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TeTeT -> Dragons Jaw (11/13/2010 11:45:58 PM)
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Based on the wargamers review I've decided to give the Dragon Jaw's bridge (Thanh Hoa) scenario a try. It's a little bit unusual for HCE as most flights have short range iron bombs instead of standoff ammo, to reflect the realities of the early seventies when the real action took place.
With the VPAF (Vietnamese Peoples Air Force) being a considerable factor I first launch a MiGCAP screen of 4 flights of two aircraft each. The F-4Bs are equipped with AIM-7 Sparrows that outrange any MiGs missile range. So I happily ignore the Rules of Engagement for my scenario playout and snipe at long range at the MiGs and retiring my MiGCAP flights to the carrier when out of long range missiles. While not historical, it's quite effective in Harpoon and I only lose a single Phantom to enemy aircraft.
For the strike package I decide to start with a SEAD flight of 4 Intruders. They take out some radar equipped anti air weaponry which will aid the other less capable strike flights. Two flights of 4 Corsairs equipped with rockets are now pitted against the bridge defenses. While the first flight takes out a AAA unit and SAM, the second flight is shot to pieces for no gain. Seems some defense units have interlocked fields of fire and the VPAF was also busy launching interceptors.
With these losses I decide to first deal with the air threat and spent an hour to decimate the VPAF. Once no new launches of Vietnamese aircraft are reported the recon and EW flights are brought closer to the bridge. With the added intel from these the next strike are planned.
Bad timing had two flights of 4 Corsairs with rockets appear 20 minutes before the SEAD intruders arrive, who are on their second mission for the day. While the Corsairs cycle before the coast, the Intruders form up and hit another radar guided AAA in the vicinity of the target. The rocket equipped A-7 attack next, but suffer heavy losses.
Finally the strike package of A-7 and A-6 equipped with Walleyes and iron bombs arrive, hitting the bridge, which is stripped of most of its defenses. For safety a six planes B-52 flight is closing. However, the firepower of the Corsairs and the Intruders is enough and the bridge span tumbles into the river. The B-52 are sent back to base.
But this success is not without cost. Overall 16 planes have been lost - more of a pyrrhic victory than anything else.
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