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Campaign Notes: Russia 2002
Written by Marcus Spears
Date: August 6, 1998
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Notes: This mission guide was written with the assistance of the
Official Guide to Jane's ATF, Copyright 1996 Electronic Arts.
When I give one loadout, it is what I consider to be the best
loadout for the default plane for that particular mission (which
may not be the same as the default loadout for the plane). If I
give two or more loadouts, the second one is the one I prefer.
Initial planes available: One B-2, one F-117, three F-22s, three
X-31s, three X-32s. Three X-29s become available after the first
few missions.
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Mission One: Troubleshooter
Briefing: Chinese fighter-bombers have crossed the border in violation
of Russian airspace. You are authorized to destroy these aircraft.
They include: three Q-5 Fantans (average) near Nav Alpha, two Su-27
Flanker-Bs (one average, one novice), and three J-7E Fishbeds (average)
near Nav Bravo. All of these are mission targets.
Loadout: F-22 Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Two: Waylaid
Briefing: In retaliation of the destruction of several fighters, the
PRC has attempted to enforce a blockade of Vladivostok and destroyed
two U.S. cargo ships. In response to an act of overt aggression, we
have decided to send a strong message to the PRC. You are to destroy
two of their cargo ships at Nav Bravo. On the way in, watch for two
Mig-29 Fulcrum-Cs (good) and over the cargo ships, watch for two F-5E
Tigers (average). On the return trip, you can avoid four J-7E Fishbeds
(good) if you move Nav Point Charlie further south.
Loadout: F-22 Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and
2 AGM-84E SLAM missiles.
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Mission Three: Hardball
Briefing: The PRC continues to send aircraft over the border in
violation of Russian airspace. You are to intercept and destroy
these planes. They include three Mig-29 Fulcrum-Cs (average)
near Nav Alpha, four J-7E Fishbeds (good) near Nav Bravo, and two
Fighter Support-Xs (average) near Nav Charlie. Note that the enemy
fighters in this mission have orders not to disengage until you are
destroyed. It's either you or them.
Loadout: X-31 (Snow) EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Four: Vanguard
Briefing: War has not been officially declared by either side, but
Chinese forces continue to provoke Allied forces. Fly a combat sweep
over Peter the Great Bay, destroying any Chinese fighters that cross
the border. Watch out from fire from Jianghu-class frigates and
Sarancha-class fast attack boats patrolling the bay. Your mission
targets are three Q-5 Fantans (good) near Nav Alpha, three Su-27
Flanker Bs near Nav Bravo (average), and two J-7E Fishbeds (good) and
F-5E Tigers (one good, one average) near Nav Charlie. If you move
Nav Delta so that it's _north_ of Nav Eagle, then fly north a while
after destroying the J-7Es and F-5Es before using autopilot, you may
be able to avoid the three MiG-29 Fulcrum Cs (good) near Nav Delta.
Loadout: F-22A Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Five: Waterline
Briefing: Chinese fast attack boats have begun to destroy US, Russian,
South Korean, and other Allied ships in the Peter the Great Bay.
There is a wing of X-31 EFMs that's supposed to protect you from enemy
fighters, but they're not very good at it, apparently. As soon as the
mission starts, turn due south for a while, then go due west until you
are south of Nav Baker. You will probably have to engage the three
MiG-29 Fulcrum Cs (good) and two SU-27 Flanker Bs (average). There
are six Saranchas at Nav Point Bravo and Nav Point Charlie; only three
of each group are mission targets. Apparently you're not trying to
destroy every ship (though you can if you want), but to bust holes in
their blockade.
Loadout: F-22A Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AGM-65 Mavericks.
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Mission Six: Watchtower
Briefing: A US supply convoy is approaching port. Radar has detected
Chinese fighters headed to intercept them. You must scramble and
intercept the strike. As soon as you get off the ground, turn south;
two J-7E Fishbeds (expert) are very close to your base. Near Nav Bravo
you will encounter two F-5E Tigers (average) protecting the strike force
of four Q-5 Fantans (good). You must destroy all four Fantans and the
two Sacramentos must survive for the mission to be successful.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders. You
can place one SARH missile (like the AIM-7 Sparrow), fuel tank (250 or
350 gallon), ALQ-167 Jammer, Pave Spike, or a FLIR pod on the centerline.
You don't need the fuel, the pave spike, or the FLIR pod on this mission,
however... take the missile or the jammer.
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Mission Seven: Blind Fury
Briefing: The Chinese are launching aggressive attacks on air and sea
assets, and a division of tanks appears to be preparing to cross the
border. An invasion of the Maritime Territory seems imminent. Two
Chinese Jianghu-class frigates are closing in on a damaged Kirov. A
wing of X-32s are being sent to destroy the Jianghus. Your job is to
protect the X-32s from enemy fighters. The mission is complete if the
Kirov survives and the X-32s complete all of their waypoints. There
are nine enemy fighters in this mission, all with good crews. The
first ones you'll meet are two Su-27 Flanker-Bs. After finishing them
off, turn west and you'll spot four J-7E Fishbeds. Finally, turn north
and take out the three MiG-29 Fulcrum-Cs (good). Once all nine fighters
are gone, you can either go back to Nav Bravo and help the X-32s by
making low-level gun passes against the Jianghus, or go ahead and land
at Nav Delta and wait for the mission complete message.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Eight: Surgical Strike
Briefing: Elite Chinese forces have crossed the border. US and Russian
forces are offering stiff resistance, but our only hope for success
against superior Chinese numbers is continued air superiority. To this
end, you are to use stealth to penetrate enemy lines and destroy two
Command and Control bunkers that they are using to coordinate their
air forces. The hardest part of this mission is not getting spotted
by the four Su-27 Flanker-Bs (expert) heading for Nav Alpha or the
Fighter Support-X (expert) over the first target. If you can slip by
them, after bombing the first C&C, you can head due west for a while,
then north until you're NW of the second target, avoiding six more
enemy fighters (two Mig-29s, two FS-Xs, two Su-27s). Turn SE, bomb
the second C&C, then turn due north for a while, then head east until
you're due north of Nav Delta. This should avoid the Su-27 searching
for you between Nav Charlie and Nav Delta.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Nine: Traffic Jam
Briefing: The Chinese offensive continues as infantry and armored units
pour across the Ussuri River, preparing for a siege on Vladivostok.
Excellent logistical support is aiding their rapid advance into Far
Eastern Russia. You are to destroy five cargo trucks carrying supplies
to Chinese units. A pair of F-15C Eagles will provide air cover for
this mission. The F-15s will probably destroy the two J-7E Fishbeds,
two F-5E Tigers, and two Mig-29 Fulcrum-Cs enroute to Nav Bravo, but
they will miss some of the enemy aircraft. Usually, you will have to
deal with two SU-27 Flanker-Bs and one MiG-29 Fulcrum-C, so it's a good
idea inbetween destroying trucks to turn on your radar and do a full 360-
degree sweep, looking for planes that may be coming your way. Since
these are just trucks and will die with a few gun shots, you don't
even really need to carry any air-to-ground ordnance at all, unless
you want to take the time to destroy the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, the ZSU-57-2
Sparka, and the SA-9 Gaskin AAA and SAM sites.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and
6 AIM-9M Sidewinders, or 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 4 LAU-61 rocket pods, and
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, or 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AGM-65 Mavericks, and
6 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
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Mission Ten: Steel Dragons
Briefing: Chinese Jianghus have entered coastal waters, intending to
destroy ship ports and submarine pens. You are to intercept and
destroy two of these Jianghus, one at Nav Baker and one close to
Nav Charlie. There are nine enemy aircraft in this mission, and
because each Jianghu requires three SLAMs to destroy, you'll have
a limited number of air-to-air missiles. The best strategy I can
think of, which sometimes works, is to head due south from your
starting point, then due west until you're slightly SW of Nav Bravo.
Turn NE and find the Jianghu. As soon as you have a good firing
solution, quickly fire off two SLAMs and order your wingman to engage.
Let him launch one missile, then order him to disengage and turn SW
again. This should finish off the Jianghu; if not, you'll have to
turn around and hit him with another SLAM.
Head west until you're slightly SW of Nav Charlie, and repeat the
procedure with the second Jianghu, then head northward until you're
west of Nav Delta, and you should be safe. However, you'll probably
end up fighting at least a few of the enemy aircraft, which include
four J-7E Fishbeds (all good) which normally meet you near Nav Alpha,
three MiG-29 Fulcrum-Cs (all good) near Nav Bravo, and two FS-Xs (one
good, one average) near Nav Charlie.
Loadout: F-22 with 4 AGM-84E SLAMs or 4 AGM-84A Harpoons, 2 AIM-120
AMRAAMs or 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
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Mission Eleven: Blind Alert
Briefing: Mobile radars are providing early warning for Chinese
ground units. Use the F-117 to penetrate enemy lines and destroy
two Straight Flush radars (one near Nav Bravo, one near Nav Charlie).
Once again the mission designers expect you to sneak your way past
over a dozen expert enemy pilots, including no less than three MiG-29s,
six FS-Xs, and six Su-27s.
If you go slow on your way to Nav Alpha, four of the FS-Xs will cross
in front of you and continue heading southwest. They won't bother you
again. If you time it right, three of the MiG-29s will be past you on
the northern leg of their patrol, and you can slip right past them and
bomb the first radar. The second radar is more difficult; hopefully
the other three MiG-29s will have passed you, patrolling to your north-
east. The thing to worry about is three of the Su-27s that patrol
right across Nav Charlie. Instead of following your nav points to
Nav Delta, which may require you to slip past not only the MiG-29s but
the MiG-29s you passed earlier and two FS-Xs patrolling parallel to
the route between Nav Charlie and Nav Delta.
It may be best if, after bombing the second radar, you turn due south
until you're far south of Nav Alpha, then turn east until you're due
south of Nav Eagle.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Twelve: Minutemen
Briefing: A wing of Chinese aircraft has penetrated our barrier
defenses. Scramble and defend the airbase. Immediately upon launch
you'll have to fight two MiG-29 Fulcrum-Cs (one good, one average)
and two J-7E Fishbeds (good). Upon turning south towards Nav Bravo,
there are four Q-5 Fantans (good) being guarded by two FS-Xs (one
good, one average). Your mission targets are everything but the
FS-Xs. A very straightforward interception mission.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with four AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders,
and one SARH missile like the AIM-7 Sparrow.
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Mission Thirteen: Red Tide
Briefing: Chinese frigates have entered the Bay to engage US Warships.
You are to launch and destroy two Jianghus, one at Nav Charlie and one
close to Nav Delta. Actually, there are three at Nav Charlie and two
at Nav Delta, but only one of each group is a mission goal. You have
two wingmen for this flight, so you can carry only two SLAMs each, as
long as you don't miss. If you head South for a while, then west, you
may be able to avoid the four Q-5 Fantans (good) near Nav Alpha. You
may have to engage the three FS-Xs (average) and/or the three Su-27s
(average) that orbit around Nav Beta when you move in to destroy the
first Jianghu. You will almost certainly have to engage the four
J-7E Fishbeds (good) which orbit very close to your landing approach.
Warning: The fog makes it damn near impossible to spot your mission
targets! Sidewinders are only effective above the fog boundary (8000
feet) so you might be better off taking all AMRAAMs.
Loadout: F-22 with 2 AGM-84A Harpoons or 2 AGM-84E SLAMs, 2 AIM-120
AMRAAMs and 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders or 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Fourteen: Low Blow
Briefing: Chinese troops have advanced 50 miles into Russian territory
at strategic points on the Sino-Russian front, and are engaging US and
Russian troops along a 100-mile boundary. A flight of RAH-66 Comanches
is on an anti-tank mission. You are to sweep the area of SAM and AAA
before they arrive. A wing of three Su-27s is flying a MIGCAP over the
area, protecting you from fighters. You will, however, probably have
to engage two J-7E Fishbeds (average) before reaching Nav Alpha, and
there are plenty of other enemy aircraft that the Su-27s might not
intercept in time, including three other Su-27s (average), two F-5E
tigers (average), and five more J-7E Fishbeds (good). Your mission
goals include one SA-6 Gainful, six ZSU-23-4 Shilkas, and four ZSU-57-2
Sparkas.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods,
2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Fifteen: Dark Knight
Briefing: The Chinese have deployed a squadron of fighters to a captured
Russian base. These fighters have scored a number of kills against
allied aircraft operating in the area. We are going to temporarily shut
down the airbase. Your job is to destroy the microwave tower, control
tower, and comm center at the airfield. Meanwhile, three F-22s and
three F-16s will force the enemy fighters to scramble, while four F-4Gs
attack the SAM and AAA sites at the airbase. Stay close to your starting
position for a while, and if you have ATF Gold or the NATO Fighters CD,
check the map frequently (Shift-M) to watch the position of the F-16s and
F-22s. Give them a chance to sweep the enemy fighters out of the way
before you approach the enemy base, and your attack will be almost
uncontested.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Sixteen: Mile High
Briefing: The Chinese have taken Vladivostok and two airbases. US and
Russian troops are trying to stall the Chinese advance. You are to fly
a patrol mission, sweeping away enemy fighters. There are two F-5 Tigers
(average) near Nav Alpha, three FS-Xs (two average, one good) that you
will probably encounter near Nav B, and four J-7E Fishbeds (three good,
one average) near Nav Charlie. Watch out for fire from the SA-6 Gainfuls
along your flight path!
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs; I
prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Seventeen: Air Lift
Briefing: The allied forces are moving massive amounts of men and
material to the Russian Far East. You are to make sure that three
C-17s loaded with cargo make it to all their waypoints. Along the
way you will encounter four Q-5 Fantans (good), four MiG-29s (one
good, three average), three Su-27s (one good, two average) and three
J-7E Fishbeds (average). The path of the C-17s take them across or
near the flight path of all these planes. A single Su-34 might take
out some of the J-7Es if he's in the right place at the right time.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and
one SARH missile like the AIM-7 Sparrow on the centerline. Once again
I very much prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AMRAAMs and 6 Sidewinders.
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Mission Eighteen: Brass Boys
Briefing: It has been determined that the Chinese commanders are holed
up in a set of hardened bunkers. You are to use the stealth and
firepower of the B-2 and destroy the command HQ and eight hardened
shelters where the commanders are assumed to be. The easiest route
is to head northwest for a while, avoiding Nav Alpha, then turn south
once you're north of Nav Bravo. Bomb the shelters, then turn north
again for a while, then due east until you're over Nav Foxtrot. This
should allow you to avoid all the enemy fighters in the area.
Loadout: B-2 Spirit with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 8 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Nineteen: Cancelled Tour
Briefing: The Chinese have moved more fighters to a captured airbase.
You are to destroy six Hardened Shelters at the airbase. Shortly before
your ToT (Time Over Target), two F-4Gs will take out the AAA and SAM
sites at the airbase, while two F-15C Eagles provide air cover for
your operation. Enemy aircraft are fairly heavy; if you head due west
from your starting point, you may be able to avoid having to engage four
MiG-29s (three good, one average) enroute to Nav Alpha. On the other
hand, three Su-27s (two average, one good) and two FS-Xs (one average,
one good) will start taking off if you take too long. Plus, the F-15s
will probably have their hands full with the five J-7E Fishbeds (two
expert, three good) and two FS-Xs (average) that are enroute to protect
the airbase.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods. You can take hardened
shelters out with guns, though, and your wingman will have Mavericks too,
so you may want to substitute two more Sidewinders for the rocket pods.
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Mission Twenty: Lock On
Briefing: As the Chinese advance continues, two more allied airbases
have been overrun. You are to take out a tank column in the front of
the Chinese advance. Your mission targets are six T-72 tanks. There
aren't many enemy planes in this one, fortunately. A Su-27 (average)
takes off four minutes after you begin the mission and will reach the
target area approximately seven minutes after you begin the mission.
Two Mig-29s (good) will be in the target area by the time you get there.
Four J-7E Fishbeds (good) will also intercept you.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods. You can exchange
the rocket pods for two more Sidewinders since there's six targets
and you have a total of eight Mavericks between you and your wingman.
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Mission Twenty-One: Long Haul
Briefing: Forces near the front must be constantly resupplied. Escort
two C-5s to their landing point. Enemy targets include two J-7E Fishbeds
(good) coming from the north and two FS-Xs (average) coming from the
south at Nav Alpha, and two Su-27s (average), two Mig-29s (average),
and two J-7E Fishbeds (good) near Nav Alpha.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
Alternately, I prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 6
AIM-9M Sidewinders.
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Mission Twenty-Two: Worker's Paradise
Briefing: The Chinese have captured a Russian factory that produces a
new, advanced armor-piercing tank shell. The Brass has decided that
the factory should be shut down. Use the B-2's stealth and speed to
destroy four loading docks and seven factory buildings. Ignore Nav
Alpha. Instead, go north for a while and linger around that area,
because three FS-Xs (expert) pass right by Nav Alpha and very nearly
pass by your starting position before turning due south. It also gives
two F-22s time to go in and hopefully take out some (or even all) of the
two MiG-29s (expert), two Su-27s (expert), and two FS-Xs (one average,
one good) patrolling around the factory.
Loadout: B-2 with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 8 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Twenty-Three: Life Guard
Briefing: Three Sacramentos are bringing in the bulk of our supplies
to this sector. Long-range radar has detected two groups of enemies
on an intercept course towards the Sacramentos. From the south are
four Q-5 Fantans (two good, two expert) guarded by two FS-Xs (average).
From the west are three Q-5 Fantans (good) guarded by two Su-27s
(average). The Fantans are your mission targets. All Fantans must be
destroyed and the Sacramentos must survive.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and
one SARH missile like the AIM-7 Sparrow on the centerpoint. Alternately
I prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 6 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
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Mission Twenty-Four: Zip Guns
Briefing: USAF A-10s will be striking Chinese armored columns. You are
to fly a SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) before the strike.
Your mission targets are four ZSU-57-2s and one ZSU-23-4 at Nav Alpha,
and two ZSU-57-2s and three ZSU-23-4s at Nav Bravo. There are two
Gazelles (average) near each Nav Point plus two Su-27s (one expert,
one average) near Nav Alpha and three J-7E Fishbeds (good) between
Nav Alpha and Nav Bravo. You have two wingmen in this mission.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods.
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Mission Twenty-Five: High Rollers
Briefing: Chinese armored units have breached our defenses. Additional
Chinese tanks are moving in to exploit the breach. You are to attack
the Chinese armor formation. You must destroy six T-72s and two BMP-2s
near Nav Alpha. There is moderate air support, consisting of two J-7E
Fishbeds (good) which are almost right on top of you as soon as you
start the mission, two FS-Xs (good), and two MiG-29s (good) which reach
the target area 5 minutes after you take off. Fortunately, an F-16
Falcon has been assigned to provide Close Air Support and will reach
the target area 10.5 minutes after you take off.
Loadout:
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Mission Twenty-Six: Cattle Cars
Briefing: The Chinese have captured the town of Nikolayevka. Three
AN-74 Coalers loaded with elite paratroopers will begin taking off from
Petrovka Airbase seven minutes into the mission, along with three FS-Xs
(average). Two MiG-29s (one average, one good) will meet you between
Nav Bravo and Nav Charlie, two F-5E Tigers (average) will meet you over
the airport, and two J-7E Fishbeds (average) will meet you on the return
trip between Nav Delta and Nav Epsilon unless you head far south after
destroying the Coalers, then east to Nav Foxtrot.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Twenty-Seven: Splashdown
Briefing: The marines are trying to flank the Chinese force. However,
Chinese Jianghus are attempting to intercept the marine hovercraft and
LCACs. Your job is to destroy the two Jianghus and keep the five
hovercraft and three LCACs alive. Two F-15C Eagles (one expert, one
good) will be providing air support on this mission. There are five
J-7E Fishbeds (two expert, two good, one average) just before Nav Alpha,
two MiG-29s (good) and two FS-Xs (average) between Nav Alpha and Nav
Bravo, and two Su-27s (average) on the return trip.
Loadout: X-32 with 2 AGM-84A Harpoons or 2 AGM-84E SLAMs, 2 AIM-120
AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods. Since it
takes three SLAMs to destroy each Jianghu, you're gonna get some
practice making rocket attacks on ships.
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Mission Twenty-Eight: Weird Science
Briefing: As the marines hit the beach, it is more important than ever
that the Chinese be denied control of the skies. You are to take an
F-117 and destroy two radar towers that provide the Chinese with early
warnings and a comm center that scrambles fighters. I suggest heading
northeast a while before turning to Nav Alpha. You can avoid four
Su-27s (expert) that fly parallel to your route, as well as three
FS-Xs (expert) and three MiG-29s (expert). Two Gazelles (one good,
one expert) and two more Su-27s (expert) criss-cross the target area,
and one FS-X (Average) patrols somewhere along the route between Nav
Delta and Nav Eagle.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Twenty-Nine: Beach Blanket
Briefing: U.S. Marines are engaging Chinese forces east of Vladivostok.
Helicopters are providing the Chinese troops with fire support. You are
to fly a combat sweep over the area, destroying any enemy helicopters
you see. Enroute to Nav Alpha, you will encounter two J-7E Fishbeds
(good), and when you turn towards Nav Bravo you will encounter five
Su-27s coming from two directions (four average, one good). Your
mission targets are four Gazelles (good) and four Super Frelons (good).
Also, the six M-1s must survive the mission.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
I prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AMRAAMs and 6 Sidewinders.
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Mission Thirty: Shakedown
Briefing: We must totally deny the Chinese air superiority. You are to
attack the Spassk Dalniy airbase, destroying Chinese fighters in the air
or on the ground. Three F-16s will be attacking the hangars while two
F-4G Phantoms will be taking out the AAA and SAM sites in advance of
your attack. Your mission targets are four FS-Xs (one good, three
average) and four Q-5s (two good, two average) which will start taking
off 5 minutes after you begin your mission. In addition, two Su-27s
(good) will be over the target area by the time you get there (assuming
the F-4s or F-16s don't get them), and three MiG-29s (good) may spot
you on the return trip. Try to get the aircraft while they're still
on the ground with gun passes so you can save your missiles for the
planes already in the air.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
Once again I prefer the X-32 with 6 Sidewinders and 6 AMRAAMs.
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Mission Thirty-One: Home Run
Briefing: The counter-offensive that will repel the Chinese invasion
is at hand. You are to take a B-2 behind enemy lines and destroy a
depot that is supplying their troops. Your targets are seven storage
buildings, six fuel tanks, five shelters, and two barracks. Once
again, the odds are against you; there are plenty of enemy aircraft
patrolling near the target zone, including three F-5E Tigers, two
MiG-29s to the west of the target, two F-4D Phantoms to the north
of the target, two FS-Xs to the east of the target, and two more
FS-Xs between Nav Bravo and Nav Charlie, all expert.
Loadout: B-2 Spirit with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 8 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
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Mission Thirty-Two: Gone Fishin'
Briefing: Allied troops are retaking ground lost to the Chinese in the
early weeks of the offensive. A number of fast patrol boats and
Jianghu-class frigates are trying to make an attack on US naval assets
in the area. You are to destroy three Jianghus (there are four of them
but only three are mission targets, so save your missiles). Five Q-5
Fantans (two expert, three good) and three FS-Xs (two good, one average)
will cross your path before you reach Nav Alpha. If you move Nav Alpha
southwest a bit, you may be able to avoid engaging these. Likewise, if
you move Nav Charlie due north of Nav Bravo and due west of Nav Delta,
you may be able to avoid three Su-27s (good) between Bravo and Charlie,
and three MiG-29s (one expert, two good) between Charlie and Delta.
You have two wingmen on this mission; with 4 SLAMs each, that's enough
to take out all three Jianghus.
Loadout: F-22 with 4 AGM-84E SLAMs, and 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs or 4 AIM-9M
Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Three: Sky Dance
Briefing: Chinese fighters are making a blitz attack on your forward
airbase at Spassk Dalniy. Scramble immediately and take out all
enemy fighters. Your mission targets are the three Q-5 Fantans (good)
coming from the north, which are guarded by three FS-Xs (one good, two
average) and the four Q-5 Fantans (three expert, one good) coming from
the southwest, which are guarded by two F-5E Tigers (one good, one
average). You must destroy them before they destroy any of the hardened
shelters at the airbase. You have two wingmen (one good, one expert)
for this mission, and two F-4Gs (average) will scramble three minutes
into the mission.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with four AIM-120 AMRAAMs and three AIM-9X Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Four: Dust Off
Briefing: Despite dwindling numbers and a poor loss ratio, the Chinese
refuse to give up attempts at air superiority. You are to fly a B-2
bomber and destroy the ten hardened shelters at Pogranichnyy airbase.
As always there are a number of enemy fighters to avoid, though not as
many as in earlier missions. Three Su-27s (expert) patrol near Nav
Bravo, three MiG-29s (expert) patrol right over the shelters you're
supposed to take out, two F-5E Tigers (expert) patrol just to the
south of the target zone, four Su-27s (expert) patrol between Nav
Delta and Nav Eagle, and two Su-27s (expert) take off 13 minutes
into the mission and patrol around Nav Delta.
Loadout: B-2 Spirit with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 3 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Five: Beijing Blitz
Briefing: The Chinese have massed their remaining aircraft for a major
attack on Allied air assets in the hope of evening up the air battle.
Once again your base has come under attack. Your mission targets are
three Q-5 Fantans (two expert, one good) from the north, being guarded
by two J-7E Fishbeds (one expert, one good). From the south, there are
three FS-Xs (good) escorted by three Su-27s (one average, two good).
Your mission targets are the Fantans and the FS-Xs. Win this mission,
and you get the silver star.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9X Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs. I
prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 Sidewinders and 6 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Six: Death Angel
Briefing: Enemy supply bases are being destroyed in a systematic attempt
to isolate Chinese front-line troops. Use the stealth and speed of an
F-117 to penetrate enemy lines and destroy four storage buildings at Nav
Bravo. As always, there are plenty of enemy aircraft in the area. Four
Su-27s and three FS-Xs (all expert) fly a funky pattern around the base
before exiting the map, and three F-5 Tigers (expert) will patrol the
base. One Super Frelon (good) and one Gazelle (expert) are hovering
over the base, and two more Super Frelons will take off 20 minutes
after you begin the mission. There are two FS-Xs (one average, one
expert) and two MiG-29s (both expert) that are prepared to intercept
you if you follow your waypoints; hopefully the two expert X-29s will
destroy them before you start towards Nav Charlie. If not, turn south
instead of proceeding to Nav Charlie, then turn east towards Nav Delta
when you're to the west of it.
Loadout: F-117 with 2 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Seven: Borderline
Briefing: The allied forces are making serious inroads into the Chinese
defensive front. Chinese fighter/bombers have been detected crossing
the border. Intercept and destroy the four Q-5 Fantans (two expert,
two good, escorted by three average Su-27s) at Nav Alpha, and the three
Q-5 Fantans (two expert, one good) escorted by three FS-Xs (two average,
one good) near Nav Bravo.
Loadout: F-22 with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 4 AIM-9X Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Eight: Lead Curtain
Briefing: Allied forces have swept through the Chinese defensive line
and are encircling the Chinese forces on all sides. A group of three
A-10s are making an attack on the tanks being fielded by one of the
last pockets of Chinese resistance. You are to clear a path for the
A-10s to take out the tanks. Your targets are two SA-6 Gainfuls, two
SA-9 Gaskins, 2 ZSU-23-4s, and one ZSU-57-2, between Nav Bravo and Nav
Charlie. Watch for two MiG-29s (good) to cross your path between Nav
Alpha and Nav Bravo. Two J-7E Fishbeds and two Gazelles (all good)
will be patrolling over the target area, and two Su-27s patrol the
path between Nav Charlie and Nav Delta. You might be able to avoid
the Su-27s by moving Nav Delta due south of Nav Charlie and due west
of Nav Eagle.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods, and 2 AIM-9X Sidewinders. You can substitute
4 more Sidewinders for the Rocket Pods, since AAA and SAMs can be
easily taken out with guns, if you feel confident in your low-level
flying abilities.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Nine: Razor Edge
Briefing: The Chinese Air Force is attempting to engage Allied aircraft
as their forces fall back towards the border. You must scramble to
protect the Spassk Dalniy airbase. There is one friendly Su-33 already
heading for the airbase, and the airbase has two F-16 Falcons, one Su-33,
and two F-4Gs that will start taking off as soon as you're airborne,
so the airfield is well defended. Almost as soon as you take off, you'll
be attacked by two MiG-29s (one good, one average). Next, deal with the
four Q-5s (good) and three FS-Xs (one good, two average) coming from the
north. Then turn south and destroy the three Q-5s (good) and two Su-27s
(one good, one average) coming from the south. Your mission targets are
the Q-5s. You must destroy them before they can destroy any of the
hardened shelters at the airbase.
Loadout:
-------------------------------
Mission Forty: Last Tango
Briefing: The Chinese Air Force is pulling back its last aircraft.
Since no peace treaty has been signed, the air war over Russia
continues. Intelligence has identified a passenger transport carrying
top Chinese generals and politicians. You are to intercept and
destroy that transport at all costs. Four Su-27s (all good) will
attempt to flank you at Nav Alpha. The Il-76 (your target) and its
four FS-X escorts (three good, one average) are at Nav Bravo. If you
move Nav Alpha a little further east, you might be able to just
afterburn right past the Su-27s. Alternately, when you are out of
missiles, use the "Guns only" cheat and dogfight them.
Loadout: F-22 with four AIM-120 AMRAAMs and four AIM-9X Sidewinders.
------------------------------
A note on awards:
------------------------------
There are ten possible awards that I know of in Jane's ATF, and one
of them (the Purple Heart) can be awarded up to three times. One
medal (the Silver Star) is not available in the Egypt campaign,
another one (the Air Force Commendation) is not available in the
Russian campaign, and one of them (the Air Force Cross) is highly
unlikely unless you destroy a lot of structures that are not mission
targets. Here's the list of medals you can receive in the Russia
2002 campaign:
1. Air Force Achievement. You and your wingman must each down at
least three planes in the same mission.
2. Air Force Medal of Honor. Down ten fighters in one mission using
guns only. (You don't have to use the "Guns Only" cheat to get
this award... but it helps!)
3. Air Force Cross. Awarded after you destroy at least 100 structures
in the campaign.
4. Air Medal. Awarded after the mission in which you down your 15th
fighter in the campaign.
5. Air Force Distinguished Service. Awarded after you've downed
your 30th plane in the campaign.
6. Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. Awarded after you've downed
your 45th plane in the campaign.
7. Silver Star. Awarded after you finish Russia Mission 35
successfully.
8. Air Force Expeditionary. Awarded after you successfully finish
Russia Mission 40 or Egypt Mission 40.
9. Purple Heart. Awarded after any mission in which you see the
message "You've been hit" or "You are about to die from your
wounds". Can be awarded up to three times.
------------------------------
A note on promotions:
------------------------------
There are five ranks in Jane's ATF. The highest rank is Lieutenant
Colonel. When you are promoted depends on how many fighter/bomber
kills you and your wingman have (total). You start each campaign
as a 2nd Lieutenant.
# kills 1st Lt. Captain Major Lt. Colonel
======= ========= ========== ========== ===========
60+ Mission 12 Mission 22 Mission 32
50+ Mission 13 Mission 23 Mission 33
40+ Mission 5 Mission 14 Mission 24 Mission 34
30+ Mission 6 Mission 15 Mission 25 Mission 35
20+ Mission 7 Mission 16 Mission 26 Mission 36
10+ Mission 8 Mission 17 Mission 27 Mission 37
otherwise Mission 9 Mission 18 Mission 28 Mission 38
Written by Marcus Spears
Date: August 6, 1998
-------------------------------
Notes: This mission guide was written with the assistance of the
Official Guide to Jane's ATF, Copyright 1996 Electronic Arts.
When I give one loadout, it is what I consider to be the best
loadout for the default plane for that particular mission (which
may not be the same as the default loadout for the plane). If I
give two or more loadouts, the second one is the one I prefer.
Initial planes available: One B-2, one F-117, three F-22s, three
X-31s, three X-32s. Three X-29s become available after the first
few missions.
-------------------------------
Mission One: Troubleshooter
Briefing: Chinese fighter-bombers have crossed the border in violation
of Russian airspace. You are authorized to destroy these aircraft.
They include: three Q-5 Fantans (average) near Nav Alpha, two Su-27
Flanker-Bs (one average, one novice), and three J-7E Fishbeds (average)
near Nav Bravo. All of these are mission targets.
Loadout: F-22 Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Two: Waylaid
Briefing: In retaliation of the destruction of several fighters, the
PRC has attempted to enforce a blockade of Vladivostok and destroyed
two U.S. cargo ships. In response to an act of overt aggression, we
have decided to send a strong message to the PRC. You are to destroy
two of their cargo ships at Nav Bravo. On the way in, watch for two
Mig-29 Fulcrum-Cs (good) and over the cargo ships, watch for two F-5E
Tigers (average). On the return trip, you can avoid four J-7E Fishbeds
(good) if you move Nav Point Charlie further south.
Loadout: F-22 Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and
2 AGM-84E SLAM missiles.
-------------------------------
Mission Three: Hardball
Briefing: The PRC continues to send aircraft over the border in
violation of Russian airspace. You are to intercept and destroy
these planes. They include three Mig-29 Fulcrum-Cs (average)
near Nav Alpha, four J-7E Fishbeds (good) near Nav Bravo, and two
Fighter Support-Xs (average) near Nav Charlie. Note that the enemy
fighters in this mission have orders not to disengage until you are
destroyed. It's either you or them.
Loadout: X-31 (Snow) EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Four: Vanguard
Briefing: War has not been officially declared by either side, but
Chinese forces continue to provoke Allied forces. Fly a combat sweep
over Peter the Great Bay, destroying any Chinese fighters that cross
the border. Watch out from fire from Jianghu-class frigates and
Sarancha-class fast attack boats patrolling the bay. Your mission
targets are three Q-5 Fantans (good) near Nav Alpha, three Su-27
Flanker Bs near Nav Bravo (average), and two J-7E Fishbeds (good) and
F-5E Tigers (one good, one average) near Nav Charlie. If you move
Nav Delta so that it's _north_ of Nav Eagle, then fly north a while
after destroying the J-7Es and F-5Es before using autopilot, you may
be able to avoid the three MiG-29 Fulcrum Cs (good) near Nav Delta.
Loadout: F-22A Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Five: Waterline
Briefing: Chinese fast attack boats have begun to destroy US, Russian,
South Korean, and other Allied ships in the Peter the Great Bay.
There is a wing of X-31 EFMs that's supposed to protect you from enemy
fighters, but they're not very good at it, apparently. As soon as the
mission starts, turn due south for a while, then go due west until you
are south of Nav Baker. You will probably have to engage the three
MiG-29 Fulcrum Cs (good) and two SU-27 Flanker Bs (average). There
are six Saranchas at Nav Point Bravo and Nav Point Charlie; only three
of each group are mission targets. Apparently you're not trying to
destroy every ship (though you can if you want), but to bust holes in
their blockade.
Loadout: F-22A Raptor with 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AGM-65 Mavericks.
-------------------------------
Mission Six: Watchtower
Briefing: A US supply convoy is approaching port. Radar has detected
Chinese fighters headed to intercept them. You must scramble and
intercept the strike. As soon as you get off the ground, turn south;
two J-7E Fishbeds (expert) are very close to your base. Near Nav Bravo
you will encounter two F-5E Tigers (average) protecting the strike force
of four Q-5 Fantans (good). You must destroy all four Fantans and the
two Sacramentos must survive for the mission to be successful.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders. You
can place one SARH missile (like the AIM-7 Sparrow), fuel tank (250 or
350 gallon), ALQ-167 Jammer, Pave Spike, or a FLIR pod on the centerline.
You don't need the fuel, the pave spike, or the FLIR pod on this mission,
however... take the missile or the jammer.
-------------------------------
Mission Seven: Blind Fury
Briefing: The Chinese are launching aggressive attacks on air and sea
assets, and a division of tanks appears to be preparing to cross the
border. An invasion of the Maritime Territory seems imminent. Two
Chinese Jianghu-class frigates are closing in on a damaged Kirov. A
wing of X-32s are being sent to destroy the Jianghus. Your job is to
protect the X-32s from enemy fighters. The mission is complete if the
Kirov survives and the X-32s complete all of their waypoints. There
are nine enemy fighters in this mission, all with good crews. The
first ones you'll meet are two Su-27 Flanker-Bs. After finishing them
off, turn west and you'll spot four J-7E Fishbeds. Finally, turn north
and take out the three MiG-29 Fulcrum-Cs (good). Once all nine fighters
are gone, you can either go back to Nav Bravo and help the X-32s by
making low-level gun passes against the Jianghus, or go ahead and land
at Nav Delta and wait for the mission complete message.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Eight: Surgical Strike
Briefing: Elite Chinese forces have crossed the border. US and Russian
forces are offering stiff resistance, but our only hope for success
against superior Chinese numbers is continued air superiority. To this
end, you are to use stealth to penetrate enemy lines and destroy two
Command and Control bunkers that they are using to coordinate their
air forces. The hardest part of this mission is not getting spotted
by the four Su-27 Flanker-Bs (expert) heading for Nav Alpha or the
Fighter Support-X (expert) over the first target. If you can slip by
them, after bombing the first C&C, you can head due west for a while,
then north until you're NW of the second target, avoiding six more
enemy fighters (two Mig-29s, two FS-Xs, two Su-27s). Turn SE, bomb
the second C&C, then turn due north for a while, then head east until
you're due north of Nav Delta. This should avoid the Su-27 searching
for you between Nav Charlie and Nav Delta.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Nine: Traffic Jam
Briefing: The Chinese offensive continues as infantry and armored units
pour across the Ussuri River, preparing for a siege on Vladivostok.
Excellent logistical support is aiding their rapid advance into Far
Eastern Russia. You are to destroy five cargo trucks carrying supplies
to Chinese units. A pair of F-15C Eagles will provide air cover for
this mission. The F-15s will probably destroy the two J-7E Fishbeds,
two F-5E Tigers, and two Mig-29 Fulcrum-Cs enroute to Nav Bravo, but
they will miss some of the enemy aircraft. Usually, you will have to
deal with two SU-27 Flanker-Bs and one MiG-29 Fulcrum-C, so it's a good
idea inbetween destroying trucks to turn on your radar and do a full 360-
degree sweep, looking for planes that may be coming your way. Since
these are just trucks and will die with a few gun shots, you don't
even really need to carry any air-to-ground ordnance at all, unless
you want to take the time to destroy the ZSU-23-4 Shilka, the ZSU-57-2
Sparka, and the SA-9 Gaskin AAA and SAM sites.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and
6 AIM-9M Sidewinders, or 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 4 LAU-61 rocket pods, and
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, or 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AGM-65 Mavericks, and
6 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Ten: Steel Dragons
Briefing: Chinese Jianghus have entered coastal waters, intending to
destroy ship ports and submarine pens. You are to intercept and
destroy two of these Jianghus, one at Nav Baker and one close to
Nav Charlie. There are nine enemy aircraft in this mission, and
because each Jianghu requires three SLAMs to destroy, you'll have
a limited number of air-to-air missiles. The best strategy I can
think of, which sometimes works, is to head due south from your
starting point, then due west until you're slightly SW of Nav Bravo.
Turn NE and find the Jianghu. As soon as you have a good firing
solution, quickly fire off two SLAMs and order your wingman to engage.
Let him launch one missile, then order him to disengage and turn SW
again. This should finish off the Jianghu; if not, you'll have to
turn around and hit him with another SLAM.
Head west until you're slightly SW of Nav Charlie, and repeat the
procedure with the second Jianghu, then head northward until you're
west of Nav Delta, and you should be safe. However, you'll probably
end up fighting at least a few of the enemy aircraft, which include
four J-7E Fishbeds (all good) which normally meet you near Nav Alpha,
three MiG-29 Fulcrum-Cs (all good) near Nav Bravo, and two FS-Xs (one
good, one average) near Nav Charlie.
Loadout: F-22 with 4 AGM-84E SLAMs or 4 AGM-84A Harpoons, 2 AIM-120
AMRAAMs or 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Eleven: Blind Alert
Briefing: Mobile radars are providing early warning for Chinese
ground units. Use the F-117 to penetrate enemy lines and destroy
two Straight Flush radars (one near Nav Bravo, one near Nav Charlie).
Once again the mission designers expect you to sneak your way past
over a dozen expert enemy pilots, including no less than three MiG-29s,
six FS-Xs, and six Su-27s.
If you go slow on your way to Nav Alpha, four of the FS-Xs will cross
in front of you and continue heading southwest. They won't bother you
again. If you time it right, three of the MiG-29s will be past you on
the northern leg of their patrol, and you can slip right past them and
bomb the first radar. The second radar is more difficult; hopefully
the other three MiG-29s will have passed you, patrolling to your north-
east. The thing to worry about is three of the Su-27s that patrol
right across Nav Charlie. Instead of following your nav points to
Nav Delta, which may require you to slip past not only the MiG-29s but
the MiG-29s you passed earlier and two FS-Xs patrolling parallel to
the route between Nav Charlie and Nav Delta.
It may be best if, after bombing the second radar, you turn due south
until you're far south of Nav Alpha, then turn east until you're due
south of Nav Eagle.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Twelve: Minutemen
Briefing: A wing of Chinese aircraft has penetrated our barrier
defenses. Scramble and defend the airbase. Immediately upon launch
you'll have to fight two MiG-29 Fulcrum-Cs (one good, one average)
and two J-7E Fishbeds (good). Upon turning south towards Nav Bravo,
there are four Q-5 Fantans (good) being guarded by two FS-Xs (one
good, one average). Your mission targets are everything but the
FS-Xs. A very straightforward interception mission.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with four AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders,
and one SARH missile like the AIM-7 Sparrow.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirteen: Red Tide
Briefing: Chinese frigates have entered the Bay to engage US Warships.
You are to launch and destroy two Jianghus, one at Nav Charlie and one
close to Nav Delta. Actually, there are three at Nav Charlie and two
at Nav Delta, but only one of each group is a mission goal. You have
two wingmen for this flight, so you can carry only two SLAMs each, as
long as you don't miss. If you head South for a while, then west, you
may be able to avoid the four Q-5 Fantans (good) near Nav Alpha. You
may have to engage the three FS-Xs (average) and/or the three Su-27s
(average) that orbit around Nav Beta when you move in to destroy the
first Jianghu. You will almost certainly have to engage the four
J-7E Fishbeds (good) which orbit very close to your landing approach.
Warning: The fog makes it damn near impossible to spot your mission
targets! Sidewinders are only effective above the fog boundary (8000
feet) so you might be better off taking all AMRAAMs.
Loadout: F-22 with 2 AGM-84A Harpoons or 2 AGM-84E SLAMs, 2 AIM-120
AMRAAMs and 4 AIM-9M Sidewinders or 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Fourteen: Low Blow
Briefing: Chinese troops have advanced 50 miles into Russian territory
at strategic points on the Sino-Russian front, and are engaging US and
Russian troops along a 100-mile boundary. A flight of RAH-66 Comanches
is on an anti-tank mission. You are to sweep the area of SAM and AAA
before they arrive. A wing of three Su-27s is flying a MIGCAP over the
area, protecting you from fighters. You will, however, probably have
to engage two J-7E Fishbeds (average) before reaching Nav Alpha, and
there are plenty of other enemy aircraft that the Su-27s might not
intercept in time, including three other Su-27s (average), two F-5E
tigers (average), and five more J-7E Fishbeds (good). Your mission
goals include one SA-6 Gainful, six ZSU-23-4 Shilkas, and four ZSU-57-2
Sparkas.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods,
2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Fifteen: Dark Knight
Briefing: The Chinese have deployed a squadron of fighters to a captured
Russian base. These fighters have scored a number of kills against
allied aircraft operating in the area. We are going to temporarily shut
down the airbase. Your job is to destroy the microwave tower, control
tower, and comm center at the airfield. Meanwhile, three F-22s and
three F-16s will force the enemy fighters to scramble, while four F-4Gs
attack the SAM and AAA sites at the airbase. Stay close to your starting
position for a while, and if you have ATF Gold or the NATO Fighters CD,
check the map frequently (Shift-M) to watch the position of the F-16s and
F-22s. Give them a chance to sweep the enemy fighters out of the way
before you approach the enemy base, and your attack will be almost
uncontested.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Sixteen: Mile High
Briefing: The Chinese have taken Vladivostok and two airbases. US and
Russian troops are trying to stall the Chinese advance. You are to fly
a patrol mission, sweeping away enemy fighters. There are two F-5 Tigers
(average) near Nav Alpha, three FS-Xs (two average, one good) that you
will probably encounter near Nav B, and four J-7E Fishbeds (three good,
one average) near Nav Charlie. Watch out for fire from the SA-6 Gainfuls
along your flight path!
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs; I
prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Seventeen: Air Lift
Briefing: The allied forces are moving massive amounts of men and
material to the Russian Far East. You are to make sure that three
C-17s loaded with cargo make it to all their waypoints. Along the
way you will encounter four Q-5 Fantans (good), four MiG-29s (one
good, three average), three Su-27s (one good, two average) and three
J-7E Fishbeds (average). The path of the C-17s take them across or
near the flight path of all these planes. A single Su-34 might take
out some of the J-7Es if he's in the right place at the right time.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and
one SARH missile like the AIM-7 Sparrow on the centerline. Once again
I very much prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AMRAAMs and 6 Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Eighteen: Brass Boys
Briefing: It has been determined that the Chinese commanders are holed
up in a set of hardened bunkers. You are to use the stealth and
firepower of the B-2 and destroy the command HQ and eight hardened
shelters where the commanders are assumed to be. The easiest route
is to head northwest for a while, avoiding Nav Alpha, then turn south
once you're north of Nav Bravo. Bomb the shelters, then turn north
again for a while, then due east until you're over Nav Foxtrot. This
should allow you to avoid all the enemy fighters in the area.
Loadout: B-2 Spirit with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 8 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Nineteen: Cancelled Tour
Briefing: The Chinese have moved more fighters to a captured airbase.
You are to destroy six Hardened Shelters at the airbase. Shortly before
your ToT (Time Over Target), two F-4Gs will take out the AAA and SAM
sites at the airbase, while two F-15C Eagles provide air cover for
your operation. Enemy aircraft are fairly heavy; if you head due west
from your starting point, you may be able to avoid having to engage four
MiG-29s (three good, one average) enroute to Nav Alpha. On the other
hand, three Su-27s (two average, one good) and two FS-Xs (one average,
one good) will start taking off if you take too long. Plus, the F-15s
will probably have their hands full with the five J-7E Fishbeds (two
expert, three good) and two FS-Xs (average) that are enroute to protect
the airbase.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods. You can take hardened
shelters out with guns, though, and your wingman will have Mavericks too,
so you may want to substitute two more Sidewinders for the rocket pods.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty: Lock On
Briefing: As the Chinese advance continues, two more allied airbases
have been overrun. You are to take out a tank column in the front of
the Chinese advance. Your mission targets are six T-72 tanks. There
aren't many enemy planes in this one, fortunately. A Su-27 (average)
takes off four minutes after you begin the mission and will reach the
target area approximately seven minutes after you begin the mission.
Two Mig-29s (good) will be in the target area by the time you get there.
Four J-7E Fishbeds (good) will also intercept you.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods. You can exchange
the rocket pods for two more Sidewinders since there's six targets
and you have a total of eight Mavericks between you and your wingman.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-One: Long Haul
Briefing: Forces near the front must be constantly resupplied. Escort
two C-5s to their landing point. Enemy targets include two J-7E Fishbeds
(good) coming from the north and two FS-Xs (average) coming from the
south at Nav Alpha, and two Su-27s (average), two Mig-29s (average),
and two J-7E Fishbeds (good) near Nav Alpha.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
Alternately, I prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 6
AIM-9M Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Two: Worker's Paradise
Briefing: The Chinese have captured a Russian factory that produces a
new, advanced armor-piercing tank shell. The Brass has decided that
the factory should be shut down. Use the B-2's stealth and speed to
destroy four loading docks and seven factory buildings. Ignore Nav
Alpha. Instead, go north for a while and linger around that area,
because three FS-Xs (expert) pass right by Nav Alpha and very nearly
pass by your starting position before turning due south. It also gives
two F-22s time to go in and hopefully take out some (or even all) of the
two MiG-29s (expert), two Su-27s (expert), and two FS-Xs (one average,
one good) patrolling around the factory.
Loadout: B-2 with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 8 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Three: Life Guard
Briefing: Three Sacramentos are bringing in the bulk of our supplies
to this sector. Long-range radar has detected two groups of enemies
on an intercept course towards the Sacramentos. From the south are
four Q-5 Fantans (two good, two expert) guarded by two FS-Xs (average).
From the west are three Q-5 Fantans (good) guarded by two Su-27s
(average). The Fantans are your mission targets. All Fantans must be
destroyed and the Sacramentos must survive.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and
one SARH missile like the AIM-7 Sparrow on the centerpoint. Alternately
I prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 6 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Four: Zip Guns
Briefing: USAF A-10s will be striking Chinese armored columns. You are
to fly a SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) before the strike.
Your mission targets are four ZSU-57-2s and one ZSU-23-4 at Nav Alpha,
and two ZSU-57-2s and three ZSU-23-4s at Nav Bravo. There are two
Gazelles (average) near each Nav Point plus two Su-27s (one expert,
one average) near Nav Alpha and three J-7E Fishbeds (good) between
Nav Alpha and Nav Bravo. You have two wingmen in this mission.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Five: High Rollers
Briefing: Chinese armored units have breached our defenses. Additional
Chinese tanks are moving in to exploit the breach. You are to attack
the Chinese armor formation. You must destroy six T-72s and two BMP-2s
near Nav Alpha. There is moderate air support, consisting of two J-7E
Fishbeds (good) which are almost right on top of you as soon as you
start the mission, two FS-Xs (good), and two MiG-29s (good) which reach
the target area 5 minutes after you take off. Fortunately, an F-16
Falcon has been assigned to provide Close Air Support and will reach
the target area 10.5 minutes after you take off.
Loadout:
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Six: Cattle Cars
Briefing: The Chinese have captured the town of Nikolayevka. Three
AN-74 Coalers loaded with elite paratroopers will begin taking off from
Petrovka Airbase seven minutes into the mission, along with three FS-Xs
(average). Two MiG-29s (one average, one good) will meet you between
Nav Bravo and Nav Charlie, two F-5E Tigers (average) will meet you over
the airport, and two J-7E Fishbeds (average) will meet you on the return
trip between Nav Delta and Nav Epsilon unless you head far south after
destroying the Coalers, then east to Nav Foxtrot.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Seven: Splashdown
Briefing: The marines are trying to flank the Chinese force. However,
Chinese Jianghus are attempting to intercept the marine hovercraft and
LCACs. Your job is to destroy the two Jianghus and keep the five
hovercraft and three LCACs alive. Two F-15C Eagles (one expert, one
good) will be providing air support on this mission. There are five
J-7E Fishbeds (two expert, two good, one average) just before Nav Alpha,
two MiG-29s (good) and two FS-Xs (average) between Nav Alpha and Nav
Bravo, and two Su-27s (average) on the return trip.
Loadout: X-32 with 2 AGM-84A Harpoons or 2 AGM-84E SLAMs, 2 AIM-120
AMRAAMs, 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders, and 4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods. Since it
takes three SLAMs to destroy each Jianghu, you're gonna get some
practice making rocket attacks on ships.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Eight: Weird Science
Briefing: As the marines hit the beach, it is more important than ever
that the Chinese be denied control of the skies. You are to take an
F-117 and destroy two radar towers that provide the Chinese with early
warnings and a comm center that scrambles fighters. I suggest heading
northeast a while before turning to Nav Alpha. You can avoid four
Su-27s (expert) that fly parallel to your route, as well as three
FS-Xs (expert) and three MiG-29s (expert). Two Gazelles (one good,
one expert) and two more Su-27s (expert) criss-cross the target area,
and one FS-X (Average) patrols somewhere along the route between Nav
Delta and Nav Eagle.
Loadout: F-117 with two GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Twenty-Nine: Beach Blanket
Briefing: U.S. Marines are engaging Chinese forces east of Vladivostok.
Helicopters are providing the Chinese troops with fire support. You are
to fly a combat sweep over the area, destroying any enemy helicopters
you see. Enroute to Nav Alpha, you will encounter two J-7E Fishbeds
(good), and when you turn towards Nav Bravo you will encounter five
Su-27s coming from two directions (four average, one good). Your
mission targets are four Gazelles (good) and four Super Frelons (good).
Also, the six M-1s must survive the mission.
Loadout: X-29 FSW with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M Sidewinders.
I prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 AMRAAMs and 6 Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty: Shakedown
Briefing: We must totally deny the Chinese air superiority. You are to
attack the Spassk Dalniy airbase, destroying Chinese fighters in the air
or on the ground. Three F-16s will be attacking the hangars while two
F-4G Phantoms will be taking out the AAA and SAM sites in advance of
your attack. Your mission targets are four FS-Xs (one good, three
average) and four Q-5s (two good, two average) which will start taking
off 5 minutes after you begin your mission. In addition, two Su-27s
(good) will be over the target area by the time you get there (assuming
the F-4s or F-16s don't get them), and three MiG-29s (good) may spot
you on the return trip. Try to get the aircraft while they're still
on the ground with gun passes so you can save your missiles for the
planes already in the air.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9M Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
Once again I prefer the X-32 with 6 Sidewinders and 6 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-One: Home Run
Briefing: The counter-offensive that will repel the Chinese invasion
is at hand. You are to take a B-2 behind enemy lines and destroy a
depot that is supplying their troops. Your targets are seven storage
buildings, six fuel tanks, five shelters, and two barracks. Once
again, the odds are against you; there are plenty of enemy aircraft
patrolling near the target zone, including three F-5E Tigers, two
MiG-29s to the west of the target, two F-4D Phantoms to the north
of the target, two FS-Xs to the east of the target, and two more
FS-Xs between Nav Bravo and Nav Charlie, all expert.
Loadout: B-2 Spirit with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 8 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Two: Gone Fishin'
Briefing: Allied troops are retaking ground lost to the Chinese in the
early weeks of the offensive. A number of fast patrol boats and
Jianghu-class frigates are trying to make an attack on US naval assets
in the area. You are to destroy three Jianghus (there are four of them
but only three are mission targets, so save your missiles). Five Q-5
Fantans (two expert, three good) and three FS-Xs (two good, one average)
will cross your path before you reach Nav Alpha. If you move Nav Alpha
southwest a bit, you may be able to avoid engaging these. Likewise, if
you move Nav Charlie due north of Nav Bravo and due west of Nav Delta,
you may be able to avoid three Su-27s (good) between Bravo and Charlie,
and three MiG-29s (one expert, two good) between Charlie and Delta.
You have two wingmen on this mission; with 4 SLAMs each, that's enough
to take out all three Jianghus.
Loadout: F-22 with 4 AGM-84E SLAMs, and 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs or 4 AIM-9M
Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Three: Sky Dance
Briefing: Chinese fighters are making a blitz attack on your forward
airbase at Spassk Dalniy. Scramble immediately and take out all
enemy fighters. Your mission targets are the three Q-5 Fantans (good)
coming from the north, which are guarded by three FS-Xs (one good, two
average) and the four Q-5 Fantans (three expert, one good) coming from
the southwest, which are guarded by two F-5E Tigers (one good, one
average). You must destroy them before they destroy any of the hardened
shelters at the airbase. You have two wingmen (one good, one expert)
for this mission, and two F-4Gs (average) will scramble three minutes
into the mission.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with four AIM-120 AMRAAMs and three AIM-9X Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Four: Dust Off
Briefing: Despite dwindling numbers and a poor loss ratio, the Chinese
refuse to give up attempts at air superiority. You are to fly a B-2
bomber and destroy the ten hardened shelters at Pogranichnyy airbase.
As always there are a number of enemy fighters to avoid, though not as
many as in earlier missions. Three Su-27s (expert) patrol near Nav
Bravo, three MiG-29s (expert) patrol right over the shelters you're
supposed to take out, two F-5E Tigers (expert) patrol just to the
south of the target zone, four Su-27s (expert) patrol between Nav
Delta and Nav Eagle, and two Su-27s (expert) take off 13 minutes
into the mission and patrol around Nav Delta.
Loadout: B-2 Spirit with 64 Mk 82 bombs and 3 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Five: Beijing Blitz
Briefing: The Chinese have massed their remaining aircraft for a major
attack on Allied air assets in the hope of evening up the air battle.
Once again your base has come under attack. Your mission targets are
three Q-5 Fantans (two expert, one good) from the north, being guarded
by two J-7E Fishbeds (one expert, one good). From the south, there are
three FS-Xs (good) escorted by three Su-27s (one average, two good).
Your mission targets are the Fantans and the FS-Xs. Win this mission,
and you get the silver star.
Loadout: X-31 EFM with 3 AIM-9X Sidewinders and 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs. I
prefer the X-32 ASTOVL with 6 Sidewinders and 6 AMRAAMs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Six: Death Angel
Briefing: Enemy supply bases are being destroyed in a systematic attempt
to isolate Chinese front-line troops. Use the stealth and speed of an
F-117 to penetrate enemy lines and destroy four storage buildings at Nav
Bravo. As always, there are plenty of enemy aircraft in the area. Four
Su-27s and three FS-Xs (all expert) fly a funky pattern around the base
before exiting the map, and three F-5 Tigers (expert) will patrol the
base. One Super Frelon (good) and one Gazelle (expert) are hovering
over the base, and two more Super Frelons will take off 20 minutes
after you begin the mission. There are two FS-Xs (one average, one
expert) and two MiG-29s (both expert) that are prepared to intercept
you if you follow your waypoints; hopefully the two expert X-29s will
destroy them before you start towards Nav Charlie. If not, turn south
instead of proceeding to Nav Charlie, then turn east towards Nav Delta
when you're to the west of it.
Loadout: F-117 with 2 GBU-27 Paveway III bombs.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Seven: Borderline
Briefing: The allied forces are making serious inroads into the Chinese
defensive front. Chinese fighter/bombers have been detected crossing
the border. Intercept and destroy the four Q-5 Fantans (two expert,
two good, escorted by three average Su-27s) at Nav Alpha, and the three
Q-5 Fantans (two expert, one good) escorted by three FS-Xs (two average,
one good) near Nav Bravo.
Loadout: F-22 with 4 AIM-120 AMRAAMs and 4 AIM-9X Sidewinders.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Eight: Lead Curtain
Briefing: Allied forces have swept through the Chinese defensive line
and are encircling the Chinese forces on all sides. A group of three
A-10s are making an attack on the tanks being fielded by one of the
last pockets of Chinese resistance. You are to clear a path for the
A-10s to take out the tanks. Your targets are two SA-6 Gainfuls, two
SA-9 Gaskins, 2 ZSU-23-4s, and one ZSU-57-2, between Nav Bravo and Nav
Charlie. Watch for two MiG-29s (good) to cross your path between Nav
Alpha and Nav Bravo. Two J-7E Fishbeds and two Gazelles (all good)
will be patrolling over the target area, and two Su-27s patrol the
path between Nav Charlie and Nav Delta. You might be able to avoid
the Su-27s by moving Nav Delta due south of Nav Charlie and due west
of Nav Eagle.
Loadout: X-32 ASTOVL with 4 AGM-65 Mavericks, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAMs,
4 LAU-61 Rocket Pods, and 2 AIM-9X Sidewinders. You can substitute
4 more Sidewinders for the Rocket Pods, since AAA and SAMs can be
easily taken out with guns, if you feel confident in your low-level
flying abilities.
-------------------------------
Mission Thirty-Nine: Razor Edge
Briefing: The Chinese Air Force is attempting to engage Allied aircraft
as their forces fall back towards the border. You must scramble to
protect the Spassk Dalniy airbase. There is one friendly Su-33 already
heading for the airbase, and the airbase has two F-16 Falcons, one Su-33,
and two F-4Gs that will start taking off as soon as you're airborne,
so the airfield is well defended. Almost as soon as you take off, you'll
be attacked by two MiG-29s (one good, one average). Next, deal with the
four Q-5s (good) and three FS-Xs (one good, two average) coming from the
north. Then turn south and destroy the three Q-5s (good) and two Su-27s
(one good, one average) coming from the south. Your mission targets are
the Q-5s. You must destroy them before they can destroy any of the
hardened shelters at the airbase.
Loadout:
-------------------------------
Mission Forty: Last Tango
Briefing: The Chinese Air Force is pulling back its last aircraft.
Since no peace treaty has been signed, the air war over Russia
continues. Intelligence has identified a passenger transport carrying
top Chinese generals and politicians. You are to intercept and
destroy that transport at all costs. Four Su-27s (all good) will
attempt to flank you at Nav Alpha. The Il-76 (your target) and its
four FS-X escorts (three good, one average) are at Nav Bravo. If you
move Nav Alpha a little further east, you might be able to just
afterburn right past the Su-27s. Alternately, when you are out of
missiles, use the "Guns only" cheat and dogfight them.
Loadout: F-22 with four AIM-120 AMRAAMs and four AIM-9X Sidewinders.
------------------------------
A note on awards:
------------------------------
There are ten possible awards that I know of in Jane's ATF, and one
of them (the Purple Heart) can be awarded up to three times. One
medal (the Silver Star) is not available in the Egypt campaign,
another one (the Air Force Commendation) is not available in the
Russian campaign, and one of them (the Air Force Cross) is highly
unlikely unless you destroy a lot of structures that are not mission
targets. Here's the list of medals you can receive in the Russia
2002 campaign:
1. Air Force Achievement. You and your wingman must each down at
least three planes in the same mission.
2. Air Force Medal of Honor. Down ten fighters in one mission using
guns only. (You don't have to use the "Guns Only" cheat to get
this award... but it helps!)
3. Air Force Cross. Awarded after you destroy at least 100 structures
in the campaign.
4. Air Medal. Awarded after the mission in which you down your 15th
fighter in the campaign.
5. Air Force Distinguished Service. Awarded after you've downed
your 30th plane in the campaign.
6. Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. Awarded after you've downed
your 45th plane in the campaign.
7. Silver Star. Awarded after you finish Russia Mission 35
successfully.
8. Air Force Expeditionary. Awarded after you successfully finish
Russia Mission 40 or Egypt Mission 40.
9. Purple Heart. Awarded after any mission in which you see the
message "You've been hit" or "You are about to die from your
wounds". Can be awarded up to three times.
------------------------------
A note on promotions:
------------------------------
There are five ranks in Jane's ATF. The highest rank is Lieutenant
Colonel. When you are promoted depends on how many fighter/bomber
kills you and your wingman have (total). You start each campaign
as a 2nd Lieutenant.
# kills 1st Lt. Captain Major Lt. Colonel
======= ========= ========== ========== ===========
60+ Mission 12 Mission 22 Mission 32
50+ Mission 13 Mission 23 Mission 33
40+ Mission 5 Mission 14 Mission 24 Mission 34
30+ Mission 6 Mission 15 Mission 25 Mission 35
20+ Mission 7 Mission 16 Mission 26 Mission 36
10+ Mission 8 Mission 17 Mission 27 Mission 37
otherwise Mission 9 Mission 18 Mission 28 Mission 38