If they are close, chaff is needed instead. Infrared guided missiles are confused by your IR jammer unless very close, where flares are used instead. A decoy is effective against both types of missiles. Visually guided missiles cannot be fooled, but are slow reacting, allowing you to outmaneuver them easily. Maximum speed is a useful measure of whether you can outrun a missile, and how much reaction time you have after one is fired. Speeds of Mach 1 or 2 are considered to be slow by modern standards. Mach 3 or faster missiles are much more formidable opponents. Maximum altitude is also a useful measure, since in some cases you can fly above the missile`s ceiling. Maneuverability indicates how easy it is to outmaneuver the missile. The less maneuverable the missile, the better your chance of turning perpendicular to its course and outmaneuvering it. Radar Guided SAMs SA-2 GUIDELINE Long-range, fixed-site, radar-homing SAM. Radar bunker with missile emplacements Search System: Obsolete pulse radar Max Search Range: 200 kilometers Guidance System: Obsolete pulse radar "beam rider" Max Firing Range: 125 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 3+ Max Altitude: 55,000' Maneuverability: Very poor SA-5 GAMMON Long-range, fixed-site, radar-homing SAM. Radar bunker with missile emplacements. Search System: Obsolete pulse radar Max Search Range: 350 kilometers Guidance System: Obsolete pulse radar "beam rider" Max Firing Range: 150 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 3 Max Altitude: 95,000' Maneuverability: Poor SA-1O GRUMBLE Long-range, fixed-site or mobile, radar homing SAM. Radar bunker or armoured vehicle with missile emplacements or armored vehicle missile launch Search System: Phased array Doppler radar Max Search Range: 320 kilometers Guidance System: Modern Doppler radar and command guidance Max Firing Range: 125 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 3 Max Altitude: 70,000' + Maneuverability: Fair SA-4 GANEF Medium-range, fixed-site or mobile, radar-homing SAM. Radar bunker with missile emplacements, or radar and launcher on tracked vehicles. Search System: Obsolete pulse radar Max Search Range: 100 kilometers Guidance System: Obsolete pulse radar & semi-active radar homing Max Firing Range: 70 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2.5 Max Altitude: 75,000' Maneuverability: Very poor SA-12 GLADIATOR Medium-/long-range, fixed-site or mobile, radar-homing SAM. Temporary site with radar and missile launchers, or dispersed radar and launcher vehicles Search System: Phased array Doppler radar Max Search Range: 290 kilometers Guidance System: Modern Doppler radar and command guidance Max Firing Range: 150 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 3+ Max Altitude: 70,000'+ Maneuverabiiity: Fair SA-6 GAINFUL Medium range, mobile, radar homing SAM. Radar and launcher on tracked vehicles. Search System: Obsolete pulse radar Max Search Range: 80 kilometers Guidance System: Obsolete pulse radar and command guidance Max Firing Range: 30 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2.8 Max Altitude: 60,000' Maneuverability: Fair SA-8 GECKO Medium range, mobile, radar-homing SAM. Radar and launcher on a same vehicle Search System: Modern pulse radar Max Search Range: 125 kilometers Guidance System: Modern pulse radar, semi-active with video backup Max Speed: Mach 2 Max Firing Range: 65 kilometers Max Altitude: 25,000' Maneuverability: Good SA-11 GADFLY Medium range, mobile, radar-homing SAM Radar and launcher on same vehicle Search System: Modern Doppler radar Max Search Range: 200 kilometers Guidance System: Modern pulse radar, backup unknown Max Firing Range: 100 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2.5 Max Altitude: 45,000' Maneuverability: Good MIM-23B HAWK Medium-range, fixed-site, radar-homing SAM. Radar bunker or trailer with missile launcher emplacements or trailers. Search System: Modern pulse radar Max Search Range: 175 kilometers Guidance System: Modern pulse radar and command guidance Max Firing Range: 125 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 52,000' Maneuverability: Good RAPIER Short range, fixed site, visual/radar-homing SAM. Combined radar and launcher pedestal, or on tracked vehicle. Search System: Modern pulse radar Max Search Range: 75 km Guidance System: Optical command guidance with semi active pulse radar backup Max Firing Range: 65 km Max Speed: Mach 2+ Max Altitude: 24,000` Maneuverability: Very good SA-N-4 Medium range, area defense naval SAM. Integral to warship. Search System: Depends on the ship. Usually pulse radar Max Search Range: typically 100-200 km Guidance System: Modern pulse radar with video backup Max Firing Range: 30 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2 Max Altitude: 25,000' Maneuverability: Good SA-N-6 Medium-range, area-defense naval SAM. Integral to warship. Search System: Phased-array Doppler radar Max Search Range: 300+ kilometers Guidance System: Modem Doppler radar and command guidance Max Firing Range: 125 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 3 Max Altitude; over 70,000' Maneuverabllity: Average SA-N-7 Medium-range, area-defense naval SAM. Integral to warship. Search System: Depends on ship. Usually modern Dopple Max Search Range: Depends on the ship. 50-200 kilometers Guidance System: Modern pulse radar. Backup unknown Max Firing Range: 100 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2.5 Max Altitude; 45,000` Maneuverability: Good SA-7B GRAIL Short-range, shoulder-launched IR-homing SAM. Carried by infantrymen or any light vehicle. Search System: Eyesight Max Search Range: Eyesight Guidance System: IR-homing (1st generation) Max Firing Range: 10 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 20,000'+ Maneuverability: Good FIM-43A REDEYE Short-range, shoulder-launched, IR-homing SAM. Carried by infantrymen or any light vehicle. Search System: Eyesight Max Search Range: Eyesight Guidance System: IR-homing (1st generation) Max Firing Range: no more than 7 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: About 10,000' Maneuverability: Very good SA-14 Short-range, shoulder launched, IR-homing SAM Carried by infantrymen or any light vehicle. Search System: Eyesight Max Search Range: Eyesight Guidance System: IR homing (2nd generation all-aspect) Max Firing Range: About 16 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5+ Max Altitude: 20,000'+ Maneuverability: Excellent FIM-92A STINGER Short-range, shoulder launched, IR-homing SAM. Carried by infantrymen or any light vehicle. Search System: Eyesight Max Search Range: Eyesight Guidance System: IR-homing (2nd generation all aspect) Max Firing Range: About 10 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 2 Max Altitude: About 20,000' Maneuverability: Excellent SA-9B GASKIN Short range, vehicle mounted. IR-homing SAM. Radar and launcher carried on same armored vehicle. Search System: Eyesight Max Search Range: Eyesight Guidance System: Pulse radar aiming and IR homing Max Firing Range: 30 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 20,000' Maneuverability: Very good SA-13 GOPHER Short-range, vehicle-mounted, IR-homing SAM. Radar and launcher carried on same armored vehicle Search System: Obsolete pulse radars or eyesight Max Search Range: Visual or 30-60 kilometer pulse radar Guidance System: Pulse radar aimtng and IR homing Max Firing Range: 65 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 30,000` Maneuverability: Very good TIGERCAT Short-range, fixed-site, visual SAM. Emplaced controller position; trailer launcher(s). Search System: Visual or obsolete pulse radar Max Search Range: Eyesight or 65 kilometer pulse radar Guidance System: Joystick (visual) command guidance Max Firing Range: 30 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 12,000' Maneuverability: Good SA-N-5 Short range, point defense, naval SAM. Integral to warship. Search System: Naval pulse radar of varying quality Max Search Range: Varies with ship. 50-150 kilometers Guidance System: IR homing Max Firing Range: 30 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 20,000' Maneuverability: Very good SEACAT ON VOSPER MK 5 FRIGATES Short range, point defense, naval SAM. Integral to warship. Search System: Obsolete pulse radar Max Search Range: 200 kilometers Guidance System: Joystick (visual) command guidance Max Firing Range: 30 kilometers Max Speed: Mach 1.5 Max Altitude: 12,000' Maneuverability: Good WARPLANES Key To Aircraft Data Fighter: A fighter plane specializes in air to air combat, where the objective is destroying enemy aircraft. Interceptor: An interceptor is a fighter designed to fly long distances and attack distant enemy aircraft. Many interceptors are poor dogfighters Strike: A strike plane is designed to hit surface targets in enemy territory . Close support strikes are against enemy frontline troops . Interdiction strikes are against military targets in rear areas . Deep strikes attack enemy installations far behind the front line . Attack aircraft are designed to strike warships Bombers: Bombers are designed for interdiction, deep strike, and or naval attack. as well as carrying nuclear weapons and/or reconnaissance gear. Transports: Transports carry personnel and equipment. They are not designed to right, and almost never carry any armament AEW&C: These planes carry powerful search radars and communications gear designed to watch friendly and hostile aircraft while simultaneously controlling friendly air operations. Mission Weight This is the typical total weight of the plane, with fuel and weapons, at take off. If the plane can serve in both fighter and strike roles, the fighter weight is given. In a strike role a plane often carries 15-35% additional weight in bombs and AGMs Engines The total thrust of an engine (on afterburners if available) is important. Airplanes with greater thrust than weight can fly "ballistically" a useful advantage in air combat A high thrust/weight ratio is desired by all fighter pilots Range and Ceiling Range is the approximate combat radius of a plane when loaded for action but using only internal tanks (no extra fuel tanks). Ceiling is the maximum altitude of the plane, using afterburners if available. Maximum Speed This is the plane`s maximum speed at 36,000', an important benchmark altitude because above it Mach 1 is 573 knots. Although this speed is important the optimum turning speed for most aircraft is Mach 0.75 to 0.90: higher speeds are good only for chasing or escaping from opponents, and quick dashes in enemy airspace. Armament Often weapons pylons can be fitted to carry various bombs or lightweight missiles. The number of pylons need not limit the number of ordnance items. Radar Quality As a stealth pilot, you are naturally interested in the range and quality of enemy airborne search radar. These refer to air to air search radars only. US-Built Warplanes F-4E "PHANTOM II" Designer: McDonnell Douglas, USA Role: Two-seat fighter and strike fighter Weight: 27 tons Engine(s): Two GE J79-17 turbojets; 35,800 lbs thrust Range: 830 kilometers Ceiling: 58,750' Max Speed: 1260 kts Armament: 20mm cannon, 4 missile recesses, 5 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Fair quality and range pulse radar F-5E "TIGER II" Designer: Northrop, USA Role: Single seat fighter and strike fighter Weight: 12 tons Engines: Two GE J85-GE 21B turbojets; 10,000 lbs thrust Range: 220 kilometers Max Speed: 950 kts Armament: Two 20mm cannon. 5 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Poor quality and range pulse radar F-14D "TOMCAT" Designer: Grumman, USA Role: Two-seat fighter and interceptor Weight: 25 tons Engines: two GE F110-400 turbofans: 54-58,000 lbs thrust Range: 1280 kilometers Ceiling: 56,000'+ Max Speed: 1350 kts with TF30, higher with F110 Armament: 20mm cannon, 4 weapons pallets, 2 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Excellent range, high quality Doppler radar F-15C "EAGLE" Designer: McDonnell Douglas, USA Role: Single seat tighter Weight: 22 tons Engine(s): Two Pratt and Whitney F100-100 turbofans; 47,660 lbs thrust Range: 1200 kilometers Ceiling: 62,000' Max Speed: 1260 kts or greater Armament: 20mm cannon, 4 missile ejectors. 4 weapon pylons, 2 FAST pallet points Radar Quality: Medium range, high quality Doppler radar F-16C "FALCON" Designer: General Dynamics, USA Role: Single seat fighter and strike fighter Weight: 125 tons Engines: One Pratt and Whitney F100-200 turbofan; 23,820 lbs thrust Range: 540 kilometers Ceiling: 50,000'+ Max Speed: 1190 kts Armament: 20mm cannon, 7 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Medium-range, high quality Doppler radar F/A-18A "HORNET" Designer: McDonnell Douglas/ Northrop, USA Role: Single seat fighter and strike fighter Weight: 18 tons Engines: Two GE F404-400 turbotans; 22,000 lbs thrust Range: 740 kilometers Ceiling: 50,000' Max Speed: 1050 kts Armament: 20mm cannon, 9 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Medium range. high quality Doppler radar A-6E "INTRUDER" Designer: Grumman, USA Role: Two seat attack and interdiction bomber Weight: 12 tons Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J52-8A turbojets; 18,600 lbs thrust Range: 870 kilometers Ceiling: 44,600' Max Speed: 540 kts Armament: 5 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Poor, but superb air-to-ground weapons radars AV-8B "HARRIER II" Designer: British Aerospace, UK and McDonnell Douglas, USA Role: Single seat S/VTOL fighter and strike fighter Weight: 15 tons STOVL, 10 tons VTOL Engine(s): One Rolls Royce/Pegasus 11-21E 22,000 lbs vectored thrust Range: 240 kilometers Ceiling: 55,000' Max Speed: 520 kts Armament: 25mm cannon, 7 weapon pylon Radar Quality: Poor, target acquisition is usually visual A-10A "THUNDERBOLT II" Designer: Fairchild Republic, USA Role: Single seat close ground support aircraft Weight: 20 tons Engines: Two GE TF34-100 turbofans: 18,120 lbs thrust Range: 960 kilometers Ceiling: probably under 40,000`. Max Speed: Unknown, probably less than 370 kts Armament: 7-barrel 30mm cannon, 11 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Poor, air-to-ground avionics quite basic EF-111A "RAVEN" Designer: General Dynamics, USA Role: Two seat electronic warfare escort Weight: 42.5 tons Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney TF30-2 turbofans: 27,000 lbs thrust Range: 1,900 kilometers Ceiling: 54,700`. Max Speed: 1020 kts Armament: ALQ-99E electronic warfare system, no other weapons Radar Quality: Medium/long range, high quality pulse and Doppler B-1B BOMBER Designer: Rockwell International, USA Role: Four man strategic bomber Weight: 225 tons with internal load only Engine(s): Four GE F101-102 turbofans: 120 lbs thrust Range: 5,900 kilometers Ceiling: Unknown, probably under 50,000` Max Speed: 725 kts Armament: 27.5 ton capacity bomb bay, 29.5 tons on external mounts Radar Quality: Medium-range high quality Doppler radar E-3C SENTRY "AWACS" Designer: Boeing, USA Role: 15 to 17-man AEW&C Weight: 162.5 tons Engine(s): Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-100/ 100A turbofans: 84,000 lbs thrust Range: 2,000 kilometers (11 hours unrefueled endurance) Ceiling: 29,000'+ Cruise Speed: over 350 kts Max Speed: 460 kts Armament: Surveillance radar, communications, air traffic control, and electronic defense weapon pylons may be added Radar Quality: Excellent range and quality radars. Soviet - Built Warplanes MIG-2 1 "FISHBED" Designer: Mikoyan Gurevich, USSR Role: Single seat fighter Weight: 9 tons Engine(s): One Tumansky R-11F2S-300 turbofan; 14,550 lbs thrust Range: 630 kilometers Ceiling: 59,000' (often only 50,000') Max Speed: 1220 kts Armament: Two 22mm cannon, 4 weapon pylons, 1 fuel tank pylon Radar Quality: Very short-range, low quality pulse radar MIG-23 "FLOGGER" Designer: Mikoyan Gurevich, USSR Role: Single seat fighter Weight: 16 tons Engine(s); One Tumansky R-29B turbofan; 27,500 lbs thrust Range: 900 kilometers Ceiling: 61,000' Max Speed: 1190 kts Armament: Two 22mm cannon, 4 weapon pylons, 1 fuel tank pylon Radar Quality: Very poor, short range range pulse radar MIG-27 "FLOGGER" Designer; Mikoyan Gurevich. USSR Role: Single seat strike fighter Weight: 22 tons Engine(s): One Tumansky R-29 turbofan 25,252 lbs thrust Range: 400 kilometers Ceiling: 52,500' Max Speed: 925 kts Armament: One 22mm cannon, 5 weapon pylons, 2 bomb racks Radar Quality: Very poor, very short range pulse radar MIG-25 "FOXBAT" Designer: Mikoyan Gurevich, USSR Role: Single seat interceptor Weight: 40 tons Engine(s): Two Tumansky R-31 turbofan 48,500 lbs thrust Range: 1,100 kilometers Ceiling: 80,000' Max Speed: 1860 kts Armament: 4 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Medium quality, medium range pulse radar. MIG-29 "FULCRUM" Designer: Mikoyan Gurevich, USSR Role: Single-seat fighter Weight: 18 tons Engine(s): Two Tumansky R-33D turbofans 36,600 lbs thrust Range: 650 kilometers Ceiling: Probably 55-65,000' Max Speed: 1260 kts Armament: One multi barrel cannon, 6 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Medium quality and range Doppler radar MIG-31 "FOXHOUND" Designer: Mikoyan Gurevich, USSR Role: Single seat interceptor Weight: 45 tons Engine(s): Two turbofans or turbojets, estimated thrust 50-60,000 lb Range: 1,500 kilometers Ceiling: 75,500' Max Speed: 1400 kts Armament: Cannon possible, 4 missile recesses, 4 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Superior quality and range Doppler radar SU-24 "FENCER" Designer: Sukhoi, USSR Role: Double seat strike fighter and interceptor Weight: 43.5 tons Engines: Two Tumansky R-29B turbofans 50,700 lbs thrust Range: 300 to 1,800 kilometers (varies with mission profile and load) Ceiling: 57.400' Max Speed: 1400 kts Armament: 22mm cannon, 8 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Nil, avionics designed purely for air to ground role SU-27 "FLANKER" Designer: Sukhoi, USSR Role: Single-seat fighter Weight: 25 tons Engine(s): Two unknown turbojets: estimated 60,000 lbs thrust Range: 1,150 kilometers Ceiling: Unknown, probably 60.000' or more. Max Speed: 1250 kts Armament: Probably a cannon, 6 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Above average quality and range Doppler radar YAK-38 "FORGER" Designer: Yakovlev, USSR Role: Single seat fighter Weight: 12 tons Engine(s): One Lyulka AL-21 vectored- thrust turbojet: 17.985 lbs thrust plus two Koliesov liftjet engines Range: 270 kilometers Ceiling: 39,370` Max Speed: 550 kts Armament: 4 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Poor quality and range pulse radar TU-26 "BACKFIRE" Designer: Tupolev, USSR Role: Four-man bomber Weight: 61 tons Engine(s): Two upgraded Kuznetsov NK-144 turbofans: 88,180 lbs thrust Range: 5,500 kilometers Ceiling: 55,000`. Max Speed: 970 kts Armament: Three heavy air to surface missiles or 12 tons of bombs Radar Quality: Fair, with excellent air surface avionics TU-95D "BEAR" Designer: Tupolev, USSR Role: 7-12 man reconnaissance bomber Weight: unknown, about 145-165 tons Engines: four Kuznetsov NK-12MV turbo props Range: 8,250 kilometers (7 hours endurance) Ceiling: 41,000' Max Speed: 475 kts Armament: Unarmed Radar Quality: Very good long range pulse radars IL-76 "MAINSTAY" Designer: Ilyushin, USSR Role: 15-20 man AEW&C Weight: About 150 tons Engine(s): four Soloview D-30KP turbofans; 106,000 lbs thrust Range: About 6,400 kilometers (7 hours endurance) Ceiling: About 40-50,000' Max Speed: 460 kts Armament: Possibly twin 23mm tail cannon 2-4 weapon pylons Radar Quality: Excellent long-range Doppler radars AN-72 "COALER" Designer: Antonov, USSR Role: Three-seat air transport Weight: 28 tons Engine(s): Two Lotares D-36 turbofans: 28,660 lbs thrust Range: 1000 kilometers (max cargo) to 2,800 kilometers (no cargo) Ceiling: 26,100' Max Speed: 410 kts Armament: Unarmed: can carry 32 passengers or 11 tons cargo Radar Quality: Navigational only APPENDIX Key Controls Summary Controller Joystick, mouse, arrow keys, or numeric keypad Selector joystick button 1, left mouse button, or return key Action desired Joystick Cursor Keys Keypad pitch down forward up-arrow 8 roll right right right arrow 6 roll left left left arrow 4 pitch up back down-arrow 2 dive right forward/right - 9 dive left forward/left - 7 climb right back/right - 3 climb left back/left - 1 stick sensitivity Ins key (tiny, small, and medium stick movement) max stick movement fast double-press of the key Throttle Maximum power Shift + Increase throttle = Decrease throttle - No power Shift - Weapons Control Select Weapon space bar Fire Weapon Return/Enter or joystick button 2 Fire Cannon Backspace or joystick button 1 Defenses Drop Flare 1 Drop Chaff 2 IR Jammer on/off 3 ECM on/off 4 Drop Decoy 5 Equipment Controls Gear up/down 6 Autopilot on/off 7 Bay open/closed 8 Flaps in/out 9 Brakes on/off 0 Eject Shift F10 Display Controls HUD Modes F2 HUD De-clutter V Maps F3 Day/Night HUD F4 Ordnance F5 FLIR On/Off F6 ILS On/Off F9 Mission Orders F10 Tracking Camera Controls (right MFD) Cam Ahead / Cam Rear > Cam Right < Cam Left M Designate New Target N Select Target B INS (Inertial Navigation System) Select Waypoint F7 Change Waypoint F8 Reset Waypoint Shift F8 Last Waypoint PgUp* Next Waypoint PgDn* Move Waypoint Up Up-arrow or numeric keypad 8* Move Waypoint Down Down-arrow or numeric keypad 2* Move Waypoint Left Left-arrow or numeric keypad 4* Move Waypoint Right Right arrow or numeric keypad 6* * shift if not using joystick From The Cockpit Viewing Cockpit View F1 View Ahead Shift / View Rear Shift > View Left Shift < View Right Shift M Out of Plane Viewing Slot View Shift F1 Chase Plane Shift F2 Side View Shift F3 Missile View Shift F4 Tactical View Shift F5 Inverse Tactical view Shift F6 View Control Keys Zoom view Z UnZoom view X View Angle view C Other Controls Accel Time Shift Z Norm Time Shift X Pause Alt/P UnPause Any Key "Boss" hide game Alt/B Quit Alt/Q Resupply (training) Alt/R Volume Adjust Alt/V cycles through all 4 levels sound level 3 = all sounds sound leve1 2 = all sounds except engine backgrnd sound level 1 = firing and explosions only sound level 0 = no sound Deatil Adjust Alt/D cycles through all 4 levels detail level 3 = exceptional detail detail level 2 = moderate detail detail level 1 = limited detail detail level 0 = limited detail Special Controls Go to Training (Alt/T): Tapping this key converts your current mission into a training mission. This means that henceforth enemy weapons do no damage and that Resupply (Alt/R) is now available. A mission is coverted to training it cannot be converted back. Note that you score nothing for a training mission. Teleport (Alt/cursor keys): These keys function only in training. Tapping the key "teleports" your aircraft in that direction. The distance you`re "teleported" varies with the current Zoom/UnZoom scale of the satellite map. Day/Night (Alt/N):This key functions only in training. Tapping it will switch the current time of day from night to day, or day to night. Once this key is used time ceases to pass, so that it will be permanently day or night for the duration of the mission Resupply (Alt/R): This key functions only in training. Tapping it will re-fill your fuel tanks and weapon bays. DISPLAY COLORS SUMMARY HUD Colors Black Rectangle Ineffective weapon (day) Maroon Rectangle Ineffective weapon (night) White Rectangle Effective weapon White Oval Effective weapon, locked on target Red Oval Highly effective weapon, locked on target EMV Scale Colors Red Bar Enemy Ground Radar Pink Bar Enemy Ground Radar - poor detection Yellow Bar Enemy Ground Radar good detection Light Blue Bar Enemy Aircraft Radar White Bar Enemy Aircraft Radar good detection Satellite Map (Left MFD) Flashing White Dot Your aircraft Red Dot Other aircraft Black Dot Ground Radar Yellow Dot Missile Dotted Line Pulse Radar (the color matches EMV colors) Solid Line Doppler Radar (the color matches EMV colors) Tactical Display (Left MFD) Gray squares 16 km grid Green radar dish Ground Radar Blue boat Warship Radar Solid gray rectangle Airfield Red crossed circle Other ground targets Blue airplane Your F-117A / other friendly aircraft Gray outline Decoy White dots Chaff Red/Yellow burst Flare Yellow plane Enemy plane higher altitude Light red plane Enemy plane similar altitude Dark red plane Enemy plane lower altitude Yellow line Radar guided Missile Red line IR-guided Missile White line Visually guided Missile Flashing item Your objective Gray boxed item Current target Color boxed item Source of enemy radar signal INS Waypoints Fuel Bar Black region Fuel consumed White region Fuel for flight to current waypoint Blue regions Fuel for flight to other waypoints Green region Reserve Fuel GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AAA: Anti Aircraft Artillery (also called "Triple A") AAM: Air to Air Missile AEW&C: Airborne Early Warning and Control AEWS: Airborne Early Warning System AFC: Air Force Cross AFV: Armored Fighting Vehicle AGM: Air to-Ground Missile AIR: Air to Air HUD mode AM: Airman's Medal AMRAAM: Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile AOA: Angle ot Attack AV: Avionics damage light AWACS: Airborne Warning and Control System BAOR: British Army Of the Rhine BD: Bay Door damage light CMOH: Congressional Medal of Honor DFC: Distinguished Flying Cross DLIR: Downward-Looking Infrared EAR: Enemy Airborne Radar ECM: Electronic Counter Measures EGR: Enemy Ground Radar EMV: Electromagnetic Visibility ENG: Engine damage light ETA: Estimated time of arrival FC: Flight Control damage light FIRE: Fire Control damage light FLIR: Forward Looking Infrared FUEL: Fuel Tanks damage light GND: Air-to-Ground HARM: High Speed Anti Radiation HUD: Heads-Up Display ILS: Instrument Landing System INS: Inertial Navigation System IR: Incoming IR-guided missile warning light IR: Infrared IRST: Infrared Search and Track JAM: Jammers damage light km: Kilometer kts: Knots LADAR: Laser Detection and Ranging LPAR: Long-range Phased Array Radar MFD: Multi Function Display MTI: Moving Target Indication MW: Missile Warning damage light NAV: Navigation HUD mode ORD: Mission Orders (right MFD) OTH: Over the Horizon PLO: Palestine Liberation Organization RAD: Incoming Radar guided missile warning light RAM: Radar Absorbent Material RCS: Radar Cross Section ROE: Rules of Engagement SAM: Surface-to-Air Missile SS: Silver Star TAC: Tactical Display (left MFD) TRAK: Radar Tracking warning light VVI: Vertical Velocity Indicator WPN: Weapons Display (right MFD) Designers Notes Background F-117A Stealth Fighter 2.0 is the result ot lots and lots ot people working closely together over a long period of time. It really goes all the way back to 1987 when the first game on the topic was done. Project Stealth Fighter (for the Commodore 64) was the first effort at a stealth game and it worked remarkably well given its limited 8-bit, 1 MHz environment - Arnold Hendrick and Jim Synoski had set the stage for the next try at a stealth game When Sid Meier and Andy Hollis teamed up to do the same game for a 16 bit IBM machine, a large team was quickly assembled to work on what we knew would be a great game. Four and a half man years later, when MicroProse finally released F-19 Stealth Fighter for the IBM in the fall of 1988. The US Air Force finally unveiled its much rumored stealth fighter, the F-117A. We thought F-19 would be a winner because it was the most realistic combat flight game to date for the commercial marketplace, but we had no idea of the magnitude of its success. It sold LOTS of copies fast and won just about every conceivable award in the first year it was on the shelves. It was proclaimed .....possibly the best computer game ever made..... The Software Publisher's Association voted it the best game of the year, and the accolades go on and on. Even now it continues to be one of our best selling titles The Air Force had managed to keep the look of the F-117A a secret for nearly 10 years, fooling everyone, including various model makers, about the shape and the name of their stealth plane. As soon as we got a good look at the F-117A we knew that sooner or later, we'd update F-19 to match the look of that aircraft. In the fall of 1990, MicroProse president, Bill Stealey suggested the time had come for us to do it, and we had until the summer of 1991. Design Team Since 1988, MicroProse has done four new games using state of the art 3-D technol ogy. Andy Hollis came out with F-15 Strike Eagle 11, for the fall of 1989, which used the same core system as F-19 but pushed the boundaries farther and faster. In 1990 he used a related 3-D system to produce Lightspeed. In both these products the 3-D was improved and modified to render more colorful, faster code. Meanwhile Scott Spanburg had developed a different but related system, first for M1 Tank Platoon, then in the following year for Knights of the Sky. So we`ve gained lots of experience with 3-D systems, and it is fair to say that the 3-D system you see in F-117A is the product of all the 3-D work that MicroProse has done since 1988. Lead programmer Joe Hellesen was given the unenviable task of taking a great game, F 19. and improving it. We were able to enlist Max Remington (3-D artist for virtually all of MicroProse's games) to do the new objects we needed. Bruce Shelley was charged with overseeing the development of the new worlds that would have to be constructed, and Bruce Milligan (a recently hired game designer) was charged with constructing them. Veteran computer artists Kim Biscoe and Barbara Bents were brought on-board to provide art for opening and closing screens, and Ed Fletcher, a new hot shot addition to MPS Labs, was brought on to do the front and end game programming From the outset, Joe and I agreed not to tamper with the basic gameplay - F-19 was a real winner which had enjoyed phenomenal success. The basic gameplay is solid .... "if it ain`t broke don`t fix it." We decided that, given time constraints, the best course was to concentrate on graphics to see if we could make it more realisc, fun and set a new standard for future flight sims in terms of graphic presentation of the world in which you fly Already, we had a system that allowed a great deal ot detail but we wanted to enhance it, make it more believable, more colorful. The original game had been done with 16 color 3-D worlds (at that time 16-color EGA was pushing the limits of the technology), so the first step was to adapt the game to 256-color graphics. This meant a lot of work for Max and Joe. All the objects had to be recolored, and in some cases rebuilt to accommodate 256-color graphics To make sure players have plenty of areas in which to fly, we included all four worlds from the old F-19, and added five more two from F-15 II and three new ones. The night world took on new significance because the real F-117A never flies combal sorties during the day. Joe and Kim came up with a striking night horizon. Then we added lights to the ground objects which switch on an off according to where you are (enemy or friendly territory), the level of tension, and what time of day it is. Next we added a sky that lightens and darkens dynamically according to the time of day Finally, we added the FLIR camera view, partly because it was "cool" and partly out of necessity: in the deepest, darkest night, it is imperative to use the FLIR so you can tell what you`re looking at. These combine to give a very strong feeling of realism. To go with these additions we also needed a real-looking F-117A aircraft. Max spent several long weekends building the most complex object ever to appear in a home computer game, and Joe and Andy came up with a way to make all those surfaces and lines sort correctly During the development period, US forces were involved in a war in Iraq and Kuwait which showed just how effective precision bombing can be. Joe immediately began to work on a new view through the tracking camera. One that would show the "real" world outside your aircraft, like the video tape shown at briefings during the war He linked this view to the nose view of the Maverick missile. Because this weapon actually has a Camera in its nose. (Other weapons that have nose cameras, like the GBU-15s that F-111s knocked out the pumping manifolds at Sea island, are not represented in the game because they are probably too heavy for the F-117A) The front and end of the game were completely redesigned to make it easier to navigate through options and to give a chance for some beautiful 256 colour graphics to adorn your CRT. We added a feature that allows you (if you're the type) to quickly generate a bunch of missions until you get one you really want. Also, for those of you who want to know what it might be like to fly the real F-117A, we included the "Lockheed F-117A option that essentially cuts out some of the capabilities to make it more like the real plane. There are a lot of other enhancements; a more intelligent and realistic cockpit, improved enemy AI, new targets, new missions, and so on and on. For those of you that have enjoyed thew original F-19 we hope you`ll like this one even more. For those who are playing our Stealth Fighter game for the first time, hold on to your seats and get ready for an experience of a lifetime. ______________________________________________ | | | | | __: | | N u t ______/. ___ __/\______ | | _____| _ // | \ _ o _ / | | __ | // | \/ \\__/ & | | +--/\_| \ o___________ \-------+ | | | \_/_____ / ________Sk¡n | | | | \/P r e s e n t s | | | | | | | | _ ________ ______/\_____ | | |/\_______________ \ _ ______\ _ o _ / | | /_______ _ / / \ _ _ / \__// \__/| | | +--___./ // / \/ /____/, \--+ | | / |\ \__________/ / ________ | | __________ ________ / | | \/ B o l t | ______________________________________________ ¦ | | ¦ | | EnD ---