63rd Briefing
Flight Date: 5 May 2007
Mission Name: ODH II MS04
Campaign Day/Time: Day 1, 1000
Campaign News
The first strike by F-16's of the 63rd VEFS, against Iran's key Nuclear facility at Esfahan was a resounding success, and went far
better than leadership in the CAOC had dared hope. Both mission results as far as damage inflicted and low
colateral damage, as well as executuion and the safe return of aircrew, were way beyond all expectations.
Unfortunately Iran has responded with defiance, a possibility which was expected by Allied forces and
their governments. Iranian armed forces, which were already postured
to begin combat operations against Iran's neighbors, have begun to press forward in key areas. Iranian AF
activity has rapidly been increasing in the short time since the facilities at Esfahan were hit. This includes
the scrambling of MiG-29, F-4E and F-14A aircraft within 15 mins of the strikes bombs placed on target. The
scramble was evidently an attempt to intercept the 63rd panthers on their way out of the target area and
back to friendly airspace. This attempt was thwarted by the Panthers and there were no losses to enemy
aircraft or SAMS/AAA, culminating outstanding mission results and skillful execution by the 63rd Panthers.
2nd and 3rd combat hops by the Panthers focused on
SEAD strikes against HV SAM sites surrounding Bushehr with follow on attacks against the base itself and
suppression of SAM sites not hit on the first run. Follow on strikes theater wide are now being conducted
as fragged now that initial high threat SAM networks have been degraded to acceptable levels.
Intel reports confirm that the last mission flown by the 63rd Panthers resulted in the complete shut down
of Bushehr AB as well as 17 A/G kills including the destruction of 2 Firecan radars, 2 HAWK sites, and 13
AAA/MANPAD units, and 8 confirmed A/A kills including 5 F-5E, 2 F-4E, and 1 MiG-29S aircraft. This brings
the Panthers scoreboard totals for the war so far to 35 A/G & 23 A/A kills. On our second mission alone the
Panthers scored 15 confirmed A/A kills.
Iranian air activity is high accross the theater of operations, although they have taken heavy losses
in the first few hours of the war.
Missions Overview
The mission for today is to sweep the
airspace surrounding Bushehr of enemy aircraft, securing the area for inbound B-52 strikes against remaining
SAM sites and massed infantry and armored units on the Bushehr peninsular. We will stay on station until the
BUFF flights are outbound and clear of the area. BUFF strikes TOT is 1115.
Target:
Any enemy aircraft within 40 miles of Bushehr.
We will be taking off from our home base, Al Udeid, as usual.
However we will be recovering to Ahmed Al Jaber in Kuwait. This is to facilitate our next mission taskings
which will be against targets in North Western Iran.
Tankers will be available near steerpoint 7.
Mission Details
Homeplate: Al Udeid- TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 34/16.
Kuwait Intl is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 25,08,390' E 51,34,063
Bullseye: 094/796nm
Ahmed Al Jaber- TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 34/16 L/R.
Ahmed Al Jaber is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 28,55,936' E 48,23,113
Bullseye: 074/620nm
Falcon Flight: Al Udeid AFB TACAN 106X
Mission Tasking: SWEEP
Target: Initial AOR will be a 15 mile North to South CAP
centered on Bushehr. In coordination with other package flights target and engage at will any bandit aircraft
presenting a threat to inbound BUFF strike flights/within 40 miles of Bushehr AB.
Gameplan/Contract:
Fury Flight: Al Udeid AFB TACAN 106X
Mission Tasking: SWEEP
Target: Initial AOR will be a 15 mile North to South CAP
North of and next to Falcon flights initial CAP. In coordination with other package flights target and engage at will any bandit aircraft
presenting a threat to inbound BUFF strike flights/within 40 miles of Bushehr AB.
Gameplan/Contract:
Lobo Flight: Al Udeid TACAN 106X
Mission Tasking: SWEEP
Target: Initial AOR will be a 15 mile North to South CAP
South of and next to Falcon flights initial CAP. In coordination with other package flights target and engage at
will any bandit aircraft presenting a threat to inbound BUFF strike flights/within 40 miles of Bushehr AB.
Gameplan/Contract:
ALL FLIGHTS:
Once in pit start FENCE & cockpit settings. Call in ready to flight lead once basic checks/settings are done.
Planned departure will be trail at 2 second intervals, rotate at 165 kts, 5 degs up at EOR then as directed by
package/flight Lead, BUSTER at 350 KCAS. Rejoin procedures
63rd standard: complete weapons checks while rejoining/as directed by lead, fingertip formation, call visual or
tied as applicable till rejoin complete & call in position.
Initial climb out will be to angels 28. Call in FENCE & weapons checks good when complete.
It's important to keep your head on a swivel and stay heads up to the situation at all times as the mission progresses.
Know your responsibilities for flight task sharing in relation to your position in the flight.
Good flight dicipline is critical to everyones safety and mission
accomplishment. Practice good flight dicipline at all times.
This doesn't mean you can't do anything without permission. What it does mean is that you should follow directions
to the best of your ability and be a good wing man. If you need to do something to protect yourself, the element,
Flight or Package, and have the time to inform somebody, then do so.
If you need to act immediately due to the
nature of the threat/situation, then just do what needs to be done and fill in your Lead later. There's a fine
balance between being a loose cannon, being diciplined and being frozen into inaction. Use common sense while
focusing on teamwork and understanding your position and responsibilities in the Flight, and everything will flow
smoothly.
During the mission keep Leads and wingmen informed of any problems
that will affect the flight.
Take the time to look at our weapons loadout and planned delivery/execution
tactics. If there are weapons you need re-familiarization on, go hit the books and get smart on whatever it is
that you need to. The same go's for any employment/delivery techniques or tactics. We want to identify any
problem areas that any of us are having before we get up in the air for a combat mission. Better to
get it fixed before show time, rather than over hostile territory. Go to your SQ leadership/flight leads or
other Panthers for anything you need help with. And do so well before Mission day. Don't be shy! Speak up about
any issues you have or help you may need. There are no stupid questions. We've all been rookies about various
things to do with the Viper and flight ops before, and we all will be again. Don't let the Panthers down by not
letting someone know you need some help. I'd much rather take the time here than find out I have a less than
capable wingman over enemy territory.
Tanker support available on Package/Flight lead request. General
tanker support is available at various locations in the AOR. Remember to use established protocol for aerial
refueling to avoid any hic-ups.
Package and flight Leads will organize which flights tank off of who, and in what order, if re-fueling is needed.
1) Package Lead calls vectors for tanker and directs flight flight re-fuel order
NOTE: All pilots keep IFR door CLOSED until it's time for you to refuel and any previous aircraft have
finished refueling.
2) When within 20 NM Designated 1st refuel Flight Lead calls for gas from tanker
3) When within 10 NM Flight Lead opens IFR door and calls tanker "ready to refuel".
4) After refueling
5) Next pilot in flight order should hear the tanker clearing them to contact position. After previous pilot has
cleared you in:
6) Each pilot follows the previous refueling and after refueling steps, until the entire flight is
done.
7) Flight lead clears next flight in and the process begins from the top.
All flights start in a holding pattern to the aft/right side of the tanker, and take up position on the left
after you get done wheezing the juice.
Falcon Flight Lineup Card
Fury Flight Lineup Card
Lobo Flight Lineup Card
Non Filled Out Flight Lineup Card
Mission .ini File
Lets have a good mission and get everyone home safe.
We will be recovering to and operating out of Ahmed Al Jaber for the next few missions. Runway info:
Take Off: 1015:00 TOT: 1050:00
- Flight will not get further than 20 miles
from initial CAP area unless actively engaging bandit aircraft. In this case flight leads must remain cognizant
of their position from the SWEEP area. Coordination between flight/element leads is a must in situations where
it is determined that an engagement at extended distances from the initial SWEEP AOR is required.
- Wingmen stay with element lead and provide mutual support unless directed otherwise or the tactical situation or
survival dictates Split procedures. If this becomes the case let your Flight/Element lead know with the proper
comms.
- Lost Wingman: If you lose track/sight of your lead call out Lost Wingman and maintain hdg, altitude and
airspeed. Flight/Element lead will call out bullseye, altitude, bearing and distance from steerpoint info, and
use HSD/Visual to get you SA/Visual for rejoin. Use your HSD as well to start getting SA on the flight. DO NOT
re-join to flight position until visual and cleared to do so by your flight/element lead. Be aware of the fact
that Visual in regards to flight position keeping does not always imply actually having eyeballs on. If you have
SA through radar lock & HSD/IDM info on your position relative to the flight that enables you to know for sure where both you
and other flight members are then in many circumstances you can be considered visual. If you are not proficient
in radar "tied" and HSD/IDM use then fall back on actual "eyeballs on" visual for Lost wingman determination.
- Flight members will abide by 63rd Panthers flight task sharing responsibilities contracts IAW 63rd SOP
and as listed in the "All Flights" section following.
- Targeting/Shot ROE:
BVR - AWACS bandit/hostile declaration. If Package members are forward of your position, AWACS & Raygun Call with no
or negative reply. If no reply second call before taking shot. If package members are furball with bandits, or any
other circumstance leads to uncertainty in targeting, go VID ID rules. if possible contact engaged friendlies and request
that they extend away from the fight before going all the way in VID. Any flight member can call VID rules.
Flight lead is the only flight member that can overide/revoke VID ID rules. Exception: If elements have
separated and element is operating independently, then element leads can overide/revoke VID ID rules.
WVR - Non VID targets AWACS bandit/hostile declaration. If Package members are forward of your position, AWACS & Raygun Call with no
or negative reply. If no reply second call before taking shot. If package members are furball with bandits, or any
other circumstance leads to uncertainty in targeting, go VID ID rules. Any flight member can call VID rules. Flight lead is the only
flight member that can overide/revoke VID ID rules. Exception: If elements have separated and element is operating
independently, then element leads can overide/revoke VID ID rules. VID targets no declare. However ensure
deconfliction of ordenance flight path. In other words make sure no friendlies are in the way of your shot.
For both BVR and WVR situations, VID or Non-VID, make sure to cross check HSD/IDM displays to to gain
SA on possible frienly targeting as well as aiding in sorting valid bandit/hostile targets.
I'll brief additional flight contract BVR/WVR info to the members of my flight at gameday mission brief.
Take Off: 1017:00 TOT: 1050:00
- Flight will not get further than 20 miles
from initial CAP area unless actively engaging bandit aircraft. In this case flight leads must remain cognizant
of their position from the SWEEP area. Coordination between flight/element leads is a must in situations where
it is determined that an engagement at extended distances from the initial SWEEP AOR is required.
- Wingmen stay with element lead and provide mutual support unless directed otherwise or the tactical situation or
survival dictates Split procedures. If this becomes the case let your Flight/Element lead know with the proper
comms.
- Lost Wingman: If you lose track/sight of your lead call out Lost Wingman and maintain hdg, altitude and
airspeed. Flight/Element lead will call out bullseye, altitude, bearing and distance from steerpoint info, and
use HSD/Visual to get you SA/Visual for rejoin. Use your HSD as well to start getting SA on the flight. DO NOT
re-join to flight position until visual and cleared to do so by your flight/element lead. Be aware of the fact
that Visual in regards to flight position keeping does not always imply actually having eyeballs on. If you have
SA through radar lock & HSD/IDM info on your position relative to the flight that enables you to know for sure where both you
and other flight members are then in many circumstances you can be considered visual. If you are not proficient
in radar "tied" and HSD/IDM use then fall back on actual "eyeballs on" visual for Lost wingman determination.
- Flight members will abide by 63rd Panthers flight task sharing responsibilities contracts IAW 63rd SOP
and as listed in the "All Flights" section following.
- Targeting/Shot ROE:
BVR - AWACS bandit/hostile declaration. If Package members are forward of your position, AWACS & Raygun Call with no
or negative reply. If no reply second call before taking shot. If package members are furball with bandits, or any
other circumstance leads to uncertainty in targeting, go VID ID rules. if possible contact engaged friendlies and request
that they extend away from the fight before going all the way in VID. Any flight member can call VID rules.
Flight lead is the only flight member that can overide/revoke VID ID rules. Exception: If elements have
separated and element is operating independently, then element leads can overide/revoke VID ID rules.
WVR - Non VID targets AWACS bandit/hostile declaration. If Package members are forward of your position, AWACS & Raygun Call with no
or negative reply. If no reply second call before taking shot. If package members are furball with bandits, or any
other circumstance leads to uncertainty in targeting, go VID ID rules. Any flight member can call VID rules. Flight lead is the only
flight member that can overide/revoke VID ID rules. Exception: If elements have separated and element is operating
independently, then element leads can overide/revoke VID ID rules. VID targets no declare. However ensure
deconfliction of ordenance flight path. In other words make sure no friendlies are in the way of your shot.
For both BVR and WVR situations, VID or Non-VID, make sure to cross check HSD/IDM displays to to gain
SA on possible frienly targeting as well as aiding in sorting valid bandit/hostile targets.
Flight Lead will brief additional flight contract info at gameday mission brief.
Take Off: 1019:00 TOT: 1050:00
- Flight will not get further than 20 miles
from initial CAP area unless actively engaging bandit aircraft. In this case flight leads must remain cognizant
of their position from the SWEEP area. Coordination between flight/element leads is a must in situations where
it is determined that an engagement at extended distances from the initial SWEEP AOR is required.
- Wingmen stay with element lead and provide mutual support unless directed otherwise or the tactical situation or
survival dictates Split procedures. If this becomes the case let your Flight/Element lead know with the proper
comms.
- Lost Wingman: If you lose track/sight of your lead call out Lost Wingman and maintain hdg, altitude and
airspeed. Flight/Element lead will call out bullseye, altitude, bearing and distance from steerpoint info, and
use HSD/Visual to get you SA/Visual for rejoin. Use your HSD as well to start getting SA on the flight. DO NOT
re-join to flight position until visual and cleared to do so by your flight/element lead. Be aware of the fact
that Visual in regards to flight position keeping does not always imply actually having eyeballs on. If you have
SA through radar lock & HSD/IDM info on your position relative to the flight that enables you to know for sure where both you
and other flight members are then in many circumstances you can be considered visual. If you are not proficient
in radar "tied" and HSD/IDM use then fall back on actual "eyeballs on" visual for Lost wingman determination.
- Flight members will abide by 63rd Panthers flight task sharing responsibilities contracts IAW 63rd SOP
and as listed in the "All Flights" section following.
- Targeting/Shot ROE:
BVR - AWACS bandit/hostile declaration. If Package members are forward of your position, AWACS & Raygun Call with no
or negative reply. If no reply second call before taking shot. If package members are furball with bandits, or any
other circumstance leads to uncertainty in targeting, go VID ID rules. if possible contact engaged friendlies and request
that they extend away from the fight before going all the way in VID. Any flight member can call VID rules.
Flight lead is the only flight member that can overide/revoke VID ID rules. Exception: If elements have
separated and element is operating independently, then element leads can overide/revoke VID ID rules.
WVR - Non VID targets AWACS bandit/hostile declaration. If Package members are forward of your position, AWACS & Raygun Call with no
or negative reply. If no reply second call before taking shot. If package members are furball with bandits, or any
other circumstance leads to uncertainty in targeting, go VID ID rules. Any flight member can call VID rules. Flight lead is the only
flight member that can overide/revoke VID ID rules. Exception: If elements have separated and element is operating
independently, then element leads can overide/revoke VID ID rules. VID targets no declare. However ensure
deconfliction of ordenance flight path. In other words make sure no friendlies are in the way of your shot.
For both BVR and WVR situations, VID or Non-VID, make sure to cross check HSD/IDM displays to to gain
SA on possible frienly targeting as well as aiding in sorting valid bandit/hostile targets.
Flight Lead will brief additional flight contract info at gameday mission brief.
a) close IFR door
b) Call done refueling to tanker twice
c) Clear next pilot in flight order in to refuel
d) Move to the left side of tanker
a) Open IFR door
b) Call tanker with ready to refuel
Aircraft Assignments
Falcon Flight - SWEEP
Fury Flight - SWEEP
Lobo Flight - SWEEP
Falcon 1: Thumpper
Falcon 2: Buzzbait
Falcon 3: Shuka
Falcon 4: Kento
Fury 1: TBD
Fury 2: TBD
Fury 3: TBD
Fury 4: TBD
Lobo 1: Firebird
Lobo 2: TBD
Lobo 3: TBD
Lobo 4: TBD
Weapons Loadout
Falcon 1
510 x M-61
4 x AIM-120C
2 x AIM-9X
2 x 600 Gal WT
1 x 300 Gal CL
Fury 1
510 x M-61
4 x AIM-120C
2 x AIM-9M
2 x 600 Gal WT
1 x 300 Gal CL
Lobo 1
510 x M-61
4 x AIM-120C
2 x AIM-9M
2 x 600 Gal WT
1 x 300 Gal CL
Flight Plans
Divert:Alternate runways are:
Bahrain: TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 30/12. Dhahran: TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 34/16 L/R.
Dhahran is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 26,15,898' E 50,30,056
Bullseye: 089/727nm
King Abdul Aziz: TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 34/16.
King Abdul Aziz is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 26,56,159' E 50,06,011'
Bullseye: 086/703nm
Tanajib: TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 36/18.
Tanajib is a small strip. It does not have Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 27,51,237' E 49,15,055'
Bullseye: 081/658nm
RAS Mishab: TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 34/16.
RAS Mishab is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 28,05,131' E 49,06,497'
Bullseye: 079/651nm
Kuwait Intl: TACAN - N/A, Runway Heading 34/16 L/R.
Kuwait Intl is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 29,13,179' E 48,36,172
Bullseye: 073/633nm
Weather: Wind is 253 deg @ 6 kts. Temp is 77 deg F
(25 deg C). Skies are clear with a cloud base of 35,000 MSL and Con Layer at 34,000 MSL
Weather: Wind is 180 deg @ 5 kts. Temp is 45 deg C. Skies are clear with a Con Layer of 30,000 MSL
63rd Panthers Flight Plan
Bahrain is a full fledged AB with Crash Recovery crews and arresting gear.
Tower UHF GUARD Channel Preset 14 ILS(RWY): N/A GPS: N 26,14,197' E 50,58,487'
Bullseye: 089/753nm
63rd Panthers Divert Fields
Threats
Although SAM sites have been significantly reduced over the target area, and F-16 Wild Weasel flights are going
in to suppress the area before we get on station, there is still the chance of long and medium range SAM as well as AAA and short
range IR SAM threats. This will consist of possible SA-10, SA-5, SA-2, SA-6, HAWK, SA-12, SA-7, SA-14, MANPAD,
ZSU-23-4, and various FLAK/High altitude AAA .
Known A-A threats consist of everything in the iranian arsenal.
Refer to the Panthers Deployed Sites intelligence section for detailed info.
ODH II, A/A BVR Baseline CAT I
TR: 35nm, TD: 20nm, SD: 10nm, FR: 20nm, MTR: 20nm, MAR: 10nm, DR: 15nm
Target Intel
For this mission, for detailed targeting info, see your flights "Mission Details" section in this briefing.
