New scenario for testing - Operation Sallyport 2029 - China invades Papua New Guinea

[TBLackey]

Version 3 is uploaded to the CSP thread:

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 2#p5203482



This scenario envisages an airborne and seaborne invasion of Papua New Guinea by China in 2029.

It is inspired by historical campaigns in the region, such as the Battle of the Coral Sea, the Kokoda Trail campaign, and the INTERFET deployment to East Timor in 1999.

[TBLackey]

So I hope you are enjoying the beta version! Anyone got some test comments/critiques they want to share with me?

[abc123abc]

Man this is hard!

I'm pretty basic on this game, however when the J20s attack up in Moresby, no matter how many f35s they shoot all their missiles at the J20s and maybe get 1 or 2 kills, then they plow into my AEW&C and refuelers.

Similar with the J16s and the carrier, I fired 60 AMRAAMs and 100 SM2s and only got 1 or two kills.

Haven't got past there yet, still trying to figure out how I can get past those sorties.

One improvement would be missions set to allow refuelling from the start, I had to go and update the global settings.

[TBLackey]

Man this is hard!

I'm pretty basic on this game, however when the J20s attack up in Moresby, no matter how many f35s they shoot all their missiles at the J20s and maybe get 1 or 2 kills, then they plow into my AEW&C and refuelers.

Similar with the J16s and the carrier, I fired 60 AMRAAMs and 100 SM2s and only got 1 or two kills.

Haven't got past there yet, still trying to figure out how I can get past those sorties.

One improvement would be missions set to allow refuelling from the start, I had to go and update the global settings.

UNREP default to not allowed is definitely an error on my part when building it. I prefer to set the doctrine to Never, then explicitly permit certain missions to refuel. I'll change that and update the scenario.

As as F-35s go - how have you set up the Weapon Release Authorisation (WRA) for your AMRAAMs? It is generally better to set the automatic firing range to lower than max firing range, say 50% of max range, in order to have a better chance at hitting your target.

[Nikel]

Probaby too complex for my level but is evident the time and dedication to this scenario

I hope you are not discouraged and continue developing it, thanks.

[TBLackey]

Probaby too complex for my level but is evident the time and dedication to this scenario

I hope you are not discouraged and continue developing it, thanks.

Could you tell me a bit more - what elements of the scenario are you finding too complex?

I put this on hold until they patch all the bugs in CMO, was going to come back to this later.

[Nikel]

Complex in the general sense of units to manage and scope or space to handle. The out of comms submarines or other units it is something I am not familiar with yet.

But I just scratched the surface of your scenario

I like the narrative and the role-playing style of writing.


Good to know you plan to continue. I am also waiting for new a CMO version to try some scenarios, among them yours, but it is taking too much time and I think it was a bad decision.

[Torben]

i am happy to share my perspective as an absolute rookie in the game: Yes, there are a lot of units available to me as a player. The side briefing in the beginning already gives a great overview for the coming days, so that helped with getting into the scenario. I then created a few missions to achieve the tasks but with an overall rather small number of planes. Then the briefing happened and I need to say that this is one of the few times where it feels like the people talking actually contribute good ideas (I do feel pretty smart for deciding on my own to stay away from Guadalcanal, though). The messages give a great overview of what I have and what it is supposed to be used for, so it really helps with structuring the large amount of units.

From my rookie perspective, the only thing that would be really nice to have are pre-set missions for the suggested "activities", so I essentially simply have to decide if I want to follow this plan or not. Or, if that is too much effort to do, a second version which starts directly after the briefing and all the orders set in motion.
A similar point are the two surface groups, I have seen some pretty diverse ways of setting up the missions to protect them, but hopefully my rectangle of contempt will do.

Overall I really look forward to continue playing it now, I just felt you deserve this feedback now before I forget about it. Great job!

[TBLackey]

i am happy to share my perspective as an absolute rookie in the game: Yes, there are a lot of units available to me as a player. The side briefing in the beginning already gives a great overview for the coming days, so that helped with getting into the scenario. I then created a few missions to achieve the tasks but with an overall rather small number of planes. Then the briefing happened and I need to say that this is one of the few times where it feels like the people talking actually contribute good ideas (I do feel pretty smart for deciding on my own to stay away from Guadalcanal, though). The messages give a great overview of what I have and what it is supposed to be used for, so it really helps with structuring the large amount of units.

From my rookie perspective, the only thing that would be really nice to have are pre-set missions for the suggested "activities", so I essentially simply have to decide if I want to follow this plan or not. Or, if that is too much effort to do, a second version which starts directly after the briefing and all the orders set in motion.
A similar point are the two surface groups, I have seen some pretty diverse ways of setting up the missions to protect them, but hopefully my rectangle of contempt will do.

Overall I really look forward to continue playing it now, I just felt you deserve this feedback now before I forget about it. Great job!

Thanks for the feedback Torben!

Glad you like the messages. I prefer scenarios where the designer takes the time to create a role-playing aspect and context.

As far as pre-built missions, I think that would make it too easy for the player, and railroad them into what I would think is the best course of action. There are many tactical choices in the scenario, and if I choose for the player they won't consider other options.

And yes, it is a very difficult scenario for a beginner. I can mark the Difficulty and Complexity of the scenario accordingly to reflect this.

Again thank-you. I plan to wait until the upcoming patch is released and the ongoing CMO bugs are fixed before coming back to this.

[Nikel]

I know that so already sent this scenario to the CP, however I decided to try it in full force now, a bit late

I am very advanced, however not sure how to continue.

PM airport went to the Australian side by the forces in the Safe House, but how is done with the rest? The port did not.

I have also forces deployed to Girau airport, but is still Red sided.

[TBLackey]

I know that so already sent this scenario to the CP, however I decided to try it in full force now, a bit late

I am very advanced, however not sure how to continue.

PM airport went to the Australian side by the forces in the Safe House, but how is done with the rest? The port did not.

I have also forces deployed to Girua airport, but is still Red sided.

There was a bug with the Girua event, thought I had fixed it. Are you using the version in the 'ready for CSP' thread?

There is a hidden Reference Point box around each airfield, move your ground troops inside the box and the airfield changes side with a Special Message to tell you so.

If you want to keep playing your savegame, capturing all the other airfields ought to work just fine!

edit: the events are not set up to take control of the sea ports, but then again you don't really need them in your control...

[Nikel]

There was a bug with the Girua event, thought I had fixed it. Are you using the version in the 'ready for CSP' thread?

There is a hidden Reference Point box around each airfield, move your ground troops inside the box and the airfield changes side with a Special Message to tell you so.

If you want to keep playing your savegame, capturing all the other airfields ought to work just fine!

edit: the events are not set up to take control of the sea ports, but then again you don't really need them in your control...

Yes, the version you posted in the other thread.

There are forces deployed in the Girua area, and no message.

Did not tried the rest yet. But will try with Lae next and report back.

In the briefing you talk about amphibious operations so I thought could control also the ports.

And the mines? May I capture them?

[TBLackey]

There was a bug with the Girua event, thought I had fixed it. Are you using the version in the 'ready for CSP' thread?

There is a hidden Reference Point box around each airfield, move your ground troops inside the box and the airfield changes side with a Special Message to tell you so.

If you want to keep playing your savegame, capturing all the other airfields ought to work just fine!

edit: the events are not set up to take control of the sea ports, but then again you don't really need them in your control...

Yes, the version you posted in the other thread.

There are forces deployed in the Girua area, and no message.

Did not tried the rest yet. But will try with Lae next and report back.

In the briefing you talk about amphibious operations so I thought could control also the ports.

And the mines? May I capture them?

No, but there is some intelligence to be gathered if you send patrols there....

[Nikel]

OK, thanks. the gold mine has RPs, however Ramu mine, cited in the description has not. Read that it is a Nickel Cobalt mine, not gold, but also important

Sent troops to Lae strategic ground via a Chinook helicopter, no message and no transfer of the airport control.

Lae.png (9.3 KiB) Viewed 975 times

[TBLackey]

OK, thanks. the gold mine has RPs, however Ramu mine, cited in the briefing has not. Read that it is a Nickel Cadmium mine, not gold, but also important

Sent troops to Lae strategic ground via a Chinook helicopter, no message and no transfer of the airport control.


Lae.png

can you upload a save?

going to bed soon, but will take a look in the next 24 hours

[TBLackey]

OK, thanks. the gold mine has RPs, however Ramu mine, cited in the briefing has not. Read that it is a Nickel Cadmium mine, not gold, but also important

Sent troops to Lae strategic ground via a Chinook helicopter, no message and no transfer of the airport control.


Lae.png

can you upload a save?

going to bed soon, but will take a look in the next 24 hours

edit: Ramu mine, has no RPs, but there are Chinese SOF there. It gives you a casus belli to start wasting Chinese forces if you are strict about ROE.

[Nikel]

PM sent.

[Nikel]

SPOILER ALERT. DO NOT READ IF YOU PLAN TO PLAY THE SCENARIO


Finally managed to finish the scenario after fighting a very difficult aero-naval operation, with its own logistic nightmare

The distances are very long and refueling and ammunition availability very important, so some not optimal solution were found to solve the particular problems

I recommend it to anyone because besides the battles that await you, the role playing immersion of the messages is amazing!



Result: minor victory with 136 points.

This was frustrating considering that 3 of the 4 chinese naval groups were completely destroyed.

But you only get points by controlling the strategic locations, Port Moresby, Lae and Manus. And the time of control is important, points are accumulated by time.

Also the final message was disappointing, when the 3 strategic objectives were achieved on time, and it looks like China won?



Some typos found:


Message 1: liasion

Message 2: officals

Message 3: Commision, Fij

Message 4: civlian. In this message Tulagi island is cited, but is not marked in the map and nothing happens there? Or if something happened I missed it.

Message 8: attache, should be attaché?

Message 13: commiting



Some comments, problems, etc, besides what was already done in PMs


The scenario is affected by the multiple eye balls bug, should be corrected with build 1500 or it will happen again when you save the changes. I did it before starting.

Briefing: the Porgera gold mine is not cited, only the Ramu mine that is a Nickel-Cobalt mine.

A few errors in the briefing oob that are different of what is available in the scenario, may send it in a PM if interested.

I was going to ask why Manus was chosen as the 3rd strategic objective when Rabaul was very important in WW2, but apparently is a deep-water port near important shipping lanes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manus_Island

I think messages 9-11 happened when already at full war and so out of time?

Message 12 is related with the attack on Australia homeland, this is of course perfectly possible, however there are no air defenses available?

I am not asking for more difficulties, but the position of the chinese carrier group is strange, so near Guadalcanal that is already a huge unsinkable island-carrier. I think the Shandong group was irrelevant, at least in my gameplay, and very distant from PNG and Manus that are the strategic objectives.

SSN Illinois sinking concludes the scenario instantly, but this lose should not be like losing the Ronald Reagan?

Effects of Terrain Type are off, should they not be important in PNG?

ASIS are infantry platoons, but they are in fact secret service agents?

Missed some punch from Andersen AB in Guam. Apparently was attacked from China because THAAD expenditures, I did not even notice it, perhaps adding a message would be a good idea, like the attack on Australia.



There are many acronyms not all evident, at least to me, here are some


A2/AD Anti-Access/Area Denial

ADF Australian Defense Forces.

ASIS Australian Secret Intelligence Service

CAS Close Air Support

CJOPS Chief of Joint Operations (Australia)

DFAT Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

DJFHQ Deployable Joint Force Headquarters (Brisbane)

F-FDTL Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor Leste

HMPNGS Her Majesty's Papua New Guinea Ship (in Manus port)

NORCOM Northern Command (Australia)

NZSAS New Zealand Special Air Service

OCA

ODA Operational Detachment Alpha

RAR Royal Australian Regiment

RPIMa Régiment de Parachutistes d'Infanterie de Marine

SASR SAS Special Air Service Regiment

SOCOMD Special Operations Command (Australia)

SR Forces Special reconnaissance

STS Special Tactics Squadron (Parachute)




The strategy used:


The Ronald Reagan group in the direction of Lae, destroyed 2 of the chinese naval groups and also fought vs the ACs from Guadalcanal. 2 destroyers and an oiler sunk, the carrier was damaged but survived.

The Adelaide group, in the direction of Port Moresby, saw little battle, one destroyer sunk by bombers from Guadalcanal, helped in the missions.

SSN Illinois in de direction of Manus, destroyed one chinese naval group with the gamey tactics of the laser after expending all the torpedos.

Two australian subs, no action.

Concentration of the Air resources in Scherger AB, near PNG, essential to accomplish the missions.

Guam, scouting and transfer of troops. No punch unfortunately.

Sallyport2029png.png (172.09 KiB) Viewed 856 times

AS OF: 03-Jun-29 23:02:28

SIDE: Australia
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
2x 7.62mm MG
1x Camcopter S-100 UAV
1x DDG 39 Hobart
1x DDG 51 Arleigh Burke [Arleigh Burke Flight I, SeaRAM]
1x DDG 85 McCampbell [Arleigh Burke Flight IIA]
3x E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
1x E-3G Sentry
1x E-7A Wedgetail
3x EA-18G Growler
2x EA-18G Growler
8x F/A-18E Super Hornet
3x F/A-18E Super Hornet
5x F/A-18E Super Hornet Blk III
8x F/A-18F Super Hornet Blk III
8x F-35A Lightning II
1x Forward Observer + Sensor Tripod (NVG + Generic Laser Designator)
9x Inf Plt (Australian Army)
9x Inf Sec (SAS Patrol [NVG])
3x MH-60R Seahawk
1x MH-60R Seahawk
2x NASAMS III HML [HMMWV]
1x P-8A Poseidon [AAS]
3x SAM Plt (RBS 70 Bolide MANPADS x 3)
1x SAS Saboteur
3x SSM Plt (FGM-148 Javelin x 3)
1x T-AO 205 John Lewis


EXPENDITURES:
------------------
644x 12.7mm/50 MG Burst [10 rnds]
324x 127mm/54 HE-CVT [HiFrag]
260x 127mm/54 HE-PD [HiCap]
80x 127mm/54 WP
600x 127mm/62 Mk186 HE-MOFN [Mk64 HiCap Body, Mk437 Fuse]
642x 127mm/62 Mk187 HE-MFF [Mk64 HiCap Body, Mk419 Fuse]
55x 20mm/100 Mk15 Phalanx Blk 1B Burst [300 rnds]
10x 20mm/85 M61A2 Vulcan Burst [100 rnds]
83x 25mm GAU-22/A Equalizer Burst [30 rnds]
343x 25mm/75 Bushmaster Mod 2 Burst [12 rnds]
28x ADM-160C MALD-J [Stand-In OECM]
24x AGM-114K Hellfire II
32x AGM-114N Hellfire II [Thermobaric]
18x AGM-154C-1 JSOW [BROACH]
48x AGM-158C LRASM
10x AGM-84K SLAMER-ATA
36x AGM-88E AARGM
160x AIM-120D AMRAAM P3I.4
13x AIM-9X Sidewinder
4x AN/ALE-55 FOTD
2x AN/SSQ-62E DICASS
80x GBU-53/B StormBreaker
65x Generic Chaff Salvo [5x Cartridges]
42x Generic Flare Salvo [3x Cartridges, Dual Spectral]
6815x Laser Shot (Solid State Fiber) [150kw]
4x LRCR Chaff
2x MIM-104E Patriot PAC-2 GEM+
58x Mk214 Sea Gnat Chaff [Seduction]
3x Mk216 Sea Gnat Chaff [Distraction]
40x Mk234 Nulka
12x Mk48 Mod 7 ADCAP CBASS
2x Mk54 LHT Mod 0
8x Mk59 Mod 0 Floating Decoy
64x RGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM
24x RGM-84G Harpoon ICR
32x RIM-116C RAM Blk II
40x RIM-161E SM-3 NTW Blk IIA
133x RIM-162A ESSM
16x RIM-162D ESSM
94x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Dual I
159x RIM-66M-5 SM-2MR Blk IIIB
40x THAAD C-2 CEC
12x UGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM
12x UGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM



SIDE: China
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
1x A/C Hangar (1x Very Large Aircraft)
8x Ammo Shelter
42x FN-16 MANPADS
7x Forward Observer + Sensor Tripod (NVG + Generic Laser Designator)
4x GJ-1 Wing Loong I UAV
5x H-6K Badger
45x HJ-8E
3x HY-6U Badger [H-6U]
7x Inf Plt (Marines)
12x Inf Plt (Paratroopers)
2x Inf Sec (Sniper [7.62mm Sniper Rifle])
180x Infantry Section [7.62mm MG/Unguided Infantry Anti Tank Weapon]
22x J-16 Flying Shark [Su-30MKK Copy]
19x J-20A Fagin
9x JH-7A Flounder
3x KJ-500A Cub [GX9]
1x SAM Sec (FN-16 MANPADS)
7x Sniper Section [7.62mm Sniper Rifle]
7x SSM Plt (HJ-8E)
6x Type 052D Luyang III [173 Changsha]
1x Type 053H3 Jiangwei II [564 Yichang]
5x Type 054A Jiangkai II [530 Xuzhou]
3x Type 055 Nanchang [101 Nanchang, Zheng He]
2x Type 071 Yuzhao [998 Kunlun Shan]
1x Type 075 Yushen [31 Hainan]
1x Type 093B Shang III
10x Type 726 Yuyi [LCAC]
3x Type 901 Hulunhu [965]
1x Type 904 Dayun [951 Nanyun]
2x WZ-7 Soar Dragon UAV
6x Y-20A Kunpeng
2x Y-8G Cub [GX4]
4x Z-10 Fierce Thunderbolt
8x Z-18 Super Frelon
3x Z-18FQ Super Frelon
3x Z-18YJ Super Frelon [Black Bat]
2x Z-19 Black Whirlwind
6x Z-20F
6x Z-20S
9x Z-8J Super Frelon [Transport & Amphibious Assault]
12x Z-9D Haitun


EXPENDITURES:
------------------
58x 100mm/56 Twin PJ33A Frag Burst [2 rnds]
15x 30mm China H/PJ-12 [Type 730, 240 rnds]
2x 30mm China H/PJ-14 [Type 1130, 500 rnds]
4x 30mm China H/PJ-17 [20 rnds]
24x AS-17 Krypton C [Kh-31P, ARM]
118x CH-AA-10 Abaddon [PL-15]
5x CH-AA-9 [PL-10]
16x DF-26 [2000kg HE Conventional]
16x DF-26 [2000kg HE Conventional] RV
31x FN-16
4x Generic Acoustic Decoy
689x Generic Active Directional Sonobuoy
122x Generic Chaff Rocket
68x Generic Chaff Salvo [4x Cartridges]
6x Generic Chaff Salvo [5x Cartridges]
11x Generic Flare Rocket [Single Spectral]
71x Generic Flare Salvo [4x Cartridges, Single Spectral]
381x Generic Passive Directional Sonobuoy
136x HHQ-9A
141x HHQ-9B
45x HQ-10 [FL-3000N]
32x HQ-16A [SA-17 Semi-Copy]
59x HQ-16B
32x KD-20 [CJ-10A] ALCM
2x PL-8A [Python 3]
28x YJ-21 [800kg HE]
26x YJ-21 [800kg HE] RV
6x YJ-82 [YJ-802Q]
48x YJ-83K [C-802AK]



SIDE: Papua New Guinea
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
9x Infantry Section [7.62mm MG/Unguided Infantry Anti Tank Weapon]


EXPENDITURES:
------------------



SIDE: Australia - Embassies
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------


EXPENDITURES:
------------------



SIDE: Raskols
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
44x Infantry Section [7.62mm MG/Unguided Infantry Anti Tank Weapon]


EXPENDITURES:
------------------



SIDE: PMC
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------


EXPENDITURES:
------------------

[TBLackey]

Thanks Nikel!

I have uploaded a revised version in the CSP thread, as well as in Steam Workshop:

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 2#p5203482

Since you took the time to give such detailed feedback, I'll write a response as well:

*************************************

The Girua bug is fixed.

I have added detailed notes to the scenario briefing on how points are scored - this was feedback I got on Steam as well.

"War is a continuation of policy by other means" - I'm not a fan of scenarios where destruction of enemy forces is the main goal. IMHO the violence has to be in support of a greater objective.

Yes, you sunk a big chunk of the PLA navy, but your mission was to put boots on the ground in PNG, which you left till the last minute

Fixed up those typos, thank-you.

Eyeball remover now runs at scenario start. Doesn't help with savegames, at least until Build 1500 is pushed out the Steam.

Capturing some of the northern PNG airfields yields intelligence that there are uniformed soldiers inland.

Mercenaries are guarding the Porgera gold mines, PLA special ops forces are guarding the Ramu. This is a kind of reward for inquisitive players who follow up on the reconnaissance reports they receive. No, it's not explicitly in the briefing.

The selection of the strategic targets comes from this source: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/the-r ... geography/

The text of the PNG–US agreement reportedly identifies six sites for ‘unimpeded access’ across the country: the port and Jacksons International Airport in the capital; the port of Lae and Nadzab airport in the east; and the naval base at Lombrum on Manus Island and nearby civilian airport at Momote in the north. The agreement also details accommodation arrangements and the legal status of US military personnel deployed to PNG, the prepositioning of defence equipment and humanitarian supplies, and refuelling and maintenance for US ships and aircraft in transit. Its duration is 15 years, an indication of purpose on Washington’s part.

Yes, Australia has poor ground-based air defences. If China starting lobbing cruise missiles at RAAF bases, they will have to be shot down by fighters.

Starting positions of Chinese naval groups are derived from the Battle of the Coral Sea:

https://www.history.army.mil/books/wwii ... /p_014.jpg

The Shandong group isn't that powerful compared to a USA carrier strike group, IMHO it's best mission is defending Guadalcanal from enemy attack.

United States has never lost a nuclear submarine in battle, sinking one would be HUGE, right up there with sinking a Nimitz carrier. IMHO it is correct that losing one reflects poorly on the player's command.

Effects of Terrain Type - yes very important for ground units, but it creates lots of problems that the player cannot fix. I turned this off as a gameplay choice.

Yes the ASIS HUMINT sources are modelled as platoons, but they are supposed to represent civilians in the area informing back to Australia. The simulation has it's limits.

For flavour China lobs some ballistic missiles at Guam, which are easily shot down by THAAD. Doesn't affect operations in PNG, this is mostly for immersion.

Acronyms - again this is an immersion thing. Most military organizations will bombard you with acronyms that you may not know off the top of your head. The officers who brief you as if you are an Australian general who knows all the acronyms.


***********

Again, thanks for the feedback!

[Nikel]

Thanks for the detailed answer and for the new version of the scenario


Nice touch the top secret disguise of the scoring. I wonder if with these new Webview2 features you can even put a graphic of an envelope (with Top Secret written), and if you click on it you see the message and if not, you are blind to the details

Yes, I agree in that the main goal are the strategic objectives, but getting them sinking 30 enemy warships and destroying 50 ACs cannot be the same than destroying 1/4 of those, and the same can be said for the losses. In your scenario the war ends, but you do not know that, it may last for years, clear example on Ukraine. Besides it is fun.

I decided deliberately, first to destroy the chinese task forces, then clean PNG sites from the air and only then transport the troops to take the places with minimal losses. And it was done on time, of course did not know the details of the scoring, I think it is a good idea to add them to avoid frustration.

Thanks for the info on the strategic targets.

No ADs in Australia? Well it is a continent in itself, and so you should have a lot!

Regarding the historical battle of the Coral sea and the Shandong, again nice touch trying to recreate it in the future. But the japanese had a so powerful air base in Guadalcanal? I have to read the details.

And what about Tulagi, sinking the chinese task force so early ruined some events there?

The SSN, well, the USN has 52 tactical nuclear submarines right now, losing 1 non-strategic sub is losing a war? Well, can be, but better no start one! For the player indeed is a clear message, you can use it but only cautiously.

China attacking Guam is nice and according to what is happening in the scenario, what I missed was a message telling me it was starting to happen. Was so involved in the south and Guam is so far, that did not even notice it.

Acronyms, understood that adding an explanation after the acronym ruins the immersion