broncepulido

Minor issue: - 60661 VLS mount Mk 41 8 cell VLS Huitfeldt has Rate Of Fire=0, it will probably don't shoot, change value perhaps to 8. 32 SAM in flight at the same time, or 8 for each one of the four VLS launchers. Also in ship entry 3044 Ivar Huitfeldt: - Guns changes: - fwd 127mm gun replaced by 2x76mm Super Rapid, very probably taked from the deleted Flyvefisken class (see photos, text description not match). - 35mm Millenium is now only in the aft position (also see photos). - Perhaps replace one of the VLS SAM modules for mount entry 60457 with 8xRMG-84L Block II Harpoon. Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iver_Huitfeldt-class_frigate https://da.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iver_Huitfeldt-klassen https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Iver_Huitfeldt-class http://www.navalhistory.dk/english/TheShips/Classes/IverHuitfeldt_Class(2012).htm Jane's 2009-2010

A more general scoop here: http://theaviationist.com/2015/06/13/infographic-allied-shield-series-of-ex/

More precise force composition here (Turkish origin!, well done): http://turkishnavy.net/2015/06/06/baltops-2015-naval-components/

Not clear info yet, probably Black Shasheen/SCALP EG for Egypt, but not 100% sure: http://www.janes.com/article/49025/egypt-officially-signs-for-24-rafales-fremm-frigate-and-missiles

(Re)-Welcome on board! You can download updated DBs here. - Simply download it (1980-2015), unpack the latest common.db and replace the common.db file on the HCE/HUCE directory. About the radar ranges and other stuff you want know, you can execute now the pfBuild2005, push "Import New Database" virtual button (previously browsing and linking the common.db file in the HCE/HUCE directory), and you will can consult the latest DB. - Same with the other DBs, as the Cold War DB.

Some Russian Su-30 variants, employing export Su-30 loadouts and radars (only a preliminary study): - Su-30M2 (IOC 2010?), Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association-built (KnAAPO, in Far East Russia), some 16 build to 2015 of 20 requested, Su-30MK2 variant, radar probably N-001V Myech/Pero PESA (entry 43485). Employed mainly in the training cycle of Su-27SM. Probably only configured as fighter. EDIT: Probably this one is the reflected on the 10465 entry, Su-30M. - Su-30SM (IOC 2014?), Irkut Corporation-built (near Moscow), canards and thrust vectoring Su-30MKM/MKI variant, Bars-R radar (probably a variant of the PESA N-011M, entry 43465). Multi-role. Possible types: - Russian Air Force Su-30SM: 37 Su-30SM delivered to 2014, 27 to be delivered in 2015, perhaps including in this total some of the Russian Navy planes, as sources say only 60 requested for Russian Air Force. - Russian Navy Su-30SM: 5 in service in the Russian Navy in December 2014, for a forecasted grand total of 60xSu-30SM for the Russian Navy. - Kazahkstan Air Force Su-30SM: 36 to be delivered to Kazakhstan, 4 delivered in April 2015, last ones to be delivered in 2020. Sources: https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Иркут_(%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-30 http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newskazakhstan-air-force-receives-sukhoi-su-30sm-fighter-aircraft-4558385(about this previously I did read yesterday in the June 2015 Air Forces Monthly issue)

A no very important variant, but the current Swedish Air Force entry 11377 JAS.39C Gripen Blk 19/20 is configured as it should be late 2015, with PS-05/A Mk4 radar and loadouts 56932 Intercept-2 with Meteor (and Iris-T), 56660 Precis-LR with Taurus KEPD350 (also in a future to be equipped with RBS-15F ER extended range anti-ship missiles, near 110 nm range). Previously, from 2010 to 2015, we can add this initial variant, without Meteor neither Taurus, but with PS-05/A Mk4 radar: - Add a new entry, JAS.39C Gripen Blk 19/20 (2010-2016?): Block 19 in service from 2010, Block 20 in service from 2012, we can made a single entry for both, I did research this issue for the "Swedish Submarine Incident October 17-24, 2014", but I remember it only now. - PS-05/A Mk4 radar (as is clearly a JAS.39C Block 19/20, but yet without the advanced Meteor and Taurus missiles. - Loadouts (taked from entry 11377 JAS.39C Blk 19/20) limited to: - 55555 Intercept. - 56160 ASuW. - 56230 Precis. - 56161 AAmr. - 56927 Ferry.

Some ideas on British Chinook variants, not a priority and probably using previous loadouts: Now in the HCDB are: - Entry 11092 Chinook HC.1 (1981-1995?), needs RWR.(31 based on CH-47C, and 8 based on CH-47D from 1984). Later 41 converted in HC.1B with composite blades. - Entry 10926 Chinook HC.2 (1993-2014?), needs RWR, also were equipped with ECM. 2xMinigun+1x7,62mm MG. 32 converted from HC.1 and 3 new built. Converted to HC.4. Other possible entries: - Chinook HC.2A (1997-2014?), adds possibility of IFR and ALE-47. Only 6 or 8. - Chinook HC.3 (2009?-2017?), adds ALE-47. Only 8, ex MC-47E converted to CH-47SD standard. Pretended to be used by UK special forces, delivered in 2001 but never in service!. Downgraded to HC.2 standards and in service probably from 2009. No FLIR, "fat tank" variant. Not scheduled for Project Julius conversion, probably only from 2016. - Chinook HC.4 and HC.4A (6/2012+), RWR, ECM, ALE-47 and adds FLIR. 46 converted from HC.2 (HC.4) and HC.2A (HC.4A, keeping IFR possibility?). Project Julius conversion. - Chinook HC.5 (2016?+), RWR, ECM, ALE-47 and adds FLIR. Converted from HC.3. Project Julius conversion. (HC.4 and HC.5 can be fused in a single entry, with another for HC.4A with IFR, but IFR capability was probably never implemented in UK service). - Chinook HC.6 (IOC 1/2015), RWR, ECM, ALE-47, FLIR (Titan 385 ES-HD). As CH-47F. 14 grand total, only 3 delivered in Juny 2014, total of 6 delivered in March 2015. Some sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_Chinook_(UK_variants) - Chinook Mark Six, by Ian Harding, Air International June 2015.

- USAF F-15C (2010) with APG-63(V)3 (this radar is on the HCDB), in use from 2010. - Employing the entry 11082 F-15SA (2016) 57083 loadout, changed to AIM-120C7 (2006) and AIM-9X (2003)(the AIM-120C7 will be employed in the F-15SA, to be in service from December 2015/2016). Sources: http://www.f-15e.info/joomla/en/export-variants/f-15sa/2514-f-15sa-development

I send you the PowerPoint of my latest presentation, is in Spanish, but with some funny photos. Was here, 29 May 2015, Instituto Universitario General Gutiérrez Mellado: http://iugm.es/fileadmin/user_upload/docs/actividades/2015/VII_JORNADAS_DE_SUGURIDAD/HORARIO_PARA_LAS_VII_JORNADAS.pdf CIBERPROPAGANDA 2015.ppt

Very good article, thanks for sharing.

More inquieting reports on the zone: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/world/asia/chinese-artillery-spotted-on-spratly-island.html?_r=0

More details about in service data, weapons of Block 3F and Block 4, and bases (first F-35A to be based in UK in 2021). F-35A IOC July 2016: http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pentagon-firming-f-35-block-4-configuration-412762/

In the original DB: - C803 PH =75% - LCS decoy level 3 value =30 - Final PH is 75-30=45 (very near a 50%) In consequence is not very probable but possible your result, only half of C803 hits the LCS (in purity only 3.6 C803 should hit LCS: 8 missiles x 45% = 360% = 3.6 missiles). With my modified values (perhaps too optimistic decoys, but the idea in real world is LCS should survive through decoy use): - C802A/K PH =75% - LCS decoy level 3 value =60 - Final PH is 75-60=15 , in consequence only 1.2 C803 should hit LCS, in many encounters none hits LCS. C-Guard SKWS decoy system in LCS: http://www.terma.com/defense/c-guard-naval-decoy-system/

The idea is LCS should defeat enemy missiles by ECM (and in less measure with RAM missiles, guns and speed), the credibility of that in the real world will depend in the ECM capabilities, at least an almost realistic outcome. I tested the scenario many times with my personally modified platforms (my idea is to evaluate real world situations with Harpoon and the scalable weapons and ECM), and using LCS speed to evade missiles and keep enemy ship at distance, and at least in one or two times the AI controlled LCS evades missiles and keep enemy ship at distance by speed!

Modification 24 May 2015: added some RQ-4B Global Hawk in Guam, as per this source (but are not very relevant for the gameplay): http://freebeacon.com/national-security/chinese-military-using-jamming-against-u-s-drones/

Some notes in South Korea's TA-50 and FA-50 Golden Eagle: - The radar should be EL/M-2032 in all variants (perhaps modified with 50% more range in FA-50, but I think it should be a future AESA variant), not APG-67. - All with ALE-47 chaff/flares. - AIM-9L/M/N/P/S SideWinder. - AGM-65A/B/D/G Maverick. Current 10907 entry: - T/A-50 Golden Eagle (now TA-50): in-flight refuelling, all-weather capable, but not NOE or RWR. Possible entries (employing the same loadouts of TA-50): - FA-50 Golden Eagle (South Korea): IOC 2015?, 20 purchased, adds RWR. - FA-50 Golden Eagle (Philippines): first two to be delivered late 2015, 12 purchased, adds RWR. Sources: http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/-fa-50-light-combat-aircraft-south-korea/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KAI_T-50_Golden_Eagle

Some notes on USN rotary wing aircraft-launched anti-surface missiles: MQ-8B Fire should be armed with 6xAPWKS II (2012+) missiles probably from late 2013: http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/mq-8-tidies-apkws-integration/ http://www.navaldrones.com/Fire-Scout.html(mention on the video of the 2x3 APWKS II in MQ-8B). On APWKS II use in MH-60S (from March 2014) and MH-60R (from March 2015?), in LAU-61 19xAPWKS/unguided rockets launchers: From the Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Precision_Kill_Weapon_System On LAU-61: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=80102

Some modifications to entry 10539 Zhi-9C Haifun (IOC 1998?, some 28 in service as per Flight International World Air Forces 2015) naval helicopter (or perhaps also add Zhi-9D (China) and Zhi-9EC (Pakistan) variants): - Radar KLC-1, SS, 180º, probably 95 nm range (stated range against médium size target in Chinese site is about 140 Km/75,6 nm), 55% PH. - Sonar Type 605 (AQS-13 copy). - 12x5 Kg passive sonobuoys (use RGB-75?) and 4x16 Kg active sonobuoys(use RGB-55?). - 2xYu-7 or 2xType 109 (no data, but is very probably a reference to the Project 109 reverse-engineering MK46, origin of Yu-7) ASW torpedoes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yu-7_torpedo - 250 Kg or 100 Kg depth charges. - 2x 19x57mm rocket pods. - 1x 12.7mm QJZ89 door machine gun. - All variants: FLIR, MAD, DPS, SB, carrier capable, all-weather capable, NOE. - Zhi-9D (IOC 2013?) adds 4?xTL-10B light anti-ship missiles. Possible new entry. - RWR is added apparently only in Pakistani Zhi-9EC export variant (IOC 2010?), 12 delivered. Possible new entry. Sources: For most of the data, including radar range, ASW weapons and sonobouys: http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/z9-helicopter-china.htm For radar range and air-to-surface weapons, including TL-10B integration: http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLAN-CV.html#mozTocId911627 For number exported to Pakistan: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/直-9 On line translator (one of many): http://servicios.elpais.com/traductor/?sl=es&tl=zh-CHT

Some sources: On Spratly Islands 2015 conflict: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/13/politics/south-china-sea-us-surveillance-aircraft/ http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/face-chinas-navy-stalks-us-ship-south-china-sea-12882 http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-military-proposes-challenge-to-china-sea-claims-1431463920 http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/22/us-warns-next-step-could-be-to-test-beijings-territorial-claims-in-south-china-sea http://www.trust.org/item/20150515095505-pk98z/?source=hpMostPopularTheWire(including the runway lenght). On USN rotary wing aircraft-launched anti-surface missiles: MQ-8B Fire should be armed with 6xAPWKS II (2012+) missiles probably from late 2013: http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/uv-online/mq-8-tidies-apkws-integration/ http://www.navaldrones.com/Fire-Scout.html(mention on the video of the 2x3 APWKS II in MQ-8B). On APWKS II use in MH-60S (from March 2014) and MH-60R (from March 2015?), in LAU-61 19xAPWKS/unguided rockets launchers: From the Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Precision_Kill_Weapon_System On LAU-61: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=80102 On Johnson South Reef 1988 naval battle: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_South_Reef_Skirmish http://soha.vn/quan-su/nhung-con-tau-viet-nam-tham-gia-hai-chien-truong-sa-gio-o-dau-20140314101315636.htm MQ-8B and MQ-8C parameters (very interesting and detailed site): http://www.navaldrones.com/Fire-X.html On VP-45 Pelicans deployment to Kadena AB, Okinawa: http://gonavy.jp/VP_Deploy04f.html

The current, real and actual storyline and place is very similar to this one, explained in my first LCS scenario in January 2011: http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.php?/files/file/616-lcs-goes-to-war-battle-off-vietnam-2015/

File Name: LCS Goes to War 2, the Real Thing, Spratly Islands, 11 May 2015. Historical Scenario. File Submitter: broncepulido File Submitted: 23 May 2015 File Category: WestPac LCS Goes to War 2, the Real Thing, Spratly Islands, 11 May 2015. Historical Scenario. A Harpoon Commander's Edition scenario for the Western Pacific Battleset and the HCDB-150511 1980-2015 era Platform Database. Image: USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) trailed by Chinese frigate Yuncheng (571) in the Spratly Islands, 11 May 2015. Official photo released by US Navy and as consequence in public domain. This scenario is designed to be played from the Blue/US side or from the Red/Chinese side. To avoid spoilers you should play a few times first the Blue side, and only later play the Red side. After the full of naval and security incidents year of 2014 and the not less eventful first five months of 2015 and with the World beginning the so-called Second Cold War when President of Russia Vladimir Putin (ex-KGB lieutenant colonel) provoked in succession the Crimea, Ukraine, Donetsk, Baltic States, October 2014 Swedish submarine incursion, G-20 Brisbane meeting naval crisis, November 2014 Faslane submarine incident, frigate Yaroslav Mudryy February "Channel Dash", April 2015 Finnish submarine incursion (for many observers causing the pre-mobilization of Finland reserve forces), and constant and multiple overflies with military warplanes entangled in potential incidents with commercial flights. That without counting in other unrelated naval incidents, just as the Iranian seizure of the Maersk Tigris in 28 April 2015 (and neither counting in landlocked actions, as the ISIS operations in Middle East). But meanwhile, more towards Far East, was China the less perceived problem. In some places of the South China Sea multiple country claimed Spratly Islands archipelago (Chinese: Nansha islands, Filipino: Kapuluan ng Kalayaan, Malay: Kepulauan Spratly and Vietnamese: Quan dao Truong Sa), China was for years mongering his plans and established a permanent base at least from 1987, and 1988 included a naval battle against Vietnam, the Johnson South Reef Skirmish. Also at least from 1995, as denounced by Philippines, China was building structures with military capabilities, including from 2012 more relevant structures, as the 3000+ meters long (Very Large Airport in Harpoon parameters) runway in Fiery Cross Reef, and more important, building artificial reefs and islands above previous simple shoals. At last in an undetermined date late April 2015 China claims as territorial waters the 12 nautical miles circling his "new" islands. As the US official doctrine is Freedom of Navigation (FON), and as in this case with fears about a decision not to send naval vessels into the zone would inadvertently help the Chinese build their own case for sovereignty in the area, some air and surface elements of US Navy begin to orbit near the Chinese claims, but not crossing the 12 nm line. One of the first incidents (another was a VP-45 Pelicans' P-8A Poseidon in surveillance mission carrying a CNN TV team inside, warned by the Chinese to no flight 12 nm near of Fiery Cross Reef on 20 May 2015) was the trailing for some hours of the USS Fort Worth (LCS-3) by the Chinese frigate Yuncheng (571) on 11 May 2015. This scenario try to show what could have happened, and shows how near was one of the first missions of a controversial LCS to end with the ship placed where she was not designed to be, first line of combat. Enrique Mas, 23 May 2015. Click here to download this file

16 May 2015 modification: - I see now submarine group ADU (a Kilo-class) is in the Blue side, with absurd and unexpected game results. - Replaced with a more consequent Green/Neutral group with the same Kilo-class submarine. (My daltonism!)

I see LCS will employ probably Sonar 2087, as reflected here: - http://news.usni.org/2013/08/21/lcs-mission-packages-the-basics - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Littoral_combat_ship#Anti-submarine_module Also worring comments in the Wikipedia entry about the use of LCS to escort carrier groups! Link: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2014/04/02/lcs-wargame-reveals-new-tactics-amid-controversy/