They will face each others during daylight, in clear weather and at starting distance of 4000 m. Scenario setup is depicted on the map. Test setup files are attached (delete .txt extension in order to get zip file).
USSR Attack
In first sub-variant, Soviet platoon made assault directly toward enemy which had hold order. Battle ended when one side lost all tanks. Then round is repeated four more times. Here are results (column represents lost tanks in each round):
US (lost) USSR (lost)
---------------------------
4 3
4 1
0 4
1 3
0 4
---------------------------
9 15 (Total)
In first two rounds Americans maybe had bad luck. Things started to change from round three.
USSR Attack on fortified position
In second sub-variant, Soviets assaulted again, but this time opponent was in fortified position. Results are:
US (lost) USSR (lost)
---------------------------
0 4
0 4
1 3
2 4
0 4
---------------------------
3 19 (Total)
USA Attack
In third sub-variant, it was time for NATO to attack. Soviet platoon executed hold order. Results:
US (lost) USSR (lost)
---------------------------
1 3 (US unit retreated in wood hex)
2 4
0 4
2 4
4 1
--------------------------
9 16 (Total)
USA Attack on fortified position
And finally, assault was repeated but this time on fortified Soviet position:
US (lost) USSR (lost)
--------------------------
1 3
0 4
1 4
0 4
3 4
--------------------------
5 19 (Total)
Americans scored better in all four variants. However, please note that this is platoon vs. platoon engagement. In game, Soviets will probably attack with full company where they will have 2,5:1 or 3:1 numerical advantage. In such case, NATO player will face difficulties to survive.
Also, what is puzzling me in this test are relatively big Soviet casualties when they were on defense. It can be attributed to two factors (and I would like someone more experienced with game to comment them):
1. It seems that Soviet platoon didn't receive any benefit from fortification. In manual you can find that improved position can reduce casualties by 50% on average or more. Test doesn't show this. At least not for Soviet side. Please note that fortification didn't reduce casualties in last sub-variant. On the contrary, Soviets sustained more casualties when they were fortified than when they weren't (?!).
2. I have noticed that T-80U platoon during defense rarely engaged assaulting M1A1's platoon at higher distances. When attacking, T-80U will regulary engage enemy with first shot fired at distance over 3000 m. However, when they are executing hold order they engage coming enemy usually at (or under) 1000 m. I don't remember seeing them firing earlier. Does anybody have idea why?
This is Tac Ops log during typical engagement when Unit 2 (T-80U platoon) is on defense:
Code: Select all
0800 hrs - Activity resolution for the period starting 0800 Aug 11.
0801 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 2415 from 2316.
0803 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 2515 from 2415.
0803 hrs - SitRep - Unit 1 with assault orders has 4 x M1A1(HA) Abrams in hex 2515 at 83% readiness with 99% ammo and 70% morale. 1 enemy(s) spotted.
0805 hrs - Unit 1 in 2515 engaging Unit 2 at range 2,250m.
0805 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 2614 from 2515.
0807 hrs - Unit 1 in 2614 engaging Unit 2 at range 2,123m.
0807 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 2714 from 2614.
0807 hrs - SitRep - Unit 1 with assault orders has 4 x M1A1(HA) Abrams in hex 2714 at 83% readiness with 99% ammo and 70% morale. 1 enemy(s) spotted.
0809 hrs - Unit 1 in 2714 engaging Unit 2 at range 1,541m.
0809 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 2813 from 2714.
0810 hrs - Unit 2 in 3012 engaging Unit 1 at range 967m.
0810 hrs - Unit 1 in 2813 engaging Unit 2 at range 1,216m.
0811 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 2913 from 2813.
0811 hrs - Unit 1 in 2913 engaging Unit 2 at range 503m.
0811 hrs - Unit 2 suffers 3 T-80U [m] KIA in hex 3012
0811 hrs - Unit 1 claims 3 T-80U [m] KIA in hex 3012
0811 hrs - Unit 2 in 3012 engaging Unit 1 at range 553m.
0811 hrs - Unit 2 in 3012 engaging Unit 1 at range 323m.
0811 hrs - Unit 1 in 2913 engaging Unit 2 at range 573m.
0812 hrs - Unit 2 in 3012 engaging Unit 1 at range 497m.
0812 hrs - Unit 1 in 2913 engaging Unit 2 at range 444m.
0812 hrs - Unit 2 suffers 1 T-80U [m] KIA in hex 3012 and is wiped out
0812 hrs - Unit 1 claims 1 T-80U [m] KIA in hex 3012
0812 hrs - Unit 1 arrives in 3012 from 2913.
0812 hrs - Unit 1 - new orders: Hold in 3012 starting at 0813 hrs
0812 hrs - SitRep - Unit 1 with hold orders has 4 x M1A1(HA) Abrams in hex 3012 at 68% readiness with 73% ammo and 70% morale. 0 enemy(s) spotted.