This week I thought a short review is in order having completed Osprey’s Harpoon Missile vs Surface Ships: US Navy, Libya and Iran 1986–88, by Lon Nordeen.
Published in 2024, Harpoon Missile vs Surface Ships is part of the “Duel Series.” The book comprises 80 pages presented in a typical Osprey 248 x 184 mm format. Soft-bound, it includes two clear full-page maps. A number of pages feature full-page colour illustrations of various ships or weapon systems, supplemented by historical photos. Together, they provide a well-themed book with adequate illustrations that don’t overwhelm the content.
The opening sections cover “Chronology”, “Missile Design & Development” and “Ship and Aircraft Specifications”. While the chronology is self-explanatory, the design and development section provides useful detail on the Harpoon missile itself. This is in turn balanced by an overview of the ships and aircraft that were either firing or defending against it. These sections are well-written, and much of the information – particularly regarding the Libyan and Iranian vessels – will likely be new to most readers.
The next section is a review of the “Strategic Situation”. This part is clear and places the ensuing engagements in context, whether they resulted from freedom of navigation operations in the Gulf of Sidra or the complexities of the Iran-Iraq War in the Persian Gulf. Consideration is given to other weapon systems in operation providing a balanced perspective. In “The Combatants” section considerable detail is provided on the US Navy’s operational use of the Harpoon, while the Libyan and Iranian forces are given a higher-level overview.
The “Combat” section stretches to thirty pages and comprises the bulk of the book. Here, maps and selected illustrations provide clarity and interest, and the engagements are described in detail. Unsurprisingly, the March 1986 engagement with Libya is dealt with first, followed by the 1988 engagement with Iran. I am more familiar with the Libyan operations, and I found the text well-laid-out; certainly it cleared up several confusing aspects of the engagement for me. The text is well-supported by first-hand reports and details I was previously unaware of. The interactions between the ships and aircraft are complex. As a result I am sure I will read-through this section periodically – not because it is poorly written, but rather there is simply much to digest.
USS Joseph Strauss – which fired a Harpoon at an Iranian vessel.
As an example of the content the author considers Operation Praying Mantis, the action against Iran in 1988, across numerous pages. But rather than provide an overview of the Iranian Harpoon attack on USS Wainwright, he includes a section of over three pages by Captain Chandler who was the commanding officer of the ship. Here, Chandler provides an excellent outline of the situation as well as detailed events including the firing of chaff, steering of the ship and the issues around firing the Phalanx close in weapon system. He also touches on the engagement of the Iranian vessel. For me this provides excellent detail and illustrates the challenges and consideration when under missile attack.
In addition to the engagement details, which have been somewhat elusive until now, the author provides information that is extremely useful for scenario design. This includes background on neutral merchant ships, which limit firing options or increased the risk of collateral damage. In addition there a couple of incidents which are true gems for wargamers. Regular readers of my blog may recall that in my Libyan scenarios the Soviets made an appearance – partly as a mechanic I used to balance scenarios as they pass intelligence to the Libyans. However, I didn’t fully appreciate just how active the Soviets were. In one incident, the author describes a Soviet Krivak-class frigate being within 2,000 yards of the USS Richmond K. Turner. When the Turner fired a Harpoon at a Libyan vessel 50 miles away, the missile actually passed over the Russian frigate.
In summary I highly recommend this volume. If you have an interest in these specific naval engagements, or the weapons themselves, there is much here to explore.
In this week’s post it’s back to my Cold War 1/3000th scale naval project with some Swiftsure-class submarines exiting the shipyards. For those that follow my game reports the models were actually completed about five weeks back. At that point, having just slipped out of the shipyard, one was almost immediately involved in an action in the Norwegian Sea. But rather than let these models be lost to “the list of items completed but not mentioned”, a short post seemed appropriate.
Two Swiftsure-class submarines in 1/3000th scale.
The Swiftsure-class comprised six boats with the first (HMS Swiftsure) entering service in 1973. The others in the class were Sovereign (1974); Superb (1976); Sceptre (1978); Spartan (1979) and finally Splendid (1981). They were, like the preceding Churchill class, nuclear powered and displaced some 4,900 tons submerged. While submerged they could maintain a maximum speed of 28 knots. Their length was 83m, while their beam and draught were 9.8m and 8.5m respectively. As way of comparison they were shorter than the Oberon though slightly wider with a notably increased draught. These dimensions no doubt contributing to the doubling of the displacement.
A Swiftsure-class submarine (foreground), with an Oberon for comparison.
The Swiftsures were considered very quiet which seems to be enhanced by the last five boats of the class that were equipped with the shrouded propellers (pump jet). In addition to their general quietness they were equipped with towed sonar arrays which in turn helped detect enemy submarines.
Their armament comprised five 21″ torpedo tubes. The initial armament included Mark 8 and 20C torpedoes. These were supplemented, and then replaced, by first the Tigerfish and from 1994 the more advanced Spearfish. These torpedoes were further supplemented by Harpoon with service entry in the early 1980s. Firing trials having started in 1981 and some submarines may have been operational in late 1982. It seems that a typical load was four Harpoons.
Four Swiftsure-class submarines (Sovereign, Sceptre, Spartan and Splendid) were later able to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, with HMS Splendid being the first in 1998. The Tomahawks were fired horizontally from the torpedo tubes before being propelled into the air.
HMS Sovereign heads out to sea.
My models are from the Navwar range (N112) and come three to a pack. I have opted to paint two of the three models which will provide more than enough models for my games. The castings were clean with almost no clean-up required. I have used a very dark grey for the base colour with highlights in a lighter grey. The model has a length of 27mm. I have mounted mine on a 50mm by 15mm base with my normal basing treatments applied. Again, I have used generic labels for these models so they can represent different vessels in the class.
Now, we are using the Naval Command rules for our games. In these rules markers are used for models initially. Once located the marker is replaced by a model. This of course means that it may take a while before the models are placed on the table. As you can imagine there is a natural tension here between not wanting to be discovered and having the model on the table.
Given we are using Naval Command perhaps a few comparisons may be of interest to some readers. The submerged speed of the Swiftsure-class submarines was considerably greater than the diesel electric Oberon-class, though slightly slower than the Soviet Victor-class nuclear attack submarines. Their active sonar characteristics are improved compared to that of the Victors, which increases the chance of acquiring a Victor. The Swiftsure noise rating is higher which means they are more difficult to detect than a Victor – when using passive sonar. These advantages were all clearly visible in our recent game.
HMS Superb & the Rock of Gibraltar, likely around 1993.
Like most submarine their operation history remains mostly classified. However, a couple of notable events are worth mentioning. HMS Swiftsure was made famous for acquiring the acoustic signature of the Soviet aircraft carrier Kiev. In addition she filmed and photographed the hull and propellers from 10-12 feet below Kiev. HMS Spartan and HMS Splendid were both deployed to the South Atlantic during the Falklands War with Spartan the first to arrive. During the war HMS Splendid shadowed the Argentine aircraft carrier the Veinticinco de Mayo but lost contact before engaging. In November of 1998 HMS Splendid was the first British submarine cleared to fire the Tomahawk missile. This was followed up by her firing some 20 Tomahawks during the 1999 during the Kosovo War.
Type 22 Frigate HMS Boxer alongside HMS Splendid.
As to decommissioning HMS Swiftsure was the first boat to be decommissioned – that being in 1992. Some sources indicate this was as a result of damage to her pressure hull, though this is not supported by all sources. The others were still in service during the first decade of the 21st century. The last Swiftsure-class boat to be decommissioned was HMS Sceptre – with her being decommissioned in December 2010.
It’s good to have these added to my Royal Navy squadrons and I am sure they will occasionally be seen on the table in future games, in between patrolling undetected beneath the surface.
The rebasing of my WWII British continues at what can be described as a glacial pace with another battalion finally exiting the painting desk this week. This time it’s a 1944 British Motor Battalion complete with halftracks. These battalions were of course an integral part of the armoured regiments that formed the various armoured divisions deployed to Europe in 1944. As my focus is on France in 1944, I will consider the formations in that theatre rather than those in Italy.
The three motor companies of the battalion in 1/300th scale.
During the course of the war the motor battalions had gone various changes of transport vehicles. Specifically, while initially being transported in 15 cwt trucks they were by 1943 progressively transitioning to M3A1 Scout Cars. However, before deploying to France 21st Army Group’s motor battalions were increasingly using American halftracks of various marks.
Each motor battalion comprised five companies. These were the Headquarters Company, a support company (anti-tank guns and machine guns), and three motor companies. I will be using the miniatures with the Spearhead rules, where each stand represents a platoon. As a result, the battalion’s three motor companies are represented by three infantry stands with halftracks and a single carrier stand. The support company is in turn represented by two Vickers HMG stands, carried in carriers, a single 6 pdr anti-tank stand, and finally, a 3″ mortar stand. This last being an amalgamation of the 3″ mortars historically found in each motor company.
The support company with anti-tank & HMGs stands in the front & mortars in the rear.
At a high level each of the three armoured Divisions that deployed to France in 1944 comprised one armoured brigade. This brigade had three tank regiments and a single motor battalion. The division’s second brigade comprised a brigade of infantry, carried in lorries. The tactical assumption, initially at least, was that the armour would make the breakthrough and the infantry brigade would consolidate the ground. The single motor battalion would form the link between the two. However, this meant that the armoured brigade of three regiments had only one battalion and was therefore very tank heavy. In addition to the above there was an armoured reconnaissance regiment which, by June 1944, comprised tanks.
Soon after the landings in Normandy the tactical employment of the battalions in the 11th Armoured Division changed. In this revised operational organisation the division’s two brigade headquarters would each command two tank regiments and two infantry battalions. The infantry battalions could be the motor battalion or one of the divisions three infantry battalions. Individual regiments and battalions would then be paired with each brigade headquarters being responsible for two such pairings. In this model greater combined arms forces could be created. The Guards Armoured Division moved to this structure in August 1944, while the 7th Armoured Division seemed to use a mix of both the new and the old structures.
Two motor companies operating with a tank squadron.
It will come as no surprise to readers that the models are all from the Heroics & Ros range. As with previous British formations these models were painted back in 2004.
Over the years they have found their way to the table reasonably often, though not as often as the infantry battalions. This being simply becasue I tend to use infantry divisions in more games than armoured divisions. Unlike the Churchill regiment recently completed, I don’t recall any outstanding game victories or stunning defeats with this battalion. Sometimes I think as wargamers we only remember the stirring victories or crushing defeats and forget everything in the middle. Of course we know that victory is a result of a commander’s tactical genius, while defeat is a result of poor die rolls!
Anyway, it’s pleasing to have another battalion completed. Indeed, the end of the British rebasing project is getting tantalisingly near – only a few stands remain to be completed…
This week a few photos of some recently completed 1/3000th scale MiGs for my ongoing Cold War naval project. Given the size of the aircraft models, about 5 to 6mm in length, they aren’t going to win any painting awards. However, I feel an attack by three or four aircraft at low altitude really looks the part.
The inspiration for these particular models came from our first two modern naval encounters, which found the Libyans engaged against the Royal Navy in fictional actions set in 1983. Given our engagements were inspired by the real-world events of 1986, where Libya was engaged against the United States, it was logical that some aircraft would be needed. After due consideration I decided to start with a few MiGs. However, they won’t just be used by Libya, indeed some have already seen service with the Soviet Union.
MiG-23 & MiG-27 Flogger
In 1983 the Libyan Arab Air Force (LAAF) operated some 50-70 MiG-23 interceptors. These were supplemented by a further 35+ MiG-23 strike variants. Of this total number many were not operational – due to a lack of trained pilots.
Low-altitude MiGs making their run on a Royal Navy Type 21 frigate.
My MiG-23 models are from the Navwar modern aircraft range and have a code of NG113. They come 15 to a pack and are cast in three strips of five on a solid metal base. Now, given they have a cast base there is no chance of placing the models on flight stands. Instead, once each aircraft base was removed from the strips, each was attached to its own plasticard base. This plasticard base was then merged with the cast aircraft base using a caulking compound.
Given that the majority of combat operations were to be over the sea I based my initial batch, some eight models, on sea bases. However, just in case they need to approach over land, four models were completed in that format. Of course once they reach the sea they will be replaced by sea themed models.
Three MiG-23s use the coast to mask their signature. In the distance a Type 21 frigate.
Now of course I didn’t want to limit myself to just the Libyans. The MiG-23, or the slightly later ground-attack version the MiG-27, were used by a number of nations – around 33. Of these several stood out as candidates for potential naval encounters. These included the Soviet Union, Ukraine (1991-96), Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, India, Iraq, North Korea and Syria.
MiG-23s configured for air-superiority missions typically carried four missiles. For ground-attack or maritime strike missions the MiG-23s or MiG-27 lacked long range air-surface missiles. Certainly nothing comparable to the French Exocet – at least in the early to mid 1980s. The best seems to be the AS-7 “Kerry” or AS-10 “Karen”. Both are short range missiles (5 or 6 nautical miles) which are beam guided or in the case of the AS-10 laser or television guided. This means that the pilot needs to continue to mark the target until missile impact. Both types are not classed as sea-skimming. The result is they can be more effectively engaged by most western surface to air weapon systems due to their altitude. For comparison the French AM39 Exocet has maximum range of 38 nautical miles, though less when fired from lower altitude. Flying meters above sea level it uses active radar homing to attack its target. If missiles aren’t to be used the Floggers can be armed with bombs with the MiG-23 and MiG-27 typically carrying four to six FAB-500 (500kg) bombs.
In our last game the Soviet Floggers ran in to a concentrated wall of surface to air missiles. More success would likely have come if attacking an isolated ship. However, I may also try an attack at very low altitude where enemy air defences are, at least in the 1980s, typically less effective. This however will limit the attack to just bombs.
MiG-21 Fishbed
Also leaving the painting table were a few MiG-21 Fishbeds. Originally an air-superiority aircraft the MiG-21 was also employed in the ground-attack role. The Libyan Air Force operated between 60 to 90 MiG-21s, though again a significant number were in storage. In early 1983 a number were based in the north of Libya. However, later in 1983 they moved south to support operations in Chad. Here they were often involved in strafing and bombing strikes which included the use of bombs and unguided rockets.
Three Libyan MiG-21s approach a Royal Navy Leander-class frigate at low altitude.
I suspect that Mr Gaddafi will order his MiG-21s to engage the Royal Navy in both air-superiority missions and the occasional maritime strike. This will leave his superior MiG-25s, which haven’t been ordered yet, for future operations.
The MiG-21 was operated by some 60 countries. Those that have some potential for modern naval engagements include Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia (limited), Iran, Iraq, India, North Korea, the Soviet Union, Syria and Vietnam. The license built copy of the MiG-21, the Chinese Chengdu J-7, was used by China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan and North Korea. There is plenty of scope for operations across these nations.
Four Libyan MiG-21s approaching a Leander-class frigate – her Sea Cats are waiting.
Again the models are from the Navwar range (NG101) and come 15 per pack. Despite the size of the model, noticeably smaller than the MiG-23, they are easily recognisable as Fishbeds. I have completed five for operations over the sea and four for approaching over land. This leaves a few spares for completion at another stage in a different colour scheme.
In the air-superiority role the MiG-21 would have up to four air to air missiles. When operating in a ground or maritime strike role a typical bomb load would be two 500kg bombs or four 250kg bombs. Alternatively they could be armed with four 57mm rocket pods. As I intend to use the Fishbeds with the Naval Command rules fewer bombs will make it harder to achieve a hit. However, if I use more but smaller bombs damage will be less. Perhaps I need to see if unguided rockets would be useful at some point. I suspect they will be perfect for attacking merchant vessels.
Neither the Floggers or Fishbeds are likely to be battle winners. However, it’s pleasing to have some more models completed – some 21 in total. I am also confident they will add an additional layer to our games. In the meantime strap on your flight helmet and prepare to get in the air…
The following is a report of a fictional naval action fought between a small Royal Navy task group and elements of the Soviet Navy in 1984. The action used 1/3000th scale models and the Naval Command 2021 rules. It is worth noting the models, despite their relative small size, are oversize when you compare them to the ground scale which is 1cm per nautical mile.
In the early hours of the 12th of May 1984 Soviet forces crossed the Norwegian-Soviet border. Almost immediately Kremlin statements characterised it as a limited operation and one that was defensive in nature. If Soviet state media was to believed the action was simply to secure the border against Norwegian incursions, something denied by Oslo. Yet, despite the significant implications of the Soviet invasion the reaction of Western European governments was muted. In part this can be explained by the West German border remaining quiet. As news organisations ran bold headlines deploring the invasion some western commentators argued that it was the isolationist policies of the United States that had emboldened the Kremlin. Wherever the truth really lay it was undeniable that the White House talked of de-escalation even while elements of the Soviet Northern Fleet were at sea and Soviet tanks rolled across the border of Norway. The same however could not be said of the response from Downing Street.
Soviet submarines of the Northern Fleet in pre-war exercises.
While politics played out in the corridors of power the situtaion on the ground had already moved quickly. The invasion had begun with Spetsnaz units, deployed by covert means, attacking Norwegian radar stations and command centres. Simultaneously Soviet airborne forces captured several airfields in the far north during the early hours of the 12th. One base, critical to invasion success, was the airfield at Alta which was located some 150 miles from the Soviet border. In less than 24 hours Alta airbase was available for Soviet resupply and reinforcement. Soon it would act as a forward base for limited offensive air operations. To further secure initial Soviet objectives motor rifle formations advanced from the Kola Peninsular to link up with airborne units.
Despite being hardpressed the Norwegian defenders were fighting with determination. By the late afternoon of the 12th Mrs Thatcher addressed the nation. As viewers across the country tuned in to the address it became apparent that British forces were involved in the fighting. Specifically elements of 40 Commando, who were in Norway as part of planned exercises, had suffered casualties. Even as the Prime Minister spoke they were involved in bitter fighting with the Soviets. Mrs Thatcher was clear in the nation’s resolve. Britain would assist Norway and reinforcements were to move by air and sea to Norway’s defence.
Fortuitously to support the planned exercises in Norway some heavy equipment and ammunition had already been scheduled to move by sea. As such it could sail almost immediately. By midday on the 13th two such vessels were being escorted by an advanced task group towards the staging area at Narvik. The passage was initially without incident. However, with the Norwegian coast just 300 miles distant the situation was likely to change.
The surface elements of the task group prior to escorting the merchantmen.
The merchant escort comprised three frigates. They were HMS Achilles a Leander-class frigate, HMS Brilliant a Type 22 frigate and HMS Cardiff a Type 42 destroyer. Two Royal Navy submarines were ordered to provide additional protection, both having been re-tasked from patrols in the North Sea. The submarines were HMS Odin, an Oberon-class submarine, and HMS Superb a Swiftsure-class nuclear powered attack submarine. Together the ships and submarines were to operate under the designation Task Group 328.3. Given that British land forces had already been engaged, the task group was authorised to freely engage any Soviet vessel within a 300 nautical miles of the Norwegian coast.
HMS Odin after departing Faslane Scotland to begin her patrols prior to war.
As Royal Air Force Nimrods were fully committed to patrols in the North Atlantic, Task Group 328.3 was to be assited by Norwegian maritime surveillance assets. Specifically, limited patrols by Royal Norwegian Air Force P-3 Orions operated by 333 Skvadron.
Initial reports provided to the task group indicated several Soviet submarines were operating off the coast of Narvik and were supported by limited surface combatants. The senior task group commander was Captain Morton (operating from HMS Cardiff). Morton was determined to keep his frigates closed up around his merchant ships. From this position he reasoned an intergrated air defence umbrella could be maintained for his vulnerable charges. His submarines however would operate some 30 nautical miles ahead and form an anti-submarine screen. Given assurances the Norwegian P-3 Orion patrols would assist further he was ready to run the gauntlet into Narvik.
The task group held a north-easterly bearing in what were relatively calm seas. Of the two submarines HMS Superb was to the north while HMS Odin was to the south. Both were operating at realtively shallow depth and both would deploy a towed sonar array in an effort to detect enemy submarines operating below. As the submarines moved forward occasional passive sonar contacts were made, but just as quickly they were lost. Now, as the task group pressed ever nearer the coast, Lynx helicopters began to be launched. Armed with torpedoes these were to prosecute any targets detected.
Around 15:30 a Norwegian P-3 Orion moved in from the south-east at high altitude to support the Royal Navy squadron. The Orion’s patrol area was some 100 nautical miles east of the surface elements of Task Group 328.3. As it approached the Orion detected a Kashin-class anti-submarine destroyer some 100 miles off the Norwegian coast. The Orion’s priority was however submarine detection and, having identified the destroyer and alerted the task group, it continued it’s mission priority. Soon it dropped to low altitude and deployed sonar buoys. The hunt had begun in earnest.
The Norwegian P-3 Orion of 333 Skvadron at at low altitude.
Around 30 minutes later a Victor I class submarine (K-306) was detected below the thermocline. Unknown to the Orion two more Soviet submarines were operating to the north of this Victor. They were a Foxtrot diesel-electric submarine (B-36) and further north another Victor-I (K-370).
Yet, ignoring the Kashin-class destroyer had been a mistake. The destroyer, the Odaryonny, had been slowly closing on the Orion and 1600 hours, having closed the range sufficently, fired a SA-N-1 Goa surface to air missile. The 6m long missile surged through the air at Mach 3 until near the Orion it detonated ripping the Orion apart in an instant.
The Kashin-class destroyer Odaryonny engages a Norwegian P-3 Orion.
The destroyer’s Ka-25 helicopter had also been busy. Launched some time earlier the Ka-25 had, by 1600 hours, began its own sonar searches. Deploying dipping sonar briefly it searched without success for one of the Royal Navy submarines. Unknown to it at the time below was HMS Odin, which it will be recalled, was an Oberon-class diesel-electric submarine. With no contact the Ka-25 pressed west until around 1630 it reported the location of the surface elements of Task Group 328.3. While the two merchant ships travelled line astern HMS Achilles (Leander-class) was deployed off the port beam of the merchant ships with HMS Cardiff (Type 42) directly astern of Achilles. Off the merchant ships starboard beam was positioned HMS Brilliant (Type 22).
Events now developed quickly. With reports of the Royal Navy squadron approaching the coast a Soviet maritime strike readied on the captured Alta airbase. Since the seizure of the airbase Soviet construction teams had worked tirelessly to achieve operational status. Now four MiGs-27s from the 88th Fighter-Bomber Aviation Regiment were tasked with a maritime strike. The regiment had until recently been located in Estonia but in preparation for the invasion the regiment had relocated north. Colonel Dmitri Sokolov, commanding officer of the regiment and located with advanced elements at Alta airfield, would later write of watching the first jets of regiment clawed their way into the air in what would become the first engagement with the Royal Navy of the war.
Each MiG carried, in addition to two air to air missiles for their own defence, two AS-10 “Karen” air to surface missiles. Airborne the MiG’s now moved quickly and avoiding Norwegian airspace soon followed a south-westerly course across the Norwegian Sea. The AS-10 was however not an outstanding weapon. It had a limited range, a mere six nautical miles and was not sea-skimming. Further, it relied on guidance to the target from the launch aircraft until impact. As a result the pilots were under no illusion that the task ahead of them would be difficult. Their attack run would need to be conducted at low altitude, rather than sea-skimming, and as such their aircraft would be more vulnerable to enemy surface to air missiles.
Coming in at low their target was soon visible, it was none other than HMS Achilles. It will be recalled this Leander-class frigate was positioned off the port beam of the merchant ships. The jets approached at speed – determined on release as soon as possible. However, before they could they were engaged by HMS Achilles Seacat missiles. A series of Seacats raced out from the launcher located above the helicopter hanger. Soon the missiles would be supplemented by fire from the frigate’s 40mm bofors gun.
Some eye witness accounts state that two MiG’s exploded in fireballs as a result of Seacat impacts, others that only one suffered a direct hit and the other was damaged by a near miss – and subsequently escaped. What ever the outcome the remaining two MiGs pressed on, determined to close on Achilles. As they did so they came in range of HMS Brilliant. Unlike Achilles, HMS Brilliant was armed with the more modem Sea Wolf missile. In addition she was equipped with improved radar and electronics. With targets locked HMS Brilliant’s Sea Wolf launcher burst into life and a series of missiles raced towards the MiGs with the missiles reaching Mach 3 almost immediately. The tension on both Achilles and Brilliant was palpable with each second seeming an eternity. However, relief soon replaced dread when two further MiG’s exploded in balls of flame. The attack by the Soviet MiGs had failed.
HMS Achilles & HMS Brilliant engage the Mig-27s.
Yet the Royal Navy ships had little reprieve. Less than 30 minutes later a second Soviet airstrike was detected inbound. This strike was smaller and comprised just two MiG-27s. As with the first attack both jets were armed with AS-10 “Karens”. However, with news of the failure of the first attack these MiGs would conduct their attack runs from high altitude. Here they would be above the operational range of both the Sea Cat and Sea Wolf systems. Alas, the tactics failed to account for the HMS Cardiff’s (Type 42) Sea Dart system. Sea Dart has a higher operating ceiling and both MiGs were hit around 20 nautical miles out. Unsurprisigly the mood in the Soviet command centre was becoming dark.
While the airstrikes had for a time occupied the mind of Captain Morton the battle was far from over. Indeed, the distance between surface and submarine forces had been reducing. Despite this passive sonar contacts continued to be intermittent.
Interestingly the Kashin-class ASW destroyer was also moving west and as she did the Soviet submarines were closing on the destroyer. Declassified Soviet reports later indicated that the aggreesive use of the Kashin-class destroyer was to lessen the risk to Soviet submarines from attack by Royal Navy Lynx helicopters. With forces converging the next stage of the engagement was about to begin.
The Kashin-class destroyer Odaryonny moving west as viewed from her helicopter.
With the range down to around 30 nautical miles the sonar on both Victor I submarines, K-306 and K-370, went active. In moments contact data was streaming in with an Oberon detected southwest and a Swiftsure-class nuclear submarine to the west. While pleasing to the sonar operators for others the detections provided cause for sobering reflection. Soon there could be three nuclear submarines, and their nuclear reactors, littering the bottom of the Norwegian Sea a little over 150 miles off the coast of Norway. War was becoming personal for the crews of the submarines.
The sonar operators on the Royal Navy submarines were also busy. The Victors were at last detected. Aboard HMS Cardiff Captain Morton was confident that the long range Tigerfish torpedoes of his submarines would out-match the older torpedoes of the Soviets. However, for now his focus was the Soviet destroyer which had advanced too far forward. She was in range of of his submarines HMS Odin and HMS Superb. To ensure success the British frigates also moved forward with HMS Brilliant reporting she would soon be in range to launch her Exocet anti-ship missiles.
The general situation with the Soviets on the left.
Above, the black marker (left) denotes the patrol zone for the undetected Foxtrot submarine. The two Victor-class submarines are visible to left of the Kashin-class destroyer. In the right foreground is HMS Superb, a Swiftsure class submarine. At the top is HMS Odin, an Oberon-class submarine.
The British submarines were first to launch and soon eight torpedoes were in the water. They would soon be supplemented by four Exocets from HMS Brillant. The proud Soviet destroyer Odaryonny stood little chance and was ripped apart bytorpedoes and Exocets. Multiple hull breaches were reported and several fires burned uncontrollably. Overwhelmed, the ship demise was rapid. Reports from the few survivors were harrowing. Multiple compartments were torn apart in quick succession and escape was all but impossible.
Yet, Soviet hopes were not shattered. The Victor class submarine K-306 was a mere three nautical miles north-east of the now sinking Odaryonny. Here she was outside of the range of HMS Odin’s (Oberon-class) Tigerfish torpedoes. She was also well outside the range of her own T53-65 torpedoes – a mere 10 nautical miles. However, her captain had carefully positioned his submarine and at a range of some 27 nautical miles, and having detected HMS Odin, he ordered a launch of four SS-N-15 “Starfish” anti-submarine missiles.
Victor-class submarine K-306 launches Starfish east of the crippled Soviet destroyer.
The missiles, intially fired from the torpedo tubes, soon engaged their missile motors once clear of the submarine. Each Starfish then burst from the sea into the air, their rocket motors propelling the missiles upward and forward. As they arched towards the location of HMS Odin Soviet officers onboard K-306 waited with anticipation for the separation of the torpedo from the missile. If all proceed as planned the torpedo would drop by parachute and then once in the sea again begin to hunt the unsuspecting Oberon.
The launch of the Starfish missiles had caught the Royal Navy frigates completely by surprise. However it will be recalled that HMS Brilliant had fortuitously been ordered forward to launch Exocet at the Kashin-class destroyer. Now as the Starfish missiles arched across the horizon HMS Brillant’s Sea Wolf launchers spun up and soon four missiles were away, each determined to intercept a Starfish. Soon a series of explosions were visible on the horizon as each Soviet missile was intercepted.
HMS Brilliant engages with Sea Wolf. HMS Odin is visible in the foreground.
If the demise of the Odaryonny was tragic, the failure of the Starfish to engage the enemy was too great for Soviet resolve. The position was clearly untenable and as a result the three Soviet submarines began the process of disengaging, at least they were outside enemy torpedo range. In this operation they were at least successful. As the Victors and Foxtrot departed the Royal Navy task group, their merchantmen duly corralled, continued their move towards Narvik. The gaunlet to Narvik had, at least for now, been run.
A few thoughts about the game seem to be in order. We are still new to the Naval Command rules, as such one of the game objectives was to obtain a greater understanding the submarine mechanics. Something that was generally achieved, though a few additional rules need to be clarified – there was a lot going on! In addition to getting our heads around the rules a little more it was also useful from a scenario design perspective. I feel I can for example reduce the number of submarines a little while retaining an interesting scenario. This should assist in game length with it more easily fitting in our gaming time slot. One aspect of the game clearly identified were the benefits of pairing a Type 22 frigate (Sea Wolf) and Type 42 destroyer (Sea Dart). This pairing was of course historically illustrated in the Falklands War but it was pleasing that the rules reflected this as well.
Now, some regular readers may be wondering why we switched from our Libyan engagements to an action in Norwegian Sea. The reason for the change was simple. I don’t currently have a Nimrod with which to hunt Libyan submarines. However, I had fortuitously ordered some P-3 Orions and with a little painting one was ready for the table. Given the Norwegians operated the Orion a diversion to the Norwegian Sea seemed sensible, all while allowing a reasonable narrative to be maintained.
As to the models they are all from the Navwar range and are part of my collection. The game itself involved two players with Alastair commanding the Soviets and Jim the Royal Navy task group.
Across the Table 