SP Campaign: Operation Earnest Will

[draconus]

19 minutes ago, SpikeGondorff said:

Do you still get messages on the right side of the screen if you turn off subtitles?  If you do, then this is the perfect mission to forget the subtitles.  You will miss some chatter with other planes, but Jester is the boss in this one issuing the commands.  If you're also missing Jester's chatter on the right side, then yeah, you might miss some commands. 

Yes, I got Jester's subtitles just fine - you can't turn these off, only in mission editor.

[RaisedByWolves]

In the boring CAP mission I intercepted the singleton, escorted him to about 80 miles from airfield instructed to escort to,  and the F-14 escort for the hawkeye shot him down with a phoenix. 

Edited March 3, 2021 by RaisedByWolves

[SpikeGondorff]

1 hour ago, RaisedByWolves said:

In the boring CAP mission I intercepted the singleton, escorted him to about 80 miles from airfield instructed to escort to,  and the F-14 escort for the hawkeye shot him down with a phoenix. 

 

 

Hah, that's funny.  Sorry that happened.  Should be a relatively easy fix to flip the RedFor to invisible once you head south.  I'll play with it tonight.  Sorry again.  

[RaisedByWolves]

36 minutes ago, SpikeGondorff said:

 

Hah, that's funny.  Sorry that happened.  Should be a relatively easy fix to flip the RedFor to invisible once you head south.  I'll play with it tonight.  Sorry again.  

no worries. Thought I’d mention it!

[SpikeGondorff]

Updated the campaign to tweak Mission 9.  Friendly forces shouldn't be so unfriendly now. 

 

Thanks!

[unlikely_spider]

On 3/2/2021 at 11:03 PM, SpikeGondorff said:

 

  Reveal hidden contents

Just drop them like a dumb bomb.  Lock the target and follow the cues; the laser part of it just ensures greater accuracy and is completely controlled by the AI/scripting.  Since Jester can't LANTIRN yet, I didn't want to force the player to swap seats.

 

I'm glad you're liking it so far!  It's amazing how the "little" things like AAR and trapping can be such a big deal, especially when Jester gives a nice comment for a 3 wire.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

So after a whole bunch of practice in Case 3 recoveries, which I didn't have experience in, I completed mission 4! (Though I did ACLS, which is kind of a cheat I guess? Not sure how often they used in real life).

Either way, it was sooo satisfying-

Spoiler

seeing the rig go up in flames. The GBU took so long to reach it I thought I missed! But using the TV to see where the bomb cursor was pointed was a great help.

 

BTW - I assume it's safe to replace with the latest version of the campaign and it won't erase my progress?

[Matthew Flies]

On 2/25/2021 at 4:13 AM, SpikeGondorff said:

 

This should be all 11 Mission Summaries and Blue Tasks.  Let me know if something is awry with the PDFs. 

 

 

I'm actually working (very slowly) on updating it with the -A version with voice overs as a paid campaign.  And at least 4 new missions. 

 

I've noticed a few missions don't work as well with the -A, as some of the speeds stated in the kneeboard aren't ideal with a max loadout for the less powerful TF30s.  Some of the triggers are time sensitive, which need updating with the -A. 

EarnestWillPDFs.rar 708.7 kB · 8 downloads

 

Great to hear that. I flew Mission 1 and already had very much fun with it already. We really need voice-overs and of course the -A. It would be line up perfectly: get "trained" in the Zone 5 campaign by reflected (paid campaign, released february) and then get "deployed" to this earnest will campaign.

 

Original the USS Ranger and VF-1 and VF-2 (Bounty Hunters) were there. "Bio" Baranek has a little bit of it in his book and talks about that here: https://fightson.net/1050/operation-earnest-will-f-14-role-in-escorting-oil-tankers/

I dont want to push on you - but are there any wild ideas when this could be released? Just asking if it makes sense to put this beside and wait for the paid version if is just a few weeks!?

[SpikeGondorff]

4 hours ago, unlikely_spider said:

So after a whole bunch of practice in Case 3 recoveries, which I didn't have experience in, I completed mission 4! (Though I did ACLS, which is kind of a cheat I guess? Not sure how often they used in real life).

Either way, it was sooo satisfying-

  Reveal hidden contents

seeing the rig go up in flames. The GBU took so long to reach it I thought I missed! But using the TV to see where the bomb cursor was pointed was a great help.

 

BTW - I assume it's safe to replace with the latest version of the campaign and it won't erase my progress?

 

You can overwrite the campaign files without impacting your progress.  Your progress is saved in your logbook, which the campaign files don't touch.  And there's no cheating in using the ACLS.    

 

Another tip:  you should be able to land anywhere to advance the mission.  I (hopefully) set it up that way so people who weren't comfortable with night carrier landings could still advance (or if you just didn't want to fly all the way back to the carrier).

 

18 minutes ago, Matthew Flies said:

 

Great to hear that. I flew Mission 1 and already had very much fun with it already. We really need voice-overs and of course the -A. It would be line up perfectly: get "trained" in the Zone 5 campaign by reflected (paid campaign, released february) and then get "deployed" to this earnest will campaign.

 

Original the USS Ranger and VF-1 and VF-2 (Bounty Hunters) were there. "Bio" Baranek has a little bit of it in his book and talks about that here: https://fightson.net/1050/operation-earnest-will-f-14-role-in-escorting-oil-tankers/

I dont want to push on you - but are there any wild ideas when this could be released? Just asking if it makes sense to put this beside and wait for the paid version if is just a few weeks!?

 

Glad you like it so far!  There is no ETA on the paid campaign, as I'm still working on tweaking the old missions and creating new ones.  I'm still learning how to edit voice files to make them sound like radio transmissions, so it will still be quite a while.  

 

I'm not sure if I should build it out with the super carrier or wait until Forrestal comes out and use that.  The super carrier will be nicer (I assume), but I think the Tomcatters and Aardvarks deployed on the Forrestal to help with Earnest Will at the tail end of it in mid 1988.  Hmm... 

 

If you see any issues with the campaign, please let me know!

[unlikely_spider]

Oh man, I'm so pleased. I just finished mission 5 on my first attempt.

Spoiler

The Iranian F-14s flying in formation with us was awesome. And then with the F-4s - as soon as Jester yelled "Missile! Missile!" I broke into a hard split-S and was able to evade. Then one of them passed under me and I put a sidewinder into him. One question though - all of my commands to my wingman were returned as "Unable". First, the order to attack bandits while I was evading (though he did shoot down the second F-4, or at least someone did). Then after the fight I told him to return to formation, then RTB, both came back as unable. Do you know why this would be? He obeyed commands in the previous missions.

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by unlikely_spider

[draconus]

11 hours ago, unlikely_spider said:

all of my commands to my wingman were returned as "Unable"

Mission designer has no control over that. That's just core DCS AI. Reasons for unability can be ex. current combat engagement, winchester, damage... just a guess.

[SpikeGondorff]

On 3/8/2021 at 6:01 PM, unlikely_spider said:

Oh man, I'm so pleased. I just finished mission 5 on my first attempt.

  Reveal hidden contents

The Iranian F-14s flying in formation with us was awesome. And then with the F-4s - as soon as Jester yelled "Missile! Missile!" I broke into a hard split-S and was able to evade. Then one of them passed under me and I put a sidewinder into him. One question though - all of my commands to my wingman were returned as "Unable". First, the order to attack bandits while I was evading (though he did shoot down the second F-4, or at least someone did). Then after the fight I told him to return to formation, then RTB, both came back as unable. Do you know why this would be? He obeyed commands in the previous missions.

 

 

 

On 3/9/2021 at 5:07 AM, draconus said:

Mission designer has no control over that. That's just core DCS AI. Reasons for unability can be ex. current combat engagement, winchester, damage... just a guess.

 

Draconus is correct, in general.  There are a few things I can control that might contribute to it.  For example, I'll hear the "Unable" call if the AI can't detect the enemy, and if I scripted the AI to turn his radar off...  
 

Spoiler

The enemy should be WVR, so radar shouldn't even matter.

 

 

It could be something else, like setting the ROE to Weapons Cold and not changing it (although I thought the player ordering a wingman to attack would overwrite the current ROE).  I'll take a look when I get some time.  

 

Congratulations on beating it the first time; that's always nice in a mission.   And thanks for letting me know about the wonky behavior!

[Marklar]

Hi Spike. I am having problem with mission #3. Tried it two times with the same result. When I reach the tankers and my pilot automatically reports over the radio our position the mission just stops. No messages, no warnings, the games goes straight to debriefing window.

 

I have attached a log from debriefing but the track file is too big (12MB).

mission3.log

[SpikeGondorff]

2 hours ago, Marklar said:

Hi Spike. I am having problem with mission #3. Tried it two times with the same result. When I reach the tankers and my pilot automatically reports over the radio our position the mission just stops. No messages, no warnings, the games goes straight to debriefing window.

 

I have attached a log from debriefing but the track file is too big (12MB).

mission3.log 72.99 kB · 1 download

 

Booting you out to the debrief window sounds like a messed up trigger.  I'll take a look at it tonight and see if I can reproduce.  Sorry for the hassle., and thanks for letting me know.  Are you on the Super Carrier or vanilla Stennis version? 

[Marklar]

Thanks for quick response. I play SC version.

[Nightfall Zero]

Hey, amazing campaign mate. Good job.

 

Quick question concerning mission "Strait of Hormuz": where are the triggers, exactly? I get Jester telling me to turn to WP2, but after that..nothing. I go to WP2, WP3, then back to WP1, WP2, WP3..nothing happens. 

 

Is that intended?

[SpikeGondorff]

2 hours ago, Nightfall Zero said:

Hey, amazing campaign mate. Good job.

 

Quick question concerning mission "Strait of Hormuz": where are the triggers, exactly? I get Jester telling me to turn to WP2, but after that..nothing. I go to WP2, WP3, then back to WP1, WP2, WP3..nothing happens. 

 

Is that intended?

 

Spoilers for anyone else:

 

Spoiler

Did the Iranian F14s intercept you and fly very close off your wing?  They should do that for about 5 minutes, and then break off.  If they don't successfully intercept you and leave, then something broke, and the next steps won't happen.  If you never got a call about F14s inbound to intercept you, then you missed a trigger zone on the way to WP1, which might mean the zone is too small if you flat out missed it.

 

I looked through the triggers on the mission, and they look fine, but that doesn't mean anything.  :)  Which version are you on, SuperCarrier or vanilla Stennis?  I can try to run through it tonight.

 

[Nightfall Zero]

12 hours ago, SpikeGondorff said:

 

Spoilers for anyone else:

 

  Hide contents

Did the Iranian F14s intercept you and fly very close off your wing?  They should do that for about 5 minutes, and then break off.  If they don't successfully intercept you and leave, then something broke, and the next steps won't happen.  If you never got a call about F14s inbound to intercept you, then you missed a trigger zone on the way to WP1, which might mean the zone is too small if you flat out missed it.

 

I looked through the triggers on the mission, and they look fine, but that doesn't mean anything.  Which version are you on, SuperCarrier or vanilla Stennis?  I can try to run through it tonight.

 

Spoiler

Hey man, thanks for the quick reply.

No, I got no message about a F14 intercepting me - only Jester telling me to turn to WP2 and that "it's the most tense peacetime CAP ever" or something along those lines.

I have tried flying EXACTLY on the WPs at about angels 25, but got no other triggers. I am sure I am doing something wrong as I am rather new to DCS, though.

I am using the SC version, DCS beta.

 

Edited April 1, 2021 by Nightfall Zero

[SpikeGondorff]

5 hours ago, Nightfall Zero said:

  Reveal hidden contents

Hey man, thanks for the quick reply.

No, I got no message about a F14 intercepting me - only Jester telling me to turn to WP2 and that "it's the most tense pecetime CAP ever" or something along those lines.

I have tried flying EXACTLY on the WPs at about angels 25, but got no other triggers. I am sure I am doing something wrong as I am rather new to DCS, though.

I am using the SC version, DCS beta.

 

 

I am positive it's not your fault.  I've been reviewing the mission this week and thought those initial zones might be a little small and could possibly be missed.  You've definitely confirmed what I suspected.  I'll update the mission with bigger zones, and do a quick run through tonight.  I'll update the thread when that's done.

 

Sorry for the hassle and thanks for your patience! 

[unlikely_spider]

So I finished the campaign. I have to say that I liked this one very much all the way through.

It certainly deserves paid campaign status - I didn't mind the lack of voiceovers and the little *ch* radio sound when there was text to read was helpful in case I was looking down. I thought the writing was very good.

 

For the last couple of missions:

Spoiler

I'm kind of ashamed to admit that I wasn't familiar with the incident in question. But after the mission where the airliner gets shot down, I looked it up. It was done very well in this campaign and added some unexpected gravity to the end. And flying back with the AWACS for the last mission was a good ending.

 

Looking forward to more content! For anyone on the fence about this campaign, and you have the requisite modules, I very highly recommend it. I was thinking about the ending for days afterwards.

Edited April 7, 2021 by unlikely_spider

[SpikeGondorff]

2 hours ago, unlikely_spider said:

So I finished the campaign. I have to say that I liked this one very much all the way through.

It certainly deserves paid campaign status - I didn't mind the lack of voiceovers and the little *ch* radio sound when there was text to read was helpful in case I was looking down. I thought the writing was very good.

 

For the last couple of missions:

  Reveal hidden contents

I'm kind of ashamed to admit that I wasn't familiar with the incident in question. But after the mission where the airliner gets shot down, I looked it up. It was done very well in this campaign and added some unexpected gravity to the end. And flying back with the AWACS for the last mission was a good ending.

 

Looking forward to more content! For anyone on the fence about this campaign, and you have the requisite modules, I very highly recommend it. I was thinking about the ending for days afterwards.

 

 

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it!  :)  The paid campaign will have 4 or 5 new missions, so hopefully it will offer something to people who already played it (besides voice overs and other enhancements)  

 

If I ever finish making this a paid campaign (anyone want to do some voiceovers?), I might mess around with some Harrier or Hornet stuff in Syria.  But, I don't know if I'll be able to stop flying the Tomcat.  :)  

 

Special thanks to Heatblur for making the best module in DCS.  

[Castor Troy]

Mission 6, since the 2.7 patch. Colt 2, after taking off, instead of heading to WP1 to form up, they enter the landing pattern and trap on the CV before I can even get to a catapult.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Castor Troy
patch typo.

[SpikeGondorff]

I'm pretty sure 2.7 will break every mission.  I read that 2.7 missions won't work with previous versions, so I'm assuming there will be serious issues with pre-2.7 missions in 2.7.  I don't even have OB installed at the moment, so I don't know when I'll be able to get to testing all the missions. 

[Castor Troy]

35 minutes ago, SpikeGondorff said:

I'm pretty sure 2.7 will break every mission.  I read that 2.7 missions won't work with previous versions, so I'm assuming there will be serious issues with pre-2.7 missions in 2.7.  I don't even have OB installed at the moment, so I don't know when I'll be able to get to testing all the missions. 

No problem. The downfall of new patches....

[BuzzLine]

Super happy to hear there will be a paid and voiceover'ed campaign ! I loved it and will gladly pay for more (or even the same).

I had a few issues here and there because I suck at air-to-air and friendly AI wingmen were not super effective but I really enjoyed the atmosphere a lot. 

[Castor Troy]

4 hours ago, BuzzLine said:

Super happy to hear there will be a paid and voiceover'ed campaign ! I loved it and will gladly pay for more (or even the same).

I had a few issues here and there because I suck at air-to-air and friendly AI wingmen were not super effective but I really enjoyed the atmosphere a lot. 

 

Same. Day one purchase for me for sure!