New Scen for Testing - Showcase Prince of Wales (CATOBAR)

[TempestII]

What started off as a personal modification to the Showcase QE scenario grew legs and I, after confirming that, as long as I ensured the original Showcase was required, I have finally got a version available for play-testing.
Hopefully this will be the final version but any critical fixes are certainly welcome.
There is currently a couple of bugs in Build 1307.14 that may affect play, namely the Cargo Events Editor issue. This bug will mean that the player's MV-22 rescue mission to retrieve British Consulate personnel will not provide VPs or give an acknowledgement message, but otherwise gameplay should be unaffected.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/view ... 0&t=393966


There have been too many changes to list here from the original Showcase: Queen Elizabeth but here at the most prominent:

· Most airbases have been changed to Single Unit Airfields to improve performance and reduce the AU count. Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei have also had some units removed for this reason too.

· Sub-surface Biologicals are now present (they’ll teleport in approx. 5-10 seconds into the scenario).

· Some PRC ships and submarines have random positions (they’ll teleport in approx. 5-10 seconds into the scenario).

· Task Unit 544.01.01’s (CSG-24’s) Queen Elizabeth STOVL CVA has been replaced by the hypothetical CATOBAR variant, HMS Prince of Wales (R09).

· The CSG’s airwing now contains UK and USMC F-35C Lightnings, as well as hypothetical E-2D AEW aircraft instead of F-35Bs and Merlin Crowsnests.

· Four USMC MV-22 Ospreys are available on the HMS Prince of Wales to evacuate UK Consulate personnel from Hong Kong, which is also a new mission objective (you will require a very basic knowledge of the CMO Cargo to do this).

· The RAF has deployed x8 207 Sqn F-35Cs to Brunei International Airport, as well as x8 Typhoon FGR.4s. A UK MPA and several tankers are also based there.

· The addition of Australian assets: HMAS Hobart has joined CSG-24; the RAAF have units on station at Brunei International Airport.

· Kushan’s South-China-Sea island / reef bases are now available to the PRC, and are targetable by the player.

· The USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) has been replaced by the USS Gerald Ford (CVN-79). The US Navy airwings have been altered, including more 5th Gens and, CFT equipped Super Hornets, and hypothetical F-14E ASTs.

· Several USN ships have been altered or swapped, including with the addition of USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) and the USS Philippines (CGBL).

· Kadena AFB has less F-15s, but also now has F-22As, F-35As, and F-16s. Naha Airport has JASDF F-2As over F-4Js.

· Andersen AFB has more tankers, as well as several (already airborne) RQ-180s and a pair of B-21 Raiders. The are also x4 B-1B bombers but the player will only get them under certain circumstances.

· The PLAN has several more ships available to it. The PLAN CVs have bigger airwings and may also include a small number of FC-31 (J-35) 5th Gens.

· The PLAAF has larger number of aircraft, plus more 5th Gen J-20Bs.

· There are more triggers that may cause hostilities to commence between the UK and PRC. The hostility triggers between the PRC and ROC should also play out differently,

· No-Nav-Zones should automatically rescind when hostilities commence.





NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE PURCHASED THE ORGINAL QUEEN ELIZABETH DLC SHOWCASE FOR THIS TO WORK!!!

SHOWCASE: PRINCE OF WALES

UK and Coalition Forces vs the People's Republic of China

Date/Time: 6th October, 2024 / 01:00:00 Zulu

Location: South China Sea

Duration: 1 Day 6 Hours (but it may end earlier)

Playable Sides: UK and Coalition Forces

Built and tested on CMO Build 1307.14, DB499

It was no secret that relations between the United Kingdom and China had soured over recent years. Already strained over issues such as Hong Kong, the countries’ links have suffered greatly during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Such issues have prompted London to reassess its relationship with Beijing, with the decision to deny Huawei an active role in Britain’s 5G Network heralding a more confrontational approach to bilateral affairs. British military presence remains notable throughout Asia with the regional infrastructure and a Royal Navy “presence” in Singapore complementing a more conventional base in Brunei. The UK and Australia have also increased their military collaboration, notably with the Type 26 FFG and new SSN programmes.

After the decision to fit the RN’s Queen Elizabeth CVAs with “cats and traps” was made in the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2010, a boost in defence spending became necessary ensure that both of these vessels would enter service (in reality, the CATOBAR decision was reversed in 2012) After several delays, the HMS Prince of Wales now gives the UK a CATOBAR capability which is has not had since 1979. When combined with the F-35C Lightning and E-2D Hawkeye aircraft, the Royal Navy once again joined the top table of blue-water naval powers. In order to demonstrate the new CVA’s abilities, and to promote increased co-operation amongst its Pacific allies, Carrier Strike Group-24 reached the South China Sea in October 2024, as UK-PRC tensions continued to rachet up.

For its part, the People's Republic of China has issued a warning to the United Kingdom that its Carrier Strike Group, saying that the CSG should not carry out any "improper acts" when they enter the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army Navy is reported to be at a high state of combat readiness with two CVBGs deployed to the region. Numerous other Chinese units are also monitoring the progress of the UK Strike Group, which is currently conducting FONOPS in the South China Sea.

Original Scenario Author:

The Stig.

Alterations made by:

Tempest.

Personal Note: Thanks to all the CMO Dev Team but especially to the Stig, Dimitris, and Kushan.

----------


SITUATION

In June 2020, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) cracked down by imposing a National Security Law for Hong Kong (HK), entirely bypassing the city's own legislature.

This law grants Beijing sweeping new powers necessary to curb unrest, dealing a devastating blow for Hong Kong's freedoms.

Since it came into force, local political parties have disbanded, protest signs have been pulled down across the city, and Hong Kong residents are fleeing to seek asylum or refuge in other countries. The COVID pandemic exacerbated the situation with further restrictions on liberty introduced.

Tensions have steadily worsened in Hong Kong since 2020 contributing to deteriorating PRC-UK relations. In recent months, the PRC has cracked-down on UK Govt operations out of the Consulate in HK, with the Security Bureau and Ministry of State Security regularly harassing and detaining employees. Several members of staff were arrested under trumped-up charges, such as aiding anti-CCP protests and spying, but were later released.

The UK intelligence services reported that the PRC regime had organised anti-British protests to surround the Consulate; in response to this, the UK attempted to evacuate all HK Consulate staff via civilian flights. The PRC authorities prevented this, informing the personnel that a mob outside was a danger to all who attempted to leave.

The situation further worsened when a Royal Navy Merlin from Task Group 544.01 was intercepted by PLAAF fighters when attempting to launch a rescue mission. In order to minimise tensions, the UK Govt ordered that no armed escorts were to be sent. After flying “recklessly and unprofessionally” in the vicinity of the helicopter, culminating in a J-10 fighter firing warning shots, the aircraft was ordered to RTB.

The primary mission for Task Group 544.01 remains the evacuation of the UK HK Consulate personnel, but this time with fighter escort using US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys. After completing this objective, the TG is to establish an overt presence in the Northern Sector of the South China Sea and conduct Freedom of Navigation Operations and before then transiting to the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The PRC government has stepped-up its use of rhetoric against the Republic of China (ROC), the UK, and other Five Eyes (FVEY) nations. Threatening to “unleash dragon fire from the sky” against any opposing ships, the PRC has scrambled its own CVBGs to defend its interests. Multiple PLARF ASBMs and PLAAF squadrons have been moved onto increased alert postures, while numerous PLAN submarines have put to sea.

To counter this threat, additional F-35Cs armed with Meteor missiles have been ferried from the UK and are to embark on HMS Prince of Wales to increase CAG due to increased threat from China. The RAF have also deployed a number of Typhoon FGR4s, Voyager tankers and a P-8A to assist in Operations; these are based at Brunei International Airport (WBSB).

After a request from the His Majesty's Government, Australia has also deployed forces to WBSB. The RAAF has provided F-35As, E/A-18Gs, MQ-28As, KC-30As, two P-8As, and a E-7A.

US and Japanese Forces are at present conducting "Freedom of Navigation Operations" with USS Ronald Reagan's Group returning to Japan after conducting Exercises with Australian Forces. As the PRC has increasingly deployed J-20B and several J-35 (FC-31) Fifth-Gen aircraft, the USAF has forward deployed detachments of F-22A and F-35A fighters as a counter.

J2 Intelligence indicates that a number of PLAN warships have been deployed to the South China Sea, most likely heading towards your location; their intentions are unknown at the present time. Additionally intel suggests PLAN's Submarine Force (PLANSF) has been ordered to posture aggresively against Coalition vessels. The PRC has also been conducting aggressive incursions into Taiwan airspace with a number of threats from Taiwan against Oil Installations in the South China Sea.

China has also strengthened it claims over Swallow Reef with Malaysia and Singapore who are now conducting unplanned Exercises in the area, which will annoy the PLAN Task Group operating in that area.


ORDERS & CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS

1. Task Unit 544.01.01 HMS Prince of Wales CVBG has taken an overt posture to the West of the Batanes Islands in "Freedom of Navigation Area 2" to counter the possible appearance of any Chinese units coming from the Pacific, this group is being supported by HMS Astute. This unit is to rescue UK Consulate personnel from Hong Kong and return them to the HMS Prince of Wales.

2. Ronald Reagan CVBG is conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations in area "FONOPS 1”.

3. Izumo Escort Group is conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations in area "FONOPS 2”.

4. Gerald R Ford CVBG is conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations in area "FONOPS 3”.

5. HMS Richmond has just completed a port visit to Taiwan at is present re-joining the Prince of Wales CVBG.

6. HMS Diamond after completing repairs is also rejoining the Prince of Wales CVBG.

7. USS Gabrielle Giffords is to conduct Covert Recon of the Woody Island Area.

8. HMS Artful is conducting a Covert Patrol in the Batanes Islands area.

9. USS Oklahoma is to conduct ASW / ASuW Operations in her allocated areas.

10. USS Georgia and her Orca UUV escort are patrolling their area and are ready for further taskings as required.

FREEDOM OF NAVIGATION OPERATIONS WARNING AREA

1. Due to recent developments by China, United Kingdom and Coalition Forces are operating at a heightened state of readiness and taking additional defensive precautions against a Chinese threat. Consequently, all aircraft, surface vessels, and subsurface vessels approaching United Kingdom and Coalition Forces are requested to maintain radio contact on bridge-to bridge channel 16, international air distress (121.5 MHZ VHF) or military air distress (243.0 MHZ UHF).

2. United Kingdom and Coalition Forces will respond appropriately in self-defense if warranted by the circumstances. Aircraft, surface vessels, and sub-surface vessels approaching United Kingdom and Coalition Forces will, by making prior contact as described above, help make their intentions clear.

3. United Kingdom and Coalition Forces, when operating in confined waters, shall remain mindful of navigational considerations of aircraft, surface vessels, and subsurface vessels in their immediate vicinity.

4. Nothing in this warning is intended to impede or otherwise interfere with the freedom of navigation or overflight of any vessel or aircraft, or to limit or expand the right of self-defense of United Kingdom and Coalition Forces. This warning is published solely to advise of the heightened state of readiness of United Kingdom and Coalition Forces and to request that radio contact be maintained as outlined above.


RULES OF ENGAGEMENT [ROE]

1. Use of force in individual self-defence is permitted.


ORDER OF BATTLE

Task Group 544.01

COMUKTG embarked in HMS Prince of Wales
HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Air Group

· 809 NAS RN - F-35C Lightning II [12]

· VMFA-314 USMC - F-35C Lightning II [12]

· 849 NAS RN - E-2D Hawkeye [4]

· 820 Sqn RN - Merlin HM.2 [4]

· 845 Sqn RN - Merlin HC.4 [2]

· 815 Sqn RN - Wildcat HMA.2 [6]

· 7NL Sqn RNN - NH90 NFH [1]

· HSC-21 USN - MH-60R [1]

· 816 NAS RAN - MH-60R [1]

· VMM-262 USMC - MV-22 Osprey [4]

· 700X NAS RN - ScanEagle UAV [4]

· 700X NAS RN - S-100 UAV [4]

815 Sqn Wildcat embarked on RN escorts, one each of 845 Sqn Merlin embarked on RFA.


Task Unit 544.01.01

HMS Prince of Wales - [CVA]
HMS Defender - [DDG]
USS The Sullivans - [DDG]
HMAS Hobart - [DDG]
HNLMS Evertsen - [FFG]
HMS Glasgow - [FFG]
RFA Tidespring - [AOR]
RFA Fort Victoria - [AE]
Task Element 544.01.01

HMS Richmond - [FFG]
Task Element 544.01.02

HMS Artful - [SSGN]
Task Element 544.01.03

HMS Diamond - [DDG]
Escort Squadron 2

JS Izumo - [DDH]
JS Kirishima - [DDG]
JS Hamagiri - [DD]
HMCS Winnipeg - [FFG]
HMNZS Te Kaha - [FFG]
COMCARSTRKGRU ONE [CVW-8 Embarked]

USS Gerald R Ford - [CVN]
USS Philippines - [CG]
USS Chafee - [DDG]
USS Jack H Lucas - [DDG]
USS Zumwalt – [DDG]
COMCARSTRKGRU FIVE [CVW-5 Embarked]

USS Ronald Reagan - [CVN]
USS Congress [CG]
USS Shiloh - [CG]
USS Dewey - [DDG]
USS Constellation - [FFG]
USNS Amelia Earhart - [T-AKE]
USN SUBPAC Units

USS Georgia - [SSBN]
Orca XLUUV - [UUV]
USS Oklahoma - [SSN]
Andersen AFB

77th ARS – KC-46A Pegasus [6]
9th ARS – KC-10A [4]
20th BS Det - B-52H Stratofortress [4]
USAF / CIA RQ-180B Det – RQ-180B [4]
34th BS Det - B-1B Lancer [4] (Contingency Unit)
37th BS Det - B-1B Lancer [1]
393rd BS Det - B-2A Spirit [2]
USAF Bomber Test Unit - B-21 Raider [2]
Kadena AFB

44th FS - F-15C Eagle [16]
123 FS Redhawks - F-15EX Eagle II [8]
77 FS Gamblers - F-16C Blk 50 Falcons [20]
19th FS Det - F-22A Raptor [8]
355th FS Det – F-35A Lightning [12]
909th ARS - KC-135R Stratotanker [10]
961st AACS - E-3G Sentry [5]
82nd RS - RC-135W Rivet Joint [4]
Naha Airport (JASDF)

204th Sqn - F-15J Eagle [16]
3rd Sqn - F-2A Viper Zero [14]
51st Sqn – P-1 [6]
405th Sqn KC-46A [4]
JASDF RQ-4B Global Hawk [1]
Brunei Int Airport

207 Sqn OCU RAF - F-35C Lightning [8]
3(F) Sqn RAF - Typhoon FGR.4 [8]
10 Sqn RAF - Voyager KC.2/3 MRTT [3]
CXX Sqn RAF - P-8A Poseidon MRA.1 [1]
77 Sqn RAAF - F-35A Lightning [10]
6 Sqn RAAF - E/A-18G [4]
11 Sqn RAAF - P-8A Poseidon [2]
2 Sqn RAAF – E-7A Wedgetail [1]
33 Sqn RAAF – KC-30A MRTT [3]
MQ-28 UAV Test Det RAAF - MQ-28A Ghost Bat [6]
Changi Airbase East

VP-10 Red Lancers - P-8A Poseidon [4]


COMMAND & CONTROL

COMUKTG embarked in HMS Prince of Wales.


EMCON

Rocket - Restricted transmission on all sensors.

Showcase Prince of Wales CATOBAR 1.0.zip

(1.45 MiB) Downloaded 52 times

[Kushan04]

A new scenario for mu livestream today! Looking forward to trying it out.

[TempestII]

Any issues / recommended changes? I'm especially curious how the players are finding the endgame.

[Kushan04]

At the start, are the two RQ-180s landing at Anderson supposed to be Bingo fuel?

You won my heart with the F-14Es...only thing better would have been F-24s!

[TempestII]

At the start, are the two RQ-180s landing at Anderson supposed to be Bingo fuel?

You won my heart with the F-14Es...only thing better would have been F-24s!

Have you not checked the USS Gerald R. Ford's air wing? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Regarding the RQ-180s, they aren't exactly stock as they've got some additional sensors / comms links. Therefore I had to start them airborne but two of them with bingo fuel so they'll land straight away.

[Kushan04]

At the start, are the two RQ-180s landing at Anderson supposed to be Bingo fuel?

You won my heart with the F-14Es...only thing better would have been F-24s!

Have you not checked the USS Gerald R. Ford's air wing? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Regarding the RQ-180s, they aren't exactly stock as they've got some additional sensors / comms links. Therefore I had to start them airborne but two of them with bingo fuel so they'll land straight away.

I missed the F-24s on the Ford! Not very far in yet, just about to launch the Ospreys from the QE.

I may be able to write a lua script to add the sensors to the RQ-180s while their on the ground. Can you send me a list of the new sensors and the arcs, I'll see what I can do.

[BDukes]

Here you go, Example code.

DroneBaseId= {name='Base', guid='1T8G9D-0HMBB1CNJET0N'}
Dronebase = ScenEdit_GetUnit(DroneBaseId)
StarDrones = Dronebase["embarkedUnits"].Aircraft
DroneType = {[2576] = true} -- Searching For Israeli Star Drones at Base

ECMDrone = {}
k=1
for i, j in ipairs(StarDrones) do
gdrone = ScenEdit_GetUnit({guid=j})
if ( DroneType[gdrone.dbid] ) then
ECMDrone[k] = j
k=k+1
ScenEdit_UpdateUnit({guid=gdrone.guid,mode='add_sensor',dbid=1014,arc_detect={'PB1','PB2','SB1','SB2'},arc_track={'PB1','PB2','SB1','SB2'}}) --Adding AN/ALQ-99X
end
end

[TempestII]

Here you go, Example code.

DroneBaseId= {name='Base', guid='1T8G9D-0HMBB1CNJET0N'}
Dronebase = ScenEdit_GetUnit(DroneBaseId)
StarDrones = Dronebase["embarkedUnits"].Aircraft
DroneType = {[2576] = true} -- Searching For Israeli Star Drones at Base

ECMDrone = {}
k=1
for i, j in ipairs(StarDrones) do
gdrone = ScenEdit_GetUnit({guid=j})
if ( DroneType[gdrone.dbid] ) then
ECMDrone[k] = j
k=k+1
ScenEdit_UpdateUnit({guid=gdrone.guid,mode='add_sensor',dbid=1014,arc_detect={'PB1','PB2','SB1','SB2'},arc_track={'PB1','PB2','SB1','SB2'}}) --Adding AN/ALQ-99X
end
end

Thanks I'll have a play around with it!

[TempestII]

New version of this is now available in the opening post. I've made a few changes that Kushan recommended, such as reducing the count of Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei units on the extremities. The PRC-ROC hostility dynamics should also play out noticeable differently.
There is still the bug regarding the MV-22s returning the Pax to the UK CSG but there's not much I can do about that until the Devs fix it.
I have, however, fixed the lack of weapon datalinks on XQ-58s and (armed) MQ-25 Stingrays so they should be able to correctly employ GBU-53s, among other weapons via LUA.