Could The Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Have Stood Up To The Chinese Air Force In 1997? | DCS
Sea Harrier FA.2s versus Su-27SK Flankers. Could the Fleet Air Arm hold its own over the South China Sea in 1997?
In this fictional DCS World alternate-history scenario, a British frigate is mysteriously sunk near Hainan Island. The Royal Navy sends a carrier task force to investigate, setting the scene for a confrontation between British carrier aviation and Chinese land-based fighters.
A Royal Navy Task Force Near Hainan
The British force arrives 150 miles south of Hainan, centred on two Invincible-class aircraft carriers, escorted by four Type 42 destroyers.
For this scenario, the carriers have a combined air wing of 56 Sea Harrier FA.2 fighters, each carrying four AIM-120B AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. The destroyers provide additional protection with their Sea Dart surface-to-air missile systems.
China responds by declaring a no-fly zone around Hainan and deploying Su-27SK Flankers armed with R-27 Alamo missiles.
Then a dangerous miscalculation leads to a missile launch.
Sea Harrier FA.2 vs Su-27SK Flanker
The confrontation quickly becomes an air battle between two very different fighters.
| Force | Aircraft | Air-to-air weapons |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm | Sea Harrier FA.2 | Four AIM-120B AMRAAMs per aircraft |
| Chinese Air Force | Su-27SK Flanker | R-27 Alamo missiles |
Can the Sea Harriers turn their AMRAAM loadouts into an advantage against the Flankers? And how much protection can the Type 42 destroyers provide when the fighting reaches the fleet?
Can the Fleet Air Arm Protect the Carriers?
The British force must fight for control of the skies while keeping its carriers safe.
With Sea Harriers airborne and Sea Dart defences guarding the task force, will the Royal Navy hold its position—or will the Chinese fighters overwhelm its defences?
Watch the full DCS World scenario:
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