vincere

SU-152's were doing better than my panthers at a long range duel (front to front). Will have to check exact range but around 2000m. So I've been trying close ambushes. Can a PS team take 152s out on front armour? I have two green Panther crews in my current battle; both miss wildly and bailed early. One veteran crew vs T34/85 is awesome at 1500m. Regular crews are doing ok. I lost 4 one turn trying to close ambush T34/85s. So from here on I'm trying to keep some distance.

This is pretty much what I'm finding. Though crew skill, and tactics to get the side shots and a little luck play a role. I've found that close up T34/85 are easily equal to my panthers. And some of them take a many penetrations before succumbing. SU-122. Grrhh, having to use tactics to take on these beasts.

I just assumed that Drones don't routinely have microphones and what we heard was what was happening at the drone operator site- arty sending some hurt.

Thanks, it's in the post to me :-)

Thank Kip, both of those look good. Started read the web resource already. But I still love books for bed-time, and travelling :-) Thanks Mord, yes like those. Another Theatre but I really enjoyed "Steel Inferno: I Panzer Corps in Normandy." Blazing 88's: Amazon have two authors with different books titled "Infantry Aces", is you recommendation FRANZ KUROWSKI ?

Mord can I use your thread to ask for recommendations for books on tactical level for the German or Soviet side...

Empty fuel tanks blow bigger as it's the fumes that ignite and burn not the liquid.

I searched Amazon today for combat accounts. Didn't find anything about the current conflict that appealed but this looks like it covers some interesting aspects of the history of the Region: Where the Iron Crosses Grow; Robert Forczyk The Blurb: "The Crimea has been the scene of conflict throughout its history. First occupied by the Russians in the 18th century it was the scene of the Crimean War, and was drawn into the Russian Civil War, as well as World War II. Today it remains a much disputed region with the Crimea at the center of ongoing tensions between East and West. Throughout World War II the Crimea was a microcosm of the more general war on the Eastern Front, reflecting the ebb and flow of fortunes of that conflict. It was a crucible that saw first Soviet and then German armies surrounded, overwhelmed, and then destroyed. The nature of the fighting in the Crimea was unusual for the Eastern Front, with naval forces playing an important role, as the Crimea's position in the Black Sea gave rise to a major role for naval supply, amphibious landings, and, ultimately, evacuation. However, in other ways it was more characteristic of the Eastern Front, and the fighting for and occupation of the region saw the same level of atrocity and ethnic cleansing commonplace throughout the war in the East, with each side reaching the depths of barbarity in their treatment of the civilian population. Based on extensive new archival research, this incredible narrative history by acclaimed historian Robert Forczyk sheds new light on this vital aspect of the Eastern Front that has not been covered in English before." I think I will pull the trigger on this one.

That would be scary doom times for air-travel.

There is a huge push in civilian and military funding for better power sources. It's a difficult technical issue; but I believe the demand and need from the proliferation of electronic will crack it. You first use scenario of exos sounds logical. And I suppose the SF guys will be in first. Additional factors will be advances with new materials. Lighter, engineered for efficiency and possible multiple power sources.

Tech news make it seem that Exo-skeletons are not far off now. These initially be able to give the infantry vastly more mobility and firepower with broadly the same mobility of feet. 2nd and 3rd generations will likely up-armour. That said- tanks will evolve too; but may look very different

IRAQ related- but very good insights into modern operations and tactical combat the most difficult terrain of all: Urban warfare. House to House by David Bellavia. Awesome book about Fallujah, and really surprised me how many casualties his platoon took and they still fought on. No True Glory by Bing West. Fallujah again but gives the strategic, operational and wider tactical account and analysis. Very good reading too.

Great Pics, but had to chuckle at all the US guys packing their Linford Christie lunch boxes

They for sure can have a huge psychological effect. I reckon the race of protection and anti-tank missile will continue. With the revolution of new materials from ground-breaking science armour can get a whole lot stronger per kg. I think the South African's had a fair sized tank battle in Angola.

Thanks Kip, and guys for supportive replies. I was thinking about it earlier and remembered that a decent number of battle maps will be needed, along with player to accept abstraction from campaign map to ground battle map.

Ah, thanks. Ok so a good chance of surviving....

Without something like what was being developed for CMBB, or some serious interphase game sold be Battlefront it would have to be a simple Operational layer.

I cant see active protection on that. My guess- that's a Ukrainian BMP that is toast

It's the same one, and I remember your name from it. It did look like a good balance of playability and realism. At the time I considered trying to take on the Game-master role but had a lot on. I reckon small number of committed amiable and understanding types is the key. With Black Sea, one could start with just the Donbas as a smaller pilot run.

Yeah, I still have hope that one day they will see the light. Not for Black Sea though. Back when Shock Force was new there was a campaign organised that was shaping up to look great with somebody acting as a game-maker and umpire. Sadly, he had to pull out last minute and it fell apart.

Black Sea offers a unique CM opportunity for a all encompassing meta campaign for at least 3 reasons. 1. The operational area and forces involved are smaller and more 'manageable'. Something like the VASSL formats could limit one to Donbas region only. And even Ukraine in Separatists only. 2. Ground to Air in now modelled. 3. Meta Campaign is the CM holy grail and could be the ultimate cool, fun, challenge. counting... how long before any register interest?? Come sign up lads, and any ladies.

Thing is I like CM because it's regular army focus, but there's a real place for SOF in the fighting line up of OOB. Yes, I know SOF are historically operational assets, usually taken for jobs such as Recon. But recent decade or so has seen them increasingly involved in 'major' battles to compliment regular units.

I would anticipate that by using Chechens and significant numbers of other Russian ethnic groups would strengthen the Ukraine recruitment and resolve.

I think this is a major driver. So the politicians have been reserved, leaving the media with not a much to say. That said, much western media is so 'lazy' these days that some probably buy the uncertainty by Russian denials. I doubted the West would be interested in Ukraine joining Nato, but like you say Steve, Putin's actions are working against him.

Agreed, but gee some of previous doctrine and equipment decisions were so blatantly 'wrong' on fundamental levels.