Tutorial - Air Support Operations

D+22 | 11 August 1989, 04:00hrs - 16:00hrs vs @ Aiterhofen

To begin this tutorial, open the Help menu within Flashpoint Campaigns: Cold War. Navigate to the Field Manuals folder and locate the FM03B Tutorial Operations: Intermediate.pdf file. Follow the instructions in Section 5 to launch Tutorial - Air Support Operations.

NOTE: Only Playable from Player 1

Fixed-Wing Air Support Operations are a critical component of modern combat, enabling joint force commanders to deliver responsive and overwhelming firepower supporting ground operations. This tutorial introduces players to the coordinated employment of air assets across a range of mission types, including:

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD)

Close Air Support (CAS)

Strike/Interdiction

Using a combination of fixed-wing attack aircraft, players will learn how to plan, task, and execute air missions that degrade enemy capabilities, support maneuver units, and shape the battlespace.

While the tutorial focuses on conventional air support, it also addresses the doctrinal context of nuclear and chemical strike capabilities. Although not used in the scenario, understanding these escalation options is essential for appreciating Cold War-era airpower doctrines.

NOTE: This scenario can be challenging and may be difficult to complete certain steps as the enemy can and will defend itself. This difficulty is by design and offers valuable learning opportunities. You may need to attempt certain operations a few times to get the desired results.

This tutorial is intended for new and returning players. You should complete the earlier tutorials in the series to familiarize yourself with user interface controls, unit tasking, and basic operational mechanics. Prior exposure to artillery and reconnaissance operations will enhance your understanding of coordination between ground and air elements.

NOTE: This tutorial will include limited hostile ground forces, allowing players to focus on Air Support Operations with no ground combat interactions.

By the end of this tutorial, you will understand how to employ fixed-wing aircraft in various tactical roles and effectively integrate air support into your battle plan. You will learn how to:

Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD):

To establish air superiority, neutralize or destroy enemy air defense systems, such as radar arrays, surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA). Effective SEAD operations reduce the threat to friendly aircraft and enable freedom of action in the air domain.

Close Air Support (CAS):

Deliver timely and accurate air strikes close to friendly ground forces. CAS missions use attack aircraft and tactical bombers to engage enemy personnel, armored vehicles, and fortified positions, directly influencing the outcome of ground engagements.

Strike/Interdiction:

Employ multi-role fighters, such as the F-16C Falcon, to conduct long-range attacks on high-value enemy targets. Strike/Interdiction operations target infrastructure, supply depots, command centers, and massed enemy formations, significantly disrupting operational depth and tempo.

Air-delivered nuclear and chemical weapons, while not employed in this scenario, were an integral part of Cold War air doctrine. Understanding their theoretical use and strategic implications helps frame the broader role of airpower in Cold War conflict planning.

Scenario by JohnO | Map by William van der Sterren