CLOSE AIR SUPPORT

 IRAN-IRAQ WAR

1980

The last Mission type in the Missile Threat rulebook, this time a CAS Mission, each with 300pts.

IRAQ

--MIG-21 (Competant pilot)

-x2 R-60

--MIG-21 (Competant pilot)

-x2 R-60

--MIG-23 (Average pilot)

-x12 Bombs

--SU-20 (Average pilot)

-x2 Kh-28

-x12 bombs

--Mirage F1 EQ (Competant pilot)

-x2 R.550 Magic

-x2 AS-30L

-x2 Bombs

--MI-25 Hind (Competant pilot)

-x4 Rocket pods

--MI-25 Hind (Competant pilot)

-x4 Rocket pods

**Search and Rescue**

Alouette III (Average pilot)

GROUND FORCES

-x6 Infantry Units

-X4 BMP-1

-x4 Type 69 II tanks

-x1 ZSU-57-2

-x1 SA-9 Gaskin

IRAN

--F-14A Tomcat (Competant pilot)

-x4 Aim-9P

--F-5E Tiger (Competant pilot)

-x4 Aim-9P

--F-5E Tiger (Competant pilot)

-x4 Aim-9P

--F-4E Phantom (Average pilot)

-x2 AGM-65

-x4 bombs

--F-4E Phantom (Average pilot)

-x2 AGM-65

-x4 bombs

--AH-1J Cobra (Competant pilot)

-x4 TOW

--AH-1J Cobra (Competant pilot)

-x2 AGM-65

GROUND FORCES

-x6 Infantry Units

-x3 M60A3 tanks

-x4 M113 APCs

-x5 ZSU-23-4

-x1 ZSU-57-2

SET UP

Iraqi side of the battle

TURN 1

Two Iranian F-5s arrive cutting across their ground forces, and for Iraq an SU-20 and MiG-23 arrive.

The F-5s turn towards the Iraqi aircraft gaining radar locks as they dive down.

TURN 2

Two Cobra gunships pop up as a pair of Phantoms come speeding in low.

A formation of Iraqi MiG-21s arrive led by a Mirage.

Each Phantom drops 2 bombs, the first set miss the Iraqi infantry, while the second set take out a Type 69 tank, the Cobras also open fire. A Maverick missile claiming a BMP while another Type 69 tank explodes under a TOW impact.

The F-5s slow but maintain their heading as the MiG-23 speeds by and releases a couple of bombs, blasting a ZSU-57-2 apart.

The SU-20 dives down to the deck, and the Mirage led group hit the air brakes.

The MiG-23 comes under a torrent of AA fire but none hit, the SA-9 let's a missile off the rack towards one of the Cobras.

TURN 3

Two Iraqi Hinds make their presence known as an Iranian Tomcat descends into the area.

The SA-9 SAM hits the Cobra Gunship, it remains aloft but trailing Smoke.

The MiG-23 drops two more bombs that miss any Iranian ground forces, the Hinds let RIP with a rocket salvo blowing a ZSU-57-2 to scrap.

The SU-20 fires a Kh-28 which destroys the Shilka.

The Tomcat locks onto both the MiG-21s and ripple fires a pair of sidewinders, one MiG disappears in a ball of fire, the other avoids most of the damage but the pilot is wounded.

Both F-5s perform a Split-S which puts them in position to go after the Sukhoi.

The MiG-21 dives while the mirage also makes a Split-S manouver.

The Sukhoi weathers a torrent of AA fire, the Iraqi ZSU-57-2 clips an F-5 while the other F-5 is blown out of the sky by a SA-9 SAM, the pilot fails to eject.

Ground forces start to engage each other, with the Iraqis coming off better in the opening salvo.

The Damaged Cobra finally pops a fuel line and starts venting fuel.

TURN 4

The Iraqi MiG-23 has to RTB, and so do the Cobras.

The Tomcat performs a Split-S, his sights set on the Mirage, the Phantoms drop the last of their bombs claiming some Iraqi infantry and a Type 69 tank.

The MiG-21, even though the pilot is wounded, performs a Split-S to try and come in behind the Tomcat.

The F-5 gains a lock on the SU-20, the side winder slams into plane wounding the pilot.

But not before the Sukhoi drops bombs blowing an M60A3 tank out of the fight, the Hinds take out another tank and a ZSU-57-2.

Again, Iraqi ground forces make gains. Another SA-9 SAM is launched, at the Tomcat.

TURN 5

The Phantoms RTB, and so do the Hinds and the Mirage.

The Tomcat goes fully evasive and dodges the SAM.

The F-5 comes in behind the Sukhoi and opens up with its cannons, the Iraqi plane is shredded and the badly wounded pilot ejects.

The MiG-21 starts coming up on the Tomcats tail...

Iranian ground forces take heavy casualties.

TURN 6

The F-5 Performs a Split-S, while the Tomcat performs an Immelmann in an attempt the loose the MiG.

The MiG-21 decides to let the Tomcat go and banks hard to come back round.

Iranian ground forces are pretty much destroyed, Iraqi forces start mopping up the stragglers.

TURN 7

F-5 and Tomcat RTB.

Iranian Ground forces totally destroyed.

Search and Rescue Alouette arrives to collect downed SU-20 Pilot.

AFTERMATH

Not much say, other than "brilliant"!

COMBAT SEARCH AND RESCUE

 IRAN-IRAQ WAR

1980

CSAR is the third mission we decided to play we are playing 250pts a side.

IRAQ

--MIG-21MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

--MIG-21MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

--MIG-23MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-23T Missiles

--MIG-23MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-23T Missiles

--SU-7 (Average pilot)

-x2 R-13

-×10 bombs

--Alouette III (Competant pilot)

**Search and Rescue**

--Super Frelon (Competant pilot)

--Gazelle (Veteran pilot)

-x4 HOT Missiles

IRAN

--F14-A Tomcat (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-54A

-x2 AIM-9P

--F5-E Tiger (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P

--F4-E Phantom (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P

--F4-E Phantom (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P

--Chinook (Competant pilot)

-MIM-23 Hawk SAM

-Hawk PAR radar

IRAN-GROUND FORCES

X7 Infantry Squads

X5 ZSU-57-2 AAA

X1 ZSU-23-4 AAA

X3 M113 APCs

X2 M60A3 tanks

SET UP

The downed pilot of the Bomber that bombed the airfield has been on the run for hours across the desert, he eventually came to a small village and managed to signal for help.

Iraqi forces heard the call but so did the Iranians, who have ground forces closing in . . . .

TURN 1

An Iraqi SU-7 and Gazelle arrive to provide air support while an Iranian F-5 heads in on intercept.

The F-5 locks onto the SU-7 as the Gazelle dodges AA fire from a ZSU-57-2 and fires off a HOT missile.

TURN 2

The F-5 performs an Immelmann manouver and comes in on the tail of the SU-7.

The HAWK AA system looses off a missile at the Sukhoi.

The Gazelles first HOT missile destroys a ZSU-57-2, it looses off a second HOT missile that destroys the Shilka.

All AA gunfire proves ineffective.

TURN 3

Two Iraqi MIG-21s arrive on the tail of the F-5 but within seconds two Iranian Phantoms are spotted at the MIGs 3 O'clock.

An F-14 also arrives at high altitude.

The HAWK SAM hits and kills the SU-7 but the pilot manages to eject safely.

The Gazelle fires a third HOT missile that claims another ZSU-57-2.

The two MIGs lock onto the F-5 and each fires an R-60 missile, the F-5 goes evasive but is blown to pieces, the pilot manages to eject.

The Phantoms lock onto the MIGs and start coming in on their tails.

The F-14 locks both MIGs and launches a pair of Phoenix missiles.

Ground forces move in and pick up their F-5 pilot, and also manage to capture the SU-7 pilot.

TURN 4

The two Phoenix missiles both find their targets and both the MIGs go down with their pilots.

The Phantoms perform a split-S as the Gazelle Returns to base, the Super Frelon helicopter arrives and lowers its rescue winch to pick up the bomber pilot.

TURN 5

The Phantoms and F-14 turn towards the Super Frelon but are moving to fast to attack.

The Super Frelon returns to base.

With the mission objective complete, the game ends.

TURN 6: WHAT WOULD HAPPEN NEXT!

Turn 6 the Phantoms would have to RTB as two MIG-23s turn up to face the F-14A Tomcat.

An Iranian Chinook was also due to turn up to try and snatch the Iraqi pilot.

AFTERMATH

Mission objective complete, although another pilot did get shot down and captured, the target pilot was saved.

The SU-7 was loaded with bombs to blow some ground forces to pieces, but once again, SAMs stopped that plan.

STRIKE

 IRAN-IRAQ WAR

1980

The second game of Mission Threat, this time we are playing the Strike Mission with 200pts each.

The target of the Strike being an Airfield

IRAQ

--MIG-21MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

--MIG-21MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

--SU-20 (Average pilot)

-x2 Kh-28 Missiles

-x10 Bombs

--TU-22 (Average pilot)

-x36 Bombs

*Search and Rescue*

--Alouette III (Competant pilot)

IRAN

--F14-A Tomcat (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P

-x2 AIM-7E-4

--F14-E Tomcat (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P

-x2 AIM-7E-4

-x3 MIM-23 Hawk SAM 12pts

-x2 Hawk PAR radar 5pts

-Light AAA

-Medium AAA

-Heavy AAA

TURN 1

From the Iranian side a single Tomcat speeds on aiming at intercepting the attacking force, from the Iraqi side the SU-20 Arrives, it manages to lock a SAM guildance radar and release a Kh-28 missile towards the target.

TURN 2

The SU-20 launches its other Kh-28 at the second SAM Radar, the tomcat tries to acquire a lock on the Iraqi plane but fails.

A sam site does and luanches a missile.

TURN 3

The SAM missile slams into the SU-20 blowing the plane apart, the pilot manages to eject but in a badly wounded state.

The tomcat rolls over to come back over the airfield as a TU-22 bomber arrives escorted by 2 MIG-21's, the SAM's try to lock onto the bomber but fail to defeat its ECM.

The TU-22 releases half its bomb load (18 bombs), half the runway erupts in clouds of dirt, dust and concrete as the bombs hit home.

TURN 4

The Kh-28 Missiles strike blowing the SAM radars apart, effectively eliminating the luanch sites, the MIGs start to manouver towards the Tomcat, one MIG gets behind the Iranian plane and open up with guns wounding the pilot.

The SAR alouette arrives to pick up the SU-20 pilot.

TURN 5

The bomber starts a turn to come back around, the Tomcat has to RTB but a second arrives and quickly gets a lock on a MIG, a side winder streaks into the MIG, the planes fuel lines are hit and the the plane is forced to RTB.

TURNs 6 & 7

The TU-22 continues to circle around as the Tomcat and MIG chase each other across the sky.

TURNs 8 & 9

The Tomcat manages to get a lock on the TU-22 and takes the bomber down with a side winder before performing a split-S to go head-to-head with the MIG.

The bomber crew manage to eject safely.

The MIG and Tomcat speed past each other before having to RTB.

Aftermath

Taking out those SAM radars paid off well, those three luanchers could have destroyed my force alone, 18 bombs on the runway seems like a pretty successful mission to me.

COMBAT AIR PATROL

IRAN-IRAQ WAR

1980

 This is the first game of Missile Threat that I played with my eldest son, I was the Iraqi airforce while he took the Iranians.

We decided to play the CAP mission with 150pts each, with my Iraqi's being the attacker.

The mission target,

A Factory.

IRAQ

--MIG-21MF (Competant pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

-x2 R-3R Missiles

--MIG-21MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

--MIG-21MF (Average pilot)

-x2 R-60 Missiles

--Hunter FR.Mk10 (Average pilot)

IRAN

--F-5E Tiger (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P Missiles

-x2 AIM-7E-4 Missiles

--F-5E Tiger (Competant pilot)

-x2 AIM-9P Missiles

-x2 AIM-7E-4 Missiles

--AAA Radar

-Medium AAA (Olerkon GDF)

-Heavy AAA (KS-19)

--MIM-PAR Radar

-MIM-23 SAM

Iraqi planes are conducting CAP in the area, this is to both, provide ground forces with air protection and gather aerial reconnaissance.

Iranian Factory with air defences.

TURN 1

Iraqi Reconnaissance flight arrives.

On Turn 1 an Iraqi Hunter and MIG-21 (Competent pilot) arrive.

TURN 2 & 3

The first SAM is luanched

The MIM radar quickly establishes a lock on the MIG-21 and a missile is launched, the pilot attempts evasive manoeuvres but the missile scores a direct hit blowing the plane and pilot to pieces.

Two Iranian F-5 tigers arrive.

TURN 4 

More aircraft arrive.

Two more Iraqi MIG-21's arrive, all the planes racing towards the factory and gaining missile locks.

The Iraqi Hunter successfully takes its aerial photos of the factory.

TURN 5

The Hunter falls to the SAM.

The Iraqi Hunter starts to climb away from the area as a SAM streaks up from the ground, the plane is lost along with its pilot.
The two F-5's perform a split-S and come to face the two MIG-21's

TURN 6

The Tigers and MIGs shoot past each other, both Tigers loop over again to re-acquire the MIGs while the MIGs attempt to break the fight up with one maintaining his course and the other loops around, which does not go well as the last SAM is launched, but the pilot safely ejects before his plane is turned into a fireball.

TURN 7

The last MIG-21 Decides to bail and opens up his after burner, the two tigers both acquires a lock and luanch a Radar guilded missile.

The MIG-21 Manages to RTB before the missiles hit.

Aftermath

Well, SAMs hurt! Thinking about it now I should have taken something to bomb the SAMs guildance radar first.

But an enjoyable game otherwise.