Version 20221228
Added Ka-50 III, fixed persistence bug on mission start
This is a multiplayer-capable helicopter assault mission where the players are required to provide forward observation (FO) for an artillery attack to destroy strategic targets, and assault other targets.
Optional support for persistence (save mission status) when enabled.
Intelligent Slot Blocking on MP servers with SSB enabled.
Full description in ED Forum:
https://forum.dcs.world/topic/286839-dock-5-daggers-attack-helicopter-artillery-fo-1-2-players-2-4-co-op-cockpit/
How to play:
This mission uses an Artillery FO system. There are three targets that you can't destroy on your own and require artillery support - use the provided Artillery FO abilities to neutralize these (and other) targets. You also have access to a make-shift FARP half way through the mission to re-arm and re-fuel.
*How to Command Artillery*
Target Zones
Artillery target zones are locations on your map that are marked as such. In order to guide artillery fire on the target zones, your helicopter must be close enough to observe, and have direct line of sight (see below) to the target zone. You'll receive notice when you are in position.
Forward Observer Functions
Artillery FO functions are accessed fr om the Communication-->Other-->Forward Observer menu. There you are presented with the following options:
-List Artillery Targets
This presents you with a list of artillery targets with bearing and range to you.
-Fire Command on "Observed"
In order to have artillery fire on your targets, they must be visible to you, and you must be in damage assessment range to accurately guide artillery. In this mission, when you are close enough to a target zone to provide observation, that target's description changes fr om BRA/range to "Obscured" or "Observing". Obscured means that you have no direct line of sight (LOS) to the target area and must maneuver for a better look. "Observing" means that you have direct LOS to the target area.
When you are observing a target zone, it appears in the Artillery Fire Control menu, and you can command artillery to start firing. Note that the shells take some time to arrive on target, and that the accuracy they hit the zone depend on your distance to the target zone (the closer you are, the more accurately the shells will hit the zone).
Once fired, artillery requires some 2 - 3 minutes to re-load, and are then ready to fire again. Some target zones are removed automatically when the theater commanders deems enough destruction has been dealt.
Note that the mission gives you hints when your target status (observing/obscured) changes for targets so you don't have to constantly check your map.
*ADDITIONAL FEATURES:*
- Auto Recon
Whenever a player can see enemy ground forces, that is broadcast to all players of the same side, and they are marked on the F10 map. Note: the mark isn't upd ated, so the forces may have relocated. The mark disappears fr om the map 30 minutes after detection, and can be manually erased by any player.
- Intelligent Slot Blocking (optional)
This mission supports intelligent slot blocking for better immersion. A makeshift FARP appears after 5-10 minutes that players can use as a spawning point. If you have installed SSB and run the mission as MP (even for single-player), this feature is automatically activated. Only the server/hosting computer needs to install SSB.
If not active, players can spawn from the FARP immediately (read: they'll have a lesser experience but it is still functional).
- Persistence
You can save the mission and continue it later. Requires that you 'de-sanitize' the hosting DCS installation first (single and multiplayer).
To save the mission's current state, Choose 'Save Mission" from Communications menu. Next time you start the mission, it will load this status. To re-start a saved mission from the start, either finish it (will auto-reset), or choose 'Fresh Start' from the Mission menu.
*BACKGROUND*
A cargo of stolen radioactive material - enough to build a number of "dirty" nuclear bombs - has been traced to this region. Intelligence suspect that almost a month ago, the cargo was transported into this region by train and then stored in a secret bunker that is located under the Marshalling Yard's main building just south of Stantsionnyy.
Last week, the cargo was loaded into trucks and moved to Grozneft's industrial complex east of Tuapse Harbour, wh ere a contact was able to positively identify it: part of the Cobalt-50 that went missing two years ago in Argentina. Our source was also able to asses it's state: it's sealed into explosive-proof containers for long-range, secure transport.
This gives us a window of opportunity to act: Disassembled and disguised, we have brought two attack helicopters to Stantsionnyy wh ere they were re-assembled and armed. They are now being prepped for a surprise punitive assault on the marshalling yard and industrial complex that was scheduled for the day after tomorrow.
New developments are forcing our hand: We assumed that the nuclear material was going to be processed on-location in Grozneft. Unexpectedly, this morning it was loaded onto the bulker 'Roseanne' that arrived last night and that is now moored at Dock 5. Intel confirms that the bulker is owned by a Mid-Eastern shell company. This company has strong ties to known terrorist organizations - and who are tolerated by the local political potentates. We suspect that the material has been sold to be used in some imminent terrorist plan.
Consequently we have moved our action date forward to today. Be advised: as a result, the helicopters have only limited fuel and aren't fully armed.
Moreover, we have no authority to operate here, and our presence is likely to violate a number of international laws. Nevertheless, this threat can't be ignored and we want to also send a clear message to anyone foolish enough to entertain similar plans. We are now committed to destroy everything that was used to transport the nuclear material, and sink the Roseanne in the harbour. Any call for an investigation will result in the inspectors finding the outlawed material, allowing everyone to save face and return the material to a neutral party for safekeeping, which is acceptable for us.
*YOUR OBJECTIVES*
You are ordered to destroy everything that was used to support the the terrorists, namely:
Train marshalling Yard and Bridge (artillery support)
Supply Trucks
Roseanne (Bulker) at Dock 5 (artillery support)
Dock Defenders (artillery support)
Harbour North SAM (artillery support)
Clandestine convoy "Wineskin" to provide support is currently underway and will se t up a make-shift FARP 30 km southwest of here. They should arrive there in 5 to 10 minutes and stage a road-side break-down. In order not to arouse suspicion, they will move on after 60 minutes.
You are to egress west, wh ere a LHA will enter national waters as soon as the Roseanne is sunk. Be sure to neutralize the northern Harbour SAM site before you start your egress.
All targets zones are marked on the map. Artillery support is provided for some targets by a warship off the western coast that is moving into place now. Make sure to monitor your FO channel when closing in on artillery targets.
Time is of the essence: Sat imagery shows that Roseanne's boilers are heating up, we expect her to leave the harbour within the next two hours.
Weather is clear, with a broken cloud cover at 2500ft, a light breeze from the West. Winter, so low temperatures.
