Harpoon Scenario:
Red Maelstrom

Soviet

by Chris Carlson and Michael W. Harris

Soviet Operational Situation: The NATO naval forces are still maintaining a strong presence in the Norwegian Sea and preventing penetration south by units of the Northern Fleet. Soviet air forces have been severely mauled in mutually destructive clashes with NATO air and naval air forces. Somehow, the NATO naval forces in the Norwegian Sea must be destroyed or forced to withdraw. A Soviet surface action group (SAG) from the Baltic Fleet has been assembled to punch out through the North Sea and into the Norwegian Sea from the south to attack the NATO forces from behind.

Soviet Tactical Situation: A safe transit lane has been designated for use by the SAG to proceed through the North Sea without fear of being torpedoed by Soviet submarines patrolling for NATO ships. Soviet intelligence reports that three to six NATO ships have sortied to intercept SAG Petra.

Soviet Forces:
SAG Petra
Admiral Makarov (Kresta II class CG)
Alexander Suvurov (Sverdlov class CL)
Vesky (Kotlin class DD)
Vliyatelny (Kotlin class DD)
Burlivy (Mod Kotlin class DD)
Byvaly (Mod Kotlin class DD)
Gromky (Krivak II FF)
Gordelivy (Krivak II FF)

Soviet Orders: Escape from Baltic to North Sea and into Norwegian Sea to attack NATO naval forces. Engage all NATO units encountered. Use emission control (EMCON) to avoid detection as long as possible. Protect the cruisers.

Soviet Victory Conditions:
Decisive: All NATO ships are sunk or crippled (greater than 50% damage) and no Soviet cruiser is crippled and no Soviet ship is sunk.
Tactical: All NATO ships are sunk or crippled (greater than 50% damage) and no Soviet cruiser is sunk or crippled and only three Soviet destroyers or frigates are sunk.

Soviet Setup: The current leg of the transit lane is 20 kyds wide bearing 305°. Formation speed must be no less than 15 knots. The player may select any formation, zigzag pattern and speed, but all ships must be within visual signaling distance due to current EMCON conditions.

More Red Maelstrom

BT


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