I originally posted this as a forum topic but thought it may be of interest to others and best read as a front page article.

Tonight (Thursday 3/2/2012) Ex-Inferus helped me out immensly with training on shooting the Mavericks. We took off and proceeded to the target area where we commenced an orbit at 20,000 feet. Ex spent ages talking me through the controls.

I was able to slave my TGP and Maverick to a Shilka he had spotted. Rolling in from 11 miles out I waited till just under 8 miles and pressed the launch button. The aircraft shuddered and I watched as the Maverick released and started moving rapidly onto the target.

I watched with glee as the missle hit the AA and it burst into flames. Instant fat moment! That was my only kill on this sortie, I nearly had another but had been bringing my orbits closer and closer to the target. On one inbound run I was too close and passed over the target, my threat indicator screaming at me. I released a programmed burst of flares and chaff. Making it safely out of there I moved out and began orbiting again, waiting for another target.

Ex spotted an APC and I slaved my TGP off his then rolled in. I was way too close and dived to try and bring the Maverick seeker onto the target. I should have aborted and gone out 15 miles before coming back in. As it was I came down within range of the AAA guns which opened up on me. My threat indicator screamed, missiles were launched at me, AAA flew skyward.

The master caution indicator began flashing and screaming at me. I lost both MFD's and my systems were all but shot. As you can see in the photo I'd also lost the tip of the left wing with a fuel leak in the same.

Hitting the warning silence button I nursed my wounded bird back towards home with the guidance of both ATC and my fellow pilots, EX, Blackie and Hainus. I came upon the airfield quicker and higher than expected, threw down the flaps, lowered the gear and popped open the speed brakes. No wheels! I was requested by Blackie to land on the grass to the right of the airstrip so as to not block it should I crash.

Bringing the bird lower and lower I started to level out, my airspeed was dropping and things were looking good. I was going to survive. I hit the ground as soft as one can when doing an emergency landing and skidded along the side of the runway. As my bird came to rest off to the side I sighed a breath of relief and felt a great satisfaction in not only my first kill but also nursing the wounded aircraft home safely.

What an experience!

Map: Zargabad
Mission: Advance to contact

Start off:

The lads formed up in the muster room for a mods check. Usual problems with ACRE. We seem to be capturing most people with it, the battle continues.
The mission started and the blokes mounted up after some confusion with vehicle crews to vehicles types, but we managed to step off on the line of march.


Crux:

We were in contact within 3 minutes with a small patrol of BRDM's and technicals, from there it was a constant and sporadic skirmish with TK regular forces and TK milita attempting to stall our advance onto the Airfield.
Once the Airfield had been well and truly swept, a CH-47 swooped in to off-load a security platoon to hold the position. From there, we moved off to the next part of the mission, down route ZULU.
We took some heavy contact from the Airfield Garrison, encamped in the barracks to the south. After rolling them up and making some field repairs, [OCB]Beny was blown from his crew position by a rouge
RPG-7 straight through the frontal armour, including the SLAT armour(unlucky Beny, war is hell). Moments later, a whole vehicle was a write-off with a well placed SABOT from a T55,in turnhe himself was dispatched by [OCB]Gelly's M1A1 section.

[OCB]Fear's infantry team was able to hold the position, so as not to give up any ground, while fresh vehicle's were able to be brought up for resupply. With the coloum rolling again,
the endgame was in sight and we pushed hard for the objective. The Enemy had run out of steam and it was easy street to the AO exit. Thunder run complete, next stop Takistan.

Wrap-up:

The mission start was hampered by inability to get ACRE going, something we'll fix soon. There was some navigation issues at a turn-off, from the main axis of advance. Watch the map
fellas, we need the situational awareness. Target indication was genrally O.K, we can make this slicker. Weight and application of firepower was fine, as was ammunition consumption.
Good to see a decent turnout for OCB on the night, I had my doubts, but was nicely suprised to see twelve. Keep it up.

Mission Requirements
Mods:
- ACE 1.13 Stable
- ACRE 1.3.12
Faction: U.S Army
Map: Zargabad

Notes:

First mission for a new campaign series. Starting in Zargabad, moving into Takistan and then Clafgan. This series will be aimed at smaller combat teams with slots desined to fill up to approximately 12 players.



As all requirements for the mission are outlined in the above descriptions, it is expected that the mods required are up to date before the TAC. (RUN KEVS UPDATER)
As per the last few TAC nights, a server with the mission loaded will be available approx 1h beforehand at 1900h for those who wish to test their setup.
If you are having trouble sorting out your game, please seek an admin for assistance.

Mission Author

[OCB]Gelly

Forum Post (Members only discussion area)