In this video, the pilot returns to the DCS Inherent Resolve campaign to complete the “Oil Business Part 1” mission with the F/A-18C Hornet, facing challenges with targeting systems, fuel management, and enemy defenses while successfully destroying seven oil derrick sites and a major refinery near Palmyra, Syria. Despite feeling rusty and making several mistakes, the pilot reflects on lessons learned and expresses determination to continue the campaign and enjoy future DCS missions.
In this video, the pilot returns to the DCS Inherent Resolve campaign after a break, determined to complete the “Oil Business Part 1” mission involving the F/A-18C Hornet. The mission objective is to destroy seven oil derrick sites and a major oil refinery near Palmyra, Syria, while contending with enemy AAA and SAM threats. The pilot admits to feeling rusty and nervous, anticipating mistakes during the strike.
After takeoff, the pilot struggles to keep up with the formation, which includes a bomber (Bone 11) and other fighter aircraft like F-16s and F-15s. Fuel management becomes a concern early on due to heavy bomb loads and extended use of afterburners. The pilot also receives a request to perform a show of force over an enemy convoy but chooses to avoid engaging AAA to conserve ordnance for the main mission.
Upon reaching the target area, the pilot experiences difficulty managing the Hornet’s targeting pod and bomb delivery systems, fumbling through controls and making several errors that delay the strike and waste fuel. Despite these challenges, the pilot and wingman manage to destroy several oil derricks, though the pilot admits the mission is far from efficient or smooth. The pilot reflects on better strategies, like pre-mission target marking, that could have improved performance.
As the mission progresses, the pilot continues to struggle with targeting and fuel but successfully delivers bombs on all seven derrick sites. The bomber and accompanying fighters then proceed to attack the main oil refinery, resulting in a massive explosion. The pilot chooses to break formation and head home immediately, mindful of fuel reserves and eager to end the mission safely.
The video concludes with the pilot acknowledging the mission’s scrappy execution due to rustiness but expressing determination to continue the campaign. The pilot plans to tackle the subsequent missions in the series and looks forward to flying other aircraft in future campaigns, emphasizing the enjoyment of DCS despite the challenges faced.