Iran-Iraq War-1st Gulf War (1980-1988)
Iran-Iraq War--1st Gulf War (1980-1988) wikipedia
iran-iraq_war.zip
All scenarios in one zip file (updated 3/28/08)
1st14v2b.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. Soon after their arrival, a CAP of four F-14s and two F-4Es was established to the west of the air base. Soon Iraqi fighters were detected approaching the air base and were engaged by the CAP. Two Mig-21s were downed. Soon after, another Iraqi aircraft approached the air base at extremely high speed and was engaged by the F-14s. This aircraft turned out to be a MiG-25RB, and one F-14 launched a Phoenix missile at the target. The MiG turned and fled, nearly outrunning the missile. Nearly.....the missile exploded behind the MiG, damaging it and resulting in the MiG making an emergency landing. This was the first recorded encounter between an F-14 and a MiG-25, and it ended in a draw.
The MiG-21s in the area were mounted with French R550 Magic missiles. This is not possible in FC2, so I have substituted the AA-8 missile for the Magic. The MiG-25 is actually a MiG-25RB, which was armed with bombs. However, the MiG-25s in FC2 cannot be armed with bombs, so I have just armed the MiG-25 with a light armament of heat seeking missiles.
In this version, I have modified the scenario depicted in 1st14v25.btl to fit an additional description given in Tom Cooper's article "Early MiG-23M/MS Floggers in Action" accessed at http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_273.shtml last accessed 12/29/07
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop. mergency landing. This was the first recorded encounter between an F-14 and a MiG-25, and it ended in a draw.
The MiG-21s in the area were mounted with French R550 Magic missiles. This is not possible in FC2, so I have substituted the AA-8 missile for the Magic. The MiG-25 is actually a MiG-25RB, which was armed with bombs. However, the MiG-25s in FC2 cannot be armed with bombs, so I have just armed the MiG-25 with a light armament of heat seeking missiles.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
1st14v25.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. Soon after their arrival, a CAP of four F-14s and two F-4Es was established to the west of the air base. Soon Iraqi fighters were detected approaching the air base and were engaged by the CAP. Two Mig-21s were downed. Soon after, another Iraqi aircraft approached the air base at extremely high speed and was engaged by the F-14s. This aircraft turned out to be a MiG-25RB, and one F-14 launched a Phoenix missile at the target. The MiG turned and fled, nearly outrunning the missile. Nearly.....the missile exploded behind the MiG, damaging it and resulting in the MiG making an emergency landing. This was the first recorded encounter between an F-14 and a MiG-25, and it ended in a draw.
The MiG-21s in the area were mounted with French R550 Magic missiles. This is not possible in FC2, so I have substituted the AA-8 missile for the Magic. The MiG-25 is actually a MiG-25RB, which was armed with bombs. However, the MiG-25s in FC2 cannot be armed with bombs, so I have just armed the MiG-25 with a light armament of heat seeking missiles.
See 1st14v2b.btl for another version of this encounter.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
1vs8a.btl
On February 16, 1988, Major A Rahnavard was piloting his F-14 on a CAP about 14 miles west of Khark Island, when his RIO picked up two groups of Mirage fighters approaching his position. Rahnavard proceeded to attack one group of Mirages with an AIM-7 sparrow. Unfortunately for Rahnavard, the missile malfunctioned and he was forced to close to short range, drawing him away from the second group of Iraqi fighters. While Rahnavard was mixing it up with this first group of Mirages (and downing one with a sidewinder), the other group of Mirages pressed on to attack Kharg Island, where they did substantial damage. They then turned for home, only to encounter Rahnavard as he broke off from his furball and headed for a nearby tnaker for a refuel. Rahnavard attacked the retreating Iraqis and downed one with a sidewinder.
In this version of this battle, I have limited the forces involved to two groups of Iraqi Mirages and the single Iranian F-14 (in the actual battle, there would have been another set of Mirages coming in as the strike package). The Mirages are loaded with both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. See 1VS8B.btl for a perhaps more accurate setup for this battle.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
1vs8b.btl
On February 16, 1988, Major A Rahnavard was piloting his F-14 on a CAP about 14 miles west of Khark Island, when his RIO picked up two groups of Mirage fighters approaching his position. Rahnavard proceeded to attack one group of Mirages with an AIM-7 sparrow. Unfortunately for Rahnavard, the missile malfunctioned and he was forced to close to short range, drawing him away from the second group of Iraqi fighters. While Rahnavard was mixing it up with this first group of Mirages (and downing one with a sidewinder), the other group of Mirages pressed on to attack Kharg Island, where they did substantial damage. They then turned for home, only to encounter Rahnavard as he broke off from his furball and headed for a nearby tnaker for a refuel. Rahnavard attacked the retreating Iraqis and downed one with a sidewinder.
In this version, the Mirages are armed exclusively for air-to-air combat (as opposed to a mixed air-to-air and air-to-ground armament as in 1vs8A.btl) with mixtures of Magic 1, Magic 2, R530 and SuperR530D missiles.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
3by1.btl
On the morning of January 7, 1981, a unique event in air combat history was said to happen during the Iran-Iraq War. Two Iranian F-14 Tomcats were on CAP when they were notified by GCI of four Iraqi MiG-23BNs approaching Ahwaz on an interdiction mission. The Tomcats locked up the MiG-23s with their AWG-9 radars, and then, at a range of over 30 miles, the leader let loose a Phoenix missile. To the Iranian's satisfaction, one of the MiGs was seen to explode. Soon, however, the Iranians noticed another MiG crash, followed by a third. Apparently, three MiGs were destroyed by the same AIM-54! The MiGs were flying in close formation, and carrying heavy bombloads, which might have set off a chain reaction that lead to the three MiGs destruction. The fourth MiG was apparently damaged as well, but escaped.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
14oct86.btl
In their book "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat", Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop give a short summary of an encounter between a "large Iraqi strike force" flying towards Bushehr, Iran, and two Sparrow armed intercepting F-14s. According to Cooper and Bishop, two Iraqi aricraft were downed in this encounter, but that one of the F-14s was so badly banged up that the pilot needed to make an emergency landing in Bushehr. No other details were given.
I have conjured up what I think this encounter might have looked like. It is unclear what the target of the strike might have been. Although there is an airbase near Bushehr, I have chosen to have the Iraqis strike the nuclear power plant that was under construction here. Although incomplete and in stasis during the war, the Iraqis repeatedly struck and damaged the unfinished plant.
22sept80.btl
On September 22, 1980, near the beginning of the Iran-Iraq war, Iranian F-14s detected an Iraqi MiG-21 configured for a reconaissance mission, escorted by two MiG-23s. The F-14 lead, Capt. Azimi, fired two AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, destroying the MiG-21. The fate of the two MiG-23s is unknown. This was one of the first combat sorties by the Iranian F-14s.
The MiG-21 is armed only with a single bomb. It's target is the infantry unit at the center of the map. This will force the MiG-21 to fly a "reconnaissance overflight" of the infantry target prior to escaping off the map.
Source for this scenario: Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat"
23sept80.btl
Iran-Iraq War, 23 September, 1980
IrAF MiG-21 attacked a pair of F-5Es, claiming both shot down.
Details for this encounter are sparse, so I have made a guess what this encounter might have looked like.
Information: "Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat" by David Nicolle and Tom Cooper.
50to8.btl
On the 14th of June, just as the Iran-Iraq War was winding down, an Iraqi strike consisting of 50 aircraft was stumbled upon by 8 Iranian Phantoms. During the ensuing dogfight, Iranian Captain Salarie was downed after downing a MiG-23 himself.
Since FC2 limits planes to a side at 39, I have scaled this encounter back a bit--the Iraqis field 39 aircraft while the Iranians field 6.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Aa6kill.btl
In March, 1986, a series of air strikes were carried out by the Iraqis. These strikes were supported by Egyptian Mirage V fighters equipped with ECM pods and resulted in several air-to-air engagements. In one engagement, the Iranians claimed a Mirage V downed, and in turn lost one or two Phantoms to air-to-air missiles. In particular, distinguished Iranian pilot Major Khalatbari was downed, most likely by an AA-6 Acrid missile (carried by MiG-25s only).
From "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Afkhami.btl
In 1987, the Iraqis launched a series of attacks against airbases in Khuzestan. This resulted in several air-to-air confrontations between the Iraqi Air Force and the Iranian Air Force. On November 15, 1987, a single F-14 flown by Maj. Afkhami, intercepted a flight of MirageF1s. The end result was downed and one damaged Mirage.
From "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Albakr.btl
On October 16, 1980, two Iranians F-4Ds took off on a long range strike mission against Habbaniyah Air Base west of Baghdad. The Phantoms were to fly directly over Baghdad on their way to their target, and this is where one F-4 was destroyed (either by SAM or MiG). The other F-4 barely evaded a missile and was forced to head to it's secondary target, Al-Bakr oil refinery about 50 miles north of Baghdad. The lone F-4 successfully planted it's bombs, but then was set upon by two MiG-23s as it retreated back towards Iran. Several Atoll missiles were launched at the F-4 but successfully evaded. The F-4 dropped down to the deck to escape, but the MiGs ran out of fuel and broke off the pursuit.
This version of the scenario only represents the second half of the overall mission. See albakr2.btl for the whole mission.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Albakrb.btl
On October 16, 1980, two Iranians F-4Ds took off on a long range strike mission against Habbaniyah Air Base west of Baghdad. The Phantoms were to fly directly over Baghdad on their way to their target, and this is where one F-4 was destroyed (either by SAM or MiG). The other F-4 barely evaded a missile and was forced to head to it's secondary target, Al-Bakr oil refinery about 50 miles north of Baghdad. The lone F-4 successfully planted it's bombs, but then was set upon by two MiG-23s as it retreated back towards Iran. Several Atoll missiles were launched at the F-4 but successfully evaded. The F-4 dropped down to the deck to escape, but the MiGs ran out of fuel and broke off the pursuit.
In this version of the scenario, both F-4s start by passing through the SAM belts outside Baghdad on their way to their target (in this case Al-Bakr).
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper. Cooper.
Amir1.btl
On April 21, 1981, a single Iranian F-14, flown by Captain Amir, was on patrol near Kharg Island alone while his wingman went north to refuel. Amir's RIO detected two MiGs approaching at a range of about 20 miles. Once the RIO acheived a lock-on to the MiGs, the MiGs turned perpendicular to the approaching Tomcat, using a "beaming" maneuver to break the Tomcats lockon. The Tomcat, however, continued to close, and engaged the MiGs in a close in dogfight. One MiG was destroyed by a Sidewinder missile. The other MiG managed to launch two Atoll missiles at the F-14. Both apparently missed, although the Tomcat was damaged--whether by errant friendly AAA from Kharg or by one of the Atoll missiles. The Tomcat disengaged and landed safely back at base.
In this battle, the MiG-23s were equipped with poor quality AA-2 Atolls. In Amir2.btl, I have equipped the MiGs with AA-8 missiles (rather than the standard AA-2 Atoll), to illustrate the role the quality of the air-to-air missiles used by Iraq had in this conflict. The AA-8 gives the MiGs a much better chance of success in this encounter.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Amir2.btl
On April 21, 1981, a single Iranian F-14, flown by Captain Amir, was on patrol near Kharg Island alone while his wingman went north to refuel. Amir's RIO detected two MiGs approaching at a range of about 20 miles. Once the RIO acheived a lock-on to the MiGs, the MiGs turned perpendicular to the approaching Tomcat, using a "beaming" maneuver to break the Tomcats lockon. The Tomcat, however, continued to close, and engaged the MiGs in a close in dogfight. One MiG was destroyed by a Sidewinder missile. The other MiG managed to launch two Atoll missiles at the F-14. Both apparently missed, although the Tomcat was damaged--whether by errant friendly AAA from Kharg or by one of the Atoll missiles. The Tomcat disengaged and landed safely back at base.
In the actual battle, the MiG-23s were equipped with poor quality AA-2 Atolls. In this version of the battle, I have equipped the MiGs with AA-8 missiles (rather than the standard AA-2 Atoll), to illustrate the role the quality of the air-to-air missiles used by Iraq had in this conflict. The AA-8 gives the MiGs at least a chance of success in this encounter.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Arbil.btl
On September 30th, 1980, the Iranians launched a series of raids on targets in Iraq. One section of F-4s raided oil facilties at Arbil (or Neinava), and on their retreat were intercepted by two MiG-23s. The F-4s evaded the interceptors and their missiles, and escaped back to Iran.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper. is scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Bushehr.btl
In their book "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat", Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop give a short summary of an encounter between a "large Iraqi strike force" flying towards Bushehr, Iran, and two Sparrow armed intercepting F-14s. According to Cooper and Bishop, two Iraqi aricraft were downed in this encounter, but that one of the F-14s was so badly banged up that the pilot needed to make an emergency landing in Bushehr. No other details were given.
I have conjured up what I think this encounter might have looked like. It is unclear what the target of the strike might have been. Although there is an airbase near Bushehr, I have chosen to have the Iraqis strike the nuclear power plant that was under construction here. Although incomplete and in stasis during the war, the Iraqis repeatedly struck and damaged the unfinished plant.
Combkill.btl
On August 6, 1983, two Iraqi Mig-25s streaked into Iranian airspace from Turkey near Tabriz. They were quickly detected by a single F-14 on CAP, which patiently waited until the MiGs entered well into Phoenix range. Then a missile was launched, damaging one MiG-25. As it struggled back towards Iraq, it crossed paths with two F-5Es on a low level strike mission. The lead F-5 dropped his ordinance and took off in pursuit of the damaged MiG, finally downing it with a sidewinder missile.
Source: "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop
Damagef4.btl
On the 25th of September, 1980, a large raid was conducted by the IRIAF on the two Iraqi airbases at Tahmmouz and al-Taqqadum. The striking Phantoms attacked in two waves 10 minutes apart. As the second wave came in to al-Taqqadum, they passed an AAA damaged F-4D struggling slowly back towards Iran. The second wave of attackers finished their bombing runs and headed back to Iran, rapidly catching up with the damaged Phantom. Two of the second strike escorting Phantoms were tasked with accompanying the damaged Phantom while the rest of the srike package flew ahead. As these three Phantoms approached the Iranian border, two flights of two MiGs were detected approaching the trio. The escorting Phantoms turned into the threat but were sandwiched by the MiGs. The lead Phantom absorbed two Atoll and several 23mm cannon hits. His wingman, however, managed two destroy one of the MiGs and chased the others away. All three Phantoms managed to return to Iran.
The damaged F-4D Phantom is represented by an unarmed F-4C with very low fuel. If played two-player, this Phantom should not be allowed to exceed 300 knots air speed.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Defectn.btl
On December 2, 1982, four Iraqi MiG-23s were flying a strike against Iranian positions south of Vahdati airbase. The Iranians scrambled a combination of F-4s and F-5s to intercept the raiders. As the interceptors closed on the raiders, one of the Phantom pilots noticed one of the MiGs flying high and slow. This MiG lowered it's landing gear and turned on it's landing lights, clearly attempting to defect. The Iranians lead the defector back to Vahdati where the Iraqi successfully landed.
As there is no way to model defections in FC2, I have set this one up as a straight raid/interception setup.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Dehghan.btl
On December 2, 1980, Iranian Captain Dehghan (with his RIO) was flying CAP near Khark Island when GCI alerted of a formation of aircraft approaching his position some 20 miles out and closing fast. Once lockon was achieved, the AIM-54 was barely within minimum range for use. Dehghan fired a Phoenix missile in short-range engagement mode, downing a MiG-21. The rest of the formation fled and managed to escape.
The information used to construct this scenario was derived from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Dowran.btl
On the 21st of July, 1982, two F-4Es flew a top-secret strike mission against Baghdad's National Conference Center. These Phantoms were supported by a Boeing 707 Tanker/pathfinder and two F-14s. As the Phantoms ingressed into Iraq on their way to the target, the 707 and F-14s stayed behind just within Iran. The Phantoms, though, ran into a SAM trap as they approached the target in downtown Baghdad. The lead F-4E, piloted by Lt. Col. Dowran was hit by a Roland 2 SAM. He intentionally crashed his mortally damaged plane into the control tower at al-Mossana airport. The other plot was forced to eject his stores before striking the target and made his escape east. He was hit by AAA and damaged, and a formation of MiG-23s was vectoring in to intercept. The two F-14s, ignoring orders to the contrary, flew back into Iraq to intercept the MiG-23s. The lead MiG was destroyed. Another formation of Su-22s was also attacked with a Phoenix missile and destroyed.
Information for this scenario is from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop. aircraft. The Iranian tankers are respresented by two Tu-16 jamming aircraft.
The scenario Sultan.btl captures only the final stages of this raid, after the F-4s had completed their bombing run and one of the F-14s had withdrawn due to an electronic failure. In this version, all elements of the raid are represented, and the action takes place as the F-4s ingress towards their target.
Information for this scenario is from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop
Earlyf14.btl
On 24 September 1980, a pair of Iranian F-14s encountered a flight of MiG-21s and a flight of Su-22s, most likely returning from a strike on Iranian targets. After downing on MiG-21 with a Sparrow, the Iraqis turned to the west, heading for home. Soon after, two of the MiGs turned back towards the F-14s and engaged. However, one of the F-14s had an engine stall (a common problem with the F-14A's engines), and the F-14s needed to disengage.
This scenario is based upon the description of this fight in "Iranian F-14 Tomcats Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Exocet.btl
On the 6th of October, 1986, two Iraqi Mirage F1s attacked the Greek tanker Faroship, damaging it with an Exocet missile. The fighters were then intercepted by a single Iranian F-14, which destroyed one of the Mirages from long range with an AIM-54. As the Tomcat closed, the second Mirage pilot apparently panicked and flew into the sea.
Information for this scenario was taken from Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop's "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat".
F4mirf1.btl
On the very last day of the war (July 19, 1988), a single Iraqi Mirage F1 met a single Iranian F-4 in head to head combat. The Mirage won, downing the F-4 with a Super 530D missile.
This scenario was adapted from events described in "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
F5vm21.btl
On the 20th of November, an Iranian F-5E downed an Iraqi MiG-21 with an AIM-9 missile. While details of this encounter are sketchy, I have reconstructed this as an evenly matched head-to-head merge between flights of four aircraft.
F5vm25.btl
In July of 1986, Iraqi Mig-25 pilot and Iraqi ace-of-aces Lt.Col. Mohammad "Sky Falcon" Rayyan was flying his MiG at around Mach 1 at 29000. He was downed soon after by cannon fire from an Iranian F-5E flown by Iranian ace Major Yadollah Javadpour.
This is my best guess of how this encounter took place as there is very little information about this dogfight available. gfight available.
F14dkhar.btl
On 19 March, 1988, the Iraqis launched several major strikes on oil tankers docked at Khark Island. In this particular encounter, a wave of low flying MiG-23s and Su-17s and high flying MiG-25 and Tu-22 Blinder bombers are met by a pair of F-14s and F-4Es. Two Tu-22s and at least one MiG-25 were destroyed in air-to-air combat, and several more MiGs and Su-17s were destroyed by the solitary SAM sight. No Iranian aircraft were lost.
Since the Tu-22 Blinder bomber is not modeled in FC2, I have substituted high flying Su-17s instead.
This scenario was adapted from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
F14run.btl
On the 20th of February, 1987, the son of Iraqi Air Force Brigadier General Hekmat Abdul-Qadr, Mirage F1 pilot 1st Lieutenant Ahlan, met his end. While escorting a flight of six Su-22s on a mission to strike Iranian oil installations in the Persian Gulf, Ahlan detected an approaching F-4 and moved to intercept. He was destroyed by a Phoenix missile fired by ambushing F-14s. The leader of the Su-22s screamed "F-Arba-Ashara! Yalla! Yalla!" ("F-14! Run! Run!). The Su-17s and the surviving Mirage scattered and escaped.
From "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
F14vm23.btl
On February 26, 1984, the Iraqis launched a large strike consisting of MiG-23s towards Iran. A single F-14 lay in wait. 3 MiGs were destroyed.....one by AIM-54, and two by sidewinder. This was to become a recurring pattern in this stage of the Iran-Iraq war.....F-14s decimating large numbers of less capable Iraqi aircraft. The Iraqis soon learned that when the F-14 was around, no one else should venture nearby.
This scenario was adapted from events described in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop. raqis soon learned that when the F-14 was around, no one else should venture nearby.
This scenario was adapted from events described in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
F14vm25.btl
3 December 1983, Iran-Iraq War
Two Iraqi Foxbats crossed the Iranian border cruising at 50000 feet hunting for targets when a lone Iranian F-14 approached under ground control with it's AWG-9 radar off. When the MiGs were within 100km (62 miles or so), the F-14 crew powered up the AWG-9, locked on to one of the MiGs and launched one Phoenix missile. The targeted MiG turned away and accelerated in an attempt to outrun the missile. However, the missile caught up with an passed the MiG by, apparently failing to go off. The MiG slowed down and the F-14 again approached to within 100km and launched a second Phoenix missile. This one struck and destroyed the MiG, ending MiG-25 flyovers for 3 months.
Source: http://acig.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=377&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=75
Frelon.btl
On July 12, 1986, the Iranians made an unsuccessful commando raid on the Iraqi oil platform al-Omayeh in the Persian Gulf. As the commandos withdrew in their boats, Iranian fighters covered, protecting the boats from attacks by the Iraqi navy. The Iranians detected an Exocet armed Super Frelon helicopter landing on the al-Omayeh platform. Because the covering F-14 Tomcats were armed only for air-to-air combat, they were incapable of attacking the Super Frelon while it was parked on the platform. Consequently, the Iranians scrambled an F-4E armed with AGM-65 Maverick missiles to attack the helicopter. As the F-4E approached the target, a flight of Iraqi MiG-23s moved to intercept. The Phantom managed to launch a Maverick, destroying the Super Frelon. Meanwhile, the two covering F-14s moved to intercept the Iraqi interceptors, destroying one with an AIM-7E Sparrow.
The Super Frelon helicopter is represented by a AAA vehicle.
Information for this scenario was obtained from Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop's "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat".
H2raid.btl
From "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Iranraid.btl
On October 3, 1980, the Iranians launched 30 Phantoms on raids on eight different targets in Iraq, including airfields and oil terminals near Basrah. A pair of F-4s were intercepted by two MiG-23s during their retreat. The one F-4 was downed near the Iranian border.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper. nd Tom Cooper.
Iransov.btl
In 1985, the Soviet Union deployed a detachment of MiG-27s flown by Soviet pilots and armed with Kh-29 air-to-surface missiles. These aircraft were used against Iranian targets to great effect in support of the Iraqi counter-attacks against the Iranian Fatima Zahra Offensive. However, the Iranians soon responded by deploying F-4s and F-14s to intercept these aircraft. In one ambush, three MiG-27s were downed by AIM-54s and one by a Sidewinder fired by an F-4E. This ended induced the Soviets to withdraw this group of MiGs back to the Soviet Union.
From "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Iraqgens.btl
Operation Muharram, launched by the Iranian Army, was putting pressure on the Iraqi Army in the area around Eyne-Kosh and Musiyan, Iran. Two high-ranking Iraqi generals traveled to this area to assess the situation. On the 20th of November, 1982, these Iraqi generals boarded an Mi-8 Hip Helicopter. They were escorted by three other helicopter gunships, four MiG-23s and four MiG-21s. Not far away, two Iranian F-14s were escorting a KC-707 that was tasked with refueling F-4Es involved in supporting the Iranian Armies efforts. Capt Khosrodad, piloting one of the F-14s, detected this unusual Iraqi formation,and ordering his wingman to continue the escort duties, took off after the Iraqi aircraft. Khosrodad launched two AIM-54s and two AIM-7Es in quick succession, downing two MiG-23s and one MiG-21. The general's helicopters beat a hasty retreat deeper into Iraq and escaped.
Helicopters are not modeled in FC2, so I have used F-80s to represent the helicopters. Also, in the actual encounter, Khosrodad's F-14 was armed with both AIM-54 and AIM-7E missiles. In FC2, F-14s cannot be armed with both types of radar-homing missiles, so I have armed this F-14 with AIM-54s only.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Kharg.btl
Raid on Kharg
A quote from an anonymous pilot:
"The most memorable mission during that final period of my days as a combat pilot was the bombing of the Iranian oil refinery in Kharg. 4 Su-22s, 2 F.1s armed with Exocet missiles and 4 escort F.1s, carrying two Magic missiles and two 30 mm. cannons, flew this sortie.
We would attack at dawn, so it was still dark when we took off. The stars were shining bright against the desert night. We headed South East, the Exocet-armed F.1s leading the group. The F.1s were flying an open formation at 5,000 feet and the Su-22s were at 2,000. While the first lights of the day began to fill my cockpit I saw some flashes of explosions at the front. Soon we were overflying the Persian Gulf and we descended keeping a total radio silence and checking the sky for enemy interceptors. When we were 15 nautical miles away from the objective, the F.1s climbed to illuminate the target with their Agave radars and shoot the Exocets. Then they turned and headed home.
The Su-22s would then drop their bombs while we protected them. At that moment, I spotted a column of black smoke on the horizon, probably an oil tanker had been hit. The Su-22s were flying at top speed and the AAA woke up and opened fire. I could see the black clouds and the tracers. The Su-22 released their bombs and shortly after I could see the explosions in the refireny. The Su-22s turned to go home but then a big flash crossed the leader, it lost a wing and fell to the sea. It had been hit by a deadly Hawk SAM. I was so shocked I didn´t notice a bigger danger was looming over me, coming from the sun, almost invisible. My wingman alerted me "watch out, bandits at three !" I turned my head and saw some reflections, just right to the sun. We broke towards them to face the attack. They got bigger and bigger and soon the small figures turned into 2 F-4 Phantoms and 1 F-5 between them. The Phantom on the right shot a missile, perhaps without a good lock and just to confuse us. The ruse worked and the other two F.1 broke left, which allowed the Iranians to chase them. The F-4 that had shot the missile passed left and below me, fast as lightning. I inverted and forced a hard turn to follow it. It was now in front of me, 3000 metres away. I had lost contact with the rest of the aircraft, both friend and foe, apart from my wingman, who was 500 metres behind me. The Cyrano radar soon locked the Phantom and the Magic infrared heads beeped to tell me they got the enemy fighter. The pilot felt the danger and broke right. I pressed the trigger and after an endless instant the Magic flew away. I also shot the second Magic to make sure I got the hit. My first missile passed left to the F-4, but failed to explode. "Damn !". I thought the second one was going to miss too, but this time the proximity head did its job and went off. There was a small ball of fire under the Iranian fighter and it started falling down. I saw the two pilots jump and I had to pull up hard to avoid hitting the Phantom. My wingman told me the F-4 had crashed and there were two good chutes. As we didn´t see any other bandits around and we were low on fuel, we headed home. When we arrived, we found that everybody was safely back, except the Su-22 that had been downed. I had a kill, which meant a medal, but the worst was yet to come. Two months later, the US Navy ship Stark was attacked and the pilot was executed. I expressed my disagreement and as a result I didn´t fly any more. I knew my life was in real danger. I was lucky enough to contact certain people who helped me to escape the country. I spent some time in various Middle East countries and eventually I moved to Europe, where I now live and work as a commercial pilot."
Lonehunt.btl
On the 2nd of April, 1984, a single "lone hunter" Iraqi aircraft was detected approaching a Iranian frigate in the Persian Gulf. This aircraft ended up bypassing the frigate and continued south, apparently looking for a tanker to strike. Two Iranian F-4s were scrambled to intercept. As they fanned out to search for the interloper, the lone hunter decided to give up his quest and head back towards the west Persian Gulf coast. The Iranians locked up the Iraqi (realizing that this was a Super Etenard) and fired off two Sparrows. As the Iraqi dived to evade the missiles, the Iranians detected four new aircraft approaching from the west. These turned out to be Saudi F-15s coming to challenge the approaching Iranians. The Iranian pilots decided that their fuel was too low to mix it up with the Saudis. The Super Etenard was apparently destroyed by the Sparrows.
I have given the Super Etenard a target to shoot at. The Iraqis also get the Saudi F-15s on their side as well.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
M21int.btl
On October 20, 1980, two F-14s, flying CAP over the beseiged city of Abadan, detected the approach of Iraqi aircraft. The F-14s turned into the threat, locked radar and launched a series of Sparrow missiles at the bogies. One of the Sparrows destroyed the lead MiG-21, but several of the other Sparrows did not track properly and missed. The MiGs turned away and returned back to Iraq.
Source for this scenario: Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat"
M21vsf14.btl
A description of an air battle between a Iranian F-14 and two Iraqi MiG-21s during the Iran-Iraq war. The following text was reproduced from the IIAF website (http://www.iiaf.net/stories/warstories/s5.html):
"In the early days of December 1980 a single F-14 took off from Khatami Air Base in Esfehan. The pilot was patrolling and scanning the sky over the Persian Gulf about 60 to 70 miles west of Bushehr at an altitude of about 3 to 4 thousand ft. ,when ground radar advised the F-14 pilot of multiple boogies closing fast toward him. His aircraft was too far out to send in any back up help, so ground radar told the pilot you are on your own and good luck.
The pilot turned around towards them knowing he had a disadvantage in numbers. By now the F-14 and two boogies were head to head about 20 miles apart. The crew got a Phoenix Missile lock at about 10 miles, although it was a close range for phoenix. The pilot went ahead with fox1, he fired an AIM-54 phoenix. Following the smoke path of the phoenix he saw a ball of fire from the wing of MiG-21 that was breaking-up. Moments later a splash down from pieces of MiG-21 were visible in the ocean. In the mean while F-14 pilot observed the second MiG-21doing a hard G-turn away from the fire ball since the 2 MiGs were flying too close together. He was going back toward Iraq. The F-14 in pursuit could not get any radar lock on the second MiG-21 before he went supersonic."
M23int.btl
On October 20, 1980, two F-14s, flying CAP over the beseiged city of Abadan, detected the approach of Iraqi aircraft. The F-14s turned into the threat, locked radar and launched a series of Sparrow missiles at the bogies. One of the Sparrows destroyed the lead MiG-21, but several of the other Sparrows did not track properly and missed. The MiGs turned away and returned back to Iraq.
Source for this scenario: Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat"
M25kill1.btl
On the 16 September, 1982, two Iranian F-14s were on CAP over Khark Island when they detected a high flying (70000), very fast (mach 3) contact approaching. This contact was a MiG-25RB. The F-14s locked up the contact on their AWG-9 radars, and launched an AIM-54 at a range of over 60 miles. The MiG exploded in a spectacular ball of fire. This was the first known destruction of a MiG-25 downed by a F-14.
The MiG-25RB is a reconnaissance version of the MiG-25. In this scenario, the MiG-25RB is represented by a MiG-25E, armed with both heat-seeking and radar-homing missiles.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop. rio, the MiG-25RB is represented by a MiG-25E, armed with both heat-seeking and radar-homing missiles.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
M25kill2.btl
On the 1st of December, 1982, a single Iranian F-14 was escorting merchant ships in the Persian Gulf when it was approached by a MiG-25 flying at high mach 2.3 at 70000 feet altitude. Warned by GCI, the F-14 pilot turned towards the on rushing threat while his RIO struggled to lockon to the MiG. Although the MiGs ECM briefly blocked the ability of the RIO to achieve a lockon, eventually an AIM-54 was launched. Soon after, the MiG crashed into the sea. This was the second MiG-25 claimed by Iranian F-14s.
The MiG-25 in this encounter is actually a MiG-25RB, the reconnaissance version of the MiG-25. In this scenario, the MiG-25RB is represented by a MiG-25E, armed with both heat-seeking and radar-homing missiles.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop. F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
M25kill3.btl
On the 4th of December, 1982, in an attempt to avenge the loss of a MiG-25 to an Iranian F-14 launched Phoenix missile 3 days before, two MiG-25PDs were launched in an attempt to intercept an airliner flying from Turkey into Iran. An F-14 was vectored to intercept the two interloping MiGs. As the MiGs searched for their target, the F-14 snuck up and attacked one of the MiGs with an AIM-54. The MiG avoided this missile. However, the MiG pilot apparently thought he was safe and he slowed his jet down, only to be destroyed by a secod Phoenix launched by the pursuing F-14.
The MiG-25 in this encounter is actually a MiG-25RB, the reconnaissance version of the MiG-25. In this scenario, the MiG-25RB is represented by a MiG-25E, armed with both heat-seeking and radar-homing missiles. The airliner is represented by an IL-76 AWACS aircraft low on fuel.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Mehrabad.btl
On the opening day of the Iran-Iraq War, Iraq launched a series of surprise attackes on Iranian air bases. One such attack on the base at Mehrabad, resulted in damage to a couple of Phantoms parked on the tarmac. As the attacking MiG-23s made their way back to Iraq, surviving Phantoms were scrambled from Mehrabad. The Phantoms caught up with and engaged the Iraqis. Now the Iranians claimed five MiGs destroyed after the strike.....however, this tally does not agree with the apparent fact that only three of the six MiGs sent managed to reach and bomb Mehrabad. It is more likely that the Iranians only downed one or two MiGs.
In this version, I have assumed all six managed to reach the target. The scrambled Phantoms appear from the edge of the map, simulating the delay required for the scrambing Phantoms to get airborne.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper and "Early MiG-23M/MS Floggers in Action" by Tom Cooper accessed at http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_273.shtml last accessed 12/29/07
Mehraba2.btl
On the opening day of the Iran-Iraq War, Iraq launched a series of surprise attackes on Iranian air bases. One such attack on the base at Mehrabad, resulted in damage to a couple of Phantoms parked on the tarmac. As the attacking MiG-23s made their way back to Iraq, surviving Phantoms were scrambled from Mehrabad. The Phantoms caught up with and engaged the Iraqis. Now the Iranians claimed five MiGs destroyed after the strike.....however, this tally does not agree with the apparent fact that only three of the six MiGs sent managed to reach and bomb Mehrabad. It is more likely that the Iranians only downed one or two MiGs.
In this version, I have assumed that only three of the MiGs managed to reach the target (see Mehrabad.btl for another version of this encounter). The scrambled Phantoms appear from the edge of the map, simulating the delay required for the scrambing Phantoms to get airborne.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper and "Early MiG-23M/MS Floggers in Action" by Tom Cooper accessed at http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_273.shtml last accessed 12/29/07
Mf1vf14.btl
In the last dogfight involving the Tomcat during the Iran-Iraq war, on July 19, 1988, two Iranian F-14s were attacked by 4 Iraqi Mirage F1s carrying the latest version of the Super 530 radar homing missile. This missile proved to be very deadly as both F-14s were destroyed with no losses to the Iraqis.
This version has the Tomcats armed with Phoenix missiles.
This scenario was designed using information in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Mf1vf14b.btl
In the last dogfight involving the Tomcat during the Iran-Iraq war, on July 19, 1988, two Iranian F-14s were attacked by 4 Iraqi Mirage F1s carrying the latest version of the Super 530 radar homing missile. This missile proved to be very deadly as both F-14s were destroyed with no losses to the Iraqis.
This version of the scenario has the tomcats armed with AIM-7 sparrows.
This scenario was designed using information in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Mirage5.btl
In 1986, Iranian F-14s occasionally encountered a new aircraft over Iranian air space. These aircraft turned out to be Egyptian Mirage 5s that had been deployed into Iraq for six week stints. In this particular encounter, an Iranian F-14 battled a strike package of Su-22s and MiG-23s, and then, on the return flight home, encountered and downed one of the Egyptian Mirages.
This scenario was adapted from events described in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Morvari1.btl
A description of part of Operation Morvarid, a vicious naval engagement instigated by the Iranians to deprive the Iraqis of port facilities and the use of oil platforms in the Persian Gulf in late Novemeber of 1980. The operation took place in a series of engagements, one of which is depicted here. The following text describing this engagement was reproduced from the IIAF website (http://www.iiaf.net/stories/warstories/s4.html):
"The Iraqis had positioned radar and monitoring equipment on the Al-Bakr and Al-Omayeh oil rigs in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, because a large number of Iranian air operations were routed from near these installations. As a result, a combined air/sea operation, code-named Morvarid (Pearl), was initiated by Iranian Navy Task Force 421 on November 28, 1980, to neutralize these two platforms.
An Iranian La Combatant II missile-equipped fast patrol craft, named Peykan, engaged Iraqi surface vessels and aircraft, and called for air support when the situation got out of its control. Two F-4Es, each carrying four AGM-65A Maverick missiles, were scrambled and flew at 400kts and 20-50ft (6-15m) above the sea, increasing speed and altitude to 500kts and 4,000ft (1,200m) once over the area. Seven Iraqi vessels were destroyed with Mavericks in two waves, although Peykan too was finally sunk with an Iraqi Styx missile.
Iran had purchased about 2,850 AGM-65As prior to the Islamic Revolution. As well as being used against sea targets, they were also carried to destroy bridges.
During the early phase of the war there were few IRIAF pilots, for example only two at Bushehr AB, who were trained and rated for firing Mavericks. Many pilots had to practice locking-on and firing the missiles during real combat missions."
Notes: The APCs represent Iraqi torpedoe boats, and the AAA vehicles the Iraqi fast attack craft. As the Iranian player, try to destroy as many of these vessels as possible.
Morvari2.btl
A description of part of Operation Morvarid, a vicious naval engagement instigated by the Iranians to deprive the Iraqis of port facilities and the use of oil platforms in the Persian Gulf in late November of 1980. The operation took place in a series of engagements, one of which is depicted here. The following text describing this engagement was reproduced from the IIAF website (http://www.iiaf.net/stories/warstories/s4.html):
"The Iraqis had positioned radar and monitoring equipment on the Al-Bakr and Al-Omayeh oil rigs in the northern part of the Persian Gulf, because a large number of Iranian air operations were routed from near these installations. As a result, a combined air/sea operation, code-named Morvarid (Pearl), was initiated by Iranian Navy Task Force 421 on November 28, 1980, to neutralize these two platforms."
After a nasty attack on naval facilities and vessels by the Iranians, the Iraqis launched an attack on the sole surviving and rapidly withdrawing missile boat Joshan from Naval Task Force 421.
The following description of the rest of the battle follows (from http://www.iinavy.org/morvarid.html):
"At that moment, two groups of Iraqi MiG-23MS interceptors and one of MiG-23BN fighter-bombers appeared on the scene. The following air battle over Mina al Bakr terminal was at least as lethal as the naval clash minutes before: Iranian Phantoms, free of their heavy bomb-loads, turned into MiG-23MSs and shot three of them down, loosing one of their airplanes in the process. The second Iraqi formation of four MiG-23BNs attacked Joshan, but lost two of its members to SA-7 missiles, fired by the crew of the patrol craft. The third MiG was then despatched by AIM-7F-4 Sparrows of Iranian Tomcats."
Notes: The Iranian missile boat is represented by the destroyer.
Qiyass1.btl
On February 9, 1988, 1st lieutenant Qiyassi was scrambled in his F-14 (along with his wingman) to intercept several Mirages approaching a convoy of tankers approaching Khark island. For some reason Qiyassi alone ended up attacking the Mirages. Qiyassi was vectored towards the contact, activated his AWG-9 radar, detected his quarry and attacked. In this fight, Qiyassi is said to have downed two aircraft, one by AIM-7 and the other by AIM-9.
This encounter is described in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Qiyass1a.btl
On February 9, 1988, 1st lieutenant Qiyassi was scrambled in his F-14 (along with his wingman) to intercept several Mirages approaching a convoy of tankers approaching Khark island. Historically, for some reason Qiyassi alone ended up attacking the Mirages. Qiyassi was vectored towards the contact, activated his AWG-9 radar, detected his quarry and attacked. In this fight, Qiyassi is said to have downed two aircraft, one by AIM-7 and the other by AIM-9.
In this version of the scenario, both Qiyassi and his wingman attack together.
This encounter is described in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Qiyass2.btl
After downing two Mirages on his first sortie of the day (9 February, 1988), 1st Lieutenant Qiyassi was again scrambled in his F-14 to intercept incoming Iraqi aircraft. This time, once he reached his patrol altitude of 20000 ft he detected contacts below him. Diving to attack, Qiyassi ended up destroying another Mirage F1 using a sidewinder missile.
Three Mirages in one day.....not a bad haul!
This encounter is described in "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Rf4e.btl
On the 12th of October, 1980, Iranian Major Bahram Ikani was ordered to photograph the headquarters of the Ba'th Party, the Presidential Palace , the National Parliament and several key bridges in Baghdad, Iraq. Ikani took off in his RF-4E and encountered no opposition as he approached Baghdad at very low level. However, he was forced to ascend to 1300 ft to take his photographs, at which point the Iraqis began firing at him with AAA and SAMs. Ikani managed to avoid all of this, but then detected two MiG-23s approaching from head on. He merged and blew past the MiGs at high speed. They, in turn, turned to pursue. As he was rocketing homewards, he came under further attack by SA-3 missiles, which missed. However, the MiG-23s caught up with him and peppered his aircraft with gunfire (they could not shoot missiles as Ikani was flying at nearly ground level). Jus as Ikani was giving up hope of returning back to Iran, the pursuing MiGs ran out of fuel and broke off the attack.
To accomplish this mission, I have armed an F-4C with a full load of laser guided bombs. The bombs are to be used to damage or destroy the three buildings and the bridge. These represent photography runs being made by Ikani on these buildings and bridges in Baghdad.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper. p and Tom Cooper.
Su22int.btl
On October 25, 1980, two F-14s, flying CAP over the besieged city of Abadan intercepted four approaching Su-22s. One Su-17 was destroyed by an AIM-9 and a second damaged by a Sparrow.
Source for this scenario: Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat"
Su25.btl
Towards the end of the Iran-Iraq War, new aircraft were being deployed by the Iraqis. In this case, in May, 1988, new Su-25s are sent to attack Iranian targets. They are intercepted by Phantoms. One Su-25 was possibly damaged.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-4 Phantom II Units in Combat" by Farzad Bishop and Tom Cooper.
Sultan.btl
The Iranian "Sultan" raid involved sending a formation of 6 F-4Es heavily laden with 500 lb bombs to attack Mosul in Iraq. These Phantoms were to be escorted to Iraq by F-14s, which were also given the job of escorting several tanker planes that would be on hand to refuel the Phantoms before and after they completed their strike on Mosul. The F-14s were to remain on station with the tankers while the phantoms continued on their mission. As the F-14s waited for the returning Phantoms, they picked up a flight of Iraqi aircraft moving in between the returning Phantoms and the tankers. The decision was made to send two of the F-14s into Iraq to intercept and destroy or drive off the Iraqi aircraft before they made contact with the unarmed Phantoms. One of the two F-14s was forced to withdraw as a result of equipment failure, leaving one Tomcat to face the intruding MiGs. Still, all four of the MiGs were destroyed by a combination of AIM-54s and AIM-9s.
The information used to construct this scenario was derived from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Sultan1.btl
On 29 October, 1980, a fairly complex raid on the al-Hurriyah airbase north of Mosul, Iraq, was carried out. The raiders (Sultan 1-10) approached from the north (rather than from the east, the most direct approach to the airbase from Iran), skirting several SAM sites and CAPing MiG-21s in the process. To approach from this direction, the Iranian raiders required re-fueling tankers to accompany them on the raid. Two were assigned to this raid, and were escorted by two F-14As. The raiders, consisting of six F-4Es armed only with 12 Mk-82 bombs each, were to bomb the airbase, then rendezvous with the tankers and then head back to Iran. As the raid was underway, a flight of patrolling Iraqi MiG-23s happened to be flying towards the raiders. The F-14s left the tankers and took off after the MiGs, hoping to intercept them before they encountered the F-4s. Two MiGs were destroyed by AIM-54, another downed by a Sidewinder. The fourth escaped.
The MiG-23s are actually MiG-23MF models, likely armed with AA-8 and AA-7 missiles, so I have used the MiG-23G to represent these aircraft. The Iranian tankers are respresented by two Tu-16 jamming aircraft.
The scenario Sultan.btl captures only the final stages of this raid, after the F-4s had completed their bombing run and one of the F-14s had withdrawn due to an electronic failure. In this version, all elements of the raid are represented, and the action takes place as the F-4s ingress towards their target.
Information for this scenario is from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Tomcats.btl
This scenario was adapted directly from GDW's Air Superiority module "Desert Falcons" by JD Webster.
"Revolutionary Tomcats! 24 February 1984
Background: An actual Iraqi news release: "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. At 0945 today, in a dogfight between our daring fighter aircraft and the frustrated enemy aircraft, one enemy F-14 aircraft was shot down over Kyafajiyah inside enemy territory. All our aircraft returned safely to base, praise be to God."
Though little reliable outside news exists of the Iran-Iraq war, it is known that during this war of attrition F-14 aircraft have seen some action, scored kills on enemy aircraft, and suffered losses. Iraqi pilots claim that F-14s are used in conjunction with F-4s. The Tomcats apparently provide radar vectors and guidance to the Phantoms, which do most of the actual fighting. Iraqi MiGs and Mirage F-1Es have occassionally reported downing Tomcats, though it is possible that any Iranian shot down exultantly becomes a Tomcat upon the victorious Iraqi pilot's debriefing!"
Modifications: The Su-17s (which represent Su-22s) are fully laden fighter-bombers on a strike mission. The Iraqi player may not maneuver these aircraft at all unless they are damaged. They must continue straight and level for the duration of the scenario.
Tomcats2.btl
This scenario was adapted directly from GDW's Air Superiority module "Desert Falcons" by JD Webster.
"Revolutionary Tomcats! 24 February 1984
Background: An actual Iraqi news release: "In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. At 0945 today, in a dogfight between our daring fighter aircraft and the frustrated enemy aircraft, one enemy F-14 aircraft was shot down over Kyafajiyah inside enemy territory. All our aircraft returned safely to base, praise be to God."
Though little reliable outside news exists of the Iran-Iraq war, it is known that during this war of attrition F-14 aircraft have seen some action, scored kills on enemy aircraft, and suffered losses. Iraqi pilots claim that F-14s are used in conjunction with F-4s. The Tomcats apparently provide radar vectors and guidance to the Phantoms, which do most of the actual fighting. Iraqi MiGs and Mirage F-1Es have occassionally reported downing Tomcats, though it is possible that any Iranian shot down exultantly becomes a Tomcat upon the victorious Iraqi pilot's debriefing!"
Modifications: The Su-17s (which represent Su-22s) are fully laden fighter-bombers on a strike mission. In this version, they are attempting to bomb the buildings and bunker located in Iranian territory
Vahdati.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. Soon after their arrival, a CAP of four F-14s and two F-4Es was established to the west of the air base. Soon Iraqi fighters were detected approaching the air base and were engaged by the CAP. Two Mig-21s were downed. Soon after, another Iraqi aircraft approached the air base at extremely high speed and was engaged by the F-14s. This aircraft turned out to be a MiG-25RB, and one F-14 launched a Phoenix missile at the target. The MiG turned and fled, nearly outrunning the missile. Nearly.....the missile exploded behind the MiG, damaging it and resulting in the MiG making an emergency landing. This was the first recorded encounter between an F-14 and a MiG-25, and it ended in a draw.
The MiG-21s in the area were mounted with French R550 Magic missiles. This is not possible in FC2, so I have substituted the AA-8 missile for the Magic. The MiG-25 is actually a MiG-25RB, which was armed with bombs. However, the MiG-25s in FC2 cannot be armed with bombs, so I have just armed the MiG-25 with a light armament of heat seeking missiles.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati2.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. In this scenario, Iraqi MiG-23s take on Iranian F-4s. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical encounter, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati3.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority. At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. In this scenario, Iraqi MiG-23s take on Iranian F-5Es. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical encounter, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati4.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority. At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. In this scenario, Iraqi MiG-21s take on Iranian F-5Es. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical encounter, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati5.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority. At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. In this scenario, a mixed force of Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s take on Iranian F-4s and F-5s. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical encounter, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati6.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. Later on though, the Iraqis brought in two squadrons on MiG-21MFs armed with French R550 Magic MkI heat seeking missiles. At this point, the Iranians started losing the battles over Vahdati. In this scenario, Iraqi Magic equipped MiG-21s take on Iranian F-4s. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical event, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iraqi Magic equipped MiG-21MFs are represented here by MiG-21Ns armed with AA-8 (FC2 does not allow MiG-21s to be armed with Magic missiles).
The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati7.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. Later on though, the Iraqis brought in two squadrons on MiG-21MFs armed with French R550 Magic MkI heat seeking missiles. At this point, the Iranians started losing the battles over Vahdati. In this scenario, four Iraqi Magic equipped MiG-21s take on four Iranian F-4s. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical event, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iraqi Magic equipped MiG-21MFs are represented here by MiG-21Ns armed with AA-8 (FC2 does not allow MiG-21s to be armed with Magic missiles).
The Iranian Air Force decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Vahdati8.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority (see Vahdati.btl). At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. Later on though, the Iraqis brought in two squadrons on MiG-21MFs armed with French R550 Magic MkI heat seeking missiles. At this point, the Iranians started losing the battles over Vahdati. In this scenario, Iraqi Magic equipped MiG-21s take on Iranian F-4s. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical event, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iraqi Magic equipped MiG-21MFs are represented here by MiG-21Ns armed with AA-8 (FC2 does not allow MiG-21s to be armed with Magic missiles).
The Iranian Air Force decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Vahdati9.btl
In the spring of 1981, the Iraqis were preparing an offensive towards the Iranian air base at Vahdati. The Iraqis mounted a major effort in the area, and after a series of air battles over or near the area, the Iranian air force lost air superiority. At the start of this effort by the Iraqis, the Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s suffered heavily at the hands of the Iranian F-4s and F-5s. In this scenario, a mixed force of Iraqi MiG-21s and MiG-23s take on Iranian F-4s and F-5s. While this encounter is not based on an particular historical encounter, I have guessed what such an encounter might have been like.
The Iranian airforce decided to mount a major effort to regain control of the area, bringing in an entire squadron of F-14s (the 82nd TFS) to Vahdati. This resulted in the first encounter between the F-14 and the MiG-25, depicted in 1st14v25.btl.
Info for this scenario came from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Zandi1.btl
Maj Jalil Zandi, the F-14 pilot and Iranian Air Force ace-of-aces was shot down in February 1988 when he mixed it up alone with 8 Iraqi Mirage fighters. After scoring two hits with sidewinders, his Tomcat was badly damaged by hits from several R 550 and a single super 530D missile. He managed to get his crippled fighter back to Iranian territory before ejecting. This was Zandi's last combat sortie of the war.
Since it is unclear how Zandi's Tomcat was armed, I have chosen to arm it with four Sparrow missiles and 4 sidewinders. In version 2 of this scenario, I have armed Zandi's Tomcat with 4 phoenix and 4 sidewinder missiles.
The information used to construct this scenario is from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.
Zandi2.btl
Maj Jalil Zandi, the F-14 pilot and Iranian Air Force ace-of-aces was shot down in February 1988 when he mixed it up alone with 8 Iraqi Mirage fighters. After scoring two hits with sidewinders, his Tomcat was badly damaged by hits from several R 550 and a single super 530D missile. He managed to get his crippled fighter back to Iranian territory before ejecting. This was Zandi's last combat sortie of the war.
In this alternate version of this scenario, Zandi's F-14 is armed with four AIM-54 and four AIM-9s.
The information used to construct this scenario is from "Iranian F-14 Tomcat Units in Combat" by Tom Cooper and Farzad Bishop.