Desert Storm-2nd Gulf War (1991)
Desert Storm--2nd Gulf War (1991) wikipedia
desert_storm.zip
All scenarios in one zip file (updated 3/28/08)
2kills.btl
During the early morning hours January 16, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Chuck Magill and going by the callsign Zerex, were vectored towards two bogeys in an effort to clear the way for a massive strike package heading towards Al Taqaddum airbase. All four F-15s approached the location of the MiG-29s and Magill and Captain Rhory Draeger launched Sparrow missiles, destroying both MiGs.
This version of the scenario is best played with the human player controlling the US Air Force side.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox Draeger launched Sparrow missiles, destroying both MiGs.
This version of the scenario is best played with the human player controlling the US Air Force side.
2killsa.btl
During the early morning hours January 16, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Chuck Magill and going by the callsign Zerex, were vectored towards two bogeys in an effort to clear the way for a massive strike package heading towards Al Taqaddum airbase. All four F-15s approached the location of the MiG-29s and Magill and Captain Rhory Draeger launched Sparrow missiles, destroying both MiGs.
The SAM sites present in 2Kills.btl have been removed in this version.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox s and Magill and Captain Rhory Draeger launched Sparrow missiles, destroying both MiGs.
The SAM sites present in 2Kills.btl have been removed in this version.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox ing the US Air Force side.
2killsb.btl
During the early morning hours January 16, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Chuck Magill and going by the callsign Zerex, were vectored towards two bogeys in an effort to clear the way for a massive strike package heading towards Al Taqaddum airbase. All four F-15s approached the location of the MiG-29s and Magill and Captain Rhory Draeger launched Sparrow missiles, destroying both MiGs.
The SAM sites present in 2Kills.btl have been removed in this version. US pilots were constantly concerned that the Iraqi air force would put up serious resistance to US force.....setting traps and deploying large forces to defend their assets. With this in mind, some additional forces have been added to the Iraqi side to reflect these concerns and show how the air campaign against Iraq might have been different.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
2mig29s.btl
On the 19 of January, 1991, the Persian Gulf War had been raging for two days and was moving into it's third. There were several air-to-air combats on this day. A flight of four F-15Cs had just detected and engaged a formation of MiG-25s and MiG-29s. Both MiG-25s had been destroyed, but the MiG-29s had escaped. When the four F-15s ran low on fuel and withdrew back into Saudi Arabia to refuel, the two MiG-29s followed, hoping to get in a surprise shot. However, two other F-15s (piloted by Craig Underhill and Cesar Rodriguez) had been vectored in from Saudi Arabia to cover the four ship formation, and while they were chasing two other bogeys they encountered the two MiG-29s that had been so elusive in the previous fight. Both MiGs were destroyed......one by a Sparrow missile, the other through maneuver, as the second MiG crashed into the desert floor while dogfighting the F-15s.
This version of the scenario does not include the bogeys that were being chased by Underhill and Rodriquez. See 2MIG29sb.btl for inclusion of these additonal bogeys.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox
2mig29sb.btl
On the 19 of January, 1991, the Persian Gulf War had been raging for two days and was moving into it's third. There were several air-to-air combats on this day. A flight of four F-15Cs had just detected and engaged a formation of MiG-25s and MiG-29s. Both MiG-25s had been destroyed, but the MiG-29s had escaped. When the four F-15s ran low on fuel and withdrew back into Saudi Arabia to refuel, the two MiG-29s followed, hoping to get in a surprise shot. However, two other F-15s (piloted by Craig Underhill and Cesar Rodriguez) had been vectored in from Saudi Arabia to cover the four ship formation, and while they were chasing two other bogeys they encountered the two MiG-29s that had been so elusive in the previous fight. Both MiGs were destroyed......one by a Sparrow missile, the other through maneuver, as the second MiG crashed into the desert floor while dogfighting the F-15s.
This version of the scenario includes the bogeys that were being chased by Underhill and Rodriquez. See also 2MIG29s.btl, which does not include the additional bogeys.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox
3mig1f1.btl
As air war phase of Desert Storm continued, the Iraqis realized that they had no chance against the Coalition air forces. The Iraqi air force was going to be destroyed either on the ground or in the air. This realization prompted the Iraqis to start evacuating their air force assets to their enemy to the east, Iran. Iraqi air craft began fleeing from bases and heading east towards Iran and relative safety. On January 27, a two-ship flight of F-15Cs intercepted four fleeing Iraqi aircraft (3 MiG-23s and one Mirage F1), chasing them east and then destroying them with Sparrow (presumably) missiles.
The goal for the US player is to down as many fleeing aircraft as possible. The goal for the Iraqi player is to have all Iraqi aircraft escape off the east end of the map. In this version I have given the Iraqi aircraft more fuel, so they will tend to turn and fight if controlled by the computer AI.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox
3mig1f1b.btl
As air war phase of Desert Storm continued, the Iraqis realized that they had no chance against the Coalition air forces. The Iraqi air force was going to be destroyed either on the ground or in the air. This realization prompted the Iraqis to start evacuating their air force assets to their enemy to the east, Iran. Iraqi air craft began fleeing from bases and heading east towards Iran and relative safety. On January 27, a two-ship flight of F-15Cs intercepted four fleeing Iraqi aircraft (3 MiG-23s and one Mirage F1), chasing them east and then destroying them with Sparrow (presumably) missiles.
The goal for the US player is to down as many fleeing aircraft as possible. The goal for the Iraqi player is to have all Iraqi aircraft escape off the east end of the map. In this version I have given the Iraqi aircraft more fuel, so they will tend to turn and fight if controlled by the computer AI.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox
4thkill.btl
During the early morning hours January 16, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Steve Tate, was on CAP near Al Jarrah airfield, when they received a vector for an incoming hostile aircraft. Tate locked up the bandit and shot a Sparrow, destroying what turned out to be a Mirage F1. This was the fourth kill of the Persian Gulf War.
See 4thkillb.btl for a more interesting version of this encounter.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
4thkilla.btl
During the early morning hours January 16, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Steve Tate, was on CAP near Al Jarrah airfield, when they received a vector for an incoming hostile aircraft. Tate locked up the bandit and shot a Sparrow, destroying what turned out to be a Mirage F1. This was the fourth kill of the Persian Gulf War.
As only Captain Tate (and his wingman) actually engaged the Iraqi bandit in the historical encounter, I have eliminated the second F-15 pair.
See 4thkillb.btl for a more interesting version of this encounter.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
4thkillb.btl
During the early morning hours January 16, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Steve Tate, was on CAP near Al Jarrah airfield, when they received a vector for an incoming hostile aircraft. Tate locked up the bandit and shot a Sparrow, destroying what turned out to be a Mirage F1. This was the fourth kill of the Persian Gulf War.
In the historical encounter, only one Mirage was engaged by the F-15 flight. While Tate (and his wingman) attacked the incoming Mirage, the second F-15 pair were looking for other potential bandits and did not take part in the attack. In this version, carrying out the search for additional bandits is wise.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
ea6b.btl
During the early morning hours January 17, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait launched by both Air Force and Navy assets. These forces occasionally encountered intercepting Iraqi MiGs or Mirages. In this scenario, a US Navy EA-6B on a mission north into Iraq escorted by two F-14 Tomcats. The Iraqis vectored a set of Mirage F1s to intercept. On of the F-14s turned to confront the threat while the other F-14 and the EA-6B continued on their mission. In the actual encounter, the Iraqis turned away and fled before the F-14s could engage.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
ea6ba.btl
During the early morning hours January 17, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait launched by both Air Force and Navy assets. These forces occasionally encountered intercepting Iraqi MiGs or Mirages. In this scenario, a US Navy EA-6B on a mission north into Iraq escorted by two F-14 Tomcats. The Iraqis vectored a set of Mirage F1s to intercept. On of the F-14s turned to confront the threat while the other F-14 and the EA-6B continued on their mission. In the actual encounter, the Iraqis turned away and fled before the F-14s could engage.
In this version, the Iraqis make a serious effort to down the EA-6B.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
flee.btl
As air war phase of Desert Storm continued, the Iraqis realized that they had no chance against the Coalition air forces. The Iraqi air force was going to be destroyed either on the ground or in the air. This realization prompted the Iraqis to start evacuating their air force assets to their enemy to the east, Iran. Iraqi air craft began fleeing from bases and heading east towards Iran and relative safety. On January 26, a four-ship flight of F-15Cs intercepted four fleeing Iraqi aircraft, destroying three with Sparrow missiles in a purely BVR engagement. The fourth turned back and landed at it's starting airbase.
The goal for the US player is to down as many fleeing aircraft as possible. The goal for the Iraqi player is to have all Iraqi aircraft escape off the east end of the map.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox 8 pts
F-15C= 62 pts
For the destruction of an aircraft, a player is awarded the appropriate points. For every aircraft that escapes to the east, the Iraqi player is awarded the point value for that aircraft. Whoever has the highest point total wins.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox
fleem23.btl
As air war phase of Desert Storm continued, the Iraqis realized that they had no chance against the Coalition air forces. The Iraqi air force was going to be destroyed either on the ground or in the air. This realization prompted the Iraqis to start evacuating their air force assets to their enemy to the east, Iran. Iraqi air craft began fleeing from bases and heading east towards Iran and relative safety. On January 29, a two-ship flight of F-15Cs detected a lone bogey heading east fast and low. The F-15s gave chase, but waited until they had visually identified the target before firing (a wise move, as another flight of F-15s appeared on their radars during the intercept that they had not been informed about and could easily have been targeted). After making visual contact, the MiG was destroyed by a Sparrow missile.
The goal of the US player is to down the MiG. The Iraqi player simply needs to reach the east end of the map and escape.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox ore firing (a wise move, as another flight of F-15s appeared on their radars during the intercept that they had not been informed about and could easily have been targeted). After making visual contact, the MiG was destroyed by a Sparrow missile.
The goal of the US player is to down the MiG. The Iraqi player simply needs to reach the east end of the map and escape.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K Wilcox
fleesu17.btl
On February 7, 1991, two F-15s patrolling the Iraq-Iran border were on the lookout for remnants of the Iraqi air force attempting to flee to Iran as a result of the pounding they had taken at the hands of coalition forces during Desert Storm. These two F-15s detected and gave chase to two groups of Su-17s heading east. Thirty Third Tactical Wing Commander Colonel Rick Parsons downed one Fitter with a Sparrow, while Captain Tony Murphy downed two (both with Sparrows).
The goal of the US player is to prevent the Fitters from escaping off the east side of the map. The goal of the Iraqi player is to simply survive and escape to Iran.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox.
graeter.btl
During the early morning hours January 17, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. Captain Rob Graeter headed a four ship formation of F-15Cs (callsign "Citgo") heading north towards the Iraqi air field at Mudaysis. On radar, the F-15s detected a flight of F-15E Strike Eagles egressing from their targets pursued by MiG-29s. Graeter briefly considered attacking the MiG-29s, then detected Mirage F1s rising from Mudaysis, and decided (along with his wingman Lieutenant Scott May) to attack the closer targets. The F1s seemed to be turning towards the Strike Eagles heading past Mudaysis. Graeter targeted the lead F1 with a Sparrow and shot it down. A second F1 crashed into the desert in response to his leaders destruction. Another F1 escaped after being chased by Maw. Graeter was credited with two kills (the second and third kills of the 2nd Gulf War).
Although Citgo consisted of four F-15s, only Graeter and his wingman Maw were involved in this encounter, so I have given the United States player only two F-15Cs.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
h3attacb.btl
During the 2nd Persian Gulf war, MiG-21s were used to intercept American strikes. On January 17, 1991, a complex strike package of F/A-18s and A-7s were on their way to attack airbase H-3 in Iraq, escorted by four F-14Bs. Four MiG-21s were sent to distract and draw off the escort, and a second flight of MiGs was sent to intercept the strike package. While the F-14s were off chasing the initial MiG flight, the second MiG element approached the F/A-18s as they prepared for their bomb runs. The F/A-18 pilots confronted the MiGs, switching from air-to-ground mode to air-to-air, locked up the MiGs on radar and destroyed them with a combination of Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles. The Hornet pilots then switched back to air-to-ground mode and succeeded in dropping their bombs on H-3. This is essentially the same situation as described in the original FC2 scenario Hornets.btl, but updated and with what I believe to be a more accurate disposition of forces (see F18vM21b.btl).
In this version, I've attempted to simulate the entire strike, from beginning to end, including the F-14s, the A-7s and the F/A-18s. It's up to the players to determine how these forces approach, attack and defend. I've also substituted MiG-29s for MiG-21s, as there was some concern that the intercepting aircraft during the actual raid were the more advanced MiG.
Most information used in this scenario was derived from "Wings of fury" by Robert K. Wilcox and "Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat" by David Nicolle and Tom Cooper.
h3attacc.btl
During the 2nd Persian Gulf war, MiG-21s were used to intercept American strikes. On January 17, 1991, a complex strike package of F/A-18s and A-7s were on their way to attack airbase H-3 in Iraq, escorted by four F-14Bs. Four MiG-21s were sent to distract and draw off the escort, and a second flight of MiGs was sent to intercept the strike package. While the F-14s were off chasing the initial MiG flight, the second MiG element approached the F/A-18s as they prepared for their bomb runs. The F/A-18 pilots confronted the MiGs, switching from air-to-ground mode to air-to-air, locked up the MiGs on radar and destroyed them with a combination of Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles. The Hornet pilots then switched back to air-to-ground mode and succeeded in dropping their bombs on H-3. This is essentially the same situation as described in the original FC2 scenario Hornets.btl, but updated and with what I believe to be a more accurate disposition of forces (see F18vM21b.btl).
In this version, the F-14 escort has been drawn off, and is not present in this fight. The A-7s have already egressed from the target area.
Most information used in this scenario was derived from "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox and "Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat" by David Nicolle and Tom Cooper.
h3attacd.btl
During the 2nd Persian Gulf war, MiG-21s were used to intercept American strikes. On January 17, 1991, a complex strike package of F/A-18s and A-7s were on their way to attack airbase H-3 in Iraq, escorted by four F-14Bs. Four MiG-21s were sent to distract and draw off the escort, and a second flight of MiGs was sent to intercept the strike package. While the F-14s were off chasing the initial MiG flight, the second MiG element approached the F/A-18s as they prepared for their bomb runs. The F/A-18 pilots confronted the MiGs, switching from air-to-ground mode to air-to-air, locked up the MiGs on radar and destroyed them with a combination of Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles. The Hornet pilots then switched back to air-to-ground mode and succeeded in dropping their bombs on H-3. This is essentially the same situation as described in the original FC2 scenario Hornets.btl, but updated and with what I believe to be a more accurate disposition of forces (see F18vM21b.btl).
In this version, the F-14 escort has been drawn off, and is not present in this fight. The A-7s have already egressed from the target area. Also, in the historical encounter, the Iraqi interceptors were MiG-21s. In this version, I have substituted the more advanced MiG-29, as there was some concern during the actual raid that MiG-29s might be involved in the intercption.
Most information used in this scenario was derived from "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox and "Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat" by David Nicolle and Tom Cooper.
h3attack.btl
During the 2nd Persian Gulf war, MiG-21s were used to intercept American strikes. On January 17, 1991, a complex strike package of F/A-18s and A-7s were on their way to attack airbase H-3 in Iraq, escorted by four F-14Bs. Four MiG-21s were sent to distract and draw off the escort, and a second flight of MiGs was sent to intercept the strike package. While the F-14s were off chasing the initial MiG flight, the second MiG element approached the F/A-18s as they prepared for their bomb runs. The F/A-18 pilots confronted the MiGs, switching from air-to-ground mode to air-to-air, locked up the MiGs on radar and destroyed them with a combination of Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles. The Hornet pilots then switched back to air-to-ground mode and succeeded in dropping their bombs on H-3. This is essentially the same situation as described in the original FC2 scenario Hornets.btl, but updated and with what I believe to be a more accurate disposition of forces (see F18vM21b.btl).
In this version, I've attempted to simulate the entire strike, from beginning to end, including the F-14s, the A-7s and the F/A-18s. It's up to the players to determine how these forces approach, attack and defend.
Most information used in this scenario was derived from "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox and "Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat" by David Nicolle and Tom Cooper. .
kelk1st.btl
During the early morning hours January 17, 1991, the United States initiated Desert Storm, the offensive aimed at ousting Saddam Hussein'f forces from Kuwait. The operation began with air strikes against various targets in Iraq and Kuwait. Several four-ship formations of F-15Cs conducted fighter sweeps as bombers moved towards their targets. One particular four-ship, headed by Captain Rick Tollini and going by the callsign Pennzoil, were approaching Baghdad when they started receiving warnings about possible bandits. Pennzoil was split into two two-ship elements; Tollini and his wingman futilely chased a set of unidentified bandits that escaped, while Captain Jon Keck and his wingman were vectored towards a bogey flying low and about 35 miles ahead. As the F-15s approached the target, it's identity as friend or foe was unclear. While the pilots of the F-15s waited for AWACs to positively identify the target as foe, one of the F-15s (piloted by Captain Jon Kelk) was locked up by the bogey. Kelk finally felt he had enough information to conclude that the bogey was clearly an enemy aircraft, so he locked up the bogey on radar and launched an AIM-7 missile, and then started to jink to avoid the possible missile Kelk thought might have been launched at him by his target. His missile hit and destroyed the target, which turned out to be a MiG-29. This was the first air-to-air kill of the Desert Storm campaign.
While Kelk was actually part of a flight of four F-15s, I've limited the scenario to two F-15s (Kelk and his wingman), as they were the only United States aircraft directly involved in this encounter.
Source: "Wings of Fury" by Robert K. Wilcox
saudf15b.btl
On January 24, 1991, the Iraqis launched a strike against US naval forces in the Persian Gulf. Three Mirage F1s carrying exocet air-to-surface missiles crossed the coast and headed toward US naval forces. Two Saudi F-15s were vectored to intercept, and Captain Ayedh downed two with sidewinder missiles, becoming the only pilot during Desert Storm to score two kills in one mission. The third Mirage fired it's exocet but it did not track and it fell harmlessly into the sea.
This is my approximation of what might of happened on that day. The Mirages need to fly to within striking range (~100 squares or around 30 miles?) before they can launch. Each Mirage carries 2 Exocets. The Saudis need to disrupt this attack. In the actual encounter, the Saudis closed to within 2 miles of the Mirages and attacked with Sidewinders. I have equipped the F-15s with only AIM-9s to simulate that fact. See version Saudif15.btl for F-15s equipped only with both Sidewinder and Sparrow missiles.
Source: "Allies Engage Iraqis in Air and on Water" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/fogofwar/archive/post012491.htm in Air and on Water" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/fogofwar/archive/post012491.htm
saudf15.btl
On January 24, 1991, the Iraqis launched a strike against US naval forces in the Persian Gulf. Three Mirage F1s carrying exocet air-to-surface missiles crossed the coast and headed toward US naval forces. Two Saudi F-15s were vectored to intercept, and Captain Ayedh downed two with sidewinder missiles, becoming the only pilot during Desert Storm to score two kills in one mission. The third Mirage fired it's exocet but it did not track and it fell harmlessly into the sea.
This is my approximation of what might of happened on that day. The Mirages need to fly to within striking range (~100 squares or around 30 miles?) before they can launch. Each Mirage carries 2 Exocets. The Saudis need to disrupt this attack before the Exocets can be launched. In the actual encounter, the Saudis closed to within 2 miles of the Mirages and attacked with Sidewinders. In this version, I have equipped the F-15s with AIM-7s for long range shots along with Sidewinders. See version Saudf15b.btl for F-15s equipped only with Sidewinders. The ROE for the Saudi Air Force may have required visual identification of the bogeys before firing.
Source: "Allies Engage Iraqis in Air and on Water" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/fogofwar/archive/post012491.htm
speicher.btl
During the opening hours of the Desert Storm Campaign on 17 January, 1991, VFA-81, flying off of the USS Saratoga in F/A-18s were conducting a wild weasel mission to suppress SAM activity in and around Baghdad, in an attempt to clear a path for aircraft striking other targets in and around Baghdad. As the Hornets approached their targets (each Hornet was tasked with destroying its own particular SAM target site), the strike force leader, Commander Mike Anderson, detected a fast moving (mach 1.4) target rising out of a nearby airfield and heading straight for the Hornets. Anderson asked AWACS for verification that the contact was a bandit, but the AWACS controller could not confirm the status of the target. Anderson asked for verification multiple times and continued to track the bogey as it approached, merged and then passed beyond the Hornet formation. Pretty sure he had contacted and then seen (easily identifiable at night by the long yellow afterburner flame) a MiG-25, Anderson never did get clearance to fire and as the bogey passed behind him he figured that it had disengaged and he continued with his mission. Soon after, as the Hornets went after their individual targets, several Hornet pilots reported a seeing the flash of an explosion, and, assuming that it was the destruction of an Iraqi MiG at the hands of sweeping F-15s, continued with their mission. Only later, when the squadron formed up to return back to the Saratoga, was it realized that Lieutenant Commander Scott Speicher was missing. The Pentagon officially claimed that Speicher was downed by a SAM, but it is likely that the MiG-25 managed to get off a shot at his Hornet and destroyed it.
If playing as the US Navy player, to reflect the fact that the AWACS controller could or would not clear a BVR shot at the bandit, the US player may not fire at the Iraqi aircraft until it has been contacted visually.
tollini.btl
On the 19 of January, 1991, the Persian Gulf War had been raging for two days and was moving into it's third. On this day, US Intelligence had information suggesting that Saddam Hussein was going to make an attempt to escape from Iraq via military transport plane. A four plane formation of F-15s was sent up to wait for Saddam to make his break. This formation was headed by Captain Rick Tollini. Although they never got their shot at Saddam, who elected to stay put in Iraq, later in the day their flight was vectored towards two sets of contacts by AWACS controllers. One was a formation of MiG-25s and the other a formation of MiG-29s. Tollini and his flight ended up tangling with and downing the MiG-25s with Sparrow missiles. The MiG-29s escaped but later turned to get in a sneak shot at Tollini's flight. However, they were intercepted by two other F-15s. In the ensuing fight, both MiGs were downed (one by Sparrow, the other through maneuver).