User Guide

long depends on the enemy's state of readiness - before sensors and weapons can be re-
oriented against you. You must make the most of this grace period to take out the enemy's
most dangerous air defense systems.
Another vitally important question to consider is what happens at the end of your run. If you
do not succeed in suppressing the enemy's air defense systems, then you will need to find
cover quickly. Don't even think about turning round and retreating to your starting position
- you must keep your speed up and open the range as fast as possible, dodging as hard
as you can.
As ever, intelligent cooperation can vastly increase the effectiveness of the tactic, and
reduce the risks. If several helicopters attack from different directions simultaneously, the
enemy must divide the available defensive fire between them. Another tactical variation
worth considering is to attack in a series of waves. As the first wave passes the enemy's
position and the defenses swing to follow them, a second attack wave may enjoy a few
seconds of immunity while the defenses re-orient against them - and this also takes the
pressure off the first wave as it retreats.
A well-executed slashing attack can be devastating, but used wrongly, this tactic will
devastate your own forces. The classic example of the wrong way to take the offensive
comes from the mass infantry attacks of the first world war. If the enemy knows where
you're coming from; if his weapons are already pointed in your direction; if his forces are
behind cover while you must cross open ground, then you are inviting disaster.
Another situation where the basic principles of the slashing attack are important is the
unexpected engagement. If you must cover ground quickly, and a cautious leapfrog
advance is not possible, then every time you cross a ridgeline or come around a bend in a
valley you may find the enemy in your path. Unless he saw you coming he'll be just as
surprised as you. If you have the weight of fire to do him serious damage, or there is cover
available beyond, a hasty slashing attack may be the best form of defense - your fastest
way out of a dangerous situation.
Defensive Tactics
In those cases where attack is not a practicable form of defense - when faced with superior
forces in open ground, for example - the first essentials are cover and a line of retreat.
Ducking into cover without a line of retreat amounts to trapping yourself. Mobility is the
helicopter's prime asset, and its only defense against area weapons like large blast
warheads or submunitions clusters. Remember that when the enemy knows where you're
hiding he can attack you with mortars or artillery, even if you are out of sight, or outflank
your position by advancing around it, either with ground forces or other helicopters.
The only guaranteed counter to a properly executed flanking maneuver is to retreat. If you
don't have the space and the cover to do this, then outside intervention may be your only
hope. The moral of the story is simple - keep your line of retreat open, especially in a
sniping engagement. If it is threatened by enemy movement, use it straight away while you
still can. If you know in advance that you're going to have to make a fighting withdrawal,
pick out in advance the places where you can turn and fire back at your pursuers, and be
aware of places where you can find friendly fire support. Lead the enemy to them if
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