Wings of Glory: Dawn of the fighters (Scenario I - Aircraft Evaluation Mission)
Scenario One: Aircraft Evaluation Mission – By WWIflyingace
1. As Entente Pilot:
2. The situation:
After Captain Lanoe Hawker shot down three planes in one day flying a Bristol Scout C with a Lewis machine gun attached to the left side the RFC and RNAS has been modifying all planes to mount the Lewis gun; mostly single guns, but sometimes two. There is as yet no standard configuration; some mount the gun on the left side as Hawker did, while others mount them in the center of the upper wing. The RNAS is even using metal deflectors on the propeller and mounting the guns so they shoot through the propeller arc. You are among a few RFC pilots selected to fly an evaluation mission to gather information which will in turn be used to standardize the configuration of the Lewis gun on the Bristol Scout.
On a beautiful clear morning 13 August 1915 you take off to see what the armed Scout is capable of. Flying over Neuve-Chapelle you spot three Albatros reconnaissance planes and decide the best way to evaluate the gun configuration you are flying with is to see how she handles in combat. With a nod to your wingman in you go!
3. Entente Side:
3.1. Entente Aircraft:
Two Bristol Scout C fighters; you and your wingman; use Nieuport 17/23 as proxy.
3.1.1 Notes about the Bristol Scout C
The Bristol Scout at this time had no standard gun placement. The following table reflects this:
1. Single gun mounted on left side of fuselage at a 30-45 degree angle to avoid shooting through propeller arc.
2. Single gun mounted on right side of fuselage at a 30-45 degree angle to avoid shooting through propeller arc.
3. Single gun mounted on top of fuselage shooting through propeller arc; propeller covered with metal deflectors to avoid damage. This configuration was on RNAS planes only.
4. Single gun mounted in the center of top wing angled slightly upward to avoid propeller arc.
5. Two guns with one mounted on each side of fuselage at 30-45 degree angle to avoid shooting through propeller arc. Only one gun would be able to fire at any one target.
6. Two guns mounted in center of top wing angled slightly upward to avoid propeller arc.
Player may pick or roll a d6 for configuration used by plane(s) being flown. In the case of 3 if an RFC pilot substitute a gun mounted on the left of the fuselage at a 30-45 degree angle to avoid shooting through propeller arc AND a wing mounted gun. Only one gun would be able to fire at any one target.
Also note that when using configurations 1, 2 or 5 each gun only has half the normal firing arc (also 3 for the gun on the fuselage in the case of RFC planes). So a gun mounted on the left would only be able to fire at enemy planes left of center and guns mounted on the right only right of center. Wing mounted guns have no restriction.
3.2. Entente Aircraft movement:
If you decide to use an NPC pilot, his plane uses Solo movement rules.
3.3. Entente Objective:
Shoot down the enemy aircraft.
4. Central Powers Side:
4.1 Central Powers Aircraft:
Three Albatros (one B.I and two C.I) reconnaissance planes; use Roland C.II or any other 2-seater as proxies.
4.2. Central Powers Movement:
The Albatros use Automatic movement system.
4.2.1 If the Albatros B.I is the only remaining Central Power aircraft AND is closer to the Entente side with a Scout in firing position it surrenders. An Albatros C.I will surrender under the same circumstances if the gunner has been incapacitated.
4.3. Central Powers Objective:
Reach Entente side of map, pass over target, then return and exit Central Powers side of map.
5. Playing Area Set-up:
5.1 Area of Play:
The area of play should be 120cm x 120cm or larger.
5.2 Starting Positions:
5.2.1 The Bristol Scouts start anywhere to left of reconnaissance planes on left map edge.
5.2.2 The Albatros start with the B.I on the center line while the C.Is are half a ruler to the left and right; all with their bases against the Central Powers side.
5.2.3 The target is place on the center line 1 ruler in from the Entente side.
6. Winning Conditions:
6.1 Entente player wins the Scenario if he shoots down or prevents the Albatros from completing their mission.
6.2 Central Powers player wins the Scenario if at least one of his planes passes over the target and exits the Central Power side of the map.
11. As Central Power Pilot:
12. The situation:
The Fokker E.III is the newest in the Eindecker line of fighters. It is faster and more maneuverable than the models preceding it. Unfortunately, it is being assigned to squadrons in ones and twos. You are among the few pilots flying the new plane.
On a beautiful clear morning 13 August 1915 you take off to see what the E.III is capable of. Flying over La Bassee you spot three British reconnaissance planes. Ever since the Fokker E.I was introduced reconnaissance planes have taken to travelling in groups for mutual protection. Undeterred you decide the best way to evaluate the machine you are flying is to see how she handles in combat. With a nod to your wingman in you go!
13. Entente Side:
13.1. Entente Aircraft:
Three RAF B.E.2c reconnaissance planes; use Breguet 14 or any other 2-seater as proxies.
13.2. Entente Aircraft movement:
The RAF B.E.2c use the Automatic movement system.
13.2.1 If there is only one RAF B.E.2c remaining AND it is closer to the Central Power side with an E.III in firing position it surrenders IF the gunner has been incapacitated.
13.3. Entente Objective:
Reach Central Power side of map, pass over target, then return and exit Entente side of map.
14. Central Powers Side:
14.1 Central Powers Aircraft:
Two Fokker E.III fighters; you and your wingman.
14.2. Central Powers Movement:
If you decide to use an NPC pilot, his plane uses Solo movement rules.
14.3. Central Powers Objective:
Down the RAF B.E.2c aircraft.
15. Playing Area Set-up:
15.1 Area of Play:
The area of play should be 120cm x 120cm or larger.
15.2 Starting Positions:
15.2.1 The RAF B.E.2c start with one on the center line while the other two are half a ruler to the left and right; all with their bases against the Entente side.
15.2.2 The Fokkers start anywhere to left of reconnaissance planes on left map edge.
15.2.3 The target is place on the center line 1 ruler in from the Central Powers side.
16. Winning Conditions:
16.1 Entente wins the Scenario if at least one of his planes passes over the target and exits the Central Power side of the map.
16.2 Central Powers player wins the Scenario if he shoots down or prevents the RAF B.E.2c from completing their mission.
21. Variant:
22.1 Play both versions as an Entente or Central Powers pilot. All rules stay the same except as noted below:
22.1.1 Movement:
22.1.1.1 All NPC planes use Solo Movement.
22.1.1.2 Reconnaissance planes use Automatic Movement rules.
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