Check for more info on the series on the S3 site.
Schedule. Starting this Sunday
Frame 1 - 27 Feb 22
Frame 2 - 6 Mar 22
Break for Air Races - 14 Mar 22
Frame 3 - 20 Mar 22
Frame 4 - 27 Mar 22
Frame 5 - 3 Apr 22

This series will be a simplified reboot of S3 #99 Operation Crossbow that was run in June 2016. With out reduced player base, the scope will be significantly reduced as well.
The first four frames will focus on RAF NOBALL operations to destroy V1 launch sites and V-weapon storage depots in the Calais sector, north of the Somme.
The last frame will focus on V1 defenses over Kent. The success of the RAF bombing campaign in frames 1-4 will determine how many V1s will be launched against the UK.

Terrain – Channel 1944. Northolt (F1) will be set purple for initial arena log in.
Weather – clear.
Time - 1100hrs local time
Radar – 40 miles, min altitude 100 feet.
Max Flak Alt – 35,000ft
Min Fuel Load - Fighters 100%, Bombers 50%

Frames 1-4
RAF objectives are to destroy V1 launch sites and V-weapon storage depots north of the X,4 line. There are seven launch sites in total (including F87 Flers) and five depots.
Closed depots and launch sites will remain closed for the series. Other field types will reopen for the next frame. Destruction of AAA/Arty NOT required for field closure.
LW operations will be restricted to France and the French side of the channel (see map). Bombing attacks by RAF tactical fighters will be augmented by 2nd TAF B-25s in frames 1 and 3, and Bomber Command Lancaster B.1s in Frames 2 and 4. Allied bombers will have a 5K airstart at East Church (F19) and 3 AI wingmen (4 if numbers are low on the RAF side).
Mr Churchill has ordered that bombers must drop their loads from 10K feet or lower to ensure maximum accuracy.
Prior to frame start RAF must declare if they are attacking Storage Depots or Launch Sites.

Frame 5
This battle will be fought over Kent and the English side of the Channel. Any open launch sites will be available to participate in the Frame 5 attacks. If all launch sites are closed, the Janitors (ok, me) will randomly select one to be open for frame 5 and notify all concerned prior to frame start. The number of storage depots still open after frame 4 will determine the number of V1s that can be launched against London, with each depot contributing a minimum of two V1s to the attack. Each V1 will fly directly from its launch site towards the tower at F8 (London). RAF objective is to shoot them down. They will be supported by several AI AAA batteries (# and locations TBP). LW objective is to interfere with the defences and are allowed fighter sweeps over Kent. More details on frame 5 and the V1 flight profiles are to follow as the series moves forward.

Inflight map - to be promulgated. Check the S3 forum after 23 Feb

Pilot Lives. Each pilot has three lives. Bomber pilots (B-25/Lanc) may fly two lives in a bomber, but the third must be in a fighter. Otherwise only one life in each aircraft type. KIA, bail or ditch in an aircraft type results in loss of access to that type. Bombers must land at East Church or lose a life. Pilots may re-fly the same aircraft type if they have not lost a life in that aircraft (e.g. sortie in a Tempest, fly a Typhoon – crash, re-up Tempest).

Teleporting between fields is not permitted except after a pilot loss of life OR switch from a fighter to a bomber.

Plane Set
RAF
Bombers - Lanc B.1 (frame 2 and 4) or B-25J (frame 1 and 3) based at F-19 East Church only.
Fighters - Frame 1-4 - Tempest V, Typhoon (1944), Spitfire MkIXe - all fields except F-19 East Church
Fighters - Frame 5 - Tempest V, Spitfire MkXIVe, Spitfire MkIXe - all fields
LW
Fighters - Bf109G-14 ASM, Fw-190A-8, Fw190A-4
Frame 5 - V1 AIs

Side assignments (RAF should have numerical superiority). If your squad isn't listed, let me know. Lone wolves welcome.
COs, please confirm attendance.
RAF - Green
RCAF - 3
13VRAF - 2
4th FG - 6
23rd - 3
DRs - 5

LW - Gold
352nd - 5-7
JG51 - 1

If I missed something, let me know. As always, Janitors reserve the right to make rule clarifications/amendments as they see fit.
Cheers.

_________________
Muzz (muzz--)
Sqn Ldr
Past CO 417 Sqn RCAF
Supporting Liberty and Justice

Muzz's Maps on the S3 Site

Rule clarifications.
Deaths in bomber log-in aircraft. If the buffer indicates you were killed as you jump to the wingman aircraft, you are considered to have lost a life. This corrects inaccurate guidance I provided the buffer during frame 1. If on the same sortie you die three times, but are still flying (i.e. jumped to a wingman) you may finish that sortie, but are done for the night upon landing. It is possible to lose all your lives in a single sortie, so fly smart!

Targets for field closure
For frame 2 onward, the base object at V-weapon storage sites must destroyed as well other buildings to effect closure, i.e. the flak tower (object type "BE") at F57 and F67 and both of the side-by-side U-boat pens (object type ER) at F59. This reflects destroying V-weapons stored inside these structures. Target hardness for these massive bunkers was set far too low in frame 1 and will be adjusted upwards.
In frame 1 it would have taken the fol number of direct hits to destroy a reinforced concrete flak tower:
200........4 lb incendiary bombs;
42......250 lb GP bombs;
27......500 lb GP bombs;
18....1000 lb GP bombs;
10....2000 lb GP bombs; or
6......4000 lb GP bombs.
NB: In frame 1 the flak tower at F50 was destroyed and the flak tower at F52 was severely damaged. Historically, a small group of medium bombers should not have been able to cause this much destruction.

In frame 2 and onwards it will take 28 direct hits by 1000 lb GP bombs, or equiv, to destroy a flak tower. Two subpens (F59) will take slightly less. While the game engine will allow incendiary bombs to cause damage to these structures, a more historical load out of HE would be more appropriate.

_________________
Muzz (muzz--)
Sqn Ldr
Past CO 417 Sqn RCAF
Supporting Liberty and Justice

Muzz's Maps on the S3 Site