Falklands DLC - dealing with AA in 1982

[SchDerGrosse]

So, I have given a try to the new DLC but am so accostumed to modern stuff (coming from "Chains of War), that I do not really know how I should approach these older weapon systems.

My main gripe is bombing. Usually before I drop a single (guided bomb) I either knock out the air defences with ARM missiles or just fire enough tomahawks to overwhelm the enemy. You cannot do any of these things in Falklands as the technology is just not there yet.

At around mission 3, I am to conduct bombing runs on some targets protected by SAM sites and AAA, and these things just rip my planes into pieces.

What is the correct method of conducting SEAD/DEAD prior to a bombing run in this time period?

Thanks from the insight,
SDG

[CommandPB]

Hi

I would come it low using the land to mask your approach, also attack using multi axis runs

[SchDerGrosse]

Thanks for the reply!

What I am looking for is some general tips and trick on how to conduct bombing runs in the era of no harms and standoff weapons.



Like how do you approach this? You have some unguided bombs, and some other bombs with a launch ceiling of 3.000 ft (!).

Those tigercat sam sites and oerlikon AAA batteries just shred my planes into pieces as they provide complete coverage to the intended target.

Thx,

[CV60]

Thanks for the reply!

What I am looking for is some general tips and trick on how to conduct bombing runs in the era of no harms and standoff weapons.



Like how do you approach this? You have some unguided bombs, and some other bombs with a launch ceiling of 3.000 ft (!).

Those tigercat sam sites and oerlikon AAA batteries just shred my planes into pieces as they provide complete coverage to the intended target.

Thx,

That is the same problem the Argentine military had. Their solution was to come in very low, using terrain masking. Unfortunately, it made for difficult for their bombs to arm. Multi axis attacks and simultaneous ToT also helps. One high speed pass, and immediately egress, trying to use terrain masking on the way out.

[thewood1]

Specific to the Falklands conflict, this book:

Air Power in the Falklands Conflict: An Operational Level Insight into Air Warfare in the South Atlantic https://a.co/d/b6qkkGs

Goes into some detail about the ground strikes Harriers performed around the island. Over 60% of ground attack missions around Stanley were SEAD pre-strike missions. And they weren't very effective. They lacked ARMs, RWR, solid recon, etc. I think it was four Harriers that were lost to AAA and a number were damaged over the course of the entire conflict around Stanley. The British used more and more Harrier escorts in SEAD that could have been used on actual targets. The main tactical change was to come in low and fast with the hills limiting exposure to more AAA and MANPADS. The short of it that the Brits had similar issues to you and the rest of us.

My approach here is recon down low and fast with simultaneous recon above to get a broader view. Then its about attacking the AAA multiple times. Then another recon pass for BDA. Only then can you send in the strike aircraft. If you don't have time for all of those missions, you'll have to just accept the risk of getting holes in your planes. btw, the after action reports on the conflict specifically mention the lack of tactical recon was a significant point and most likely led to GR Harrier losses.