BALTAP - Repräsentative Schnellbootlage 1970

In 1967 the Federal German Navy played a wargame to evaluate the cost-value ratio of the planned modernisation of "Zobel Class" (Type 142) FPB's to "Type 142A" (upgrade with M-20 fire-control radar and DM2A1 wire-guided torpedos). This study also showed how the operational situation of FPB's in the Baltic was assesed by the experts of the Navy. These are the historical facts known about this wargame from open literature: **********************************The wargame played in February 1970. In the night 8 "Zobel Class" FPB's should attack an OPFOR supply convoy underway to replenish a beachhead on Zealand. OPFOR had 3 Fitter-missions available for armed recon. Federal German Navy had 2 F-104-missions available for armed recon. The OPFOR convoy consits of 4 Alligator LST's escorted by 2 conventionally armed "Kotlin Class" destroyers. 2 groups of 3 "Shershen Class" torpedo boats each and a group of 3 "OSA Class" missile boats escorting the convoy 10-15 miles in front of the HVU's. No mines and no submarines in the operation area. The Zobel boats should attack the LST's as primary targets. Engagement of the escorting FPB-groups only in situations were this is absolutely necessary for fulfilling the mission. The Zobel boats should be equipped with ECM and chaff. OPFOR destroyers have their air-search radars active all time. Surface-search radars of OPFOR torpedo/missile boats are active occasionally only. The Zobel boat squadron is splitted in 2 divisions and cruising from the southern exit of the "Great Belt" to "Moens Klint". In vicinity of "Groensund" they split in 3 subdivisions and will attack the OPFOR convoy with full speed. Emissions are allowed only occasionally by the leader boat. If OPFOR aircraft are detected by ESM then the non-modernised Zobel boats should open blind fire in direction of the aircraft. Modernised Zobel boats will use radar fire-control. Combat action was assumed in 2 phases:1st phase: Evading the escorting FPB-groups (p