My first ever AAR. Not told in a story like manner, more a factual report. This was a solo game using the new diceless system and the accompanying webpage to generate the cards.
It was based on a BoB style scenario. Two Hurricanes at one edge of the map at a dice generated distance along that side at a dice generated altitude of 1 (range 1-4). I use 1-4 as it takes so long to climb you would be forever trying to do that rather than getting on with it!
The incoming Stuka was without any AI and just a planned straight run to its target, followed by a 180deg turn and a run back to its map edge and freedom. I assumed that the bombs were dropped on target if the Stuka made it to the target. The Messerschmitt Me109 & 110 for accompaniment was run by the AI. Altitude for the Axis planes was diced at 4 (scale 1-4) and the Hurricanes at 1. I know that the AI doesn't generate altitude changes, but it can change when special manoeuvres are called for. Again, a dice decided if it was an Immelmann or a Split S. I did randomly generate the speed for the Stuka by rolling a dice.
Finally, I programmed my two manoeuvres as per usual and typically found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time
Tally Ho!
The Hurricanes begin the long climb to meet the incoming planes
A heavily defended Ju87 makes its slow and lumbering progress to its target.
The radio messages swapped between the Hurricanes mean that they will concentrate on the Me110 first.
Still climbing and now lined up on the Me110.
Two bursts from the Hurricanes and flames are seen. Let's hope the fire extinguisher is a bit slow to operate. Return fire from the Me110 fails to do anything significant, passing harmlessly through canvas.
As we pass either side and just a bit lower, we can see the flames getting a good grip. We also notice the Me109 making the first part of a manoeuvre to get on our tails. He's good!
In our efforts to get the heavy escort the Ju87 slips through without even being fired upon.
We break left in formation to find the Me109 pilot had turned too soon and is right in our sights. I don't see smoke, but I am pretty sure his screen is covered in engine oil.
Meanwhile the Me110 executes a perfect Split S and the change in attitude obviously helped the extinguisher as....
....he gets the flames under control.
We are too fast for him and decide to split up, one going for the Ju87 which by now has dropped its bombs on the farm destroying our supply of fresh eggs! The other will turn quickly and head for the 110.
Closing in on the Me110.
Nice and steady, slow down and make sure of it.
Yes! Chalk one up.
Whilst the other Hurricane faces a fast pass with the Me109. I thought he had engine trouble and he still wants to fight!
Not satisfied with just the 110 lets see if I can catch the Ju87 before he gets out over the sea.
Not only is he too fast but by the time the turn has been made to see if we can get the Me109, the second pass sees a massive explosion in the Hurricane and no 'chute seen as the myriad of pices fall to the Kent countryside. The final Hurricane lines up to exact revenge, however, by now it is a little bit second hand to say the least. Full of holes everywhere.
It's too much for the old plane and as it goes down the pilot hits the silk.
The Me109, now covered in engine oil creaks and groans it's way back across the Channel.
I absolutely loved this. Can't believe that the AI did so well and so naturally. The only thing missing is a random banter/trash talk generator.
Next step is to begin a campaign using the solo rules and play out some of the actions with a real opponent. I will be using the Too Fat Lardies 'Squadron Forward' as the campaign framework.
Watch out for a new photo real playing mat some time in the near future.
Over and out.
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