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Page 4

Simulated Future
by Nigel Doyle

I have decided to fly a mission in my trusty F-16, after checking the online war-room I find there is a mission scheduled for take off approximately 15mins from now. I am not flying with my usual squad tonight so after a quick look at everybody's logbook a natural selection process automatically assigns a Flight Leader for our mission. He proceeds to give the briefing via real time voice and video.

Our flight is part of a co-ordinated ground and air strike package against the 'bad guys'. Our tasked is to provide SEAD coverage for the overall flight. During the briefing flights and targets are assigned as well as voice channels for Package, Guard and SAR etc. A password of the day is also given in case we get shot down and friendly forces need verification of whom we are.

From my first person perspective view I walk to my aircraft and climb aboard. I check the tower frequencies for the airbase and set-up my cockpit ready for the flight while sitting on the ramp, waiting for engine start on the pre briefed channel. I have about 5 mins so I tune into the guard channel to see if there is anything happening.

It sounds like some A-10's have been jumped whilst en-route to their target area and are frantically requesting fighter support. I recognise some of the voices as people who I have flown with in the past. AWACS directs support their way, but it may be all over by the time help arrives.

Lead calls "check in" and we eventually head for the runway holding point. While taxing I look around the airbase, I still get a buzz from watching all the different aircraft around the airfield. There are Black-Hawk helicopters taking off on the far side of the field, while a C-130 Hercules is having its belly filled with support equipment. Nearly all the vehicles I see are human controlled, apart from the odd one or two that have been padded out with AI, just to make the numbers up. The AI also carry's out all other important tasks, just like in the off-line version of the game.

Today we get a very rare sight indeed, our take-off is over the coast and out to sea, there below us on the right amongst the other navel war ships is a Sea-wolf 688 attack Sub just leaving port. Our flight lead also seems impressed and uses the main TAC channel to see if he can make contact with the Sub. The Sub Commander chats with him on the Global TAC channel. Comms are brief as both Commanders pass on their regards and happy hunting.
The take off and package assembly goes without a hitch, so we follow the Nav points to the target area.

 

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