AAR: NACV4

 

Side: Blue

 

On we go. This is the first scenario of this battleset I try. maybe I would be better to start with 1GIU, but IIR each one has its own story.

 

The setup is really interesting: I´m used to play Cold War scenarios and never played a scen in which the Russians build a coalition with European forces. fascinating setup.

 

My first steps are to set up formation patrols, thus no base will fall victim to a surprise attack out of the blue sky.

 

Next step is to bring the long range recon birds and the bombers into waiting positions.

The first air battles rage. There is heavy pressing by at least 50 or 60 F35s directed against my air bases. So far, losses are high on both sides, but I can keep a 2:1 kill ratio in my favour.

Lisboa AB is attacked by AGM-154s! Luckily, SAMs and air launched missiles get most of them. Moderate damage.

112 Tomahawks approaching Beja AB! Don´t know where they are coming from. Must be a sub loaden with cruise missiles.

 

Down to 56! Throwing all fighters against this tidal wave. If my base, where the invaluable Tornado fighter bombers are located, survives - then it is my turn. Retaliation will come.

Got them all. No time for rest, though: 20 more Tomahawks are coming in. Looks like the AI throws all cruise missiles it has, including the kitchen sink, at my bases.

 

The air battle still is heavy, with Red pressuring my forces to the limit. There are even F-22 Raptors included. And they are deadly. I cannot maintain the kill ratio. Have to stop them in the tracks, grounded.

 

Lisboa AB is overrun and, finally, destroyed. Those massive attacks were too much.

 

In order to make progress, I have, first, to locate and engage the carrier group and , second, to attack the red airbase with cruise missiles. The latter has begun, 16 air launched cruise missiles are underway.

 

Bombers approaching Iceland!

 

Got them - three Lancers litter the bottom. Now, if they attack from Northern American bases, there is no reason to further stand still on this battleground.

Had to bring in my Russian reserves, including the brandnew TA-50 stealth fighter with its deadly ultra-long-range AAMs. And it works! I regain air superiority!

 

First contacts are made with two resumably hostile SAGs. my subs are vectored in and slowly approaching.

 

Counterstrike actions are in sight now. No more passive defence.

 

END OF PART ONE

Session Two started.

 

Rather quiet atm. Obviously the US forces are grounded and reloading. Time to get them.

 

Ouch! Beja AB under attack! 56 (!) more missiles incoming. And nearly all interceptors gone. Dozens of strikers grounded. Would be too bad if they are caught on the ground.

 

22 left...wait..another wave coming in...20 more! Where are all these Tomahawks from?

 

The first duel sub vs ship is raging. my sub sinks an Arleigh Burke DDG! And is sunk, too.

 

Beja AB is hit. Costs me about 20 aircraft.

 

But there are success stories as well:

 

First: Two B-2 Spirit Bombers came VERY close towards Kevlavik AB. They were detected when it really was high time. Both bombers shot down. That must hurt the USAF. They only have two squadrons of these.

 

Second: I now use the Russian stealth fighters to the utmost. Their long-range missiles down five more US fighters, presumably Raptors.

 

Third: Three more B-1B Lancer bombers shot down.

There are at least three hostile SAG or CAG around. I´m going to split my sub groups to cover them all.

 

I re-locate my bombers from Kevlavik to the most Northern front air base. This risk must be taken. That base is very well guarded by Russian fighters.

 

Two more B-2 bombers downed. Once again, I detected them very late.

 

On my way bringing all pieces to their destinations. In a few hours I´ll start a coordinated missile attack.

 

END OF PART TWO.

Session Three started

 

Attacking the first carrier group with a sub. Three ships sunk. Proceeding towards the carrier. Got it! Four torpedoes sink the CV Foch, along with 20+ aircraft. A great achievement. Still no clear fix on the US carrier group. This one is the key to success. Eliminating it will plough the road to Lajes Airbase.

 

Surprise attack! Dozens of air-to-ship armed Hornets, guarded by maybe ten fighters, attack my carrier group. Two ships are sunk, but more than 40 hostile aircraft are shot down. All in all I´ve downed over 160 aircraft so far, losing 113 in return. Regarding the fact that I´m not facing ancient Russian material, but the newest US stuff, not so bad.

Another multi-ac attack on my carrier group. One more ship lost, half a dozen attackers shot down. The carrier group has expanded its SAMs, time to move it into safety.

Oh no! My carrier is sunk by a torpedo attack. There obviously was a sub trailing the group and I ran into into after reversing the course. THAT was a blunder.

First surface contacts, probably belonging to the US carrier group, identified. Four ships so far. Sent my stealth PAK fighters out to attack the detected AEW birds. Success! Got two Hawkeyes and one Shadow.

 

My recce Fencer ac detect the carrier amidst this group and my Oscar Class SSGN is near! All Shipwreck killer missiles are launched at the CVN Bush.

 

Boom! There it goes! The proud of the US fleet is gone, taking about 30 aircraft with it.

It is still an open battle: I wonder if the US have sent both their whole Air Force and their Navy wings to this battle. far over 200 are downed but they are still attacking and decimating my ex-carrier group - and fighting for air superiority.

Still hard work, but I now have air superiority and my bombers can attack without too much risk. Lost 12 Backfires so far due to risky strategy. Got 20 ships so far.

The US still fly a lot of F-35 jets, probably operating from Wasp LHDs. Not easy to get them and their mini carriers.