Some of the most important assets for US During Operation Iraqi Freedom were FAC(A). Fixed targets were scarce and the key was finding and identifying any Iraqi ground targets. The US Marine Corps utilized the two seat F/A-18 D for that role with a dedicated WSO in the back seat whose primary role was to find targets. In DCS we do not have a F/A-18D so the F/A-18C will fill that role. The hornets would take off and scan a specific region or area using any and all sensors onboard to try and locate even the smallest targets to call in. Sometimes the WSO had binoculars!
This mission utilizes carstens FAC(A) script
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3325979/
VMFA(AW)-533 (HAWKS) was a F/A-18D squadron that deployed to Kuwait supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating out of Al-Jaber Air Base. On March 20, coalition forces began the ground offensive with support from the squadron’s Hornets. While operating around the clock, the squadron expended over 800,000 pounds of ordnance, flying 558 sorties and 1440 flight hours. (Little information is known about the exact aircraft and squadrons that were stationed at Al-Jaber so I just added aircraft from 2nd Marine Aircraft wing)
Briefing:
The night is March 20th, 2003 and you are a single flight F/A-18D from VMFA(AW)-533 operating out of Al-Jaber Air Base (Liwa AFB). For tonight's flight you will be acting as a FAC(A) forward air controller airborne. There have been suspected artillery units just south of the small town of Al Khair also located East of the mountain range at grid CP76. These need to be taken out for they have been stopping the marine assault on the city. Being a FAC(A) You have the option to call in numerous marine and air force aircraft to assist you in your objective. These aircraft include 2x AV-8B loaded with 8x Mk-83, 4x Mk-84 Snakeye(callsign Ford1-1), 2x F-16C loaded with 12 Mk-82(Callsign Viper1-1), and 2x A-10A loaded with 4x Zunis, 2x CBU-97, 8x MK-20, 6x Mk-82, 2x Mk-84. Once you have successfully identified and destroyed the artillery radio back to Red Eagle 6(Mission overseer) for your next task.
Note: All tactical information will be found in your kneeboard
A Tanker will be orbiting you will most likely need to refuel a few times
There is two custom kneeboard pages as well as some audio clips.
When the audio trigger is hit there will also be a written message on the screen correlating what is being said.
These are the mods I used.(Not Required but HIGHLY RECOMENDED)
Skin:
https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3320840/
Ground assets:
https://massun92.gumroad.com/l/VTreS
The FAC(A) script is REQUIRED
TIPS: You need to be very accurate with your rockets or else the AI will not be able to destroy the target you are marking. Use your judgment on which aircraft to call in.
It will be difficult to find the targets (This is the point) as it was difficult in real life. Mission description and relative target location will be in briefing and kneeboard.
This is my first published mission so bear with me. Thank You Enjoy!
