UK Carrier Strike Group (vUKCSG) Discussion

[0405 Andrew]

Thanks for the more detailed explanation, that helped me understand your thoughts. I'm always one for progression.

[Alien]

Bang on Chris,

11Sqdn are absolutely up for this, positive comments all round however not everyone wants the 18 but thats fine, we have other airframes such as the Harrier / Huey which if we like me can find some time, we'd like a change of Pit Dashboard and try to further our skills or lack thereof.

[Wee Neal 0414]

I am in agreement with the concept, its sounds like it could be challenging and fun. I see a challenge in integrating RW from the perspective of TOT/travel time to CSAR etc, mostly as these fly a lot slower etc. Do you have thoughts on how this could be addressed?

[Chris]

....Do you have thoughts on how this could be addressed?

Helo TOT is feasible even with complicated routes in even the basic equipped UH1H - it just requires old skool NAV and correctly calculated and made route cards in your KB. I've done it many times before multi-player, with 2 up it's easier. With the Mi8 and SA342 NAV equipment is better but you still require route cards. With AH64 as in the Ka50 it's easy, just ask CIRI ha ha... With all this 'stuff' you just need a will in the planning and execution and for some leaving their comfort zone - but of course it is not for all.... fun it may not be if personally stressed etc... but certainly it needs training beyond the 'throw it around and laugh when you die' fun stuff that we all enjoy... you can be too serious.... as 60 used to say of my critiques

As for role, CSAR is difficult for in game ejections because of the distances but certainly feasible with a combat zone such as a beachead. CSAR / CTLD works okay if not a bit acade'ish.

Without too much thinking and off the top of my head...... Using the CSG components, with a carrier and escorts standing off whilst LST going in close to land troops in Mi-17's accompanied by AH64's at a beachhead , island or even 50 miles inland is certainly feasible. F14's providing air superiority and CSG protection, F18 a mix of CAP, CAS or Interdiction as required, AV8's in dirty directly supporting the ground troops via JTAC. UH1H CASVAC with AH64 escort battle field to LST or other asset acting as CASVAC station... SA342 RECCE and COMMAND / JTAC.... or lets think island invasion.... throw in some china sea politics.... and the cauldron starts to bubble....

Then have four phases like a campaign.... [1] Workup and Training [2] Battle area prep, interdiction comms, start getting air superiority and transport [3] The ground battle and support [4] dealing with aftermath and of course guerrilla pushback... Each phase would allow different airframes to take leading roles....

But of course, for me, we all need to work and train together with aligned procedures regulary if not all the time. Multi role skilled pilots would be the glue that binds it all together allowing planning and using 'the right tool for the job' in each phase.

Hope this bullsh*t helps Neal...

[Father Cool]

Bang on Chris,

11Sqdn are absolutely up for this, positive comments all round however not everyone wants the 18 but thats fine, we have other airframes such as the Harrier / Huey which if we like me can find some time, we'd like a change of Pit Dashboard and try to further our skills or lack thereof.

Agreed, I don't really want the FA18 but I have had the Harrier forever and barely flown it, it would be nice to get upto scratch in multiple airframes.

[Mad dog]

I'll be flying the Hornet as part of the vCSG