After splashing several bomber wings from Donets'k and Rostov, and now the destruction of the Russian fleet, we've eliminated any immediate threat to the Eisenhower. However, we'll still continue to fly aggressive BARCAPs, and we'll still keep F-22s on the cat for fast backup.
While we've been preoccupied, the USAF has been running continuous missions against the three seized airfields closest to Simferopol: Zaporizhzhya, Dnipropetrous'k and Kryvyy Rih.
The Zaporizhzhya airbase and its fighter contingent were reduced to scrap metal, and the occupying troops decimated. The remaining troops have pulled back to reinforce Dnipropetrous'k.
Strikes against Dnipropetrous'k have eliminated their aircraft and damaged the airbase. However, the occupying troops are dug in, and will have to be attacked by ground forces.
The USAF is now hammering Kryvyy Rih, while ground forces advance first to Zaporizhzhya and onward to Dnipropetrous'k.
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TACTICAL SITUATION
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A US armored division is moving north along the road to Zaporizhahya. Once secured, a small detachment will be left to hold that airbase, while the remainder continue onward to attack the Russian ground troops holding Dnipropetrous'k.
ELINT has detected a MiG-27 airstrike with unknown fighter cover inbound toward the convoy. USAF forces are currently prosecuting Kryvyy Rih, and additional air support from Simferopol can't get to the convoy in time.
The ground commander has asked for our assistance.
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MISSION OBJECTIVE
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Take the F-22s standing ready on the cat, and destroy the strike aircraft harassing the convoy.
Those Floggers will be running low-altitude ground strikes against the convoy when you approach, and will undoubtably duck in and out of the low clouds as cover. Watch your altitude!
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ORDER OF BATTLE
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Force Size : 2
Recommended aircraft : F-22
Recommended weapons : AIM-120, AIM-9
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THREAT DATA
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GROUND THREATS : None
AIR OPPOSITION : MiG-27s, probable fighter cover
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MISSION SUCCESS
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What should have been a straight-forward mission was complicated by the cloud cover and the fighter cover. Engaging multiple bandits, at high-speed, low altitude, and winchester, is not a desirable combination, but you stuck with it. Good job.
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MISSION FAILURE
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Your first problem is the fighter cover: a pair of Su-27s and another pair of Su-33s, and all highly experienced pilots. However, your F-22 is both faster and more manueverable, so this isn't an impossible problem.
You've got to thin the odds before they get too close. Between you and your wingman, try and get off a clean, high PK shot at every fighter before they close, then focus on the ones that aren't heavily damaged. If you can take out 2 of those bandits before closing, the remainder are easy pickings.
Once the fighter escort is down, the MiG-27 floggers should also be easy. They're not as maneuverable, and have only short-range IR AAMs. Their only real advantage are numbers, and that cloud cover.
Use your remaining missles carefully; once they're gone your stuck going winchester at high speed and low altitude, while playing tag in a cloud. Butting headsand chewing dirt will kill you just as quickly as a missle.
