We have been playtesting these combat rules for some time now and they are at the point where they give a very good feel to WW1 air combat.
We simply bolt them on to Wings of War flying system and use those models also. They will work well with other sets of flying rules also.
These games are based on Allied attempts to shoot down the highly important observation balloons used extensively on the Western front.
These were well protected by aircraft and ground batteries.
If bases overlap when aircraft are on the same level there is a risk of collision. 2 ten sided dice are thrown and if the scores match the planes collide and roll for damage.
If a collision occurs the players roll again and refer to the collision damage table.
No serious damage and the patrol continues.
The Allied plane armed with Le Prieur rockets.
2 aircraft fire at each other without effect.
A clear run to the balloon it seems.
but the second German aircraft lines up a shot.
The Nieuport streams smoke after an engine hit.
And dives into the ground resulting in a failed mission.
The second mission gets underway with players swapping sides.
The Germans head out on patrol with the Nieuport coming into view between the clouds.
A bit too close for comfort by the escort!
Both planes are quickly intercepted.
Both French aircraft are shot down and another mission failure.
Both of these games were fairly brief!
For the third game we added an extra aircraft to each side.
A combat quickly develops as one of the escorts is intercepted.
This rookie is quickly dispatched by his more experienced opponent.
The Le Prieur rocket armed Nieuport is targeted next.
The German, preoccupied with avoiding collision is unable to fire.
The Nieuport must now evade another enemy plane.
The Germans are concentrating on the dangerous Nieuport with its rockets.
The other German hunts down the last escort.
The Nieuport lines up the balloon.
No doubt the observer in the balloon has jumped by this point.
A 10 is a hit and the rockets are loosed off.
The balloon is destroyed...
The escort now has 2 Germans hunting him down.
while the 3rd German pilot enacts revenge on the Nieuport
Closing on each other the 2 fighters engage.
The German fighter is struck
While the Nieuport had little time to celebrate his victory.
Out of ammo the German runs for home.
A successful but costly mission but shooting down balloons was a risky business.
The rules can be purchased here-
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