Vietnam War (1965-1973)

Vietnam War (1965-1973) wikipedia

Vietnam.zip

All scenarios in one zip file (updated 1/10/10)

1st_Kill.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms "The Speed of Heat!" boardgame.

"The First US Kills! 17 June 1965

Background: On April 4, 1965, NVAF MiG-17s had shot down two USAF F-105s. Two months later, Navy Phantoms would even the score by downing two MiG-17s. These were the first MiG kills of the war and occured when a flight of MiG-17s attempted to attack two F-4B Phantoms of VF-21. Warned by radar, the F-4s turned into the MiGs and locked them up with radar several miles out. As the MiGs approached head on, the Phantoms launched Sparrow missiles which destroyed two and scattered the rest ending the battle almost before it began. It need not have been so simple."

Special rules: The US player may not fire missiles until their target has been visually sighted.

1stf8enc.btl

First encounter for the crusader April 1965

Early in the Vietnam War, an attempt was made to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail by destroying the Dong Phong Thong bridge. Two flights of A-4s were sent to attack the bridge, while a flight of F-8E Crusaders armed with zuni rockets were tasked with destroying the ring of AAA protecting the bridge. After their attacks, the F-8s were attacked by MiG-17s. One Crusader was damaged and all american aircraft subsequently retreated from the fight. There were no other losses.

1stfish.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"The First Fishbed Kill! 26 April 1966

Background: In early 1966, the NVAF MiG-21 force became operational. North Vietnam received MiG-21Fs from China and MiG-21PFs from the Soviet Union. On the 26th of April, three Fishbeds attacked a pair of 555th TFS F-4Cs which were escorting an RB-66 electronic warfare get. Two MiGs came in high while another came in low from behind. The two Phantoms negated the high MiG attack by diving underneath them. The RB-66 dove to safety while the lead Phantom zoomed back up and shot one of the high MiGs down. Moments later, the unseen low MiG made a pass at the pair but was spotted and evaded in time."

Modifications: An EA-6 takes the place of the RB-66.

Victory conditions: The NVAF can win by destroying the EA-6 (ie RB-66) while losing no more than one MiG regardless of points. Ohterwise, the side with the most points wins.

3and4.btl

This scenario is adapted from the History Channel program "Dogfights: The Greatest Air Battles".

On May 10, 1972, Showtime flight, escorting a raid on Hai Duong Railyards, are about to become embroiled in one of the most intense dogfights of the war which will leave Cunningham and Driscoll, flying Showtime 100, aces. In this situation, Cunningham and Driscoll and their wingman are attacked by a pair of MiG-17s, which overshoot. Showtime 100 managed to destroy one of the MiG-17s. This is Cunningham and Driscolls 3rd kill. Showtime 100 continued on and came across a defensive wagonwheel of MiG-17s tangling with two F-4 Phantoms. Cunningham and Driscoll engaged and destroyed a MiG-17 threatening an F-4...their 4th kill. About this time a flight of MiG-21s dived into the attack, encouraging Cunningham and Driscoll to leave the fight....leading to their famous encounter with "Colonel Tomb" (see duel.btl).

104down.btl

In the only known encounter between US Air Force F-104Cs and MiGs, Major Philip E. Smith got lost while flying an escort mission over the Gulf of Tonkin on September 20, 1965. He ended up flying into Chinese airspace over Hainan Island, at which point two MiG-19s (actually indigenous J-6 copies) were scrambled to intercept. The confrontation ended with the F-104 being shot down and Major Smith as a prisoner of war in China.

Alphastr.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Al\pha-Strike on Kep! 1 May 1967

Background: When Air Wing 21 of the USS Bon Homme Richard attacked Kep airfield, it was the first of only a few occasions during the war when US pilots were allowed to attack enemy airfields and enemy aircraft on the ground. Diving through intense flak, the Air Wing's Crusaders and Skyhawks blasted Runways, hangers and several MiGs on the ground with bombs and rockets. When a flight of MiG-17s intervened, one was shot down by an F-8E of VF-211 while another was downed by a Flak-suppression A-4C Skyhawk piloted by Lcdr. Ted Swartz of VA-76. His Skyhawk was in a rocket run when the MiG cut in behind him. Executing a tight climbing barrel roll, the A-4 ended up behind the MiG and Swartz fired some air to ground rockets at it scoring what he terms; "a lucky hit".

Basco.btl

Adapted from the History Channel series "Dogfights!", episode "Hell Over Hanoi".

April 16, 1972, at the beginning of the Linebacker aerial bombing campaign, Fred Olmsted lead a flight of F-4 Phantoms (call sign "Basco") tasked with flying escort for a group of B-52s on a bombing mission in North Vietnam. Due to a foul up, the B-52s never left the ground, and Olmsted decides to take his Phantom flight out prowling for MiGs. Soon they detect on radar two MiGs heading straight for them at 20 miles and they close in to engage. In the ensuing fight, Olmsted and the leader of the other F-4 element, Dan Cherry, destroys one MiG-21 each with no loss.

Buffs.btl

This scenario is adapted directly from Clash of Arms! games "The Speed of Heat" by JD Webster.

"Linebacker-II! Enter the BUFFs! December 1972

For an intense 11 day period, American B-52 bombers were committed to attacks on Hanoi and surrounding areas. They came in at night in trains of three plane cells, supported by heavy jamming and defense suppression aircraft. Each BUFF could carry eightyfour 500 lb bombs and they literally flattened entire military complexes, airfields and storage areas. Despite shooting down 15 B-52s, the North Vietnamese were unable to stand up to the assault and by the end of the campaign, their defenses had crumbled and the US aircraft were roaming freely about the country. This cracked them and they finally sued for peace. A month later, America's involvement in Vietnam had effectively ended and President Nixon comenced the withdrawal of US troops which lasted until late 1973."

Since there is no B-52 in FC2, I've substituted the Tu-16 for the B-52. The Tu-16s do not carry bombs. They simply need to fly over the target zone and survive potential attack by the MiG-21s.

Downtown.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Going Downtown! Aug. to Dec. 1967

Background: The F-105 Thunderchief became famous for the courage its pilots displayed on their missions into the heavily defended airspace near Hanoi. Facing SAMS, MiGs and radar-guided AAA all at once greatly increased the heart rate, and greatly reduced the survival rate. In the later half of 1967, the "Thuds" would go "downtown" repeatedly to knock out and keep knocked out the extremely important Paul Doumer and Calae des Rapides railroad bridges. In these raids, the F-105s would often take heavy losses but would also tangle with and shoot down a fair number of MiGs. This scenario is typical of those raids."

Drgnjaw1.btl

This scenario is a direct adaptation from Avalon Hill's "Flight Leader" boardgame.

"The Dragon's Jaw (version 1): North Vietnam, April 4, 1965

"Anyone who is not completely terrified doesn't understand the problem."-Thud Ridge. These were the first air-to-air losses suffered by the United States in the Vietnam War. Two F-105s on their way to bomb the massive Thanh Hoa Bridge (known to the Vietnamese as "The Dragon's Jaw") were lost to no North Vietnamese losses. Although repeatedly bombed and heavily damaged by both the USAF and the USN, the "Dragon's Jaw" would not finally fall until hit by "smart bombs" on May 13, 1972."

Alternative opposing forces are provided for a "variant" version of this scenario where F-100 escorts (which were historically out of position to participate) are available.

Version 1 includes no escorts.

Drgnjaw2.btl

This scenario is a direct adaptation from Avalon Hill's "Flight Leader" boardgame.

"The Dragon's Jaw (version 1): North Vietnam, April 4, 1965

"Anyone who is not completely terrified doesn't understand the problem."-Thud Ridge. These were the first air-to-air losses suffered by the United States in the Vietnam War. Two F-105s on their way to bomb the massive Thanh Hoa Bridge (known to the Vietnamese as "The Dragon's Jaw") were lost to no North Vietnamese losses. Although repeatedly bombed and heavily damaged by both the USAF and the USN, the "Dragon's Jaw" would not finally fall until hit by "smart bombs" on May 13, 1972."

Version 2 includes F-100 escorts (which were historically out of position to participate).

In the original scenario set up from "Flight Leader", the F-100Ds are supposed to be armed with sidewinder missiles. However, F-100Ds in FC2 cannot be armed with missiles, so this escort is only cannon armed.

F4vm19.btl

This scenario is adapted from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"MiG Threat Neutralized! 2 June 1972

Background: A pair of F-4E Phantoms of the 58th TFS were egressing a target area low on fuel when they spotted two MiG-19 Farmers approaching fast from their six o'clock low position. At this point in the war, the NVAF had become quite adept at tracking US aircraft which were low on fuel or damaged and vectoring MiGs after them. In this case, the effort to gain a cheap advantage failed as the F-4Es broke back down into the MiGs initiating a dogfight in which one farmer was lacerated by gunfire and went down in flames."

F5evq5.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from SPI's "Air War '80" boardgame.

"Return of the Red, Red River Rats 7 March, 1979

General Situation: On 7 March 1979, four pilots of the People's Liberation Army air Force joined the elite fraternity of men who have been "Downtown"--penetrated the dense defenses of Route Pack Six, the Hanoi/Haiphong area. The four Chinese F-9's were intercepted by the Vietnamese F-5E's, scrambled from Hanoi's Noi Bai field. Though no losses ensued, it marked the furthest Chinese penetration of Vietnamese airspace."

F8vm17.btl

Lt. Cdr. Richard Schaffert is escorting a lone A-4 on a SAM suppresion mission in the Hanoi area. Two elements of MiG-17 attack the bomber, which Schaffert intercepts, resulting in a 10 minute dogfight. After unsuccessfully firing off all of his missiles (including at least one that did not fuse properly) and having his cannon jam, Schaffert ends up looking for a way to escape his predicament. In the end, no one is shot down, and Schaffert manages to extract himself from the fight and return home.

main source: "Dogfights! The Last Gunfighter" History Channel 2006

F8vsm21a.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms "The Speed of Heat!" boardgame.

"Crusaders against Fishbeds! 1968

Background: On every occasion in which the F-8 Crusader met the faster, more maneuverable MiG-21s, the MiGs came out losing. The reason being that the Crusader pilots were better trained and far more aggressive. During the war, F-8s would bag four MiG-21s; the first was shot down by Cdr. Dick Bellinger, a VF-162 pilot who ambushed a low flying pair from behind on 19 October 1967. Not until 1968, did Mig-21s encounter F-8s again. The three scenarios f8vsm21a, f8vsm21b and f8vsm21c illustrate the situations in which the other three MiG-21s were shot down.

Set up one: 26 June 1968 Three F-8Ds of VF-51 were vectored against two MiGs near the coast. The Migs attacked from a height advantage but overshot and the F-8s reversed the situation and Cdr. L. Myers downed one with a sidewinder." "

F8vsm21b.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms "The Speed of Heat!" boardgame.

"Crusaders against Fishbeds! 1968

Background: On every occasion in which the F-8 Crusader met the faster, more maneuverable MiG-21s, the MiGs came out losing. The reason being that the Crusader pilots were better trained and far more aggressive. During the war, F-8s would bag four MiG-21s; the first was shot down by Cdr. Dick Bellinger, a VF-162 pilot who ambushed a low flying pair from behind on 19 October 1967. Not until 1968, did Mig-21s encounter F-8s again. The three scenarios f8vsm21a, f8vsm21b and f8vsm21c illustrate the situations in which the other three MiG-21s were shot down.

Set up two: 1 August 1968. An F-8D from VF-51 and an F-8E from VF-53 on patrol together were jumped by two MiG-21s. The lead MiG fired one Atoll which missed then turned to flee. His wingman never engaged. The MiG was faster than the F-8s but not faster than the AIM-9D fired by Lt. Norman McCoy which killed it."

Modifications: The F-8D from VF-51 is represented by an F-8E instead. The MiG-21s are supposed to be MiG-21PFs, which are not cannon armed. However, Flight Commander 2 does not model any cannon-less MiGs, so MiG-21Fs have been substituted for the MiG-21PFs. This gives the MiGs a slight advantage over their historical counterparts. .

F8vsm21c.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms "The Speed of Heat!" boardgame.

"Crusaders against Fishbeds! 1968

Background: On every occasion in which the F-8 Crusader met the faster, more maneuverable MiG-21s, the MiGs came out losing. The reason being that the Crusader pilots were better trained and far more aggressive. During the war, F-8s would bag four MiG-21s; the first was shot down by Cdr. Dick Bellinger, a VF-162 pilot who ambushed a low flying pair from behind on 19 October 1967. Not until 1968, did Mig-21s encounter F-8s again. The three scenarios f8vsm21a, f8vsm21b and f8vsm21c illustrate the situations in which the other three MiG-21s were shot down.

Set up two: 19 September 1968. Two F-8Cs vectored for an intercept spotted and pursued a MiG-21 which attempted to evade by looping. One F-8C, flown by Lt. Anthony Nargi, followed and destroyed the MiG with a sidewinder while the other covered. The MiGs wingman was also spotted and attacked by both F-8s but escaped"

Modifications: The F-8Cs that actually flew in this engagement are represented by F-8Ds. The MiG-21s are supposed to be MiG-21PFs, which are not cannon armed. However, Flight Commander 2 does not model any cannon-less MiGs, so MiG-21Fs have been substituted for the MiG-21PFs. This gives the MiGs a slight advantage over their historical counterparts. Also, the

Fishkill.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms "The Speed of Heat!" boardgame.

"The First US Kills! 17 June 1965

Background: On April 4, 1965, NVAF MiG-17s had shot down two USAF F-105s. Two months later, Navy Phantoms would even the score by downing two MiG-17s. These were the first MiG kills of the war and occured when a flight of MiG-17s attempted to attack two F-4B Phantoms of VF-21. Warned by radar, the F-4s turned into the MiGs and locked them up with radar several miles out. As the MiGs approached head on, the Phantoms launched Sparrow missiles which destroyed two and scattered the rest ending the battle almost before it began. It need not have been so simple."

Special rules: The US player may not fire missiles until their target has been visually sighted.

Fresco.btl

This scenario is adapted from the Clash of Arms boardgame ....The Speed of Heat.

"Fresco Valley Dogfight! 12 June 1966

Background: The sleek looking Navy Crusader fighters were first blooded in action in the summer of 1966 when four VF-211 F-8s were attacked from astern by MiG-17s. The battle scene favored the MiGs as there was a low overcast which took away the superior vertical capability of the F-8s. However, experience was on the Navy side and they broke into the Frescos firing cannons. A scissoring fight ensued in which the Crusader jocks gained the upper hand. Forcing an overshoot on one MiG, the Crusader leader, Cmdr. Harold L. Marr, fired an AIM-9 Sidewinder which missed. The MiG broke for home and Marr fired a second missile which blew the MiG in two. He then pursued a second MiG which he damaged with cannon fire. No F-8s were hit."

Gunpod.btl

This scenario was adapted from Clash of Arms Games' air combat board game "The Speed of Heat".

"Enter the Gunpod! 14 May 1967

Background: As soon as the first MiG engagements occured, Phantom pilots began to lament the lack of cannons on their fighters. The Air Force finally rectified this in 1967 when the newly developed SUU-16 20mm gun pods reached Phantom squadrons. The 20mm pod was an instant success. On May 14 it claimed its first victims when F-4Cs of the 366th TFW, escorting F-105Ds, engaged a superior force of MiG-17s in a spectacular low altitude fight. Numerous missiles were fired to no avail but two of the Frescos were shredded by cannon fire and went down in flames."

Modifications: To represent F-4Cs with gunpods, the F-4Cs actually used in the historical battle are replaced by F-4Es.

Haiduong.btl

This scenario is adapted directly from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Strike on Hai Duong! 10 May 1972

Background: The raid that precipitated the major air battle of 10 May, in which Cunningham and Driscoll became aces, was Air Wing Nine's attack on the Hai Duong Rail yards. In a closely coordinated strike, all the nearby SAM sites were suppressed by Shrike armed Corsairs as bomb laden A-6s and A-7s rolled in to blast their targets. AAA fire was heavy but the main threat to the attack birds was several MiG-17s which broke through the escorting F-4s to pursue them. One A-7 managed to damage a MiG with gunfire forcing it off a comrade's tail, and a second MiG was scared off another A-7 by an AIM-9 shot from Lt. Matt Connelly's Phantom.. Connelly would should down two MiGs later in the same battle."

Modifications: The F-4J is represented by an F-4C. The locomotive and train cars located in the train yard are represented by a tank and APCs respectively. The railyards themselves are represented by the bridge hexes.

Hanoi67.btl

May 19, 1967

F-8s are flying escort for two A-4s making the first attack on downtown Hanoi, going after the city's power plant. As the flight approached Hanoi, an A-6 flew past on it's way back to it's carrier from a diversionary strike, with an MiG-17 hot in pursuit. Lt. Phil Wood peeled-off from his formation and went in pursuit of that MiG-17, engaging it in a dogfight that ends up going down to tree-top level. The rest of the flight continues on, striking the powerplant. On their way back, the A-4s and F-8s are attacked by a squadron of MiG-17s, resulting in a massive furball.

Source: "Dogfights!" History Channel

Ironhand.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Avalon Hill's "Flight Leader" boardgame.

"Iron Hand Over Thud Ridge: North Vietnam, December 19, 1967

Captain Drew and Major Wheeler scored the last MiG "kill" of 1967 and the last to be credited to an F-105 during this mission. The F-105s in this scenario are two-seater F-105F "Wild Weasel" conversions (officially called "Iron Hands" flights at the time).

"Wild Weasel, Wild Weasel, they call me by name.

I fly up on Thud Ridge and play the big game.

I fly o'er the valleys and hide 'hind the hills.

I dodge all the missiles, then go for the kills."

--The Wild Weasel Song

Lodge.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Death of Major Lodge! 10 May, 1972

Background: "Oyster" flight, composed of four F-4D Phantoms led by veteran MiG killer Major Bob Lodge, was the lead MiGCAP for a major strike. Cleared to fire early, Lodge and his wingman attacked four MiG-21s at long range with Sparrows, downing one apiece. A dogfight ensued with the remaining two and Capt. Stevie Richie in Phantom #3 nailed the third MiG as Major Lodge pursued the last, intent on gaining his fourth kill of the war. Suddenly, four MiG-19s surprised the F-4s. They fell in behind Major Lodge, cannons blazing and exploded his F-4; killing him instantly. The rest of Oyster flight, facing more MiGs, withdrew. Richie's kill was the first of five that would make him the Air Force's only pilot ace."

Modifications: The F-4Ds are represented in this scenario by F-4Es.

Migtrap.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from the Clash of Arms boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"MiG Trap Fails! 16 April 1972

Background: A flight of F-4Ds from the 13th TFS were on MIGCAP mission during Linebacker when they met a pair of silver MiG-21s head on. The flight was about ot engage when a third camouflaged MiG, further back and lower down was sighted. The flight split with one pair of F-$s going after the silver MiGs and the other pair taking on the "ambusher". After a short maneuvering battle, one of the silver MiGs and the camouflaged MiG were shot down; both by sparrows. The radar officer of the F-4 which downed the camouflaged MiG was Capt. Jeff Feinstein. This was the first of five MiGs he would get during his tour to become the Air force's third and final ace of the war."

op_boloa.btl

This scenario was adapted from Clash of Arms' boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Operation "Bolo"! 2 January 1967

Background: Col. Robin Olds, the legendary leader of the "Wolfpack" (8th TFW), planned an elaborate deception in which a large force of F-4C Phantoms pretended to be a vulnerable F-105 strike force. Bad weather hindered the mission, but numerous MiG-21s responded to the bait. Under GCI control, they began to pop up out of the clouds on all sides of the Phantoms. To their dismay they did not find bomb laden F-105s but MiG hungry F-4s. A large melee ensued involving 12 of the F-4s and as many MiGs. The better trained USAF pilots prevailed and seven of the MiGs were confirmed destroyed for no loss. This scenario shows the initial setup of Col. Old's flight in the action."

op_bolob.btl

This scenario was adapted from Clash of Arms' boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Operation "Bolo"! 2 January 1967

Background: Col. Robin Olds, the legendary leader of the "Wolfpack" (8th TFW), planned an elaborate deception in which a large force of F-4C Phantoms pretended to be a vulnerable F-105 strike force. Bad weather hindered the mission but numerous MiG-21s responded to the bait. Under GCI control they began to pop up out of the clouds on all sides of the Phantoms. To their dismay they did not find bomb laden F-105s but MiG-hungry F-4s. A large melee ensued involving 12 of the F-4s and as many MiGs. The better trained USAF pilots prevailed and seven of the MiGs were confirmed destroyed for no loss. This scenario shows the initial setup of Col. Olds flight in the action."

Variant: Four flights of F-104s took part in this operation but encountered no MiGs (they were meant to escort the F-4s back to base at the end of the mission). In this variant version of this scenario, F-104Gs have been used to substitute for the F-4Cs. Historically, the F-104C was the F-104 variant used in the operation. Since FC2 does not model the F-104C, F-104Gs are used instead. The F-104Gs carry AIM-9J missiles, rather than the historical AIM-9B.

Openroun.btl

This scenario is adapted from the Clash of Arms boardgame ....The Speed of Heat.

"Opening Rounds! 4 April 1965

Background: A major effort to bomb the Than-Hoa bridge was in progress but bad weather forced several divisions of attackers to enter holding patterns to await their turns to go in. Suddenly, four MiG-17s broke out of the overcast behind four F-105s of the 388th TFW which were orbiting at slow speed. Despite a desperate call to break, the MiGs closed in on the lead pair of "Thuds" and shot them both down before breaking off to face a pair of F-100 Super Sabres that intervened. The MiGs out-maneuvered the "Huns" and dove away to safety. This was the first successful MiG attack of the war."

Some modifications from the original mission: The F-100Ds are supposed to be equipped with 2 AIM-9B missiles. However, according to the FC2 Mission Builder, F-100Ds do not carry missiles, so they are solely cannon armed for this scenario.

Pauldoum.btl

This scenario is adapted directly from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"Fall of the Paul Doumer! 10 May, 1972

Background: Hanoi's main railway bridge, the mile long Paul Doumer, had been damaged and had portions of it knocked out many times during the war. Always, in the past, this had required a major effort from masses of strike aircraft and the bridge was usually repaired within a month. On the 10th of May, USAF jets attacked the bridge using new weapons, Laser Guided Bombs. The accuracy of the LGBs was such that just a few F-4s dropping them were able to demolish the bridge and render it unusable for the rest of the war."

Phanbay.btl

This scenario is adapted directly from GDW's Air Superiority module "Desert Falcons" by JD Webster.

"Phantoms at Bay! 10 October 1973

Background: During most of the Yom Kippur War, the IAF again acheived great successes in air combat; however, that was not always the rule. The skill level of Arab pilots had increased and on occasion they proved to be quite capable. In this action, five IAF Phantoms returning from a raid in northern Syria found themselves cornered by MiG-21s near the Lebanese border. The Phantoms were probably low on fuel, carried few air-to-air missiles, and had already taken losses, since there were only five instead of the customary six or eight. In the vicious fight which ensued, two more Phantoms were shot down for no loss to the Syrians. This was a bad day for the IAF."

Phnvfarm.btl

This scenario was directly adapted from Clash of Arms boardgame "the Speed of Heat".

"Phantoms and Farmers! 18 May 1972

Background: Two USS Midway F-4B Phantoms of VF-161 were on MIGCAP mission when they were vectored against two MiG-19 Farmers that had just taken off from Kep Airfield North of Hanoi. The Phantoms crossed the coast of Vietnam at about 11,000 descending and picking up speed. About five miles from the airfield they spotted two silver Mig-19s and turned to get on their tails. The MiGs saw the threat and turned into the Phantoms initiating a turning dogfight which spit the F-4s out. In the melee that ensued, one MiG lost sight of the second F-4 and got shot down by an AIM-9. The second MiG turned to flee and was shot down by the second F-4."

Ritchie1.btl

On Jul 8, 1972, Steve Ritchie and his flight were finishing their CAP when US radio operators intercepted radio communications between North Vietnamese ground control and the pilots of two MiG-21 fighters. The ground control were overheard to inform the MiGs that a flight of Phantoms were in visual range. Soon after, the MiGs informed ground contol that they were nearly within firing range, indicating that the MiGs were very close behind Ritchie's flight and almost ready to fire. At this point, Ritchie still had not visually acquired the MiGs. This is the situation you find yourself in now. The end result of this fight was the downing of two MiG-21s by Steve Ritchie, his 3rd and 4th kills. No Phantoms were lost. st.

Ritchie2.btl

On August 28, 1972, Steve Ritchie was leading an element of F-4 Phantoms on CAP. Just as they were getting low on fuel, 2 MiGs were detected via radar heading towards them head on from the Southwest. Ritchie heded his flight towards the MiGs. In the ensuing dogfight, Ritchie destroyed one Mig-21, making him the first Air Force ace of the Vietnam War.

Rrrats.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from SPI's "Air War" boardgame.

"Return of the Red River Rats, Route Pack Six, 22 December, 1972

General Situation: This strike was part of Linebacker II, the late 1972 air offensive against North Vietnam, and had the aim of supporting B-52 strikes in the Hanoi-Haiphong area while also disrupting North Vietnamese communications. To jam North Vietnamese radars, there were "Wild Weasel" aircraft from the 561st Tactical Fighter Squadron, A-7E attack bombers from the 353rd (Green Hornet) Fighter Squadron with strong MiGCAP of F-4Es from the 555th (Triple-Nickel) Tactical Fighter Squadron. This force was intercepted by a gaggle of MiG-21s who went for the A-7s. The F-4s soon ended their fun, and Ltc James E. Brunson and his back-seater Maj Ralph Pickett downed a MiG. There were no other losses, and the USAF then treated the North Vietnamese to a display of the deadly effectiveness of "smart bombs"."

Showtim3.btl

This scenario is adapted from the History Channel program "Dogfights: The Greatest Air Battles".

On May 10, 1972, Showtime flight, escorting a raid on Hai Duong Railyards, are about to become embroiled in one of the most intense dogfights of the war which will leave Cunningham and Driscoll, flying Showtime 100, aces. In this situation, Cunningham and Driscoll (F-4 #2) and their wingman are attacked by a pair of MiG-17s, which overshoot. Showtime 100 managed to destroy one of the MiG-17s. This is Cunningham and Driscoll's 3rd kill. A swirling dogfight developed, with the MiGs adopting a defensive wagonwheel as three F-4 Phantoms attempted to get in for a good shot. Cunningham and Driscoll re-engaged and destroyed a MiG-17 threatening an F-4...their 4th kill. About this time a flight of MiG-21s dived into the attack, encouraging Cunningham and Driscoll to leave the fight....leading to their famous encounter with "Colonel Tomb" (see duel.btl).

Showtim4.btl

This scenario is adapted from the History Channel program "Dogfights: The Greatest Air Battles".

On May 10, 1972, Showtime flight, escorting a raid on Hai Duong Railyards, are about to become embroiled in one of the most intense dogfights of the war which will leave Cunningham and Driscoll, flying Showtime 100, aces. In this situation, Cunningham and Driscoll (F-4 #2) and their wingman are attacked by a pair of MiG-17s, which overshoot. Showtime 100 managed to destroy one of the MiG-17s. This is Cunningham and Driscoll's 3rd kill. A swirling dogfight developed, with the MiGs adopting a defensive wagonwheel as three F-4 Phantoms attempted to get in for a good shot. Cunningham and Driscoll re-engaged and destroyed a MiG-17 threatening an F-4...their 4th kill. About this time a flight of MiG-21s dived into the attack, encouraging Cunningham and Driscoll to leave the fight....leading to their famous encounter with "Colonel Tomb" (see duel.btl).

Showtime.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms Games boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"It's Showtime! 10 May 1972

Background: During a major strike near Hanoi, seven F-4J Phantoms of VF-96 (call sign "Showtime") found themselves embroiled in the midst of almost twenty MiGs of all types. A dangerous and fast paced dogfight developed with MiGs so think they were getting in each others way. Though shot at repeatedly, three of the Phantoms accounted for six MiG-17s in the battle and all but one managed to return safely to their carrier. A SAM missile shot down Showtime 100 as they left the battle. In it were Lts Cunningham and Driscoll. They had just downed three of the MiG-17s to become the first and only Navy Aces of the war. They were rescued by helicopter after safely ejecting."

Modifications: The F-4Js are represented by F-4Cs. Cunningham and Driscoll are in Phantom #4.

Thorsne1.btl

This scenario is depicted in the History Channel series Dogfights! episode "Long Odds"

Medal of Honor Mission

From wikipedia article about the Medal of Honor mission of Leo K. Thorsness April 19, 1967--http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_K._Thorsness

"On April 19, 1967, Major Thorsness and his Electronic Warfare Officer, Capt. Harold E. Johnson, flying F-105F 63-8301, led Kingfish flight (three F-105F Weasel aircraft and an F-105D single-seater) on an "Iron Hand" SAM suppression mission.[2] The strike force target was JCS target 22.00, the Xuan Mai army training compound, near heavily defended Hanoi.[3] Thorsness directed Kingfish 03 and 04, the second element of F-105s, to troll north while he and his wingman manuevered south, forcing defending gunners to divide their attention. Thorsness located two SAM sites and fired a Shrike missile to attack one, whose radar went off the air. He destroyed the second with cluster bombs, scoring a direct hit.

Thorsne2.btl

This scenario is depicted in the History Channel series Dogfights! episode "Long Odds"

Medal of Honor Mission part 2

After F-105 pilot Leo K. Thorsness had destroyed at least one SAM site and destroyed a MiG-17 earlier in this Wild Weasel strike mission (as described in Thorsne1.btl, he escaped the area to refuel, and then returned to the location of the crew of a F-105 that had been downed earlier in the mission to assist with search and rescue efforts.

Excerpted from wikipedia article about the Medal of Honor mission of Leo K. Thorsness April 19, 1967--http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_K._Thorsness:

"The initial element of the rescue force--a pair of A-1E Sandies--arrived to locate the position of the downed crewmen before calling in the waiting HH-53 Jolly Green helicopters orbiting at a holding point over Laos. Thorsness, with only 500 rounds of ammunition left, turned back from the tanker to fly RESCAP for the Sandies and update them on the situation and terrain. As Thorsness approached the area, briefing the Sandies, he spotted MiG-17s in a wagon wheel orbit around him and attacked, probably destroying another that flew across his path.

He commented:[7]

'One of the MiGs flew right into my gunsight at about 2000 feet (range). I pulled the trigger and saw pieces start falling off the aircraft. They hadn't seen us, but they did now! Johnson shouted at me that we had four more MiGs on our tail and they were closing fast. I dropped down on the deck, sometimes as low as fifty feet, hit the burner, and twisted through the hills and valleys trying to lose them.'

Pairs of MiGs attacked each propeller-driven Sandy as it came out of its turn in search orbit, shooting down the leader (Captain John S. Hamilton) with cannon fire when he failed to heed warnings from Sandy 02 to break into the attack, and forced the wingman into a series of repeated evasive turns.[4] Sandy 02 reported the situation and Thorsness advised him to keep turning and announced his return.

Although all of his ammunition had been depleted, Thorsness reversed and flew back to the scene, hoping in some way to draw the MiGs away from the surviving A-1. However as he re-engaged, Panda flight from the 355th TFW strike force arrived back in the area.[8] It had dropped its ordnance on the target and was enroute to its post-strike aerial refueling when Kingfish 02 went down. Panda had jettisoned its wing tanks, making the rescue radar controller reluctant to use it to CAP the rescue effort, but it filled its internal tanks and returned to North Vietnam at high altitude to conserve fuel.

Panda's four F-105s burst through the defensive circle at high speed, then engaged the MiGs in a turning dogfight, permitting Kingfish 01 to depart the area after a 50-minute engagement against SAMs, antiaircraft guns, and MiGs. Panda 01 (Capt. William E. Askew) shot down a MiG, during which the surviving Sandy escaped, and he and his wingman Panda 02 (Capt. Paul A. Seymour) each damaged one of the others. Two other MiGs were shot down a third F-105 strike flight while still in the target area, Nitro 01 (Major Jack L. Hunt) and Nitro 03 (Major Theodore G. "Ted" Tolman), in another of the 17 MiG engagements on this mission."

This scenario picks up at the point hen Thorsness first realized that he had entered the center of the MiGs defensive wheel formation!

This is a cannons only fight, so be patient and maneuver carefully!

Thudvmig.btl

This scenario is adapted from the Clash of Arms boardgame ....The Speed of Heat.

"Thunder-Hog Gunfight! 29 June 1966

Background: A flight of four F-105Ds of the 388th TFW on a flak suppression mission spotted four MiG-17s attacking from the left rear. The "Thuds" jettisoned their ordnance and broke into the attack. The lead pair of MiGs overshot the rear element of F-105s but continued on to attack the lead element damaging both "Thuds" with cannon fire before overshooting them also. A free-for-all developed and one of the damaged F-105s reversed and shot down his attacker. The second element of F-105s also fired several shots before the surviving MiGs disengaged. This was the first recorded F-105 MiG kill of the war."

Tombdies.btl

This scenario was adapted directly from Clash of Arms boardgame "The Speed of Heat".

"The Death of Col. Tomb! 10 May 1972

Background: North Vietnam's mystery leading ace, Col. Tomb, supposedly had 13 air to air victories when he encountered Showtime 100, an F-4J of VF-96 during an air battle on 10 May 1972. In the F-4 were Lt. "Duke" Cunningham and LTJG "Irish" Driscoll. Showtime 100 had already scored two kills and was attempting to egress the battle area when Col. Tomb's green and brown camoflaged MiG-17 met them head on with cannon blazing. What followed was a classic one against one dogfight in which the nimble Mig consistently held the advantage until the expertly flown F-4 did the unexpected as both aircraft spiraled upward in a rolling scissors maneuver. The Phantom crew selected idle power and used speedbrakes to force the MiG out front. The trick worked, Cunningham and Driscoll became Aces and Col. Tomb became history."

Modifications: A F-4M was used to substitute for the F-4J.

Vulture1.btl

On May 6, 1972, a raid on Bai Thuong airfield was lead by Marine A-6s from the USS Coral Sea airgroup VMA-224. Four A-6s of Vulture flight, headed by CAG Roger Sheets (in A-6 #0), were first in on the target coming in at very low level and aiming to take out AAA surrounding the airfield and perhaps also taking out MiGs parked on the tarmac. Commander Sheets' A-6 was also armed with one sidewinder missile, as Sheets was hoping to be the first A-6 pilot to down a MiG in air-to-air combat. Following 30 seconds behind Vulture flight was the mainstrike force consisting of A-6s and A-7s with F-4s flying top cover. As Vulture flight completed its target run, two MiG-17s appeared and one of them attacked Vulture 3. Sheets intervened by placing himself between Vulture 3 and the MiG. The MiG took the bait, zeroing in on Sheet's A-6, while Sheets tried a series of breaks to get the MiG-17 to overshoot so that he could get a firing solution on the Vietnamese fighter. By this time, one of the escorting F-4s also attacked the same MiG, finally downing it with a Sidewinder. This was the closest Sheets was to get to an air-to-air kill in his A-6.

This scenaro was adapted from the description of this encounter in "Fast Movers" by John Darrell Sherwood.

Vulture2.btl

On May 6, 1972, a raid on Bai Thuong airfield was lead by Marine A-6s from the USS Coral Sea airgroup VMA-224. Four A-6s of Vulture flight, headed by CAG Roger Sheets (in A-6 #0), were first in on the target coming in at very low level and aiming to take out AAA surrounding the airfield and perhaps also taking out MiGs parked on the tarmac. Commander Sheets' A-6 was also armed with one sidewinder missile, as Sheets was hoping to be the first A-6 pilot to down a MiG in air-to-air combat. Following 30 seconds behind Vulture flight was the mainstrike force consisting of A-6s and A-7s with F-4s flying top cover. As Vulture flight completed its target run, two MiG-17s appeared and one of them attacked Vulture 3. Sheets intervened by placing himself between Vulture 3 and the MiG. The MiG took the bait, zeroing in on Sheet's A-6, while Sheets tried a series of breaks to get the MiG-17 to overshoot so that he could get a firing solution on the Vietnamese fighter. By this time, one of the escorting F-4s also attacked the same MiG, finally downing it with a Sidewinder. This was the closest Sheets was to get to an air-to-air kill in his A-6.

In the actual encounter, 2 MiG-21s were seen to be fleeing from the target area just before the MiGs attacked Vulture flight. In this version of this scenario, I've included the MiG-21s.

Vulture3.btl

On May 6, 1972, a raid on Bai Thuong airfield was lead by Marine A-6s from the USS Coral Sea airgroup VMA-224. Four A-6s of Vulture flight, headed by CAG Roger Sheets (in A-6 #0), were first in on the target coming in at very low level and aiming to take out AAA surrounding the airfield and perhaps also taking out MiGs parked on the tarmac. Commander Sheets' A-6 was also armed with one sidewinder missile, as Sheets was hoping to be the first A-6 pilot to down a MiG in air-to-air combat. Following 30 seconds behind Vulture flight was the mainstrike force consisting of A-6s and A-7s with F-4s flying top cover. As Vulture flight completed its target run, two MiG-17s appeared and one of them attacked Vulture 3. Sheets intervened by placing himself between Vulture 3 and the MiG. The MiG took the bait, zeroing in on Sheet's A-6, while Sheets tried a series of breaks to get the MiG-17 to overshoot so that he could get a firing solution on the Vietnamese fighter. By this time, one of the escorting F-4s also attacked the same MiG, finally downing it with a Sidewinder. This was the closest Sheets was to get to an air-to-air kill in his A-6.

In the actual encounter, 2 MiG-21s were seen to be fleeing from the target area just before the MiGs attacked Vulture flight. In this version of this scenario, I've included the MiG-21s.

The spacing of the aircraft is also adjusted slightly in this version.

4F4V4M17.BTL

After the destruction of two F-105s and the damaging of an F-8, the US Navy struck back during a duel between 4 F-4Bs and 4 MiG-17s on April 9. At a very high altitude (>40,000 feet), the F-4s fired eight AIM-7 Sparrows and two AIM-9 Sidewinders, downing one MiG with one of the Sparrows. However, one F-4 did not return, the victim of either the MiGs or possibly a friendly missile.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Michael L. Michel III.

SPRWKILL.BTL

Two early Sparrow MiG Kills--June 17, 1965

On this day, two Air Force F-4Bs engaged two MiG-17s in a head-on encounter. Both MiG-17s were downed by Sparrow missiles, in what must have been at the time a frightening demonstration of the potential power of the Sparrow missile. Unfortunately due to a variety of factors, the early potential of the Sparrow was not to be fulfilled in later encounters between Phantoms and MiGs.

I've substituted the F-4C for the F-4B. Also, it appears that in this encounter that the F-4s had free rein to fire at will without needing visual contact needing to be made. Therefore, I set up this scenario outside the normal Vietnam War parameters dictated in FC2 Mission Builder. The Phantoms should be free to fire their Sparrows without needing visual contact.

From "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III

TRAP.BTL

Early in the Rolling Thunder Campaign over Vietnam, there had been a few encounters between MiGs and United States aircraft. By late May, 1965, F-105s began flying regular strike missions into North Vietnam, and to begin with, were simply followed by North Vietnamese MiGs as they left the strike area. However, to this point the MiGs had not attacked the F-105 flights, and it was thought that these were North Vietnamese training flights, and sooner or later these MiGs and their freshly trained pilots would attack the F-105 flights. So the US Air Force devised a trap: a group of 4 F-4Cs, fully armed for air-t-air combat, flew at F-105 speeds, altitudes and courses hoping to catch MiGs as they rose to attack what they expected to be a strike flight of F-105s. In this encounter, Mink flight was orbiting the target area waiting for MiGs to take the bait. Running low on fuel, Mink flight was about to head back to their base when they detected MiGs at long range coming up to attack. Because of the presence of many friendly aircraft in the vicinity, Mink flight needed to visually indentify the MiGs prior to attacking. To do this, Mink flight broke into two elements, one flying ahead of the other with responsibility for visually identifying the MiGs. The second element would then attack with Sparrow missiles. While this strategy didn't work in this case, the f-4s mixed it up with the MiGs, and ended up destroying two.

From Clashes"Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

4-23-66.BTL

1966- Early MiG-21 Encounter

North Vietnam began receiving MiG-21s in November of 1965, but it was not until early 1966 that American aircraft began encountering this potent fighter. One of the earliest dogfights between the MiG-21 and Phantoms occurred during an EB-66 escort mission in April of 1966. On this occasion, two Phantoms (Denver flight) were escorting a pair of EB-66's that were orbiting over Thud Ridge. A single MiG was spotted approaching the formation from behind. Denver 1 turned into the threatening MiG. Because the Americans did not know if there were any other MiGs in the area, Denver 2 stayed with the EB-66 as they turned for home. Once it was clear the coast was clear for the EB-66, Denver 2 turned back towards the fight. As he approached, he obtained radar contact with two aircraft but since he lost radio contact with his Denver 1 he could not distinguish which was the enemy MiG-21. He chose one and began an attack, approaching close enough to establish visual contact. Realizing he had chosen the MiG to attack, but too close to use Sparrow missiles, he dropped back into minimum Sparrow range. Thus began a sequence of problems that illustrated the problems American pilots would have throughout the war with missile launches. Denver 2 soon discovered that his Sparrow missiles would not leave the launch rails (they had not been properly armed by his ground crew). He switched to heat-seeking missiles, and attempted to fire all 4 of his Sidewinders. None of them were seen to leave the aircraft. Thus Denver 2 was denied a golden opportunity to down the first Vietnamese MiG-21 of the war. That first kill would come 3 days later (see 1stfish.btl).

EA-6 take the place of EB-66 in this scenario.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

SECRET.BTL

May 10, 1966--Secret MiG-17 kill in China

The Vietnam Air War occurred under very complex circumstances and involved, at least for the US pilots, following a set of extensive rule; as a result both the United States and North Vietnam found it useful to keep careful track of their aircraft. To do this, both the US and NVA used IFF (Indentification Friend or Foe) transponders, which, besides allowing pilots to distinguish enemy aircraft from friendly aircraft during combat, also allowed each side keep track of their aircraft via ground or air-based radar. This was particularly important for the Americans. who maintained no-fly zones along the border between North Vietnam and China (to prevent border violations and accidental encounters between American and Chinese aircraft). The IFF allowed the US to monitor and prevent aircraft from violating this no-fly zone. Severe consequences resulted if pilots were caught violating this no-fly zone, and no doubt many a pilot lost a kill opportunity as a result of this policy. Also, these no-fly zones were relatively undefended and offered US pilots a fairly SAM and AAA free corridor back to base after a strike. Thus, pilots were known to occasionally turn off their IFF.

On May 10, an F-105 turned off his IFF and pursued a MiG-17 well into China before finally downing it 25 miles across the border. This was the first kill by an F-105 and officially kept secret by US authorities.

This is a cannon only fight.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

SECRETA.BTL

May 10, 1966--Secret MiG-17 kill in China

The Vietnam Air War occurred under very complex circumstances and involved, at least for the US pilots, following a set of extensive rule; as a result both the United States and North Vietnam found it useful to keep careful track of their aircraft. To do this, both the US and NVA used IFF (Indentification Friend or Foe) transponders, which, besides allowing pilots to distinguish enemy aircraft from friendly aircraft during combat, also allowed each side keep track of their aircraft via ground or air-based radar. This was particularly important for the Americans. who maintained no-fly zones along the border between North Vietnam and China (to prevent border violations and accidental encounters between American and Chinese aircraft). The IFF allowed the US to monitor and prevent aircraft from violating this no-fly zone. Severe consequences resulted if pilots were caught violating this no-fly zone, and no doubt many a pilot lost a kill opportunity as a result of this policy. Also, these no-fly zones were relatively undefended and offered US pilots a fairly SAM and AAA free corridor back to base after a strike. Thus, pilots were known to occaionally turn off their IFF.

On May 10, an F-105 turned off his IFF and pursued a MiG-17 well into China before finally downing it 25 miles across the border. This was the first kill by an F-105 and officially kept secret by US authorities.

In this version the F-105 is armed with Sidewinder missiles.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

4-23-66A.BTL

April 23, 1966- Early MiG-21 Encounter

North Vietnam began receiving MiG-21s in November of 1965, but it was not until early 1966 that American aircraft began encountering this potent fighter. One of the earliest dogfights between the MiG-21 and Phantoms occurred during an EB-66 escort mission in April of 1966. On this occasion, two Phantoms (Denver flight) were escorting a pair of EB-66's that were orbiting over Thud Ridge. A single MiG was spotted approaching the formation from behind. Denver 1 turned into the threatening MiG. Because the Americans did not know if there were any other MiGs in the area, Denver 2 stayed with the EB-66 as they turned for home. Once it was clear the coast was clear for the EB-66, Denver 2 turned back towards the fight. As he approached, he obtained radar contact with two aircraft but since he lost radio contact with his Denver 1 he could not distinguish which was the enemy MiG-21. He chose one and began an attack, approaching close enough to establish visual contact. Realizing he had chosen the MiG to attack, but too close to use Sparrow missiles, he dropped back into minimum Sparrow range. Thus began a sequence of problems that illustrated the problems American pilots would have throughout the war with missile launches. Denver 2 soon discovered that his Sparrow missiles would not leave the launch rails (they had not been properly armed by his ground crew). He switched to heat-seeking missiles, and attempted to fire all 4 of his Sidewinders. None of them were seen to leave the aircraft. Thus Denver 2 was denied a golden opportunity to down the first Vietnamese MiG-21 of the war. That first kill would come 3 days later (see 1stfish.btl).

EA-6 take the place of EB-66 in this scenario.

In this version there are a few changes from the historical encounter.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

4-23-66B.BTL

April 23, 1966- Early MiG-21 Encounter

North Vietnam began receiving MiG-21s in November of 1965, but it was not until early 1966 that American aircraft began encountering this potent fighter. One of the earliest dogfights between the MiG-21 and Phantoms occurred during an EB-66 escort mission in April of 1966. On this occasion, two Phantoms (Denver flight) were escorting a pair of EB-66's that were orbiting over Thud Ridge. A single MiG was spotted approaching the formation from behind. Denver 1 turned into the threatening MiG. Because the Americans did not know if there were any other MiGs in the area, Denver 2 stayed with the EB-66 as they turned for home. Once it was clear the coast was clear for the EB-66, Denver 2 turned back towards the fight. As he approached, he obtained radar contact with two aircraft but since he lost radio contact with his Denver 1 he could not distinguish which was the enemy MiG-21. He chose one and began an attack, approaching close enough to establish visual contact. Realizing he had chosen the MiG to attack, but too close to use Sparrow missiles, he dropped back into minimum Sparrow range. Thus began a sequence of problems that illustrated the problems American pilots would have throughout the war with missile launches. Denver 2 soon discovered that his Sparrow missiles would not leave the launch rails (they had not been properly armed by his ground crew). He switched to heat-seeking missiles, and attempted to fire all 4 of his Sidewinders. None of them were seen to leave the aircraft. Thus Denver 2 was denied a golden opportunity to down the first Vietnamese MiG-21 of the war. That first kill would come 3 days later (see 1stfish.btl).

EA-6 take the place of EB-66 in this scenario.

In this version there are a few changes from the historical encounter.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

4-23-66C.BTL

April 23, 1966- Early MiG-21 Encounter

North Vietnam began receiving MiG-21s in November of 1965, but it was not until early 1966 that American aircraft began encountering this potent fighter. One of the earliest dogfights between the MiG-21 and Phantoms occurred during an EB-66 escort mission in April of 1966. On this occasion, two Phantoms (Denver flight) were escorting a pair of EB-66's that were orbiting over Thud Ridge. A single MiG was spotted approaching the formation from behind. Denver 1 turned into the threatening MiG. Because the Americans did not know if there were any other MiGs in the area, Denver 2 stayed with the EB-66 as they turned for home. Once it was clear the coast was clear for the EB-66, Denver 2 turned back towards the fight. As he approached, he obtained radar contact with two aircraft but since he lost radio contact with his Denver 1 he could not distinguish which was the enemy MiG-21. He chose one and began an attack, approaching close enough to establish visual contact. Realizing he had chosen the MiG to attack, but too close to use Sparrow missiles, he dropped back into minimum Sparrow range. Thus began a sequence of problems that illustrated the problems American pilots would have throughout the war with missile launches. Denver 2 soon discovered that his Sparrow missiles would not leave the launch rails (they had not been properly armed by his ground crew). He switched to heat-seeking missiles, and attempted to fire all 4 of his Sidewinders. None of them were seen to leave the aircraft. Thus Denver 2 was denied a golden opportunity to down the first Vietnamese MiG-21 of the war. That first kill would come 3 days later (see 1stfish.btl).

EA-6 take the place of EB-66 in this scenario.

In this version there are a few changes from the historical encounter.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

IRNHND21.BTL

July 14, 1966--MiG-21s attack Iron Hand flight

An Iron Hand (SAM suppression) flight was attacked by two MiG-21s, but intercepted by the escorting flight of F-4s. The F-4s maneuvered to advantage and downed both MiGs.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972 by Marshall L. Michel III.

FURBALL.BTL

September 21, 1966--Furball

A force of 40 F-105s and 8 F-4 strikers were sent to attack the Dap Cau Bridge. As they approached the target a large force of MiG-17s were vectored in to attack the formation. However, the limits of the capabilities of the North Vietnamese CGI were apparently reached, as the MiGs were not warned of attacks being made by the defending F-105s. Two MiG-17s were destroyed and three damaged in seven firing passes by F-105s. Meanwhile, the accompanying F-4s were attacked by MiG-21s forcing several two drop their ordanance and defend themselves.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

ATOLKILL.BTL

October 5, 1966--First Atoll Kill

On this day two F-4Cs were escorting a flight of EB-66s in orbit over North Vietnam. One of the EB-66 pilots looked to his left and saw a plane going down in flames. This plane was determined later to be one of the two escorting F-4s. There had been no radio calls and no MiGs had been spotted. Apparently this F-4 was the first victim of an Atoll, launched by an unseen MiG-21.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

ECMPOD.BTL

October 6, 1966--ECM Pods on F-105s

The QRC-160 ECM (Electronic Counter Measures) Pod was introduced to US Air Force units in September of 1966. The first batch of ECM pods were tested by the 355th TFW, equipped with F-105s. The pods were tuned to jam the Fan Song Radar used by the SA-2 SAM and radar-controlled AAA. The effectiveness of the pods was demonstrated in a strike carried out on October 6. Three flights of pod-equipped F-105s flew a strike mission against the Nguyen Khe POL storage area. The first flight, Taksan 1-4, were assigned the role of flak suppressors. Taksan 1 and 2 were not carrying functional pods while Taksan 3 and 4 were carrying pods. During the strike, Taksan 1 and 2 came under heavy AAA, SAM and Atoll attack (from a MiG-21), resulting in damage to Taksan 1. Taksan 3 and 4 came under only light and uncontrolled AAA fire, while the rest of the strike package (all carrying functional pods) were not fired upon by defending SAMs or AAA. This mission is simulated in this scenario.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

SRPRISEA.BTL

November 3, 1966--MiG-21 Surprise

Three F-4Cs escorting an EB-66 were surprised by 2 MiG-21s. One MiG fired an Atoll at the lead F-4 but missed. As the MiGs made their escape, the F-4s gave chase, and the lead F-4 launched seven missiles (three Sparrows and four Sidewinders) all within the envelope and all missed. The MiGs escaped.

In this version, only the lead F-4 is equipped for air-to-air combat and is free to fire at North Vietnamese targets. During Rolling Thunder, Air Force Phantoms employed tactics that severely limited the usefulness of wingmen. In most air combats, the lead F-4 was the only aircraft allowed to fire at MiGs. Wingmen needed express permission from their flight leaders to use their missiles which resulted in many missed opportunities for kills (especially considering the ineffectiveness of the missiles used during this period). In this encounter, only the lead aircraft fired it's missiles, suggesting that the flight leader refused (or simply didn't think) to allow his wingmen to fire. To reflect this reality, neither wingman is not equipped with missiles. In Srprise.btl, all Phantoms are fully missile armed and free to fire. Try both versions of this scenario to see the impact of these tactics on the effectiveness of US Air Force air-to-air combat.

The EB-66 is represented by the EA-6B.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III

SRPRISE.BTL

November 3, 1966--MiG-21 Surprise

Three F-4Cs escorting an EB-66 were surprised by 2 MiG-21s. One MiG fired an Atoll at the lead F-4 but missed. As the MiGs made their escape, the F-4s gave chase, and the lead F-4 launched seven missiles (three Sparrows and four Sidewinders) all within the envelope and all missed. The MiGs escaped.

In this version, all three F-4s are fully equipped for air-to-air combat and are free to fire at North Vietnamese targets. During Rolling Thunder, Air Force Phantoms employed tactics that severely limited the usefulness of wingmen. In most air combats, the lead F-4 was the only aircraft allowed to fire at MiGs. Wingmen needed express permission from their flight leaders to use their missiles which resulted in many missed opportunities for kills (especially considering the ineffectiveness of the missiles used during this period). In this encounter, only the lead aircraft fired it's missiles, suggesting that the flight leader refused (or simply didn't think) to allow his wingmen to fire. In Srprisea.btl, this historical tactical situation is reflected more accurately.

The EB-66 is represented by the EA-6B.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III

SURPRISE.BTL

October 9, 1966--F-8s surprise Mig-21

Occasionally US aircraft would surprise North Vietnamese MiGs. In this case, a flight of 4 US Navy F-8s were vectored to intercept an unsuspecting NVA MiG-21. The MiG passed right in front of the Crusaders and as they maneuvered onto the MiGs tali, the MiG suddenly dived for the ground. Two of the F-8s followed and let loose two Sidewinders. Both hit the MiG, destroying it.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

DAISY.BTL

November 5, 1966

Although NVA MiGs preferred to attack US aircraft from a position of surprise, sometimes both sides had ample warning of the others presence. In those cases, the NVA tended to perform poorly. On this occasion, 4 Air Force F-4Cs were escorting an EB-66 when they were warned of MiGs approaching from a distance of 22 miles. The NVA CGI steered the MiGs towards the EB-66 and it's escort. The MiGs approached the flight and immediately attacked the EB-66, launching an Atoll, which missed. One of the MiGs began tailing the EB-66, while one of the escorting F-4s pursued. A second MiG then tailed the first F-4, and in turn was tailed by another F-4, producing a daisy chain of aircraft--EB-66, MiG, F-4, MiG, F-4. The F-4s were so close to the MiGs, they were often inside the minimum range of their missiles, and needed to perform speed killing maneuvers to maintain their distance. In the end, both MiGs were destroyed by Sidewinders, but the close in nature of this dogfight illustrated the need for cannon equipped Phantoms.

The EB-66 is represented by an EA-6.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

DAISYA.BTL

November 5, 1966

Although NVA MiGs preferred to attack US aircraft from a position of surprise, sometimes both sides had ample warning of the others presence. In those cases, the NVA tended to perform poorly. On this occasion, 4 Air Force F-4Cs were escorting an EB-66 when they were warned of MiGs approaching from a distance of 22 miles. The NVA CGI steered the MiGs towards the EB-66 and it's escort. The MiGs approached the flight and immediately attacked the EB-66, launching an Atoll, which missed. One of the MiGs began tailing the EB-66, while one of the escorting F-4s pursued. A second MiG then tailed the first F-4, and in turn was tailed by another F-4, producing a daisy chain of aircraft--EB-66, MiG, F-4, MiG, F-4. The F-4s were so close to the MiGs, they were often inside the minimum range of their missiles, and needed to perform speed killing maneuvers to maintain their distance. In the end, both MiGs were destroyed by Sidewinders, but the close in nature of this dogfight illustrated the need for cannon equipped Phantoms.

In this version, I have removed two of the Phantoms that were present in the actual encounter. Only two Phantoms actually took part in the actual encounter.

The EB-66 is represented by an EA-6.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

105V1617.BTL

16 MiG-17s attacked by 2 F-105s

F-105 pilots found that they could dogfight successfully with the subsonic and cannon armed MiG-17. The F-105 pilot could use his machines acceleration and top speed advantage to fight the battle on favorable terms. Since the MiG-17 is only cannon armed, it could not launch a missile at the afterburning F-105 as it blew past and since they were only subsonic, they also could not effectively pursue either. This allowed the F-105 pilot to fight on his terms.

In December of 1966, two very aggressive F-105 pilots engaged 16 MiG-17s. downong two.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

105V21.BTL

December 12, 1966-- MiG-21s attack F-105s

In this encounter, four F-105s (Fosdick flight) returning from a strike mission against the Yien Vien railroad yard. As they exited the area at high speed, they were attacked by two MiG-21s. The F-105s engaged afterburner in an attempt to outrun the MiGs and flew in and out of cloud banks to lose the MiGs. The MiGs kept up the pursuit and finally launched an Atoll at Fosdick 3, blowing off his tail. Fosdick 2 turned on one of the MiGs who broke off and dived for the ground with the F-105 in hot pursuit. Fosdick 2 got a cannon shot at the MiG but missed. The F-105s found that, unlike their experience with the subsonic and cannon only armed MiG-17 (see 105v1617.btl), tangling with missile armed and supersonic capable MiG-21s was a very dangerous game to play.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

105V2M21.BTL

December 14, 1966-- MiG-21s attack F-105s

In this encounter, four F-105s were attacked by 2 MiG-21s. The MiGs were detected by the Thuds just as they reached firing range for their Atoll missiles. The MiGs fired two Atolls, but both exploded short of their targets. The MiGs continued their attack run with a cannon attack, but missed. The F-105s gave chase, but the MiGs accelerated away and into clouds before the F-105s could close to cannon range.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

BOLO1.BTL

Operation Bolo, January 2, 1967

Because North Vietnamese MiG-21s had been aggressively attacking F-105 strike flights throughout the end of 1966, the US Air Force initiated a couple of deception missions aimed at luring up MiG-21s, who would think they were attacking heavily laden F-105s, would instead find themselves facing fully armed F-4s. The first of these operations was Operation Bolo, designed, coordinated and co-flown by World War 2 vet Colonel Robin Olds. The whole operation involved 56 F-4s, 16 F-104s, and 28 F-105s, along with an array of support aircraft. On the actual day of the mission, only 32 F-4s, 4 F-104s (which were tasked with escorting the F-4s back out of North Vietnam) and 20 F-105s completed the mission. In the end, 14 MiG-21s engaged three Phantom flights. Seven were destroyed by the 12 F-4s. No US aircraft were destroyed in the engagement.

See Bolo2.btl for a hypothetical scenario of what might have happened if the returning F-4s had been attacked on their way back to base.

Source: http://www.afa.org/magazine/Nov1998/1198mig.asp

BOLO2.BTL

Operation Bolo (hypothetical variant), January 2, 1967

Because North Vietnamese MiG-21s had been aggressively attacking F-105 strike flights throughout the end of 1966, the US Air Force initiated a couple of deception missions aimed at luring up MiG-21s, who would think they were attacking heavily laden F-105s, would instead find themselves facing fully armed F-4s. The first of these operations was Operation Bolo, designed, coordinated and co-flown by World War 2 vet Colonel Robin Olds. The whole operation involved 56 F-4s, 16 F-104s, and 28 F-105s, along with an array of support aircraft. On the actual day of the mission, only 32 F-4s, 4 F-104s (which were tasked with escorting the F-4s back out of North Vietnam) and 20 F-105s completed the mission. In the end, 14 MiG-21s engaged three Phantom flights. Seven were destroyed by the 12 F-4s. No US aircraft were destroyed in the engagement.

In this version, I have set up a hypothetical situation. As the returning F-4s are escorted by F-104s, they are attacked by a force of MiG-21s and MiG-17s.

Source: http://www.afa.org/magazine/Nov1998/1198mig.asp

DECPTION.BTL

Jan. 6, 1967--Deception.

In retaliation for the North Vietnamese debacle during Operation Bolo, in which 7 MiG-21s were downed without American loss, MiGs attacked an unarmed RF-4C on a reconnaissance mission the next day. In response, the US Air Force laid a trap for the NVA, flying fully armed F-4s in a reconnaissance flight profile. On this day, the F-4s were attacked by 4 MiG-21s. Two more MiGs were downed with no loss. Over two days of combat, over half of the North Vietnamese stock of MiG-21s were destroyed.

Source: http://www.afa.org/magazine/Nov1998/1198mig.asp

BETRMIGS.BTL

February 5, 1967--New MiG-17 Tactics

After the destruction of 9 MiG-21s during the Operation Bolo period in early January (see Bolo.btl, Boloa.btl, Op_bolo.btl, decption.btl), the NVA stopped flying MiG-21s for awhile. A month later, however, MiG-17s were attacking US flights with noticeably improved tactics. In this case, a flight of 4 US Air Force F-4s were escorting an strike package of F-105s at very low altitude (~3000 feet). The F-4s spotted two MiG-17s in front of them moving to attack the F-105s. As the F-4s swung behind the attacking MiGs, two trailing MiGs attacked the F-4s. The F-4s countered by using their high energy to climb out of the reach of the MiGs. In previous encounters, the MiGs would normally have followed the Phantoms as they climbed, resulting in a loss of energy for the MiGs and a severe disadvantage. In this case, the MiGs did not follow the climbing F-4s maintaining their low level turns instead. This happened repeatedly and resulted in a stale-mate. The F-4s could not get into a good firing position on the MiGs (especially from such a low altitude), and the MiGs could not get close enough to get a cannon shot on the F-4s. There were no losses in this encounter, but showed that the NVA had noticeably improved their MiG-17 tactics......an indication of more difficult encounters to come in the near future for the US Air Force.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshal L. Michel III.

BETRMIGA.BTL

February 5, 1967--New MiG-17 Tactics

After the destruction of 9 MiG-21s during the Operation Bolo period in early January (see Bolo.btl, Boloa.btl, Op_bolo.btl, decption.btl), the NVA stopped flying MiG-21s for awhile. A month later, however, MiG-17s were attacking US flights with noticeably improved tactics. In this case, a flight of 4 US Air Force F-4s were escorting an strike package of F-105s at very low altitude (~3000 feet). The F-4s spotted two MiG-17s in front of them moving to attack the F-105s. As the F-4s swung behind the attacking MiGs, two trailing MiGs attacked the F-4s. The F-4s countered by using their high energy to climb out of the reach of the MiGs. In previous encounters, the MiGs would normally have followed the Phantoms as they climbed, resulting in a loss of energy for the MiGs and a severe disadvantage. In this case, the MiGs did not follow the climbing F-4s maintaining their low level turns instead. This happened repeatedly and resulted in a stale-mate. The F-4s could not get into a good firing position on the MiGs (especially from such a low altitude), and the MiGs could not get close enough to get a cannon shot on the F-4s. There were no losses in this encounter, but showed that the NVA had noticeably improved their MiG-17 tactics......an indication of more difficult encounters to come in the near future for the US Air Force.

In this version, I have reduced the number of F-4s to two from the historical 4. Since Air Force f-4s were tightly tied to the finger four formation, usually only the leaders would be cleared to fire their weaponry, with the wingman covering the lead's tail and not being used in an offensive manner. It's as if the wingman does not even participate in the fight at all. This changes the dynamic of the fight quite a bit.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshal L. Michel III.

21RETURN.BTL

April 29, 1967--MiG-21's Return

After Operation Bolo, the NVA MiG-21s stood down for several months, probably to replace losses suffered in the January spanking. At the end of April, however, MiG-21s returned to the fight. On this occasion, two F-105s returning from an Iron Hand mission, were attacked by a MiG-21 that had been perfectly placed by NVA GCI. The MiG was spotted by the F-105s, but only after the MiG had begun an attack run. The MiG was clean (carrying no external ordinance), so it attacked the F-105s with cannon, downing one. The MiG disengaged successfully.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

TOMAHAWK.BTL

April 30, 1967--Tomahawk In Trouble

After their return to the air after Operation Bolo and a successful attack on two F-105s on April 29 (see 21return.btl), MiG-21s were at it again the next day, attacking Tomahawk flight (an Iron Hand SAM suppression flight preceeding a strike package), downing two. The F-105s never even knew what hit them and the assailant was never seen. Intelligence gathered after the fact showed that the downed F-105s were in fact destroyed by a MiG-21.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

TOMAHAW2.BTL

April 30, 1967--Tomahawk In Trouble

After their return to the air after Operation Bolo and a successful attack on two F-105s on April 29 (see 21return.btl), MiG-21s were at it again the next day, attacking Tomahawk flight (an Iron Hand SAM suppression flight preceeding a strike package), downing two (see Tomahawk.btl). The crew of one of the two downed F-105s clearly had escaped their stricken aircraft, prompting the strike commander to abort the strike and set up F-105s to cover the downed crew until rescue aircraft could come and pick them up. As part of this new covering mission, Carbine flight was tasked with establishing high and low cover. Carbine 3 and 4 were attacked by MiGs, with Carbine 4 going down.

MAY67A.BTL

May 1, 1967--Attack on Kep Airfield

In May 1967, US Navy and Air Force aircraft mixed it up with MiG-17s and MiG-21s, resulting in the loss 23 MiGs, with US forces suffering only the loss of three Air Force F-4s. In the first encounter of the month, 16 US Navy A-4s attacked Kep Airfield. Escorted by F-8s, the A-4s destroyed three MiG-17s at the airfield (and one in the air as well, downed with air-to-ground rockets!), along with one destroyed by an F-8 in air-to-air combat. No US aircraft were lost during this combat.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

CARBINE.BTL

April 30, 1967--Tomahawk In Trouble

After their return to the air after Operation Bolo and a successful attack on two F-105s on April 29 (see 21return.btl), MiG-21s were at it again the next day, attacking Tomahawk flight (an Iron Hand SAM suppression flight preceeding a strike package), downing two (see Tomahawk.btl). The crew of one of the two downed F-105s clearly had escaped their stricken aircraft, prompting the strike commander to abort the strike and set up F-105s to cover the downed crew until rescue aircraft could come and pick them up. As part of this new covering mission, Carbine flight was tasked with establishing high and low cover. Carbine 3 and 4 were attacked by MiGs, with Carbine 4 going down.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

WHEEL.BTL

May, 1967--Wagon Wheel Defense

In 1967, US aircraft began encountering MiG-17s in a defensive formation that was clearly designed to allow the MiG-17 to operate in a hostile environment rich in escorting F-4s, minimizing the threat from missiles whle still allowing the MiG-17 to await and attack incoming strike aircraft. This formation was dubbed the "wagon wheel" in which several MiG-17s followed each other in a circular formation, each MiG protecting the rear of the MiG ahead of it. These wagon wheels were set up at very low altitudes, which severely reduced the effectiveness of the missiles used by F-4s--the radar clutter encountered at such low altitudes prevented effective lockons for Sparrow use, and the Sidewinder's launch envelope was drastically shrunk. Missiles fired at members of these low altitude wheels tended to miss and since the F-4 did not routinely carry a gun at this time, Phantom pilots often had a hard time breaking into these wheels.

On this occasion, 2 Air Force F-4s attacked a wheel consisting of 8 MiG-17s at low altitude. The wheel proved to be effective on this occasion, for although one MiG crashed trying to avoid a missile, 9 missiles were fired without a single hit.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

CANPOD.BTL

May 12, 1967--First use of the cannon pod

Early in 1967, the US Air Force finally started to equip their cannon-less F-4Cs with the SUU-16 cannon pod. The first opportunity for F-4s to use the cannon in combat occurred on May 12, when a strike force of F-105s attacking the Ha Dong Army barracks were attacked by MiG-17s. One MiG was destroyed by an F-105. MIGCAP F-4s from the 366th fighter wing, covering a downed F-105 pilot engaged five MiG-17s. One of the cannon armed F-4s got in close behind a MiG but the cannon malfunctioned and the opportunity to down the first MiG with a cannon armed F-4 was lost. The MiGs escaped after destroying one F-4, which before the encounter had reported problems lighting one of his afterburners and was last seen being chased by two MiGs.

Since the cannon pod is not modeled in FC2, I have subsituted the cannon equipped F-4E for the F-4C.

Source: "Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972" by Marshall L. Michel III.

Vulture1.btl

On May 6, 1972, a raid on Bai Thuong airfield was lead by Marine A-6s from the USS Coral Sea airgroup VMA-224. Four A-6s of Vulture flight, headed by CAG Roger Sheets (in A-6 #0), were first in on the target coming in at very low level and aiming to take out AAA surrounding the airfield and perhaps also taking out MiGs parked on the tarmac. Commander Sheets' A-6 was also armed with one sidewinder missile, as Sheets was hoping to be the first A-6 pilot to down a MiG in air-to-air combat. Following 30 seconds behind Vulture flight was the mainstrike force consisting of A-6s and A-7s with F-4s flying top cover. As Vulture flight completed its target run, two MiG-17s appeared and one of them attacked Vulture 3. Sheets intervened by placing himself between Vulture 3 and the MiG. The MiG took the bait, zeroing in on Sheet's A-6, while Sheets tried a series of breaks to get the MiG-17 to overshoot so that he could get a firing solution on the Vietnamese fighter. By this time, one of the escorting F-4s also attacked the same MiG, finally downing it with a Sidewinder. This was the closest Sheets was to get to an air-to-air kill in his A-6.

This scenaro was adapted from the description of this encounter in "Fast Movers" by John Darrell Sherwood.

Vulture2.btl

On May 6, 1972, a raid on Bai Thuong airfield was lead by Marine A-6s from the USS Coral Sea airgroup VMA-224. Four A-6s of Vulture flight, headed by CAG Roger Sheets (in A-6 #0), were first in on the target coming in at very low level and aiming to take out AAA surrounding the airfield and perhaps also taking out MiGs parked on the tarmac. Commander Sheets' A-6 was also armed with one sidewinder missile, as Sheets was hoping to be the first A-6 pilot to down a MiG in air-to-air combat. Following 30 seconds behind Vulture flight was the mainstrike force consisting of A-6s and A-7s with F-4s flying top cover. As Vulture flight completed its target run, two MiG-17s appeared and one of them attacked Vulture 3. Sheets intervened by placing himself between Vulture 3 and the MiG. The MiG took the bait, zeroing in on Sheet's A-6, while Sheets tried a series of breaks to get the MiG-17 to overshoot so that he could get a firing solution on the Vietnamese fighter. By this time, one of the escorting F-4s also attacked the same MiG, finally downing it with a Sidewinder. This was the closest Sheets was to get to an air-to-air kill in his A-6.

In the actual encounter, 2 MiG-21s were seen to be fleeing from the target area just before the MiGs attacked Vulture flight. In this version of this scenario, I've included the MiG-21s.

Vulture3.btl

On May 6, 1972, a raid on Bai Thuong airfield was lead by Marine A-6s from the USS Coral Sea airgroup VMA-224. Four A-6s of Vulture flight, headed by CAG Roger Sheets (in A-6 #0), were first in on the target coming in at very low level and aiming to take out AAA surrounding the airfield and perhaps also taking out MiGs parked on the tarmac. Commander Sheets' A-6 was also armed with one sidewinder missile, as Sheets was hoping to be the first A-6 pilot to down a MiG in air-to-air combat. Following 30 seconds behind Vulture flight was the mainstrike force consisting of A-6s and A-7s with F-4s flying top cover. As Vulture flight completed its target run, two MiG-17s appeared and one of them attacked Vulture 3. Sheets intervened by placing himself between Vulture 3 and the MiG. The MiG took the bait, zeroing in on Sheet's A-6, while Sheets tried a series of breaks to get the MiG-17 to overshoot so that he could get a firing solution on the Vietnamese fighter. By this time, one of the escorting F-4s also attacked the same MiG, finally downing it with a Sidewinder. This was the closest Sheets was to get to an air-to-air kill in his A-6.

In the actual encounter, 2 MiG-21s were seen to be fleeing from the target area just before the MiGs attacked Vulture flight. In this version of this scenario, I've included the MiG-21s.

The spacing of the aircraft is also adjusted slightly in this version.