*** Version 3.3 features more tasks, random threat inclusion, incorporation of new technical, an option to operate out of Incirlik for a shorter ingress time, and many more refinements ***
Dodge One v3.3 is a daytime close air support mission in the Syrian Theatre for the F/A-18C featuring random tasking and timing. A two ship is ideal (or yoyo ops) but single ship works well. Your block starts at 0400 at Akrotiri (or Incirlik) with a departure scheduled for 0415 so grab a coffee!
Before departure, you will need to specify your loadout - which will typically be heavily weighted toward precision munitions. Remember to load a targeting pod! You won’t have to deal with airborne threats.
Transit East to the AOPS. RV with the tanker group departing from Incirlik. Darkstar1 will contact you as you approach the AOPS. Use the comms menu F10 to check in and request tasking. Anchor as directed and await tasking. Random tasking detail will be relayed to you at any time as they become available (but will always be within 12 minutes of a task request). You will be given a nine line (have a pen and paper available!!) or directed to FAC/JTAC for further talk on. Your target location will be passed in MGRS format. You can check in at any time but remember, it will override any previous tasking.
You will need to monitor your fuel status/loiter time and tank as you think. Use the FPAS page often to maximise endurance whilst in the hold or enroute. Any tasking you receive will remain active so you can request new tasking as you egress from the previous task and either tank or proceed with the next task! Make sure your wingman (if you have one) keeps “eyes on” for threats.
You may be passed for further talk on to FAC/JTAC units and will need to check in and out from those units as required.
Generic radio chatter is available on 332.000 and is thoroughly recommended to add ambience.
The mission card is available on the kneeboard with all the assets, frequencies and waypoint details you need.
There are a set of alpha points (waypoints). There is no way for me to prevent these appearing as a default sequence. This route is of little use except for ingress (0-1-2-3-4-5)/egress (11-13-15-16-17) to/from the AOPS. It is useful to create a different sequence comprising the current IP and target waypoint as you receive tasking.
You can repeat tasking requests until you check out (from the comms F10 menu). Your time on station will continue until then – for as many hours as you can stay awake. Be economical and efficient with your resources. You will be able to resupply at Gaziantep or Incirlik should you so desire …. but a pair should be able to remain on station for 4 hours with enough ordnance to fulfil the tasking.
Skill level: always a difficult one to assess but you will need to be proficient in:
Air to air refuelling
Navigation including Grid coordinates and waypoint creation
Fuel management (FPAS page)
Radio management
Modules required:
Hornet F/A-18
Syria Map
