- Yes
- No
Hello everyone and welcome to this suggestion!
Today I’m proposing a new map focused on a historical theater of operations where French Mirage F1 and Jaguar aircraft saw action: Chad. More specifically, the map I’m proposing focuses on Ouadi Doum airport, a strategic target in the region that was attacked several times by French aircraft.
Background:
In 1973, following the first Chadian Civil War, Libya (a neighboring country to the north of Chad) supported the CCFAN (Northern Forces) and began occupying part of the territory, particularly the Aozou Strip, claiming to act as a mediator. Libya also deployed troops in the area. Tensions escalated between Libya on one side and Chad and France on the other, particularly in 1978, when the northern forces, with Libyan support, attempted to seize control of southern Chad, which was supported by France. Ceasefires were agreed upon, but numerous skirmishes continued between the opposing forces. In 1984, an agreement was reached, establishing a de facto border along the 16th parallel. Libya then began constructing an airstrip in the desert near Ouadi Doum (midway between the 16th parallel and the Libyan border) to extend the operational range of its air force. This peace agreement was broken in 1986 when the northern forces crossed this line, sparking renewed hostilities. France, which had withdrawn its troops from Chad in 1983, was then called upon by Chad to provide air support, as Chad lacked any combat aircraft of its own.
Operations:
Bombing of the airstrip in 1986:
From the very beginning of the construction of the Ouadi Doum airstrip, the French government considered ways to neutralize it. This strategically located airstrip would allow Libyan aircraft to reach infrastructure in southern Chad. An operation was then planned to attack this airstrip quickly and effectively, while maintaining secrecy regarding its execution and timing. After much deliberation, reconnaissance missions, and even weapon testing on the runway surface, a strategy was adopted and the operation began. The aircraft used were as follows:
12 Jaguar A aircraft from the 1/11 Roussillon squadron, tasked with destroying the airstrip and its facilities
8 aircraft armed with 18 BAP-100 bombs (one aircraft malfunctioned before takeoff)
4 aircraft armed with 250 kg guided bombs
4 Mirage F1C aircraft tasked with providing cover for the refueling tankers
Other aircraft also participated in the operation, including refueling tankers, an Atlantic aircraft serving as a command post, and a search and rescue helicopter.
This operation was a success despite numerous challenges. The Jaguars managed to penetrate low-altitude airspace to the airstrip and bomb it. The 11 aircraft dropped their munitions in approximately one minute, hitting all the intended targets, demonstrating the effectiveness of the aircraft and pilots involved (no aircraft were lost despite the presence of ZSU-23-4 and SA-6 systems in the area, although some were hit by shrapnel or runway debris). In retaliation, a Tu-22 bomber attacked the airstrip where the French aircraft were stationed, causing minor damage.
The following year, after that operation, the pilots of the 3/3 Ardenne squadron (an anti-radar squadron flying the Jaguar A) were tasked with destroying the Flat Face radar station located near the Wadi Doum airfield, in order to neutralize the various air defense systems there. Several reconnaissance flights were conducted over the area, and in 1987, an AS-37 Martel missile was launched against the “Flat Face” radar at the base, marking the only operational use of this missile in combat by the French armed forces.
The map I’m proposing today is a square with sides of 150 km, matching the size of the maps currently used for high-tier air combat battles in the game. This map configuration would allow for recreating the events that took place there in all game modes, including realistic and simulation battles.
The terrain featured in this map is particularly diverse, with a relatively flat, rocky desert area in the northwest, some rock formations and small dunes in the northeast, larger rock formations and oases in the southeast, and finally, a desert area with large sand dunes in the southwest, all contributing to a wide variety of landscapes.
Why add this area as a map to the game:
- First, this area has significant historical interest (as mentioned above), as military operations took place there.
- Second, this map is located in Africa, a continent that is underrepresented in the game and which deserves more attention, given the various conflicts that have occurred there.
- Finally, the type of landscape would be new to the game. Indeed, the few desert maps currently available (Tunisia or Sinai, for example) do not have the same type of terrain and geography.
Pictures
Sources
- Ouadi-Doum
- Ouadi-Doum | 11 ème Escadre de chasse
- L’attaque de Ouadi Doum ( 1 ère partie) | 11 ème Escadre de chasse
- Ouadi Doum : le succès individuel au service du collectif ou De l’importance du devoir de mémoire (T 884)
- Le précédent de Ouadi-Doum - Zone Militaire
- 7 janvier 1987, le 3/3 en action - Escadrilles