>>3417865
Your alarm clock is ringing. Your head is ringing. Someone is knocking on your doorframe. Can’t you just sleep a little longer? Your memories of last night slowly trickle to the forefront of your mind. Bombers. Interception. Fire. Injury. Fuck, your palms hurt like hell. You need to get some gloves or something. You shake your head, and slap your alarm clock, finally silencing the ringing. Time is too critical for sleep right now.

“Good morning, Ivan.” says Dhovochesky. “The Major sent a runner to get us, apparently she and Nikulina want to brief us on our next mission.” You roll out of bed, and follow him into the hallway. It turns out you slept just long enough for the soreness to set in. Flying a fighter can be rough on the body, but pulling someone out of a burning wreck is something you’ll definitely not want to make a habit of. The smoke from last night has largely cleared from the base, and as you walk back to hangar three, you see something you hadn’t noticed last night: a line of body bags along the exterior wall of hangar six. Well, they had to go somewhere, you guess. The mangled mass of airframes on the runway has yet to budge, but at least most of the fumes are cleared. You overhear a pair of soldiers hefting a crate of some sort. “Do you think they got the capitol? The news reports said that there were only enough nukes for them to carry out a single strike…” Before you can turn around to inquire more, the pair is out of earshot, and you’re at the hangar.

The left half of the hangar is still covered in beds, but the last few hours of organization have done wonders for the mess of spare airframes, parts, and assorted maintenance sundries on the right. In the distance, you see the head surgeon from last night slumped against a wall, exhausted. A nurse shakes his sleeve, and he wakes up, heading back into a tent to prepare for more action. You see your MiG-29 next to Popov’s in a small clearing, next to another Fulcrum, its various panels hanging open as crew scurries around, replacing, testing, and checking elements of the airframe. In the center of the chaos, the Major has added a chalkboard to her collection of tables and short range radios, as well as a few chairs facing it. As you approach, the Major nods approvingly. She looks like she’s been up all night, but is still busy on her radio. You grab a seat, waiting for the briefing to start, and Popov follows suit. As you lean back in your chair, you think back to flight school. You’re gonna need every trick in the book to survive in this world, but you were always best at…

>>3417867
>Dogfighting. When you’re in the shit, you’re in your element. Infrared missiles, guns, thrust, and the stick are your tools, and you are a master artisan.
>Bonus: +6 to the following rolls—visual range air spotting, air combat maneuvering, infrared missile lock, air to air gun use, and other QM discretion dogfight-related rolls.

>Sensor Operation. Nobody can sneak up on you. Using electronic sensors like radar and infrared search and track can be a lot like playing flashlight tag in the dark. At supersonic speeds. Where you die if you lose. You don’t lose.
>Bonus: +6 to the following rolls—acquiring targets with sensors, ARH and SARH lock-on, air-to-ground precision weapon lock-on, and other QM discretion sensor-related rolls.

>Ground Strike. No anti air system can keep you out, and no ground target is safe. Bombs, rockets, gunpods, you name it, you’re an ace with it. When a dogfight is over, it might leave a crater or two. When you’re finished with an area, it’s a flattened, smoking ruin.
>Bonus: +6 to the following rolls—visual range ground spotting, evading enemy ground fire, unguided weapon attacks (rockets, bombs, guns), and other QM discretion ground-strike-related rolls.

>Dogfighting. When you’re in the shit, you’re in your element. Infrared missiles, guns, thrust, and the stick are your tools, and you are a master artisan.
>Bonus: +6 to the following rolls—visual range air spotting, air combat maneuvering, infrared missile lock, air to air gun use, and other QM discretion dogfight-related rolls.

This is what our Gorgeous S shaped Aircraft was made to excel in!

>>3417869
>Sensor Operation. Nobody can sneak up on you. Using electronic sensors like radar and infrared search and track can be a lot like playing flashlight tag in the dark. At supersonic speeds. Where you die if you lose. You don’t lose.
>Bonus: +6 to the following rolls—acquiring targets with sensors, ARH and SARH lock-on, air-to-ground precision weapon lock-on, and other QM discretion sensor-related rolls.

We got a lot of use out of the R-27R last combat

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While you deliberate, I am going to do a more thorough writeup on each of the three aircraft present on the base, as well as one other. You will be qualified to fly two of them of your choice.

Last chapter, you got a short briefing for each, but this one will be more in depth. First up will be the MiG-21, then the 23, then the 29, and lastly, a new aircraft, the Su-27, which is not present on this base, but you could theoretically be qualified on. Each will have pros and cons.

>>3417869
>>Dogfighting. When you’re in the shit, you’re in your element. Infrared missiles, guns, thrust, and the stick are your tools, and you are a master artisan.
>Bonus: +6 to the following rolls—visual range air spotting, air combat maneuvering, infrared missile lock, air to air gun use, and other QM discretion dogfight-related rolls.
Every choice is good imo. But Popov iirc is already covering the stand off role. And with Guly out of action we are gonna need a dogfighter. Also our daring moves during the raid lend them well to this I feel. I'm open to changing though. Really on the Fence if I'm being honest between this and being a spider sense lad with the radar.

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AIRCRAFT SUMMARY: MiG-21Bis
The venerable MiG-21Bis has served the Union loyally for decades. With a good top speed, excellent climb rate, and upgraded avionics including a datalink, it is only held back by a poor weapons load and somewhat cramped cockpit. It is well loved by ground crews and governments alike for its reliability and cheap cost.

AVIONICS:
Radar Warning Receiver, 40km range
Radar, 40km range
Datalink, 20km range

AIRFRAME:
Maneuverability rating: 3/5. Capable of 5G turns.
Range: 1000km with internal fuel, 1400km with external tanks

MAINTENANCE:
Intensity level: Low
Cost level: Low

TRAITS:
Mass Export—The MiG-21 is the most produced jet fighter in the world. Procuring spare parts is cheap and easy, and spares are plentiful worldwide

WEAPONS STATIONS AND HARDPOINTS:
The MiG-21 has 4 underwing weapons stations and one centerline hardpoint for fuel tanks.

Air to Air:
The two outboard (towards the tip of the wing) weapons stations are only capable of carrying R-73 missiles
The two inboard (towards the fuselage) weapons stations are capable of carrying R-73, R-77, or R-27 missiles.

Fuel Tanks:
There is a single midline hardpoint under the fuselage, capable of carrying a large fuel tank.
Each inboard weapons station can carry a small fuel tank.

Air to Ground:
Each of the 4 wing stations can carry a single bomb, and the two inboard stations can carry a single S-8 rocket pod apiece.
Each of the inboard stations can carry a single Kh-31 anti radiation missile.

Guns:
1x 23mm autocannon, 200 rounds.

Feel free to post questions and comment on these profiles as they appear. I know some of the terminology may not be familiar.

>>3417975
>Anti Radiation Missile
?
Could you give a brief explanation of that?

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>>3417999
Absolutely. Essentially, an anti-radiation missile is any missile which possesses a seeker capable of detecting radar emission sources. They are widely employed against surface to air missile (SAM) sites to eliminate radar arrays, before striking the site itself with rockets, guns, and bombs to eliminate the actual weaponry.

>>3417999
In addition, I will explain why the datalink may be more useful than it seems.

Most aircraft can only see what information the pilot gathers from its onboard sensors. However, aircraft equipped with a datalink can share location data on their planes' computer systems, enabling creative tactics. In real life, during the COPE India 2009 exercise (I think it was 2009 anyway), Indian Air Force pilots used datalinks to great effect. They deployed their Su-30SMs with powerful radar, but had them sit back and light up targets from out of harm's way. While the Su-30SMs, which are huge, easy to spot, and have a large radar signature did their thing, Indian MiG-21bis pilots snuck in with their radar off. However, using the location data from their big radar buddies, their tiny airframes with small radar signatures, and high speed, they were easily able to sneak up on enemy pilots and catch them unaware for easy kills.

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>>3417969
AIRCRAFT SUMMARY: MiG-23MLD
The backbone of Union air forces until the latest batch of fighters, the MiG-23 is an aircraft of extremes. Blazing fast in a straight line, its acceleration capabilities outstrip virtually anything else in the sky, even the newest generation of air superiority craft. However, it has poor maneuverability, somewhat low range, and an unintuitive cockpit, alongside complex maintenance requirements.

AVIONICS:
Radar Warning Receiver, 40km range
Radar, 70km range

AIRFRAME:
Maneuverability rating: 2/5.
Range: 1000km with internal fuel, 1400km with external tanks

MAINTENANCE:
Intensity level: High
Cost level: Moderate

TRAITS:
MiG-27 Conversion Kit—Many foreign countries received MiG-23 models from the Union. Dissatisfaction with high maintenance times and costs led to the development of the MiG-27. In this conversion, the complex intake ramps are reworked, lowering the excellent speed performance of the craft at high altitudes. Its main gun is replaced with a larger weapon, and the air to air radar is replaced with air to ground navigation and weapons guidance systems. It retains excellent low level speed and performance with enhanced air to ground capability, as well as compatibility with infrared guided missiles. The MiG-27 modification changes maintenance intensity and cost level to Low.

WEAPONS STATIONS AND HARDPOINTS:
The MiG-23 has 4 underwing weapons stations, 2 fuselage weapons stations, and 1 centerline hardpoint for fuel tanks.

Air to Air:
The two outboard (towards the tip of the wing) weapons stations are only capable of carrying R-73 missiles
The two inboard (towards the fuselage) weapons stations are capable of carrying R-73 or R-27
The two fuselage stations are capable of carrying R-27

Fuel Tanks:
There is a single midline hardpoint under the fuselage, capable of carrying a large fuel tank.
Each inboard weapons station can carry a small fuel tank.

Air to Ground:
Each of the 4 wing stations can carry a single bomb.
Each of the inboard wing stations can carry podded S-8 rockets

Guns:
1x 23mm autocannon, 260 rounds.

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>>3418095
AIRCRAFT SUMMARY: MiG-29S
The MiG-29 is a purebred dogfighter. The cockpit layout is unintuitive and difficult to use in combat when at beyond visual range, but the second a Fulcrum pilot gets close enough to hear a lock tone from its R-73s, it’s all over.

AVIONICS:
Radar Warning Receiver, 40km range
Radar, 50km range
IRST, 15km range

AIRFRAME:
Maneuverability rating: 5/5.
Range: 1400km with internal fuel, 2200km with external tanks

MAINTENANCE:
Intensity level: Low
Cost level: High

TRAITS:
Helmet-Mounted Sight: The MiG-29’s signature secret weapon, the helmet mounted sight enables the pilot to lock their R-73 missiles onto virtually any target they can see. In a dogfight where getting your enemy into your missile’s lock zone is critical, this is an enormous edge. The sight grants a +3 to all infrared missile lock rolls.
Smoky Engines: The MiG-29’s engines were designed to be replaced, rather than overhauled, to reduce maintenance complexity and time loss. They produce a large amount of dark exhaust, making the aircraft easy to spot, and need to be replaced more often than other aircraft.

WEAPONS STATIONS AND HARDPOINTS:
The MiG-23 has 6 underwing weapons stations and 1 centerline hardpoint for fuel tanks.

Air to Air:
All stations can carry R-73, R-27, or R-77 missiles.

Fuel Tanks:
There is a single midline hardpoint under the fuselage, capable of carrying a large fuel tank.
Each inboard weapons station can carry a small fuel tank.

Air to Ground:
Each of the 6 wing stations can carry a single bomb.
The center and inboard wing stations can carry podded S-8 rockets
The inboard wing stations can carry a single Kh-31 anti radiation missile
The inboard wing stations can carry a single Kh-29 series missile

Guns:
1x 30mm autocannon, 150 rounds.

>>3418095
Rn for me its between the 21 and 29.
The 23 is fast sure but maneuverability is a deal breaker for me.

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>>3418144
AIRCRAFT SUMMARY: Su-27S
The Su-27 is the pinnacle of Union aircraft technology. A brutal dogfighter nearly on par with the MiG-29, its massive weapons load, incredible maneuverability, high speed, and brutal power make it a force to be reckoned with in the air. Despite being a relatively new craft, it incorporates many lessons learned from previous designs, resulting in a robust airframe with relatively easy maintenance. Its greatest drawback is its cost.

AVIONICS:
Radar Warning Receiver, 60km range
Radar, 80km range
IRST, 15km range
Datalink, 30km range

AIRFRAME:
Maneuverability rating: 5/5
Range: 3000km with internal fuel

MAINTENANCE:
Intensity level: Moderate
Cost level: High

TRAITS:
Supermaneuverability: The Su-27 has incredible aerobatic capabilities. Despite the flashiest backflips being useless in combat, a well-flown Su-27 is capable of virtually anything the pilot asks of it. +3 to all dogfight maneuvering and evasion rolls.

WEAPONS STATIONS AND HARDPOINTS:
The Su-27 has 6 underwing weapons stations and 4 fuselage weapons stations.

Air to Air:
All 6 wing stations can carry R-73 missiles.
The 2 inboard wing stations and 4 fuselage stations can carry R-27 or R-77 missiles

Fuel Tanks:
N/A

Air to Ground:
The inboard wing pylons can carry two S-8 rocket pods apiece, for a total of 4.
The mid-wing, inboard wing, and all fuselage stations can carry Kh-29 series missiles, for a total of 8.

Guns:
1x 30mm autocannon, 150 rounds.

>>3418178
Well she's certainly no MiG is she?
Hot Damn

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>>3418168
Don't forget, you get two qualifications.

On to the Kh-29 series of missiles.

The Kh-29 is a family of air to ground precision missiles, used on the latest Union aircraft.

The Kh-29 can be equipped with a laser guidance seeker, a TV seeker that locks onto an image designated by the pilot, an active radar homing variant that functions like an ARH air to air missile, but targets ground targets, and an infrared homing variant.

Each is useful against different targets, as outlined below:
Kh-29T: laser guided. Best employed against non moving targets like buildings and bunkers, though an extremely skilled pilot can use laser guidance on slow moving targets like ships.

Kh-29L: TV-guided. Best employed against non moving targets like buildings and bunkers; it is much less difficult to guide to its target than the laser guided version.

Kh-29MP: The active radar homing variant. Since it possesses its own onboard radar, this missile is truly fire and forget. The pilot can simply obtain a lock, fire, and then get out of dodge. It is best used against moving targets of any kind, but excels at hunting ships.

Kh-29D: The D variant comes with infrared homing, much like the R-73 air to air missile. It has an edge at seeking out and destroying light vehicles and heavy armor alike, by targeting their hot exhaust and motors.

Those are your four primary aircraft choices. If you think of any other Soviet multirole or fighter aircraft you would like me to write a summary for, let me know.

Anyway, now it's time to pick two airframe qualifications.

Also, if you care to, vote up the last thread in the archive. It's currently sitting at +4, one more vote would put it over the threshold into the Good Thread category, which will probably attract more players to it in the future.

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html

>the tags are a little fucked, i'll fix em this next time.

>>3418204
I'm gonna be straight with you. I like the Mig 21. Versatile, simple and a workhorse. But as reliable as she is the future is not kind. The MiG 29 has its own issues but is a solid plane. I think on most combos here it needs a presence simply because it's a high performer that is pretty dependable. The Mig 23 I just dont see a place for. Yeh it's *fast* but it strikes me as a plane that wanted to be both an interceptor and a general fighter and really only shined in one category. Now the Su-27 is I will admit, enormously tempting. Can you imagine what we could do in that thing if we choose Dogfight specialty? We would be the second coming of Gundam. But that cost and upkeep is an issue. I think we need a sense of balance here. IF we take the Su, I would take either the Mig21 or 29 as well to balance the ticket.
21/Su and 29/Su are my favored combos. Although there is something to be said for 21/29 I believe.

>>3418256
Don’t worry, this isn’t a choice designed to trip you up or trick you. The biggest strike against the Su-27 is that you don’t have any of them at your base. You’d have to come up with a plan to beg, borrow, or steal one from somewhere else.

>>3418261
Aw to hell with it
>Mig 29
>Su 27

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>>3418287
I’ll be dropping in occassionally to check on the voting progress. Right now, Dogfighting specialty and MiG-29/Su-27 qualification is winning.

>>3418204
>Mig-29
>Su-27

>>3418287
>>3418612
Giving it a bit longer for anons to drop by after work hours, then writing.

>>3418287
>>3418612
Alright, we're rolling with it! Writing!

>>3418612
>>3418287
support

>>3418867
what year, approximately, does this take place in?

>>3418902
Around the end of the Cold War, iirc. Sometime in the 80s, if I had to take a guess.

>>3418902
Late not!Cold War

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>>3418898
1987. I think I said early-mid 80s in the last thread, but I want to have F-15s and Su-27s buzzing around. If the setting misses a piece of tech by a couple years, don’t sweat it, it’s not a perfect 1:1 with reality anyway.

Have some soviet music from 1987:
https://youtu.be/35R6V2AF800

>>3418927
Unironically good and technopilled

>>3418939
That channel is a fucking gem. There’s so much perfect music for sim games or Twilight Struggle sessions. Mostly they post albums, so you have to pick out the good stuff by hand.

>>3418927
>F-15 first flight: 27 July 1972
>Introduction: 9 January 1976

>Su-27 first flight: 20 May 1977
>Introduction: 22 June 1985

>F-16 first flight: 20 January 1974
>Introduction: 17 August 1978

>MiG-29 first flight: 6 October 1977
>Introduction: July 1982

I think we're in the clear, in any case.

>>3418927
>>3418951
No Yaks? Who's to say that in this alt dimension, one of their prototypes or experimentals weren't greenlighted for production? Yakovlev can be a respected name in fighter production once again!

>>3418959
QM did say he was avoiding experimental or hypothetical models. At he least he said "very unlikely". I dont blame him. All this technical info is enough of a task without hypotheticals all over.

FUCK. I just accidentally deleted the pastebin I was about to post with the briefing. While I stall for time, I've got some stuff to distract you guys with incoming.

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>>3417869
Dogfighting. Nothing made you feel quite as alive as mixing it up in the merge. Sure, it’s terrifying to have the stakes so high, balanced on the knife’s edge of your split-second reactions, but you have the guts, moxy, and skill to pull it off. You think back to the days of schooling your training partners, and recall your gunsights settling over each of your instructors in turn. Even Lt. Nikulina couldn’t beat you every time.

The Major is still stuck on her radio, her back to you. Hurry up and wait, hurry up and wait. As you tap your foot, growing impatient, you notice that the third MiG-29 has something… odd about it. As you take a closer look at the cockpit, you realize that it’s a two-seater trainer! The unmistakable flight instructor’s mirror sits high over the glass like some kind of strange eyestalk. As you turn back to the chalkboard, you notice Popov has pulled out a multi-tool and is cleaning beneath his nails with a knife. “Why do you do that?” You ask, recoiling as you remember some of his more… unsavory habits.

“Do what?” Popov asks. He flicks a bit of… something… off of the tip of the blade. He’s always been weird about cleanliness.

>Tell Popov to stop being disgusting
>Let the man de-stress. He’s probably just as wound up as you are.
>While the major talks on the radio, get up and go check out the two-seat MiG-29
>Other (Write-in)

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Here's a closeup of the instructor mirror from a MiG-29. Instead of seating the instructor pilot higher in the cockpit than the trainee, the soviets simply used mirrors to give the instructor a way to see out the front of the jet.

>>3419036
>While the major talks on the radio, get up and go check out the two-seat MiG-29

>>3419036
>While the major talks on the radio, get up and go check out the two-seat MiG-29

>>3419036
>>While the major talks on the radio, get up and go check out the two-seat MiG-29
I'm curious

>>3419049
>>3419052
>>3419056
Oh sweet, time to meet the crew chief!

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>>3419036
You look back at Popov’s nails, then up to his face. “Forget it.” you say. “I’m going to go take a look at the 29 being refurbished over there.” You slowly stand and stretch. As you do, your injuries from the previous night make themselves very apparent. Pain is an annoying companion, but at least it’s a reminder you survived. You jog over to the team of grease-stained technicians swarming the craft, and when you’re pretty sure nobody’s looking, you step over the yellow rope surrounding the work area. Immediately, you hear a shrill whistle dig into your ears.

“OYE, CUNT! What in the FUCK are you planning on doing to my plane?” You twirl around in your tracks. The voice belongs to a chubby, short man festooned with wrenches, measuring equipment, screwdrivers, and other arcane pieces of equipment you’re barely familiar with. His attitude and specialist insignia instantly marks him as a crew chief. “Are you stupid, you piece of shit? GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS AWAY FROM MY PLANE.”

>”YOUR plane? I outrank you, soldier.”
>”Calm down, asshole, I’m the pilot that saved your ass.”
>Lean on the plane with one arm. Calmly ask “What can I do for you, Specialist?”
>Other (Write-in)

>time to see how Dos Gringos Ivan can get when provoked

Mandatory listening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdSj0_Fd4ds

>>3419078
>Lean on the plane with one arm. Calmly ask “What can I do for you, Specialist?”

>>3419078
>DON'T lean on the plane. Calmly ask “What can I do for you, Specialist?”

>>3419096
>>3419101
Each of you roll 3D10. Higher total breaks the tie, unless someone comes along in the next like, 5 minutes.

Rolled 4, 6, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>3419151

Rolled 4, 3, 6 = 13 (3d10)

>>3419151

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>>3419078
You brace yourself the MiG-29 with one hand, planting the other on your hip as you lean back. “What can I do for you, Specialist…” you eye his namebadge beneath the grease coating his uniform “…Sokolov.” Suddenly, he pulls a wrench off his belt, and reels his arm back, preparing to throw it at you.

>Keep leaning on the jet. Maintain eye contact to establish dominance.
>Stop leaning on the jet. Maybe you can make peace with the madman.
>Turn your back to him and continue inspecting the MiG.
>Other (Write-in)

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>>3419174
>Stop leaning on the jet. Maybe you can make peace with the madman.

>>3419174
>>Keep leaning on the jet. Maintain eye contact to establish dominance.
Just sitting there like a cool lad.
just sitting there laughing at this SEETHING little man.

>>3419152
Get in here and break the tie, dISVHPmO. Or someone else. If nobody comes in the next 10 minutes, it'll be an opposed 3D10 again.

>>3419174
>keep leaning on the jet. Assert domaince

What the fuck is this quest and where is thread 1

>>3419230
Still up in the catalogue
Also not!cold war pilot quest

>>3419230
Thread one is in the archive and the catalog. It's a fairly realistic take on late cold war air combat. Run by a QM with literally no experience running quests.

Also, we're asserting dominance, writing!

>>3419237
Kickass, I just caught up and I LOVE IT

>>3419233
>>3419237
Christ realism of Soviet kit during late cold war. Wasn't the Soviet shit falling apart at that time?

>>3419241
Sweet, glad you're enjoying!
>>3419245
Ha ha, you see comrade, when you are of writing quest, yuo can pretend glorious soviet economy has not collapsed yet )))

>>3419245
I *think* they were doing fine until the state itself started falling apart and suddenly the fuckoff huge Soviet war machine had nothing near the money and resources it needed.

>>3419245
Who is Soviet Union? Vee are GLORIOUS People's Democracy !

>>3419250
>>3419253
Ah it is good to see the heavy industry market having faired well.

>>3419259
>vee
HMMMM sounds pretty western here

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>>3419174
You stare him dead in the eyes, and he stares straight back into yours. There’s no way he’s gonna throw that wrench. The moments pass by, like a one-sided spaghetti western standoff. Then, the specialist throws the wrench.

You duck out of the way, but a moment later, you realize he wasn’t aiming for you at all, instead opting to toss the instrument to a jumpsuited arm sticking out of the air intake nearest you. The technician inside catches the tool with ease, offering a quick “Thanks, Babushka” to Sokolov and a dirty stare at you. You raise an eyebrow in return. These maintainers are fucking weird, man. By the time you’ve looked back at the advancing crew chief, he’s less than a foot away from you. The smell of oil emanates from him like a magic aura. He squints his eyes at you, sizing you up from head to foot. “You’ve got guts, kid. I like that. Two minutes. That’s all I’ll give you. She won’t be ready until this afternoon.” Just like that, the strange man leaves you alone to harass a technician reclined in a chair. He smacks him in the head with a rolled up technical manual. “Dominic! Stop sleeping, you little shit. Did you finish the once-over on the RD-33? No? Of course you didn’t! Get to it!” Seriously. You whisper under your breath, “What the fuck happened to the normal ground crew?” The same jumpsuited figure as before slides his torso out of the air intake again. You jump, with an audible “AUGH!” You had completely forgotten he was there. “The old crews all died in the attack. We’re all that’s left. Babushka over there takes care of us.”

Well then. Two minutes isn’t much time, you’ll only be able to examine one system in detail.

>Avionics
>Engines
>Weapons
>Other (Write-in)

>>3419276
Hmm, what’s more important the ability to punch it or the ability to shoot shit

>>3419310
Whichever you pick won't result in a performance penalty in other areas. I deleted an hour+ worth of writing earlier, so I am still in the process of rewriting your mission briefing and using this time to introduce other characters and flesh out the base.

Choose the option that makes the player die because fuck communism.

>>3419345
Scratch a liberal and a fascist bleeds, anon. You get the bullet too.

>>3419276
Imma have too go with

>engine

>>3419348
We all get the big sleep at the end of the day

>>3419345
I didn't anticipate running a Soviet campaign, 2/3 of the original character possibilities were essentially NATO. I cut another option that would have been a neutral country, because it didn't make sense narratively, so no Viggens or Drakens right now.

>>3419276
>Avionics

>>3419352
>>3419386
That's one for engines, one for avionics. Ten minute rule applies again, you two roll off if nobody breaks the tie. Otherwise, next vote breaks the tie.

>>3419394
I'll change too avionics. I'll be heading out as well for the night. I'm looking forward too this quest boss.

>>3419386
Ditto

>>3419276
>Engines

Avionics has it. Writing. This and the next few posts will probably be my last of the night, too.

Thanks for all the new faces dropping by! Expect more updates periodically all week, because I am an unemployed programming student who has nothing to do but interview at shitty minimum wage jobs and read books on cold war aircraft all day.

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>>3419276
You head to the front of the plane and take a look inside the nose. It’s hinged open, and inside, you can see the face of the radar staring back out at you. At least that will operate correctly. The IRST lens, on the other hand, is cracked, having seen much better days. Despite the grime and dust, everything else seems to be in perfectly good shape.

You head to look at the engines, but before you can continue your examination of the MiG-29, you hear the bark of a familiar voice. “Dhovochesky! Comrade!” Unlike earlier this morning (last night?), Nikulina’s voice is a harsh rasp. The Major stands near the chalkboard, a stack of papers in hand, as Nikulina rolls up to join her in a wheelchair, pushed along by Gulayev. She crosses her arms across her chest, tapping her foot impatiently. You hurry back to the hastily constructed briefing area, and take your seat.

“Good of you to join us, comrade.” The Major says, annoyed at your tardiness. “My time is limited, but here’s your operation.” She points to the board. On it, a diagram has been hastily drawn. “We have three air bases in the area, and Saber Squadron only reported two nuclear flashes. Thus, we can conclude that at least one of the air bases in the area is not completely FUBAR’d. The problem is, without communications, we have no way of establishing which one is still operational. That’s where you come in. We have two options here.” She stops, gesturing to your squadron.

“For the first: Saber team will depart, flying the available fighters we have, and conduct a reconnaissance mission to determine which bases are still intact, and what, if any, air transport capabilities they have. You will take two fighters, and if you discover any heavy transport aircraft, you will deliver a personal message from the Colonel giving you permission to appropriate it. One of you will fly it back to our base for our own use.” She stops to rub her eyes before continuing.

>”A message from the Colonel? But he’s dead.”
>”What, you just want us to steal someone else’s plane?”
>”Alright. What’s the other option?”
>Other (Write-in)

>>3419450
>isn’t the Colonel dead?
>so we’re stealing planes now?
>what’s the other option here
Do we have a sidearm btw?

>>3419472
No sidearm as of now. What kind would you want?

>>3419472
support

>>3419450
>>”Alright. What’s the other option?”
Reasonable enough. Colonel is dead but I doubt word has gotten out.

>>3419476
I don’t really know, a makarov probably, but all the Russian sidearms are so ridiculously ugly

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>>3419450
“Wait, didn’t the Colonel die during the cruise missile strikes?” You ask, unwilling to believe what you’ve just heard. Nikulina looks at you with pity. The Major looks at you with incredulity before responding. “Yes. But as the highest ranking officer in the area, he had command authority over all of these bases. If his office hadn’t been leveled, comrade DPIB here would have been able to forge his signature on some official letterhead.”

You blink. “So we’re stealing planes now?” Nikulina cuts in. “We’re SURVIVING now. Remember what you promised me last night. We only get out of this by trusting each other.” You grimace. If even your old flight lead is in on this, you’ll play along, for now. “So, what’s the other option?” You ask.

“I thought the pretty colors on my map have would have caught your eye by now, Saber Lead. The red represents our best guess as to where the enemy strike force came from. Those bombers have pretty long legs, but Dwight Redding Air Base is only 650km away, and as far as our last intel report showed, it was the only base flying F-4s in our vicinity. At cruise speed, your jets can get there in under half an hour. And those stupid fucks that aimed the missiles at our base somehow missed our ammo storage. I’m sure you can see where this is going: a strike on any remaining enemy forces. I wish we had nuclear warheads here, but they all got sent to the strategic bombers at 8841. Regardless, your second option is to eliminate any chance that we get hit again. As the ranking airman on this base, you get a say in which operation you’re willing to take. Either way, you’ll need to be on alert for enemy fighters in the area. We don’t know what’s up there.” She concludes, looking at you expectantly.

>”We’ll handle the reconnaissance. Getting a ride out of here is more important than getting revenge.”
>”We need to make sure the imperialists can’t strike at us again. We’ll take out that base.”
>Other (Write-in)

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Probably gonna leave the quest here for tonight, collecting votes til tomorrow.

Thanks to all the anons for getting us to "GOOD THREAD" status in the archives, despite the embarrassing tag situation.

>>3419535
>”We’ll handle the reconnaissance. Getting a ride out of here is more important than getting revenge.”

>>3419560
Ditto, claiming resources is more important currently than trying to fuck over our enemies (who’re probably in a better circumstance than us)

>>3419535
>”We’ll handle the reconnaissance. Getting a ride out of here is more important than getting revenge.”

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Also, what kind of camo do you guys want on your MiGs? It’s gotta be historical. None of those airshow liveries, as beautiful as they are.

>>3419592
What’s the options?

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>>3419592
Leaning towards this after some cursory google searches. Disregard the Slovak markings

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>>3419613
Anything you can find

We’re rogue now, and we’ve got a kind of weird maintenance team, so lots of oddball camoflage is possible.
>>3419623
Digi-camo is awesome

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>>3419634
Why is falling asleep so damn hard?

>>3419623
Digi camo is cool, and I’d vote for it, but it is the 80’s
>>3419623
After we get Ace, can we paint it ourselves?

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>>3418204
Missed the earlier posts so missed the chance to mention the Su-25
>>3419362
No Bork Bork Bork planes? I'm somewhat disappointed.

Tiger Stripes or Leopard Print..... Lol

>>3419535
>>”We need to make sure the imperialists can’t strike at us again. We’ll take out that base.”
We have a chance to cripple them and give them a backhand. Each plane we take down is one that won't be used against us later. Same for the base

> We need to make sure the imperialists can’t strike at us again. We’ll take out that base.”

Our skill set is more suited to combat than recon.... this makes more sense to me.

Again with the not! meme.

It would appear were doing the Ace Combat 5 thing. Ghosts of Razgriz.

>>3419535
QM I'd hate to add more to your plate but hypothetically what would the stats for the Foxbat be in this system?

Good morning! Looks like we’ve got 3 for recon
>>3419560
>>3419576
>>3419590
And 2 for the bombing raid.
>>3419931
>>3420014
Writing!

>>3420034, I hate AC5. I think it’s worse than Assault Horizon

>>3420035
Maneuverability would be around 2 or 2.5/5. Really high speed, decent acceleration, and 8 hardpoints for carrying various missiles. The R-33 would be the secret weapon of the jet. It’s a gigantic active radar homing missile, along the lines of the F-14’s AIM-54 Phoenix. The aircraft would have an extremely powerful radar as well. However, it would be complete ass at ground strike, I went with other options.

>>3419755
You’ll have to buy the paint, but sure. It will all make sense soon enough.

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>>3419535
You think for a moment before responding. “You said we only have two days until this base becomes unlivable, so we’ll take the recon flight.” The Major nods. “Excellent. Lieutenant Nikulina, you will handle the rest of the briefing.”

He coughs briefly, before wheeling in front of the chalkboard. “Now, as far as enemy assets in the area, we are still only aware of the F-16A and F-4E contingents nearby, and if any of the other bases put up a fight like ours did, their numbers should be severely attrited. Odds are good you won’t find anything else in the area. Once you’re in the air, it will be up to you which order to assess the airbases in. Any questions?”

>No.
>Yes. (Write-in)

While you deliberate, you think back to what you know of the enemy craft in the area.

>The F-4E is a fighter-bomber with long range, high speed, and decent acceleration. Experience fighting against it in several proxy wars have revealed a deficiency in turning capabilities, which a good pilot will mitigate with careful energy management. It is heavily armed, carrying up to four infrared missiles, four semi active radar homing missiles, AND fuel tanks besides. Its radar is old, but was the first on any aircraft to possess “look down, shoot down” capability, and has moderate range on par with the MiG-29’s.

>The F-16A is a moderate range tactical day fighter. Its air intake shape restricts it to lower speeds than the Phantom, but since most aircraft spend most of their flight time at cruising speed, this is generally not an issue. Its energy-maneuverability diagram is nearly identical to the MiG-29’s. It can hold a tighter turn than the 29, but cannot match it in instantaneous turn performance. It is also heavily armed, but most A variants only carry six infrared air to air missiles. It possesses a radar similar to the F-4E’s.

>>3420094
>No

>>3420094
>can we expect any support, or will we be alone out there?

Heads up: Busy today, probably no updates til the evening.

>still waiting on a tiebreaker

>>3420094
>No

>>3420050
>AC5
>worse than Ass Horizon
I'm... curious to see your reasoning. That's the first time I've seen someone say that.

>>3420432
Shit characters that start interesting but never develop
Plot that manages to be both full of holes and also uninteresting
Villains whose motivations only make sense to high schoolers mainlining shounen anime
And dialogue that makes me want to shrivel up and die

>>3420614
Unrealistic anime bullshit and cringy, cheesy dialogue ("Let the victor... be justice." / "Dance with the angels!"/ "D E E P D A R K B L U E") are hallmarks of the series in general, so I wouldn't count them as dealbreakers. AC5 was par for the course for a main series game, if you ask me. In contrast, Assault Horizon's real-world (relative) groundedness is an exception.

>>3420732
4 is the only game in the series that has a story I like. There’s a difference between cheesy and cringey though. The AC5 pilots constantly yammering on about “WAR IS BAD” sticks out, compared to all the other games, where the radio chatter is more focused on moment-to-moment combat stuff. Idk, I know 5 is really popular, but I dislike it immensely.

>>3420766
How do you feel about Belkan War?

>>3421193
Takes advantage of the Project Aces team’s writing skills. They’re good at writing initially fun, archetypal characters. So the brief introductions and short videos from all the ace squadron leaders play to those strengths.

Notice that Pixy hardly gets any character development. He’s anti-border from the get-go, which makes his character “arc” flat and boring in comparison.

My favourite Ace Combat was the one with Stonehenge and Megalith.

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>>3420094
As the major walks back to her operations desk, you think through your options before delivering your reply. “No, let’s not waste time.” Nikulina responds “Good. Now go get some food into you. You depart in two hours, at precisely noon. Dismissed.” With that, he too departs to Major Nikonov’s staging area. The two immediately unfurl a world map, circling, pointing, gesturing, and shaking their heads as they try to work out a plan. You lean back in your seat, relieved to have your full flight back together. You look to your left, where Popov sits quietly between you and Gulayev. After a moment of silence, Popov stands, offering a hand to his squadmate with a smile. “It’s good to have you intact, Aleksi.” As Gulayev accepts the proffered hand, Popov hauls him to his feet into a bear hug. Even someone as cold as Popov can show some warmth on occasion. You grin and hop to your feet.

>Join the group hug
>Wait for Popov and Gulayev to have their moment
>Interrupt the hug with some banter
>Other (write-in)

>>3424893
>Wait for Popov and Gulayev to have their moment

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Well, as usual, while we wait, here's some plane stuff, like pic related and its history!

On June 18, 2017, the Super Hornet lost her virginity. But there's a lot more to the story than simply scrambling to take out some bandit.

That morning, Lt. Commander Michael "Mob" Tremel took off in his super hornet, and sat around waiting for a JTAC (basically the guy who calls in airstrikes) to call for some airstrikes. When his targeting pod started having issues, and a Russian Su-27 showed up, he was assigned to monitor the aircraft. While he started looking around with his radar, he caught an Su-22, fast and low. He closed in to visual range to confirm what he was seeing, and radio'd it in. Despite multiple warnings from the AWACS in the area, the Su-22 wouldn't change course. And despite the F/A-18E making multiple close passes to try and scare the Su-22 pilot, he just kept going.

Well, the Su-22 was too close to friendly forces by that point, so Mob let fly with an AIM-9X. But for some reason, it failed to track, so he pulled out an AIM-120 and toasted the guy at close range.

>>3424893
>>Wait for Popov and Gulayev to have their moment
We can hug him separately
Group hugs are kinda gay

>>3424928
>>3424993
Roger dodger

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>>3424893
You decide to give your wingmen a moment. Gulayev’s face brightens a bit at the display of camaraderie, before he puts on a stern scowl and asks “So, are there some feelings you need to tell me about, comrade Popov?” Popov shoves him away, laughing good-heartedly. “Fuck you. How can you be joking after we pulled you out of that flaming coffin?” Gulayev claps him on the shoulder, then looks past him to you. “I'm trying not to think about it. Easier that way. By the way, thanks, Boss.” He moves past Popov to give you a hard handshake and a clap on the back. His face and voice take on a more serious tone. “Not many people who would read the safety regs on how dangerous running up to a burning fighter is, and then ignore them anyway.”

You suppose most people wouldn’t. “Comrade, I’m just glad you’re in one piece. Now, if you’re up and about, you all heard the Lieutenant. Let’s grab something to eat.” At this, Gulayev’s face sinks a little further. “Yeah… I’m doing alright, but I’m not uh, not feeling hungry.” His stomach audibly growls. You need your fighter pilots in working order—this is going to be a problem.

>Pull rank, order him to eat. It’s for his own good, he’ll thank you when he recovers.
>Bring him along to breakfast, encourage him to snack on something, but don’t force him to take a meal.
>Let him go, but set a meeting time for after your breakfast. Bring something light back with you for him.
>Other (Write-in)

>>3425564
>bring him along, let him just get something in him

>>3425564
>eat you fucking idiot, that's an order

>>3425564
>>Bring him along to breakfast, encourage him to snack on something, but don’t force him to take a meal.

>>3425564
>>Pull rank, order him to eat. It’s for his own good, he’ll thank you when he recovers.

>>3425617
>>3425676
>>3425680
Writing, guess it's kinda taking a bit. I hope to get us up in the air by tonight for the next possible combat session.

While you wait, here's our pilot stat sheet for now: https://pastebin.com/YG45y635

>>3425952
Oh hey, that's a tie. Well, I'm just now getting to the part where we have to actually get Gulayev to stop being retarded.

>>3425564
>Pull rank, order him to eat. It’s for his own good, he’ll thank you when he recovers.

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>>3425564
You look at him for a moment. You don’t need to add more stress to the situation, but you also need your pilots relatively rested and fed if you’re going into a combat zone. “Well, I can’t force food down your throat, but we’re not leaving you behind either. Let’s go find the mess hall.” With that, you lead your wingmen out of the hangar. The breeze is still definitely too cold for your liking, and the line of bodybags is as disturbing as ever, but besides that, most of the base activity is people simply walking around. The less panicked sprinting you see, the better. As a pair of base security troops walk past, rifles in hand, you hassle them for the location of the mess. “The mess hall? Well, the Freebies bombed it to shit, so Chef Colombo set up shop in Hangar One. Breakfast is over, but maybe you can get some early soup for lunch.”

You thank the pair for their time. The first guard shrugs, continuing on his rounds. Your team crosses the cracked tarmac, listening to the noises of Hangar Six growing fainter behind you as you walk past the rubble of Hangar 5. Gulayev looks somewhat bewildered by the wreckage of the base. “I guess I passed out on the runway and woke up in Medical. I didn’t know it was this bad.” He gestures up the line of wrecked structures. “I had beer in the refrigerator in Hangar 4, but that looks destroyed too. Shit, I guess only One, Three, and Six survived.” He puts his hands in his pockets, kicking a piece of rubble and casting his eyes downwards.

You walk along in somewhat uncomfortable silence, but eventually you draw close to the front of Hangar One. The smell of something delicious radiates out from the kitchen, settling over you like a warm blanket. Now your stomach is growling, too. As you reach the entrance, you see a small line of soldiers already forming in front of a long line of tables. You give Popov and Gulayev a “Ladies first” as your squadron falls in line. Soon, cooks emerge, carting enormous pots of soup and small baskets of bread. You look back at Gulayev. As you suspected, he didn’t even take a tray when you lined up. “Aleksi, grab a tray. I know you don’t feel hungry, but you need to eat.” He looks up at you, annoyed. “Dhovy, I’m fine. Seriously.” You shake your head. “Don’t make me pull rank on you. We’ve been through too much shit not to look out for each other.” He sighs, and snags a tray, bowl, and a chunk of bread. He brandishes a spoon at you, saying “Fine. It’s your fault if the ground crew ends up cleaning barf out of the cockpit, though.” Phew. That went better than it could have.

>>3426100
>Chef Colombo
a not!Cuban?

>>3426120
Throwaway line, but actually Not!Italian. You might meet him later, but I'm planning like, one or two more posts before you guys go up in the air.

If we had gone for the freedom side, would our options have been the F4, F16, and F15C?

>>3426177
F-16C or F-15C, actually. F-5E maybe. I'm generally trying to keep it to single seaters for now. F-4 is a little dated, but it would have been an option that was low maintenance and low cost with a decent radar. Basically a slightly less complex to maintain MiG-23, only with WAY more weapons options.

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>>3426100
As you breathe a sigh of relief, Popov slowly turns a baleful gaze upon Gulayev. “I wouldn’t throw up in that cockpit, if I were you. I saw the crew chief throw a wrench at Dhovochesky.” Gulayev raises an eyebrow, as he holds out his tray for a scoop of the soup. You’re finally in range to see the contents of the pots—a delicious, hearty minestrone. Hell yes. The hulking Chef Colombo leans out of a small tent, squinting at the proceedings. His enormous mustache is unmistakable, but you only see him for a moment before he vanishes back inside. As you proceed to the neat lines of seating and start sloshing down the soup, you see Gulayev gulp down the soup and tear into the bread with as much crude gusto as Popov does with elegant grace. You figure you don’t have too much time to kill before takeoff, but you can’t seem to get the mission off of your mind…

>Pick the two Fulcrums’ loadouts and plan the order of bases you’ll visit
>Shoot the shit with Popov and Gulayev to distract yourself
>Other (Write-in)

>>3426252
>>Pick the two Fulcrums’ loadouts and plan the order of bases you’ll visit

>>3426252
>pick our kit and gear

>>3426257
Ditto

>>3426252
>Pick the two Fulcrums’ loadouts and plan the order of bases you’ll visit

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>>3426252
You pull a pen out of your flight suit’s front pocket. Somehow, it managed to survive the night’s insanity. You click it to get your wingmens’ attention and spread out a napkin onto the table. “Alright, get your Saber Flight faces on. We’ve got two MiG-29s, and we don’t know what’s going to be out there. I suggest that we hit the bases in the following order—“

You take a moment to remember which base hosted what kind of forces, conjuring the map from the briefing into your mind’s eye. Base 8843 was a far-forward frontline fighter base. 8844 was a relatively close heavy transport base. 8841 had strategic bombers, far away from the other two bases.

Which base will you examine first?
>8841
>8843
>8844

>>3426320
>>8841
They'll probably have hit this one out of the three, let's make it our first stop

>>3426326
>>3426320
>8841

>>3426326
>>3426380
8841 first, then.

What's next?
8843 or 8844?

OH also, if you guys die, don't worry, we'll just start a new character. You'll get to pick if you want like, another commie, or another side of the conflict, or whatever. So be aware that you can definitely die.

I think I meant to put that somewhere at the top of the first thread as an ALL CAPS WARNING but yeah. Ye have been warned.

>>3426383
>8843
then hit 8844 on the way back to base

>>3426383
>>3426413
I'll vote for this

>>3426413
>>3426415
Awesome. Doesn't seem like there are many other people in the thread, so we'll move on to loadout.

You have 2x MiG-29. One is a 2-seater. Who is flying which one?

>>3426420
We'll take the 2 seater, see if it limits our viewspace for this sightseeing mission.

>>3426432
Alright, who's flying the one-seater? The 2-seater has no real vision restrictions except for a minor one to the rear. Your backseater will call out anything they see though, so you get two sets of eyes in one cockpit.

>>3426420
Yeh let's take the two seater

>>3426436
Let's put Gulyaev in the back. I'm not comfortable with him flying on his own rn. He should be able to handle these duties tho

>>3426436
Put Popov in the single seater, give Gulayev some more time to recover in the backseat I guess

>>3426438
>>3426442
Alright, let's load out the first MiG-29. You can look at the pastebin (https://pastebin.com/YG45y635) if you want, but I'm gonna paste the relevant bit in this post unless 4chins fucks up the formatting.

Weapons Load:
30mm autocannon, 150 rounds
Station Number Weapons Loadable
1 R-73 R-27 R-77 500kg bomb
2 R-73 R-27 R-77 500kg bomb S-8 Rocket Pod
3 R-73 R-27 R-77 500kg bomb S-8 Rocket Pod Kh-29 Kh-31
4 Large Fuel Tank
5 R-73 R-27 R-77 500kg bomb S-8 Rocket Pod Kh-29 Kh-31
6 R-73 R-27 R-77 500kg bomb S-8 Rocket Pod
7 R-73 R-27 R-77 500kg bomb

>>3426445
I'd say 2 each of the 73, 77 and 27

>>3426445
To post a loadout, simply enter it as the following example (this one is intended for a Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission to destroy SAM sites):

1 R-73
2 S-8 Rocket Pod
3 Kh-31 Anti-Radiation
4 empty
5 Kh-31 Anti-Radiation
6 S-8 Rocket Pod
7 R-73

>>3426445
1 R-73
2 R-27
3 R-77
4 (Large Fuel Tank if necessary)
5 R-73
6 R-27
7 R-77

QM Note: Fuel Tanks

Fuel tanks (or Drop Tanks as they're more commonly known) are external fuel pods that most aircraft can mount to extend their range. An aircraft that is heavily weighed down by large, draggy objects such as rocket pods, bombs, or fuel tanks, their kinematic performance will suffer until they eject the offending object. The penalty can extend from -3 (light load) to -15 (extreme load)

>>3426464
So what would be our ideal load weight
I presume we cant just mount something on every point

>>3426460
Also supporting this I suppose.
Assuming we dont turn into a snail

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>>3426460
Fuel Tanks are not necessary. Also, if it helps, pic related is an MS Paint version that shows which stations are which.
>>3426466
Load weight won't be relevant until we start carrying really big A2G munitions like rocket pods and such. A2A weapons are designed specifically not to hinder aircraft as much, so they're accounted for in maneuverability stats.

Currently winning loadout:
1 R-73
2 R-27
3 R-77
4 empty
5 R-77
6 R-27
7 R-73

150 rounds of 30mm cannon ammo
1 passenger

So, what's the loadout for Popov's MiG?

>>3426445
Weapons Load:
30mm autocannon, 150 rounds
Station Number Weapons Loadable
1 R-73
2 R-27
3 R-77
4 Large Fuel Tank
5 R-77
6 R-27
7 R-73

>>3426470
Well in that case I'm proposing basically the first guys idea but with no extra tank.

>>3426476
1. R-73
2. R-77
3. R-27
4. Empty
5. R-73
6. R-77
7. R-73
Popov is our radar/skysniper
Let's outfit him as such

I'm gonna add weapons to the pastebin as well for next thread, so here's a quick and dirty in case anyone forgot.

R-73: short range infrared dogfighting missile. 10km range.
R-27: medium range semi-active radar homing missile. 40km range.
R-77: medium range active radar homing missile. 40km range.

>>3426486
Oh fucking shit I had em mixed up
Disregard my vote then.
Instead for Popov make it
1. R-77
2. R-27
3. R-27
4. No tank
5. R-73
6. R-77
7. R-27
---
And for Us
1. R-73
2. R-73
3. R-77
4. No tank
5. R-73
6. R-77
7. R-73
Emphasize our strengths

>>3426492
I like the way you think.

I'll leave this up overnight with some more well known Eastern Bloc music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEb68L-3UWY

>>3426492
supporting. sorry for not posting earlier, was busy

>>3426570
No biggie.

Oh, and it's not super important for now, but once we're off this base (assuming we get the transport plane/s we need), we'll have a limited stock of various kinds of weapons, and we won't always be able to order more. So as the quest goes on, picking the right loadouts will become harder and harder.

>>3407805
Link to the last thread if anyone else wants to catch up.

>>3426574
Not sure how the timezone is going to match up for posting, but I will be lurking if I don't catch it live. Good quest so far.

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>>3426320
“First, we’ll get a look at 8841. It was probably a priority target, so it’s the least likely to have any goodies. Second, we’ll proceed east to 8843. They might have a transport or two there, but they also may have more combat aircraft on the base. Lastly, we’ll pass 8844 on the way back home.” You trace your finger through each point in turn, and once you’ve arrived back at 8842, you continue.

“Overall, the trip will be about 600km, which means we’ll have a good amount of gas to fight with. So you’re free to use afterburners as necessary if things get ugly. Popov, you’ll be flying the single-seater. I want you on overwatch. You’ll be carrying 3 R-27s, 2 R-77s, and a single R-73, just in case. Gulayev, you will fly with me. If we find a transport plane, you will be responsible for flying it back to 8842. We will be carrying 4 R-73s and 2 R-77s, acting as an advanced screening element for Popov.” The two pilots nod their heads in agreement. Excellent.

Popov speaks up. “I recommend that we fly radar silent for most of the operation. It’s simple navigation, so there’s no reason to announce our presence unless we need to.”

>Yes. We’ll fly low and use the IRST to try to hide from enemy radar and RWR.
>No. We need the extra situational awareness from our radar. We’ll cruise at high altitude and shoot down threats as they arise.
>Other (Write-in)

>>3426668
Glad you’re enjoying it, as silly as some of the base shenanigans are. I’m having a good time hanging out with all of you.

>>3426932
>>Yes. We’ll fly low and use the IRST to try to hide from enemy radar and RWR.
Alternatively we could have Popov fly live while we stay silent. Could be useful as an ambush element. I'll stick with his suggestion for now tho.

>>3426932
>fly low

>>3426932
>Yes. We’ll fly low and use the IRST to try to hide from enemy radar and RWR.

File: airfield.jpg (136 KB, 1000x541)

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>>3426932
“That sounds good. We’ll stay low and fast. With any luck, they’ll never even know we’re there.” You agree. As everyone finishes up their meals and roll out back to the hangar, a small truck rolls to a stop next to your party. “Saber Team?” The driver, a middle-aged woman in fatigues, asks. You look at your watch. It’s barely 1100. “That’s us, comrade.” She jerks a finger over her shoulder to the open truckbed. “Timeline’s been moved up. They’re wheeling your jets out of the hangar as we speak.” The soldier next to her shifts in his seat, his rifle in his lap. “Thanks for the ride, then.” You respond. Popov and Gulayev shrug. It beats walking. The three of you pile into the truckbed, and are whisked across the base. You feel the heat of the sun on your face, accidentally elbowing Gulayev, as you roll your shoulders and stretch your arms and torso. By the time you make it to Hangar Six, a team is already fueling and doing a final walk-around of your aircraft. You spot Lieutenant Nikulina, who has donned a pair of sunglasses and a pair of crutches, as he waits patiently on the runway. The three of you disembark, giving a casual salute to the driver, and moments later, Specialist Sokolov is about a foot in front of your face. “Hey, kid. We need your weapons load if we’re going to get you up in the air. Don’t suppose you’ve given it any thought.” You fish the napkin you planned your course on out of your pocket, and flip it over to the back, where you’ve written your weapons wishlist. You thrust it out like a crucifix, hoping to ward off the crew chief. He takes it and nods approvingly.

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>>3427116
“You are just full of surprises, ain’tcha?” As quickly as he arrived, he walks off, and moments later, you see him driving off with some crew in a truck to go fetch your weaponry. Speaking of weaponry, you can see the maintenance spooling a belt of ammunition into the Gsh-30 cannon of your two-seater MiG. Popov’s appears to already be armed and fueled. Nikulina swings over to you on his crutches. You walk up to meet him with a wave. “Comrade Spy, that lunch was excellent.” Nikulina scowls, and for a moment you can see your old flight lead’s spirit flame back into his eyes. “Glad to hear it. That magician on the ground crew got us nearly an hour ahead of schedule. What are your flight plans and tactics?” he asks. As you fill him in, he nods. “Exactly how I would have done it. Excellent work as usual, Saber Flight. Now, let’s get this final inspection done while we wait for your weapons, and get you in the air. The clock is ticking.” He hands you and Popov annotated maps of the briefing, and gestures to follow him. You join him for the final walkaround, and by the time you’re done, Sokolov and co are already back with your weapons, loading them onto the wings. It’s time to climb into the cockpit. Once inside, you feel at home. Without the abbreviated scramble startup, getting fired up and ready to go is a relaxing affair. Gulayev reclines in the backseat, and as you finish checks and bring the canopy down, you hear the fuzz of your in-cockpit radio. “Alright, Dhovy. Don’t do anything too crazy today.” You roll your head around, feeling your neck pop satisfyingly as you do so. “No promises.” You radio back, sarcastically. Then, you open the channel to Nikulina.

“Saber flight is ready to depart.” You say. “Confirmed. Taxi and take off when ready. Good luck.” Nikulina replies. Before you know it, your slow roll has placed you lined up right on the runway. The crater from the previous night is still there, as well as a good amount of debris, but the worst of it has been cleared away, you note. You slide the throttle forward, and the familiar weight of takeoff settles onto your whole body as you rocket down the runway. Eventually, you feel your wheels depart the ground as you climb to 200 meters. You circle the base as Popov follows suit, then rocket off East towards airbase 8841.

Sorry for the long pause, I'm brushing up on the MiG-29's navigation system so the next post doesn't look stupid.

Just so you know you have at least one lurker reading and enjoying the quest. Even if I’m not voting.

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>>3427121
Popov slots in to your 5 o clock, and confirms “In position. We appear to be making good time.” You flip your HUD to navigation mode, and look down at your attitude indicator, keeping your craft on a direct course to the base. At your low altitude cruise speed of 1200 kilometers per hour, you have about eight minutes before you arrive at your first objective. You scan the skies as you navigate, blazing through the hills and forest below, but none of your sensors find anything. The remaining minutes pass in silence, before you draw within visual range of the base.

>Roll 3D10 for spotting

Rolled 3, 8, 2 = 13 (3d10)

>>3427309
Let's see if I can match my nat 20 from the base fight

Rolled 6, 9, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>3427309

Rolled 9, 8, 4 = 21 (3d10)

>>3427309

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>>3427309
You brace yourself for the worst. As you draw to the outskirts of the base, you can see a massive circular clearing in the wilderness. Trees have been flattened or ripped out by their roots, and smoke from a forest fire still rises into the air in a ring around the outskirts. There is an enormous, smoking crater where the base used to be. Nothing recognizable remains. Popov speaks over the secure radio channel. “8841 has been eliminated, then.” Gulayev replies “Two thousand people, and now they’re gone.” He laughs. “I wonder if they’re the lucky ones…”

You cut in. “Keep it together, Saber. Let’s head to waypoint two.”

“Affirmative, Saber Lead.” comes the response as the formation banks away from the wreckage. You spin the nose and check your fuel. Still plenty to check out the other areas and then get home. The longest leg of your journey is up next, as you head to airbase 8843. The terrain flashes by below, as your 2-ship formation smoothly transits to the target. After a few minutes, you see a familiar warning light show up. God damn it, not now! Popov immediately radios you. “Saber Three to Saber One, picked up a ping on my RWR. It was temporary, but something just lit us up.” Shit. You look around, thinking to your maps of the area. The Ertysh River flows through a narrow valley below, conveniently on your way to the target. It might keep you safe from enemy radar, but the banks aren’t -that- high…

>Take the MiG into the valley. If the enemy is at low enough altitude or far enough away, you might be able to keep from being detected.
>Turn towards the threat, drop to absolute minimum altitude, searching on RWR for the enemy
>Activate radar, turn towards the threat, and begin engaging

Weapons Remaining:
Dhovochesky/Gulayev:
150 rounds cannon ammo - 1km range
4x R-73 infrared missiles - 10km range
2x R-77 active radar homing missiles - 40km range

Popov
150 rounds cannon ammo - 1km range
1x R-73 infrared missile - 10km range
3x R-27 semi-active radar homing missile - 40km range
2x R-77 active radar homing missile - 40km range

>>3427386
Other (Write-in) is an option. Also, your IRST is on, and has a detection range of 15km.

Unfortunately, RWR cannot detect enemy range, so all you know is that there is someone 40km or less away from you that just pinged you.

>>3427386
>>Take the MiG into the valley. If the enemy is at low enough altitude or far enough away, you might be able to keep from being detected.

>>3427386
>>Take the MiG into the valley. If the enemy is at low enough altitude or far enough away, you might be able to keep from being detected.

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>>3427386
“Popov, let’s follow the river. I don’t want to pick a fight right now.” You radio. His response is prompt, as usual. “Affirmative.” You roll your aircraft, pulling down into the valley as you keep up your pace to avoid detection. The valley is generally an easy, if uncomfortable flight, and you continue for another five minutes. Gulayev, watching the map and instruments, calls out “Halfway to waypoint 2. Still no RWR contact.” As he does, you round another bend, and see the valley narrow and wind ahead. The kinks and twists look somewhat intimidating.

>Pull up out of the valley and fly over the dangerous area
>Lower your speed and continue flying through the valley
>Maintain your speed and push through curves
>Other (Write-in)

>>3427454
>>Maintain your speed and push through curves
Bah this is nothing.

>>3427454
>>Maintain your speed and push through curves

>>3427454
>Maintain your speed and push through curves

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>>3427454
As you approach the curves, you hear Popov on the comms, a worried tinge to his voice. “Saber Three to Saber One. Are we continuing this route?” You respond with a confident “Affirmative. Follow my lead, and you’ll make it through just fine.” Gulayev chimes in, too. “Come on, Three, we flew the valleys in Novomensk a million times. You’ll make it.” By the time he’s done talking, you’ve entered the first turn.

>Roll 3D10+6 for maneuvering

Rolled 4, 3, 3 + 6 = 16 (3d10 + 6)

>>3427496

Rolled 7, 5, 9 = 21 (3d10)

>>3427496
Dovy don't you fucking crash like a faggot

Rolled 7, 6, 5 = 18 (3d10)

Rolling for Popov.

>>3427502
Don't forget to add the dogfighting bonus. It applies to general control as well for difficult flying.

Rolled 9, 6, 10 + 6 = 31 (3d10 + 6)

>>3427496
GET SOME

>>3427501
>>3427502
>>3427523
>DC is 18
>Popov literally scrapes by on luck

There would have been a reflex save for an emergency pull-up, but a pass is even better.

>>3427527
Based.

Would you guys prefer to see the DCs of some actions when it makes sense narratively?

Like, an incoming missile, Ivan wouldn’t be able to tell perfectly how to dodge it, so you would’t see the DC. But for something like this low level flying, you’d have a good guess as to how hard it is, so you could see the DC.

Or do you just want all DCs hidden and difficulty communicated through context clues?

>>3427548
the last

>>3427548
I mean largely it is oc at your discretion.
But for basic bitch shit like this that we would be able to easily estimate seeing the dC is probably fine.

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>>3427496
You flip the MiG onto its side, pulling gently around the first turn. The second is sharper, but you continue the maneuver and slot into a good approach for the third. As the G-forces jerk you around in your seat straps, Gulayev yells “WHOO HOOO!” loud enough for you to hear, even without an active microphone. You come screaming into the final bend, pushing the nose down as you dive and crank to the right. Almost as soon as it started, the excitement was over, the valley widening and straightening out. Behind you in your rear view mirrors, you can see Popov’s MiG barrel out of the turn, hot on your tail. You scan your instrument panel. No RWR lights are on, and you’re on pace to make it to the base on schedule. You just hope that nobody on the other team beat you there. A moment later, your radio crackles. Popov pants into the microphone. “Saber Three to Saber One, I am proceeding as planned.” You toggle your own radio switch and reply “Roger. Good flying.” All you hear in response is a grunt, as Popov shuts off his mic. Soon, you’re within 10 kilometers of the base, still following the valley. As the distance to target indicator on your HUD counts down, you have another choice to make.

>Pop up from the valley. You haven’t had any radar contact, and now that you know what a nuked base looks like, you should be able to tell from a ways off.
>Stay in the valley as long as possible. You never know what’s in the area.
>Other (Write-in)

>>3427602
>>Stay in the valley as long as possible. You never know what’s in the area.
I have a bad feeling we are gonna pop up and then some sneaky bastard flying silent is gonna launch a semi active at us
Could use Popov as bait to draw him in but that would be too risky I think.

>>3427602
>>Stay in the valley as long as possible. You never know what’s in the area.

>>3427611
Ah, well FYI, none of the Freebie jets carry an IRST, not at this point anyway. In fact, IRL, the TALON HATE pod is brand new and just finding its way into the USAF's arsenal. On top of that, SARH missiles require the firing plane's radar to illuminate the target, so you can't fly silent and launch them.

The main advantage of Freebie jets is that they all have a datalink, so they don't need the IRST if they have someone with a big radar on overwatch so they can sneak in and use their infrared missiles.

>>3427611
Ditto

>>3427611
>>3427617
>>3427623
Roger that, writing!

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>>3427602
You decide to stay in the valley as long as possible. It’s kept you safe so far; there’s no reason to leave it unless you absolutely have to. Around 5 kilometers out, the river turns away from your course, and you radio Popov. “Saber Three, let’s pop up out of the valley. Keep an eye on your instruments. Let’s see what’s going on at 8843.” He gives a simple “Wilco.” and the two of you pull up, easily within visual range of the base. Shockingly, it’s largely intact!

Roll 3D10 to see the extent of the damage.

Rolled 8, 7, 2 + 6 = 23 (3d10 + 6)

Rolling for Popov.

Rolled 6, 2, 7 = 15 (3d10)

>>3427644

Rolled 4, 2, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>3427644

Rolled 9, 1, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>3427644

>>3427661
>>3427662
>>3427673
>Ivan only rolls well when he's in danger
I see, he has the power of the pucker factor turbo boost.

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>>3427644
You squint at the base. Virtually every structure has been leveled, and you can see a massive blast crater on the ground. “Whoa, look at that damage. That must have been either the fuel storage or the ammo dump.” You say. Gulayev notices too. “That looks like a blast mark. The fuel storage wouldn’t have cratered like that.” While the two of you continue to scan the base, Popov calls in, his keen eyes as accurate as ever. “Saber Three, I have sighted a trio of IL-72 and what looks like a pair of Su-27s at the north end of the runway.”

“Jackpot!” Gulayev exclaims. While they focus on the goodies at the base, you find a good approach. You see two viable runways, parallel to each other. The first, to the east, is pockmarked, but a straight shot down the center will give you plenty of room to land. The second runway, to the west has been blasted into an unrecognizable mess halfway along its length. The front half of the runway, however, is entirely clear.

>Land on the east runway
>Land on the west runway
>Other (Write-in)

>>3427712
>>Land on the east runway

>>3427712
>>Land on the east runway

>>3427743
Ditto

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>>3427791
You make the call. “Three, form up on me and prepare to land. We’ll take the runway to our east. Right down the middle. I’m going down first.” You toggle your ILS on, and head towards the airstrip. As you circle around for the proper approach, your radio crackles on an open channel. It’s a weak signal, some sort of handheld tactical radio, you assume. It crackles with static, but then you make out a voice. “Thi…. ase eight…. contr… Friendly pil…. ead? Repea… This is Airbase 8843 flight control. Friendly pilots, do you read?” Someone’s alive down there? Thank god! “This is Aviation Lieutenant Dhovochesky, from airbase 8842. We have a message from the Colonel.”

“8842? You guys survived?! You’re clear to land, if you can. We’ll… on… groun…” The static fades back in. How does the Major deal with such awful gear? You rally Popov to land behind you. “Alright, you heard him. No change of plans, let’s get down there.” You gulp, and steel your nerves. Why are ALL the runways you have to deal with in such awful shape?

>Roll 3D10+3 to avoid crashing on landing

Rolled 10, 7, 3 = 20 (3d10)

>left the name off again
Rolling for Popov

Rolled 4, 6, 9 + 3 = 22 (3d10 + 3)

>>3427822

>>3427267
Ayy, awesome, glad to have you here. If you like the quest, go vote on the first thread in the archive on the off chance we can get to +10 or whatever the next break point is! Or don't, it's not like this thread needs e-penis points to survive.

Rolled 5, 5, 3 + 3 = 16 (3d10 + 3)

>>3427822

Rolled 2, 10, 4 + 3 = 19 (3d10 + 3)

>>3427822

>>3427828
well we probably didn't crash. That's nice

God damn, my stomach has been KILLING me the last few hours, sorry. Update incoming.

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>>3427822
You gingerly thread the needle on final approach. The usual force of slamming into the ground is made more terrifying by the fact that you can’t be sure whether you’re going to hit a crater or not, but in the end, you roll to a smooth stop and taxi up to the formation of transport craft and heavy fighters. The area buzzes with activity as the crews load food, water, and medical gear onto the forwardmost transport jet. A few moments later, Popov’s MiG floats down onto the tarmac and eventually joins you. The two of you shut down the craft and pop your canopies, and a small truck full of ground crew breaks off from the convoy supplying the IL-76.

Eventually, the ground crew inhabiting the truck provide you ladders to climb out of your cockpits, into a swarm of uniformed maintaines, where you’re met with a barrage of questions. “Where did you guys fly in from?” “Did you see any enemy patrols?” “Who sent you?” You largely brush off the inquiries until a tall, skinny officer with a Major’s insignia emerges from the passenger’s seat of the truck, brushes off his greatcoat, and straightens his cap. This must be the base’s ranking officer. “Major!” You call out to him, Popov and Gulayev in tow. He nods, walking your way. When you meet in the middle, he offers his hand. “Major Grosky. By the look of your tail codes, you’re from 8842. Glad to hear there are other survivors. I have many questions, but first: What prompted this visit?”

>The Colonel sent us to bring back a transport plane.
>The Colonel is dead. Major Nikonov sent us to bring back a transport plane.
>The Colonel sent us to bring back a transport plane and any spare heavy fighters you have.
>Other (Write-in)

>>3428471
>>The Colonel sent us to bring back a transport plane.

>>3428471
>The commanding officer of the base has sent us to acquire one of your transport planes. As well as one Su-27 for escort. The need is urgent.
There, we avoided directly lying to him. "Commanding Officer" should still process as colonel to him.

It has struck me that the MiG-23 is a real piece of shit. I think I’m going to retcon Popov into Su-27 qualification instead of MiG-23.

>>3428502
support

>>3428591
Yeh like it has been said before but it seems like based on the stats given, it wanted to be both a superfast interceptor and a Fighter. Being fast af is only so useful if you can barely turn

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>>3428471
You mentally steel yourself, preparing to lie through your teeth. Here goes nothing. “Our commanding officer needs heavy fighters and a heavy transport. Our best defenses are these MiG-29s, but their short range and limited sensors are putting the whole base in danger. We can leave you our MiG-29s if you need them, but the Colonel said you should have spare Su-27 airframes on the base.” The Major pauses before replying. “The Colonel, saving my life again. He did it once before, back in Afghania… Anyway, I’m afraid I have to burden you with a request of my own. Most of the troops at this base were killed in the cruise missile strikes. We hardly have enough to fill one of our three remaining transports. We have three full aircrews for the transports, but without fighter escort, there’s no way we can escape without being shot down.” He shakes his head, gesturing to the wrecked fighter bunkers lining the far side of the airbase. “Our pilots’ barracks were destroyed. Most of the occupants died instantly. The few that survived were scrambled, but none of them came back.” He sighs. “Honestly, comrade, none of us believed that we would survive the night. But here you are. Will you lend us a hand?”

More troops? Equipment? Better fighters? You’ve struck the mother lode. “Yes, Comrade Major. How soon can you fuel and arm those Flankers on the runway?” You ask. You think over your objectives while you wait for a response. You haven’t investigated airbase 8844 yet, but those jets from earlier still have you concerned…

>Provide escort back to 8842 as soon as the Su-27s are ready.
>Leave in your MiG-29s to investigate 8844, then return to escort the 8843 personnel in the Su-27s.
>Other (Write-in)

>>3428960
>Load up in the Su-27s, and provide escort, having one fighter quickly break off to check on 8844 before linking back up

>>3428960
>>Leave in your MiG-29s to investigate 8844, then return to escort the 8843 personnel in the Su-27s.

>>3428960
>Leave in your MiG-29s to investigate 8844, then return to escort the 8843 personnel in the Su-27s.
Let us not leave any stone unturned.

>>3428960
>>Provide escort back to 8842 as soon as the Su-27s are ready.
I'm worried those birds are gonna hit the transports while we are gone

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Fell asleep in my chair again. I should start moving to bed earlier. I’ll check votes in the morning to see if anyone changed their minds or if the balance has shifted. Til then, enjoy some low quality memes.

>>3429035
>>Provide escort back to 8842 as soon as the Su-27s are ready.
+1

> Provide escort back to 8842 as soon as the Su-27s are ready.

3 to 2, we’ll be escorting the transports ASAP. Also, somehow I forgot to mention it, but the Su-27 comes with the same helmet mounted sight as the MiG-29. However, since you don’t have the equipment to connect it to the Su-27 on hand, you’ll have to make due without it for the return flight.

Now watch as we get ambushed for ignoring the clear danger in the area. At least combat is fun

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The Major reaches into his coat and pulls out a radio. “Lieutenant? Get me the crew chief. Yes, I know he’s supervising final loading. Thank you.” There is a pause while he waits for the right soldier on the other end of the line. “Comrade? Yes, this is Major Grosky. We have a fighter escort, but they need the flankers armed. They’re already fueled up? Excellent. They’re waiting for you on the taxiway. The faster you can get here, the better.” He ends the communication, sliding the radio back into his pocket. “It appears it will be about thirty minutes. The aircraft only need weapons. We demounted them to load onto the equipment transport, so it will take a short time to unload an re-attach them. You nod. “We will wait here for the aircraft to be armed, and depart as soon as they’re ready.” The Major shouts at the ground crew, “Load up and meet the crew chief for further orders!” Popov and Gulayev, silent until now, take the break in conversation as an opportunity to speak up. Gulayev is first. “I will fly the MiG-29. I’m not trained on the fancy stuff like you two.” Popov nods. “We still need to assess the situation at 8844, as well. Will we be diverting the flight over the base?” he asks.

You reply “No. Gulayev, you will depart from the formation to investigate airbase 8844 while Popov and I provide escort. We will be more exposed for a brief window, but the longer those transports have to fly, the higher the odds they get killed.” The two nod in agreement. The ground crew around your aircraft has slowly dispersed over the course of your conversation, back into the truck as they head to fetch you your munitions. Their departure leaves you and your wingmen alone with the Major. “I have another intrusion, if I may.” He says. “I am a brand new transfer. I hadn’t even been in charge of this base for a week before the attack. But I heard an old friend was stationed out here... Is there a Lieutenant Nikulina on your base? I have a message from the insiders at the Capitol for him.”

You furrow your brow. What all does Nikulina have his fingers in? You guess that being a spy is an occupation that you never really leave. “Nikulina was our squadron leader. He’s short a leg now, but he’s alive back at base.” Grosky visibly cringes. “Good god, Comrade. I must see him as soon as we land.” After that, the conversation changes to the weather, tactical considerations, and complaining about the lack of intelligence available for your cause. The crew gets your new aircraft ready to take off, then pile into a transport alongside the rest of the base personnel. It’s a shame to leave so much equipment behind, but you’re grateful for the overnight shift the crews must have pulled to load the whole base up in time for your arrival. You climb into the much more ergonomic cockpit of the flanker, and run your startup. Soon, you’ll be back in the skies.

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>>3429694
You taxi into the front of the line. It feels strange to lead a large mixed formation like this, but you feel ready, at least. There is no ground control left on the base, so a strange silence pervades the atmosphere as your thrusters flare, carrying you from the runway into the sky. “Saber One, airborne. Saber Two, take off when ready.” As you circle the base, you watch your squadron take off in turns, followed by the lumbering beasts of the transport air corps. As the last of the IL-76es departs, your radio hisses, and a familiar voice comes online. “Saber Flight, this is Major Grosky. Girya Squadron’s navigation coordinates are punched in and we are en route.” You reply “Roger, maintain altitude and continue to the base. We will provide support.” You set your aircraft to match the 750kph cruise speed of the IL-76 formation. While you think forward to the long flight ahead, you’re faced with the same question as before: do you stay low, or go high?

>Stay low, radar off. If they don’t detect us, we might be able to avoid a costly battle and a loss of friendly aircraft.
>Go high, radar on. With better situational awareness, we can more effectively screen for the transports.
>Other (Write-in)

Aircraft:
Su-27 - SABER ONE - Dhovochesky
150 rounds cannon ammo - 1km range
6x R-73 Infrared homing missiles - 10km range
2x R-27 Semi-active radar homing missiles - 40km range
2x R-77 Active radar homing missiles - 40km range

MiG-29 - SABER TWO - Gulayev
150 rounds cannon ammo - 1km range
4x R-73 Infrared homing missiles - 10km range
2x R-77 Active radar homing missiles - 40km range

Su-27 - SABER THREE - Popov
150 rounds cannon ammo - 1km range
6x R-73 Infrared homing missiles - 10km range
2x R-27 Semi-active radar homing missiles - 40km range
2x R-77 Active radar homing missiles - 40km range

Su-27 quick stats:
Radar range: 80km
RWR range: 60km
IRST range: 15km
Datalink radius: 30km (effectively 60km range if paired with another 30km datalink)

>>3429758
Even if WE go silent, wont the Ilyushins still still out like a sore thumb?

>>3429830
They do have pretty big radar signatures, since they're enormous airframes. Most radar will be able to pick them out from a ways off.

>>3429758
>go loud and proud

>>3429850
Well if we can't have it hide, might as well fucking try too spook lads off or have the leg up

>>3429850
Well alright then. Ambush could be an option but I dont want to risk the transport.
>>Go high, radar on. With better situational awareness, we can more effectively screen for the transports

>>3429758
>other
>stay silent and low, park Popov up high with his radar on, and sneak in close with the datalink

>>3429905
This isn’t a vote, this was a partly written additional option by me, sorry for the confusion. I’m currently waiting for some rain to let up in my car, so I’m off of wifi.

>>3429915
It's certainly a good option and it would probably bait whoever is up ther. My concern is that we probably dont want to draw attention since our goal is keeping the transports safe.

>>3429915
Actually fuck it. We cant hide the big boys anyways.
Switching my vote too
>>stay silent and low, park Popov up high with his radar on, and sneak in close with the datalink
Might as well lay the trap

>>3429758
>>Go high, radar on. With better situational awareness, we can more effectively screen for the transports.

>>3429758
>>Go high, radar on. With better situational awareness, we can more effectively screen for the transports.

>>3428646
Also only useful if you can go fast af more than once without burning out your engines.

>>3430261
cant wait for us to get ace tho
The Freebies will learn to fear us

File: michael_get_the_lancer.png (656 KB, 532x942)

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>mfw the commies sabotage my dog with pancreatitis and kidney failure

>>3429882
>>3429890
>>3429998
>>3430128
Looks like loud and proud won the vote.

>>3433171
nice

>>3433171
rip

>>3433171
Big oof. We will be here once you put the commies on the cross and love the doggo

OP is dead

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>>3438606
Rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.
>>3433847
>>3438529
As you may have guessed, having to get your dog on hospice care is generally a non-fun time sink. But I'm pretty much back now after much waiting and deadness.

Time to put some NC silhouettes on our nose.