peterc100248
Posts: 94
Joined: 3/21/2016 Status: offline
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I have done a lot of testing on long-range strikes using the fine "Wooden Leg" scenario. There are a couple of things to consider. 1. You could use the non-period correct F-16I Sufa model F-16s with the Mk84 dumb bomb loadout. According to several authoritative sources, GlobalSecurity.org for one, the F-16I (which is a variant built only for the Israelis) with the conformal fuel tanks and two 370 gal drop tanks is able to reach unrefueled "any capital in the Middle East." Other sources say it has the same range as the F-15I. The exact range is classified. 2. Raid information from Opera states the new (at the time) F-16s loaded with 2 Mk84s, 2 Sidewinders, and 2 370 gal drop tanks, "crossed the Gulf of Aquaba, overflew Saudi Arabia, used min altitude tactics on ingress to Iraq, delivered the weapons from around 10K ft, and returned at high altitude. The empty drop tanks were jettisoned over Saudi territory." Based on those facts, the database for period-correct F-16 aircraft is off by a good percentage. It is probably semi-correct for F-16A and B models, but beginning with the C, with the up-rated engine, appears to me to be off. Even so, Opera aircraft were A models with drop tanks and conducted the raid unrefueled. Since we don't have access to classified data, and most of what we do have is just speculation about weapons and platforms based on the internet, my opinion is use whatever aircraft from whatever period you must to allow faithful recreation of the facts of the event. If a purist insists on only having period-correct platforms, then they must be willing to accept the inability of some of those platforms to perform as the real world events actually played out. A note: Nothing personal about anyone involved in the development of CMANO. This limitation I speak of comes from not having access to real-world data that is classified. Pete Edit: BTW here is a map of the flight plan for Opera. Don't try this at home! :) http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/Osirak.html
< Message edited by peterc100248 -- 7/9/2016 12:21:40 AM >
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