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Thread: Recon in the desert

  1. #1

    Default Recon in the desert

    Needing to test out solo rules with early war aircraft, I played the following recon mission. It is between a BE2c, tasked with making observations of a suspected forward landing area for the Germans, partnered with a Bristol Scout, against the defending Germans - an Aviatik C1 and a Pfalz E1.

    Altitude rules were played but using the OTT Campaign altitude rules rather than the conventional ones. The rates of climb and descent are greater and there is no range penalty within five pegs height difference. An explanation of these may be found on the OTT thread. I also used Immelman turns even though I'm uncertain if the Aviatik C1 was capable of such a manoeuver - grateful if someone could put me right on that one.

    Arcs of fire were restricted according to the plane cards I have and the Bristol Scout did not have a machine gun mounted on the top plane. The Aviatik I assumed could fire each manoeuver, regardless of whether the shot was forward or to the rear. This is because I understand the machine was fitted with sliding rails on either side and a machine gun on each rail (again, I'd be grateful for a correction if I am wrong). The BE2c was made to take a manoeuver to move the single gun, should the observer need to change its position, left to right or front to back. Hope this was correct. So, let the trial begin:

    Flying East, a BE2c is tasked with reconnoitering a possible forward landing area being used by the local opposition. It is escorted by a Bristol Scout. Two German aircraft, on a defensive patrol of the area, spot the Tommies and, recognising the Bristol Scout for what it is, attack from the latter's "blind side". The observer, in the forward cockpit of the Aviatik, gets in the first shot, at long range, but misses.

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    The guns of all four machines blaze away. Both British aircraft are hit, with fire breaking out on the BE2c and a nasty oily trail of black smoke immediately beginning to trail behind the Bristol Scout, through the hot desert sky. The return fire from the Bristol misses and its gun jams! The observer in the BE2c, however, takes a long range pot at the Aviatik and is rewarded by a luck strike that does a fair bit of damage. And with the opening salvo done, they flew past one another, no doubt with a shaking of fists or a ridiculous friendly wave - we shall never know!

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    The two German aircraft turn about. The Pfalz E1 to attack the BE2c and the Aviatik C1 to take on the Bristol scout.

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    But the pilot of the Bristol scout is having none of that. He attempts to turn and attack the Pfalz, but sadly, for him; happily for the German pilot, he cannot turn tightly enough and simply flies down the throat of more machine Gun fire. Leaving the BE2c exposed to the attack by both German aircraft.

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    The Bristol Scout turns about furiously to defend its' ward. Opening fire on the Pfalz, a few minor hits are scored. The Aviatik observer returns fire but misses at long range. The pilot of the latter then dives beneath the Pfalz and a second burst from the observer leaves the Bristol Scout unharmed. But this time, the Tommy scores, damaging the engine of the Pfalz Eindecker; very inconvenient!

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    A second burst from the Bristol damages the Aviatik this time, causing the left rudder to seize up temporarily, but fortunately for the German crew, the guns pouring lead at them suddenly stop! And the little Pfalz takes a beating from the BE2c as well. The crew of both German aircraft must be rattled as neither of the marksmen in them manages to score with their return fire.

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    Quickly, the observer in the Aviatik regains his composure and with the Bristol Scout unable to return fire, its pilot preoccupied with trying to unjam his gun, he fired a burst at close range. The pilot of the Bristol Scout feels something slam into his arm, numbing him for a moment. So, with the German forward landing area having been reconnoitered, the mission completed, it was obviously time to call it a day. Turning for home, the pilot of the Bristol Scout followed the BE2c, its fire now extinguished, in a westerly direction and home.

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    The Germans hadn't quite given up, of course. The Aviatik turned to give chase, firing its machine gun as it did so, but the distance was too far and the aircraft not quite fast enough to catch up after its turn was complete.

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    The Tommies escaped, the Pfalz landed safely and the Aviatik gave up the chase after a short while.

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    Thus ended the mission successfully, although with three of the aircraft pretty beaten up. The BE2c, despite the fire which did little damage, escaped relatively unharmed, having been well prtected by its escort.

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    The end
    Last edited by mikeemagnus; 12-18-2018 at 10:50.

  2. #2

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    Can't wait to see the rest of it!

  3. #3

    Default

    Aviatik C.I is a Y deck Mike (not G) so no Immel.
    Great looking bash though !

    Deck Y (17) – Slow speed - 2.9cm - (arrow is 40% of the card)
    3 straight
    3 right turn
    3 left turn
    2 stall - steep
    2 right sideslip
    2 left sideslip
    1 climb
    1 dive

    Deck G (18) – Slow speed - 2.9cm - (arrow is 40% of the card)
    3 straight
    3 right turn
    3 left turn
    2 stall - steep
    1 Immelmann !
    1 right sideslip
    1 left sideslip
    1 right sideslip - steep
    1 left sideslip - steep
    1 climb
    1 dive

    PS: Just noticed your card shows it as is a G* which is a G deck minus the Immel so that would work, probably better than a Y deck that has replaced it as a couple of the sideslips are steep.
    REP gun jammed
    Last edited by flash; 12-18-2018 at 11:21.

    "He is wise who watches"

  4. #4

    Default

    Aah Thanks Dave. I thought it was a G deck, but obviously didn't check that properly.

  5. #5

    Default

    Great desert mission AAR with uncommon planes.
    Voilŕ le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  6. #6

    Default

    Another great AAR! That mat with the ground models is brilliant. Just out of curiosity though, what is is the difference between the Pfalz and a Fokker monoplane?

  7. #7

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    The Fokker is a T deck, the Pfalz is a G deck - so not a lot !

    Deck T (18) – Slow speed - 2.9cm - (arrow is 40% of the card)
    3 straight
    3 right turn
    3 left turn
    2 stall - steep
    1 Immelmann !
    2 right sideslip
    2 left sideslip
    1 climb
    1 dive

    Deck G (18) – Slow speed - 2.9cm - (arrow is 40% of the card)
    3 straight
    3 right turn
    3 left turn
    2 stall - steep
    1 Immelmann !
    1 right sideslip
    1 left sideslip
    1 right sideslip - steep
    1 left sideslip - steep

    1 climb
    1 dive

    "He is wise who watches"

  8. #8

    Default

    Just out of curiosity though, what is is the difference between the Pfalz and a Fokker monoplane?
    What he said Thanks Uncle.

    In reality though, according to the "Military Factory" the Pfalz and Fokker compare as follows: Engine - Pfalz Oberursel U.O 80 h.p. / Fokker Oberursel U.1 100 h.p.; Climb rate - Pfalz 875 ft per minute / Fokker 655 ft per minute; Range 124 miles and 123 miles respectively; Max speed, both 87 m.p.h. So the Pfalz had a much better climb rate but apparently lost out on engine reliability. There may be other factors involved but that's all I know right now.

    PS If you like the mat then take a look at this site. You may find it pretty interesting. https://www.tinywargames.co.uk/desert
    Last edited by mikeemagnus; 12-18-2018 at 13:50.

  9. #9

    Default

    Mike it looks like you've taken early war plane collecting seriously, I'm feeling a little envious. Nice planes and the mat is great, putting the story in a new part of the world.

  10. #10

    Default

    Really interesting, Mike.
    Nice looking planes and mat. (Thanks for the link)

  11. #11

    Default

    Stats doc shows differences as
    Aircraft---------------Deck; Gun; Damage; Altitude; Climb
    Pfalz E.I----------------G------B--------9--------8-------5
    Fokker E.III/A.III------T------B--------11-------9-------6

    "He is wise who watches"

  12. #12

    Default

    Sharp looking planes and -- yes -- the battlemat is excellent. I've bookmarked their site.

  13. #13

    Default

    Excellent AAR Mike!

    I have the exact same cloth which I use for 19th Century Sudan actions in 15mm scale - haven't thought to try it for Wings.......................

    Your Early War collection is now better than mine; I'd better pull my finger out and catch up!

    REP gun fired!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  14. #14

    matt56's Avatar May you forever fly in blue skies.
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    Matt
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    Ohio
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    Default

    Great stuff all around here, Mike Gorgeous early war planes, a wonderful playing surface, lots of explanatory photos...makes one want to jump into early war aviation gaming with both feet

    Thanks for the link to the supplier for the mat.

    All the best,
    Matt

  15. #15

    Default

    Great action in an excellent AAR! Love the early war kites, and the map is stunning. Your photography skills, too, were impressive.

    Thank you for sharing!

  16. #16

    Default

    Thanks everyone for the excellent and positive feedback. I am aware that I made a number of errors, but that was one of the points of the exercise - to learn. Thankfully, you guys are putting me to rights and I have taken on board a lot already. Yes I am fascinated by the early war birds and the idea that humans were brave enough, wild enough or just plain crazy enough to get in them and take to the skies. So my collection is growing. I have a Rumpler CI, an Albatros CI and a Gotha GI on the workbench as I write With more to follow Loving it !!!!

  17. #17

    Default

    Stats doc shows differences as
    Aircraft---------------Deck; Gun; Damage; Altitude; Climb
    Pfalz E.I----------------G------B--------9--------8-------5
    Fokker E.III/A.III------T------B--------11-------9-------6
    Yes I noticed those differences Dave. Not sure what to make of them given the info available on the Military Factory web site. Am I to understand that the latter are incorrect, particularly on the climb rate?

  18. #18

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mikeemagnus View Post
    Yes I noticed those differences Dave. Not sure what to make of them given the info available on the Military Factory web site. Am I to understand that the latter are incorrect, particularly on the climb rate?
    Well the unoff stats seem to represent what you said about the machines Mike. The Fokker climbs a bit higher but a bit slower than the Pfalz and is a bit more robust, so I'd say their spot on.

    "He is wise who watches"

  19. #19

    Default

    Loved the AAR Mike plus the great Aircraft, Mat & Tents.
    Rep inbound!

  20. #20

    Default

    Excellent test run, and as you say, the point is to learn; hopefully, the rest of us can use this as a reminder.

  21. #21

    Default

    Thanks gents - the feedback is really helpful And thanks for the rep



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