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I have been playing some Cold War scenarios and have had some questions about routine ASW methods of battle groups in transit. I would really appreciate advice from experienced CMO players about routine ASW techniques in CMO game terms that could be helpful.


Searching for information about how a Cold War USN surface action group (assume with an HVA) might best conduct routine ASW surveillance while transiting from station to station in CMO?

Is it best to deploy helos to constantly or intermittently search a dedicated zone near the group or are they best only
deployed to investigate and prosecute contacts?

If helos are deployed for surveillance, what would be the best shape and dimensions, and placement of the search zone and how are the helos assigned in this role? I have been constructing a patrol zone in front and along the sides of the group starting 5 nm or so out and out about 20 miles distant. It is a deformed diamond shape.

Thanks,

Probably this could be helpful
https://harpgamer.com/harpforum/topic/3 ... wn-series/

Filitch wrote: Wed Aug 17, 2022 12:25 pm Probably this could be helpful
https://harpgamer.com/harpforum/topic/3 ... wn-series/

Thank you very much. This is very helpful.

I am beginning to understand that current USN doctrine is probably and rightfully classified. I was not trying to elicit such info at all but just trying to gain a basic understanding IN GAME TERMS of employing helo assets in a battle group, for example, during the Cold War like some of the scenarios in Red Tide. I have been setting up an ASW patrol zone in front and along the sides of the battle group during transit to send continuous patrols of ASW helos out to conduct a search. I don't know if this makes sense or if I am wasting my time and effort and the helos should stay on standby. I would appreciate any experience with how veterans conduct this kind of activity. Thanks,

I don't think there is anything in that link thats classified. But it does give some very good insight that can be applied relatively easily to CMO.

That is a really good site with lots of good stuff, but if you want a quick & dirty, here is what I do:

-Put a helo patrol with passive SBs out along your axis of advance between the 1st & 2nd CZ of your best Towed array sonar. 10-15* either side of your course with a PZ out to ~30* each side (SH-2 or 60B)
-Put a helo patrol with active dipping sonars on a circular ~4 mile radius zone around your heavy units - the HVU are usually so noisy passive will do you little good, so you need to ping away. Do not investigate outside patrol zone (SH-3 or 60F)
-Put something on an ASW strike mission with a max response distance equal to the outer limits of the passive patrol above
-Don't worry about your flanks or rear too much, if there is an SSK there it will either get picked up by the Active dipping sonar in the patrol above or will not be able to keep up anyway. If it is a Soviet SSN anytime before the late 80s you will hear it coming as it tries to catch up. Its the ones lying in ambush that are your problem
-If you have land based patrol AC or S-3s on a carrier, have them in another passive patrol ahead of the helo patrol above. If you've got a carrier with S-3s, one or two are great for an ASW strike mission. S-3 also make great tankers though...

At least one FF with decent passive sonar on sprint & drift, but keep her in good AAW range of your long shooters, and closer than the 1st CZ of your best sonar

There are plenty of other nuances but that takes experimentation

No claim that this is the best way but it is what I do.

Gunner98 wrote: Thu Aug 18, 2022 1:17 am That is a really good site with lots of good stuff, but if you want a quick & dirty, here is what I do:


No claim that this is the best way but it is what I do...

Good stuff. Just what the doctor ordered. Got it. Thanks a bunch,