CV32

I like the idea of the random variable, though I expect the time to engage would have to be much shorter than 5-10 minutes. Probably taking into account an average of the cruise speed of most bomber/strike aircraft? The AI would also have to continue to close the distance to the target.

This story gives you some idea of the complexities involved. Syrian Mig-29 Fulcrums escorted the 28 Russian jets that deployed to Latakia hiding under cargo planes (Aviationist)

We've been tweaking the AI for a long time, and its a real chore to find a behaviour that provides good strategy in one respect without compromising good strategy in another. Problem with #1 above: it lends itself to piecemeal attacks, which might be easily defeated by the player. Problem with #2 above: the same result as #1, unless ... I think if the AI could somehow be able to assess the "value" of the target(s) it was attacking (and not just its DP value, though that might be a factor or consideration), AND hold fire until it detected more targets (e.g. an entire surface ship formation, instead of the picket) and determined their value. Something akin to the manner in which the AI holds fire for air to air attacks until the target enters a sort of 'no escape' zone.

Its really an all or nothing thing with those initial AI attacks. I suspect that it would be a struggle to recover if you are not able to rebuff those.

How a $2.7 billion air-defense system became a 'zombie' program (LA Times)

Min vic achieved at 9:17:05. Tally at that point: Destroyed 45 enemy ships, 1 sub, 1184 aircraft, 17 helicopters, 10 bases, 11 mobile air defence units. Lost 6 ships, 35 aircraft, 3 helicopters, 2 mobile air defence units, four armored units.

Fixed.

Chinese Fighters Intercept US Spy Plane, Pentagon Confirms (DefenseTech)

Thanks Tony.

France Says Egypt to Buy Mistral Warships (DefenseNews)

U.S. Air Force Requires Airmen to Praise Troubled Stealth Fighter (War is Boring) F-35-Public-Affairs-Guidance (pdf)

Do like broncepulido, updates, graphics, supports his DB Author, gives background information, posts to Facebook . Plus one.

Satellite Imagery Shows Russian Military Buildup in Syria (DOD Buzz)

Canadian Liberals Would Scrap F-35 Buy (Aviation Week) I lack words to adequately describe my disdain for the Fiberal (er, Liberal) Party but I will admit, having a proper competition to select a CF-18 replacement that actually meets the mission needs should have been done from the start.

If you've been following the forums lately, you will notice that activity tends to shoot up when there are new scenarios. That is no coincidence. You can tinker with the code or a database as much as you like, but it means nothing if there are no new scenarios to play. Something to keep in mind.

The difference between the previous conjecture and this is that the latest appears to have at least a semiofficial source.

Test scenario and savegame attached. EC2003 GIUK battleset, HCDB 150621, beta 2015.015 All aircraft are at Med altitude, ordinary cruise speeds, making a manually set 180 degree turn. (Because RTB orders are always obeyed immediately, without the turn penalty). My results as follows: C-5B ATA 5/5, 180 deg turn, delayed 75 sec F-22A ATA 60/35, 180 deg turn, delayed 1 sec A-10C ATA 30/10, 180 deg turn, delayed 15 sec CH-53K ATA 20/15, 180 deg turn, delayed 15 sec Set a new course to observe your own results. The F-22A is the only one that appears to be out of whack on its face. My WAG is that the GE is picking up on some ceiling value in its calculation? turntest.zip

General characteristics & performance of Shenyang FC-31 (Alert 5)

Also mentions 40xIR decoys (ALE-39/40?) I haven't seen any credible source that mentions more than 140 sonobuoys. You have to be mindful that the Atlantique also carries smoke markers, flares (not referring to IR countermeasures), etc, that might be added to disposable stores capacity in some numbers. For example, Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1998-99:

Spoilers apply! I survived the rather massive onslaught that is thrown at the player from the start, and I think I am on the other side of the curve now. Or at least I hope so! Looking forward to it.

Much of this is because the AI is attacking the first player unit it detects.

Photos: Russia's forward operating base in Syria is growing at a rapid pace (Business Insider)

The Evolution of the Modern Carrier Air Wing (CIMSEC)

Update coming soon, and will include a number of Westpac oriented units. Any last requests for additions or fixes?

Analysis: RAND Says US Facing Tough Fight With China (DefenseNews) Essentially a summary of the aforementioned RAND report.