OP again
Now, it seems that your actions at Kitoma shook up some of the chaps at Main Building. Our local assets have been meeting with the required members of the UK governing body, and have convinced them to simply sweep the entire incident under the rug. The official explanation for the Queen Victoria disaster will be attributed to being struck with a misfiring harpoon from the Danish Corvette that was operating in the area, and had suffered an uncontrollable fire. It's tenuous, but we're paying off a research tank, and funding a Discovery channel special, so we think the public will bite, and forget about it within a week or two. In any case, we shouldn't have any further problems with the UK regarding the incident, and they'll be working hard to cover up the bloody nose you gave their rushed response.

YESSS

op again
Unfortunately, we didn't recover our entire deployed force, so while we work on rebuilding that, we're going to hire you out to nation as privateers. You'll operate under their flag, but retain control over the logistics of your operation, as well as some initiative for planning and execution of tasks. Now, we've had two parties come forward, and surprisingly it's not some two-bit tin pot dictator in a banana republic. The People's Republic of China, and the Russian Federation have both expressed interest in hiring your flight as an auxillary air arm of their respective Air Force.

op again
They're both keeping their operational requirements and objectives secret. We suspect that Russia is considering action against Georgia, as a follow up to the war of 2009. Intel has not been able to figure out the Chinese intentions. Contract terms are favourable. The Chinese are offering top dollar, in addition to on-mission incentives. They are also willing to open their armoury to you, providing you with Chines built weapons at zero cost, however they will not be added to your personal stocks. All weapons not utilized are returnable to the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The Russians are still suffering economically, and as such, after the BlackFlag standard rate, their per mission bid is significantly lower. That being said, they have extensive stocks of soviet era technology, and are willing to sell it to you at discount. Corporate decided that they'd let you choose final contract, the files are free for you to examine. When you've made your decision, call OPS, and they'll begin the necessary preparations for your unit deployment.

>>8825955
Two Seat Two engine F-16?

PHOTOSHOPPED!

So Steve basically terminated any chance of this international incident spiraling out of control?

>>8826008
Sounds like a smart idea actually. I love the snide little "General Public is stupid" innuendo in the defusing of the situation.

Op again

So, whcih one do you guys think is the better deal?

Oh yay, another thread. I was hoping one would pop up today.

BTW you never did post an official mission summary of kills and the like.

Also, suggesting "Black Hats" as your squad name. Seems fitting given your checkered actions, bonus points for using the same strange brown/tan hexagon paint scheme as the Crimson Skies group (which I sadly have no good pictures of said paintscheme).

Hell yeah we're back in action. I was wondering if we'd get a thread today.

Steve once again proves he is a master GM by coming up with this delicious way of continuing the game while at the same time pulling you out of Africa and mess you've helped make.

So now you gotta choose between Russia and China huh? Tough choice actually. You've got more connections with Russia due to your decidedly European backgrounds and choices of aircraft...but China's where the money's at and it gets you even farther away from Africa.

Personally i'd probably still go with Russia but they're both really tempting.

>>8826121

Tough choice.

Discount Soviet stuff (some good stuff, but a lot of crap too) vs Free Chinese hardware (ironically mostly soviet knockoffs).

Probably known intentions vs unknown intentions

Normal Blackflag payrates vs Higher pay

Unkown threat level vs unknown threat level
Either way I'd suggest replacing the damaged planes, see if whichever employer you get is willing to sell planes on the cheap (especially since you'll be functioning as airforce auxiliaries, maybe fit the whole team with faction appropriate jets).

I knew it. A costly fought battle would not only discourage the British from trying a head on strike again but also catch the attention of potential clientèle. The Privateer angle surprises me though. Both have the potential for some serious action. Considering Russia's past air war in Georgia you may be on point for any fight. With the Chicoms I can see another foray against Vietnam but if they decide to take Taiwan you might find yourself going against the US eventually. Might explain their willingness to let you use their equipment.

>>8826160

That works, though IIRC the individual hexes are much smaller on most aircraft.

Ok, we know Russia's probable OpFor, any guesses for China? I don't know its political situation at all.

>>8826104
Go with China, they'll be able to protect you better if shit hits the fan. Also, they have more modern equipment, which will probably make your job easier. Plus if they pay more paying for that more modern equipment shouldn't be a problem.

>>8826230
OP again
I actually think we get paid less working for the Russians than usual.

Actually working with China would be really interesting. North/South Korea, Japan, Myanmar(hell all of southeast asia), and of course Taiwan makes for a lot of fun conflicts/tensions to mess with. Plus its more likely to get you into trouble with the US since they're dedicated to assisting Korea and Japan via treaty not to mention all the US bases in the area. This, of course, means a higher likelihood of tangling with F22s sooner rather then later.

>>8826230
They get paid less than standard for the Russian contract.

>>8826309
>>8826303

Oh, my mistake. Hmmmm, it reaaallly depends on what the Chinese are possibly going after. Unfortunately we don't know.

>Gentlemen, let me begin by saying that the loss of Harold “Biscuit” Grimes

>The excess, along with the standard guaranteed million will be given to his beneficiary as outlined by Mr. Grimes.

Hey OP Steve's message said that there were "files to be examined." Did he attach anything?

China: 3 top tier airforces to contend with - US, Japan, and South Korea

Russia: All of Europe to deal with as well as potential US involvement.

Your choice really.

>>8825990
Damn.
Mildly Plausible explanation for your actions.
Multi-faceted decision
Interesting choices.

Steve is GOD TIER.

>US, Japan, and South Korea

I dunno if China was planning on moving on a major nation like that, I think Blackflag would at least know SOMETHING.

>>8826303

Thats the problem with the Chicom angle. I can easily see the Chinese hiring some mercs to stir up some regional conflict in an effort to bait the US into action. They then sit back and watch how their equipment performs in live combat against the strongest air force in the world with almost no risk to themselves. As much as I personally dislike the idea of Ivan getting his way I think Op stands a better chance of living with the Russians.

>>8826303
>>8826462

Don't forget India and Pakistan. The Chinese and Indians fought in '62, and almost fought again in the 80s. And Kashmir, which the Pakis and Chinese are always on the verge of nuking each other over, also borders China.

On the other hand, China could be looking to flex muscle against Central Asian states over natural resources and energy disputes.

Go with Russia, stock up on cheapo kit.
Also new planes, if possible.

>>8826505
Agreed. I don't trust the Chinese. They don't have the same value of Human life that we do.

>>8826545
>>8826505
You guys might be overthinking this. OP's previous missions have been relatively hush-hush and low-intensity fights against third-world forces. What if the Chinese just want them for bombing rebels in the western provinces or Tibet?

>>8826582
Then it's a morality question.

Which country commits less genocides/atrocities?

>>8826579

>the same value of Human life that we do.

>>8826604
Russia and China on a moral scale? I'd say they're pretty even. For every internal conflict China ruthlessly crushes, Russia has probably done something similar in Chechnya.

>>8826582

I dunno, we might be, or their last mission could've been a start to the next "tier" of gameplay. Welcome To The Big Leagues so to speak.

ok so which angle offers more opportunities to fly against third rate air forces?

>>8826686
Russia, since the conflict is known.

Suppose China is less likely than Uncle Vladimir to try to liquidate the pilots at the end of the contract?

Big party tonight vs. P&M Thread XVIII. This is a hard choice.

Here's another vote for China. Soviet-era discount is nice but with the extra pay from the PRC you can afford to buy new gear from any source you like. Plus there are lots of interesting possibilities for conflicts in central and southeast Asia.

OP, do you have any idea how Steve is getting along at putting those extra rules/equipment costs in an accessible place for /tg/?

>>8826003
Not a shop. It's probably a F-16B. All training fighters have two seats.

>>8826710

Liquidation is a possibility, but I'm not sure a major power would risk it against such a well established mercenary group like Black Flag.

Then again Black Flag could just as likely write it off as "operating expenses" as take some form of retaliation.

>>8826582

Then they would just use their own forces. China's media and social control in their own borders allows them to get away with plenty on their own. They don't need mercs to suppress rebels. Add to that China's own massive and powerful military which is intimidating all by itself and you have to wonder just why they need foreign pilots and why they are offering them complete access to their armory?

>>8826753

And the twin engines?

>>8826753
It has two engines.

>>8826765

Yeah, that really is worrying and suspicious.

Tempting though.

YOU GUYS REALLY SHOULD USE A SINGLE PIC TO START YOUR THREADS, SO i CAN TELL MORE EASILY THAT I NEED TO HIDE ANOTHER WORTHLESS QUEST THREAD.

>>8826817
Wait, what?

Oh and I love how the company letter doesn't even mention Bicuit's RIO, who was also KIA.

Poor guy.

>>8826817
They're always planes, and the title always has plane-related words in it.

>>8826839

Its a troll

>>8826817

And if you're not a troll, this isn't a quest thread. But hey you've hidden it already, whatever Everyone's happy I guess.

>>8826855
The RIOs hang out in different bars.

Work for the Russians. Spetznaz bodyguards protect you from Liberians.

OP you should go for China because we're all stumped as to what you would be doing and Steve would surely do something awesome.

>>8826003
>>8826785
>>8826789

It's not an F-16.

Cut and Run op!

Go with China says I. Russia you could actually end up losing money. I don't trust the Chinese, but you're mercs, damn the torpedoes and grab the cash. Just keep an eye out so you don't get disappeared.

>>8827039

No shit. So what the hell is it?

Russia is your top choice

>>It's tenuous, but we're paying off a research tank, and funding a Discovery channel special, so we think the public will bite, and forget about it within a week or two.

LOL

Ah, never mind, I found it. The oddly named F-CK-1 Ching-kuo, from Taiwan.

>>8827039
>>8826789
>>8826785

AIDC F-CK-1B Ching Kuo

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Taiwan---Air/AIDC-F-CK-1B-Ching/1671976/&sid=48031229d6a704384e34
7a334308e104

Looked up the numbers on the tail fin and got this.

>>8827167
I'm surprised it's not the history channel, which may as well be named 'conspiracy/bigfoot/ghostchasers channel'.

>>8827195
>>8827208

But it doesn't have those old bulges on the top.

I'll take your word for it though.

>>8827249
It does in my link.

It's the exact same picture man.

>>8827249
Those are CFTs, to increase range.

>>8827221

>>8827249

Those would be conformal fuel tanks.

>>8827275

Just the angle, lighting and drab grey color scheme I guess. I see the bulges after a second look. Bleh, really blends in with the grey coloring.

Part of me wants to say China just to see what Steve has cooked up, but I think Russia would be the safer bet.

>>8826810

Tempting but the risk for heavy losses is just as high.

Consider the Russian angle. Sure, the pay is lower but consider the possible opposition. In the August war the Russians never achieved air superiority but that was almost entirely because they just sucked that bad. Had they actually coordinated their efforts they would not have lost as many planes as they did. The chance of the US entering into the fray is there but if the US is involved in other conflicts then that risk drops drastically. The chances of Europe getting involved is almost nonexistent. Georgia isn't part of NATO and the major members are more concerned with their own politics and avoiding conflict.

No, in fact I expect that if Op goes with Ivan and they do go against Georgia they will find themselves going up against other Mercenaries. Georgia lacks a air force to stand against the Russians and if the West wants a hands off but effective way of curtailing Russia's ambitions that would be it.

>>8827332

Merc on Merc huh? Could be interesting.

>>8827287

If you post something that nobody actually disagrees with, is it really a troll?

>>8827366

A true proxy war in a sense. A fight like that could be very interesting.

Nah its too direct to call a "proxy" war. Its just simply fighting with irregular forces.

Honestly, the problem I would see with china would be that I wound expect them to send you off to somewhere away from the mainland where they have overseas interests. Sure, you could get sent to Korea or Taiwan, but the most likely place I see them sending you would be where they are working hardest to grow their economic and industrial investments.

The problem being that that place is Africa. The problem with that being that they are very clearly leaving africa, unless steve pulls that off as an epic troll maneuver.

If you go with Russia, that discount could very well extend to some sweet new rides, even if you have to bomb most of Chechnya to get them. Most likely you'd end up being used as a reprisal stick against whatever post-soviet state is pissing off Moscow today, or used as a possibly disposable squad to go after some NATO asset. (No, Mr. Obama, you will not install any missile shield in Eastern Europe.) A merc proxy fight over Georgia sounds like it's the most interesting possible outcome, but I'm sure things are going to be riveting no matter where the squadron ends up.

Either way you go, it could be a lot worse. You could be shuffled off to South America to help some drug lord knock over the local government. Getting paid in 3rd rate Russian military exports and cocaine does not a healthy bank account make.

I say Russia, you can load up on some serious firepower.

Also, FUCK THE ENVIRONMENT!

>>8827463

What the hell is that pic?

>>8827639

No clue, probably just designed to look fancy and busy and "cool". Not really showing anything in general.

I wonder if we'll ever hear about the Liberian angle again.

>>8826391
Op again,
no nothing else yet.

>>8827725

Two weeks from now, OP is going to get a new mission from Black Flag.

"We've received another 'request' from our Liberian clients. They've specifically asked for your flight. Once again we have no idea what the mission is, but they require at least one aircraft to carry an air to ground loadout, and the flight plan takes your squadron over a pesticide factory next to the largest refugee camp in Africa. This sounds totally legit, so we're accepting the contract."

>>8827725

Africa will take care of them sooner or later by itself.

>>8827789
hey, if the pay is good, from a business sense that mission is a slam dunk.

>>8827725
FUCK YEAH SPG-9!

Uh... do the Russians know about the whole "Attempting to frame Russia for attacking a UN Patrol" thing? That could be kinda important.

Depending on the size of the equipment discount, I'd go with the Russian contract for a couple reasons.
1. Quality matters. Russian gear has flaws, but it's combat-proven.
2. Given what happened LAST time you took a contract without full knowledge of the details, I'd be REALLY nervous about China's offer. Especially since they probably plan to get their money's worth out of you.
3. Sukhoi will find you and murder you if you pass on a chance to buy Flankers on the cheap.

>>8827881
Why would a manufacturer hunt down ops party?

>>8827986

Sukhoi is a tripfag following this campaign who is rather...outspoken in her support of various Russian equipment.

>>8827986
For those confused:
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8515581
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8526381
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8538520
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8562185
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8598508
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8606900
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8618962
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8633908
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8651744
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8663665
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8671001
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8690201
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8711026
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8750800
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8764141
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/8787569
TL:DR: Mercenary Air RPG (Area 88) in Africa, GM is a God, Missions are Fuck Brilliant, Execution of Missions is Barrel of Monkeys Fun. Planefaggotry is everywhere.

>>8828011
her?

>TL:DR: Mercenary Air RPG (Area 88) in Africa

Might have to change that after next session, depending on whether we get sent to Russia or China.

Speaking of which, OP:

China for fun just to see what Steve would throw at you.

Russia for planes and gear.

>>8828061

Allegedly.

>>8828077
Intrigued.

>>8827463
Wish there was a version of that big enough to use as a wallpaper

>3. Sukhoi will find you and murder you if you pass on a chance to buy Flankers on the cheap.

THIS.

>Sukhoi is a tripfag following this campaign who is rather...outspoken in her support of various Russian equipment.

To wit- "Sukhoi" is the name of the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Which is her tripname.

>>8828061
>>8828077
>>8828095

>her?
>allegedly.
>intrigued.

Aren't we all...

>>8828111

>>8826003
>>8826785
It's probably one of the half-dozen or so "Indigenous" fighters popping up in the third world that's a kitbash between F-16's, F-5's and whatever 50's era jets they got their hands on.

I'd go with Russia, as odd as it seems it presents the least moral issues. Probably.

Plus you can get your hands on some Flankers and Migs on the cheap. Maybe even upgrade to SU-35s or MIG-31s (you know you want some mach 3 shit).

>>8828206
Thanks tripfriend!

>>8828179

this board is remarkably accepting toward Mahmoud Ahmadinejad...

>>8828267
Mig-31 is not mach 3 capable.

>>8828316
>High-altitude speed is temperature-redlined to Mach 2.83 — the thrust-to-drag ratio is sufficient for speeds in excess of Mach 3, but such speeds pose unacceptable hazards to engine and airframe life in routine use.

Get some western engineering done, maybe strengthen the wing roots and upgrade the electronics and bam, mach3+ air superiority motherfucker.

>>8827881
I think the Russians know about the framing thing, but don't care. Or maybe they don't know... hard to tell based on the info I've read.

>>8828344
MiG-31 is not an Air Superiority fighter, it's an interceptor.

>>8828376
Which makes it perfect for the high-speed pass shenanigans OP's group seems so enamored with.

>>8828068

Hey its still Area 88: The RPG, its just moving continents.

>>8828111

Man, thats my desktop resolution. What kind of monster do you have?

>>8828391
Oh, are you part of the "Harrier Club For Men" that showed up last game?

>>8828179
>>8828302

>>8828302

It's because he has the *best* goddamn expressions. He's the worlds best dramatic assclown.

Good plane, say what you want, but the Foxhound is a good plane.

>>8828402
Look, for flitting around from hotspot to hotspot and throwing out BVR missiles an intereceptor that can move like a bat out of hell is not a terrible thing to be flying.

And OP's group have, on occasion, buzzed or otherwise flown through things, such as boats or - yes - harrier wings, at high velocity.

If you've got such a stick up your ass about the MIG-31 they could always just snatch up some of their SU35s on the cheap and have a first rate fighter.

>>8828179
Sorry guys. I think she's already spoken for.

Take russian mission, see if you can walk away with non-export late model Flanker or Foxbat. Russian electronic tech is still superior to Chinese which makes all the difference in the air.

>>8828517
hey baby...

1- Buy a S-37 Berkut
2- Convert it to be VTOL
3- Have wacky adventures with a US Marine while you save teh worlds

I'd say go with Russia, nobody really cares about Georgia, except maybe the Ghosts

>>8828517
A (ptoential) girl that gets hot over fighter planes?

That's, that's...

I have the weirdest boner right now.

>>8828548
Damn... I love that image! Especially since Biscuit seems to be an explosion.

>>8828548
>Biscuit

>>8828517

FLAWLESS VICTORY

>>8828575
>Especially since Biscuit seems to be an explosion.


There is a second Phantom above the explosion, and he died in a much worse manner than exploding.

OP should try to recruit that Tornado pilot, or that Mirage pilot they 'interacted' with before.

>>8828599
He died, after having fought the RAF and Royal Navy, while protecting his comrades evacuating a base, with shrapnel in his lungs, covered in his and his RIO's blood, ejecting from a burning wreck of a Phantom, over Angola, unconscious from blood loss, hitting the ground due to a damaged parachute.

THERE IS NO MANLIER WAY TO DIE.

can anybody jump into this?

>>8828548
>see explosion under Biscuit's name
D:

>>8828575

Was a pain in the arse trying to find a good Mirage pic, though. There doesn't seem to be much love for the F1 on the interwebs

I say, go with Russians, you guys got shot up bad. Buying russian shit at a discount just seems like the smart thing to do.

>>8828671

>>8828689
probably be cheaper to buy parts from the russians to fix up Hugs' Flanker too.

>>8828671

The Mirage is a Viggen now. The old one got shot down remember?

>>8828729
This, of course, is no flanker.

Besides, I thought Scotch was in a Viggen now. Plenty of sexy pictures of them around.

>>8828729
I'm not sure we want to trust Russian maintenance techs.

While I admire the "Use a Hammer" approach to solving problems, when it comes to aerospace, it seems a bit too pikey.

>>8828746
That's why I said parts, not labor.

Though if you're flying under their flag and don't want to subcontract there may not be much you can do about the labor quality.

Op again, so far the group is kind of split based on the emails i've gotten.

Hugs and Scotch want to do the Russian stuff, while Sandy and Biscuit want China. We don't know if Biscuit gets a say, since his character joins up with our wing, as biscuit is dead.

I asked steve if we jknew more, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

>>8828760

Yeah it sounds likely they'll litterally be handed, pilots and jets to their contractor. No real Blackflag involvement (other than taking a cut of their earnings, of course) in terms of manpower.

Fuck, even their briefings, intel and such might come from the contractor and not Blackflag handlers.

Whether or not this is the case should be clarified by OP with Steve and taken into consideration.

>>8828787

From a sheer materiel availability standpoint anything the Russians can sell you will be better than the Chinese, with the fiat that you've got to pay for it.

But since half your wing is NATO anyway the Chinese are good for jack in that respect.

>>8828806
That's a lot of pilots for one plane.

Hey OP if you or Sandy switch to a single seat fighter what happens to your RIOs?

op again

>>8828806
I'll ask steve that, thanks!

>>8828853
THEY SIT ON THE GROUND LIKE THE BACKSEAT BITCHES THEY ARE!

(sideseat as well)

1 million hours of MSPaint later...

Weren't the Swedish jets designed to use NATO and WP weaponry anyway? And the western jets would just require new hardpoints and targeting systems for the Russian weapons, probably not cheap but should be doable... [/guesswork]

>>8828885
Presumably new electronics as well, and whatever I/O issues the guidance systems might have meshing with eachother.

So...no J-10 or J-11?

>>8828907

That is why I'm figuring OP/Baron should ditch his damaged F-4 and get some new soviet Jet with hopefully a discount.

His F-4 did get damaged, didn't it?

go russian

>>8828949

>implying he'd trade in his FLYING BRICK OF DOOM for commie-pinko trash

OP should tripfag as Phantom Baron.

>>8828968

Hey, I like American jets*, but when you have a half-wrecked plane a chance for significant discounts on soviet jets and equipment you go with what makes sense money wise.


*I have especially developed a fondness for the F-5/F-20 Tiger(shark).

>>8829033

*fondness for the F-5/F20 Tigershark

So you LIKE light-weight pansy fighters? My god man, if this was a fantasy universe, the F-5 is what the ELVES would fly. A real man, a real AMERICAN, flies a plane with no aerodynamic properties whatsoever- a plane that just punches the laws of physics in the face and makes gravity it's BITCH. It must have a power/weight ratio that is truly horrific to behold. When you go to Afterburner, you must scream I HAAAVE THE POOOWWWAAAAH and call your attacks. FLYING AMMRAMSKI CRUSHES BALD EAGLE!

.... so basically the MiG-25.


You know what, nevermind. Russia is just fine.

>>8828946
SU-27/30/35 >>>>> *

>>8829211

Within budget?

>>8829197
>so basically the MiG-25
F-4 would work well too, except it's actually a fighter/bomber instead of a interceptor. It makes up for it's shitty horizontal maneuverability with RAW POWAH extreme climbing.

>>8829228

>glorified MiG-21

>>8829211

I mean, if not the Nosferatu, then the Terminator. Plus Arnold is actually speaking at my university's graduation in early May. So this is a good thing.

>>8829253
Well Huggs already has an SU-27 which retails for 30mil. An SU35 is between 45-65mil, minus whatever discount the russians want to give, assuming that's how OP goes.

They might be able to finagle some SU-30's from the chinese though.

>>8829254

>F-4 would work well too, except it's actually a fighter/bomber instead of a interceptor.

And the funny thing is, that's the plane OP flies, and the one I was referring to with my mock defense. It's hilarious how the Phantom is always the #1 plane people think of when they think of raw power > aerodynamics.

>>8829197

Hey a Fairchild F4 Bandit. Funny you should post that, its a light fighter with middling engine power.


And no, I don't care about the weight class, I just like how the F-5 looks.

>>8829283

Perhaps you could get a carrier variant...and be Petyr Mikhailovich "Maveriska".

>>8829317

OP's group should try and get an A-10. Why? See the attached.

P.S. I realize it might not fit in.

>>8829358
OP's group seems to favor speed over big guns, actually.

>>8826003
It's not a shoop. It's a Taiwanese indigenous fighter.

>>8829358

Nice jet, but too overly specialized for their purposes. They need nice all-rounders.

>>8828517
Saved :D

>>8829384
Two people have gone over this already and one of them was the source of the image.

>>8827195
>>8827208
These two gents.

>>8828787
Know I'm a little late weighing in on this, but I say Russia. China's offer is a bit too good, and since they have given no details on the op it seems like you'd get dumped into something very nasty

By the way, did anyone else decide to poke around with the "Mercenary Air Squadron" game that got posted around thread 8 or 9?

Its kinda fun. Simplistic and a bit wonky in stats, but fun.

>>8829451

I'm not too keen on genocide but...

>>8829475
>Russain Weapons on a Phantom
>whatthefuckamilookingat.jpg

>>8829363
>>8829402

I know it wouldn't fit in. I just have a HUEG man crush on the A-10. I think they are several kinds of awesome (and not just for the Gau-8). I wish the entire Transformers movie was the A-10s fucking shit up. I want to play this just for the A-10.... Hmmmm... Maybe I'll throw an updated A-10 equivalent at my players in my sci-fi game.

>>8829475
I've been playing a solo campaign in it. It's economic game side is pretty fun, but if I was to run it for someone else I'd want to expand on or use different combat rules. Using the MAS rules for the economic/purchasing/contract side and Airwar for the missions could make for a pretty good campaign

>>8829509

Just run this game.

And with a Wild Weasel configuration.

My vote goes to Russia OP.

They have the best rides.

>>8829498

Like I said, its a bit wonky. Combat is pretty generic and not nearly as in-depth as the rules OP and Steve are using (a modified Air War: C21).

Also fuck cheap Vietnam era Soviet peace of shit missiles.

>>8829384

Too late, someone already pointed that out to anon. But still, shame on anon for not knowing about such an unfortunately hilarious named fighter.

>>8829569

I see that flamboyant.

>>8829509
>Maybe I'll throw an updated A-10 equivalent

Inspiration

>>8829516

My group probably wouldn't go for it. They prefer stuff that doesn't revolve so heavily around combat. Typically my fights are short and only about 1 or 2 every 4-6 hour session. Currently the campaign involves a power struggle on a starship corvette between a number of groups, with the PCs either leading, playing everyone against the middle, or trying to stay neutral. We're a very non-standard gaming group.

>>8829652

Last time in Dark Heresy! We dueled a Rogue Trader for an archeotech power sword "AMBITION" after bidding went over 2 billion throne gelt. One and a half rounds of combat lasted close to two hours.

>>8829514

Yeah combat is neat, but frustrating, I nearly lost my F-5 on the first (so far only) mission I bought it on simply because it almost wasn't able to disengage before running out of fuel.

I should've packed a drop tank instead of the center Heatseeker. Fuel management is the only real "bitch" I've found so far.

Well, aside from the combination of horrible suck pilots, mediocre starting aircraft (2 F-4s) and having nothing but shitty soviet missiles on hand (I've scored more kills with guns than missiles, except for the Darters and Sparrows I bought when I got a lucky purchasing availability roll).

>>8829527

It was a rough mission, objective was to down a MiG-21 and two F-4s and good odds of more shit on the way. Had the second Phantom linger behind and lob BVR shots while the F-5 and first F-4 charged in and engaged close up. Mostly worked. Just fuel bit me in the ass. F-5 had to bugout attacking the target jets due to fuel and the first F-4 pretty much had to "do or die" downing the last enemy, either he succeeded in killing the target or he'd run out of fuel for the mission and I'd lose the jet (which at this point, only 4 missions in, losing a jet would be a financial disaster for my MAS).

Russians build big. How can you not want to work for these people?

>>8829646

Fucking saved. Unfortunately, it probably won't happen because of the two armies involved in the campagn right now, one is a guerrilla army (think like the Alpha Legion), and the other could use them, but the first army doesn't have enough armour to make it worthwhile. Though I still might.

>>8829692
Our combats are not nearly that long. Actually, I've got the latest sci-fi session uploaded to Megaupload if anyone cares.

>>8829599

Random rolls, sucks too as I've started building him up as a BVR standoff pilot and that skill lets *other* people in his group make a reroll per mission.

>>8829725

Kind of reminds me of Mekton Zeta. Had some good times with it but it can get complicated.

>>8829725
30mm at 60 rounds per second chew up people as well as armor.

These threads could use more A-10s.

Every thread could use more A-10s.

>>8829729
Sounds like you've got a cool game running there.

>>8829702

MAS's air combat simulation is pretty simplistic, but at least it's accurate in it's "generic-ness-" which is to say it's an abstraction of air-combat to make for a faster game, but at least the abstractions model real problems in dogfighting. I.E, the pilot who leaves ACM first to bug out cedes advantage to the attacker, and you need to burn lots of fuel to light the cans and GTFO. And you might still take a heatseeker up the tailpipe for your trouble.

So no, it doesn't have the brilliance of Air War's system, but it's a very good game for people who might not be as "in" to the whole air combat thing- like my gaming group. Just wrapped up the whole X-COM game; and I borrowed some MAS rules to simulate the interception phase (by happy co-incidence three players took max ranks in Pilot with no prompting from me.)

OP again

Steve said that while deployed, we are run by the country that bought our services. Intel and stuff is provided by them, not blackflag, as is support.

>>8829837

Oh, hey OP. Well, personally I'd put the Chinese intel as better, and since any combat losses will be in borrowed rides, you should come out later on top- cash to fix all your busted rides and then some.

If you go Russian, you'll be paid less, used for dirtier fighting, and your intel will probably suck, as usual. But I don't know just how "cheap" Russian stuff will be- you might save a hefty amount on ordinance.

>>8829781

Its a fun diversion, the fact that I can play it by myself is nice. As I don't have any friends who are interested in a game like OP's or even playing Crimson Skies.

I'm really starting to hate the fuel system though. 1 fuel to loiter in a band (fighting or hanging back and not moving forward), 1 fuel to climb altitude level, and 2 fuel to use afterburner action means even the 10 fuel Phantoms are quickly sucking fumes if there are several fights. Average fighter fuel ranges from 8-12. Some of the heavy ground attackers get 12-16.

External fuel takes take 2 hardpoints and only give +3 fuel, so its not even really an option for my poor Tiger II, I'm starting to regret buying it. I guess he's good for an initial air engagement but probably can't last a while mission.


I need to buy some mid-air fueling stuff, 3rd tier availability (with Tier 6 being the most awesome stuff) and $4. Allows me to refuel one aircraft each mission. Oddly the game doesn't specify it as "One Use". So does that mean I can use it each mission? In that case I just throw down $16 for four and I can keep a full team pretty well supplied.

Of course, its gonna take a while to get the money to spare...

Shit this game is more business management than jet fighters.

How does a new person get to play this?

>>8829877
I'm thinking the Chinese won't let them use the planes, just the bombs/missiles for free.

The upside is no money spent on buying more bombs, and extra cash each mission!

>>8829837
Hmm. If support and intel are provided by the host country, then China will probably be easier, seeing as their stuff is more up to date and better maintained.

>>8829819
>which is to say it's an abstraction of air-combat to make for a faster game, but at least the abstractions model real problems in dogfighting.

Fuck if I don't know that. I went on that "Fishbed Hunting" mission, a misison to down a pair of MiG-21s with no other enemy presence thinking it'd be an easy buck.

Move into the first bad and there is the MiGs. The instantly win initiative and bounce my Two Phantoms. Cue terribly long turning fight that my phantoms spend the entire time throwing out Chaff or Flares like mad (thank god for those countermeasure pods).

In fact the only shots I got off on the Fishbeds were when they had to afterburn and bugout due to poor fuel. First one went down to a missile but I missed the shot on the second one. Thankfully he had still botched his disengage roll and so ran out of fuel and ejected. I called it a mission success since the MiG was technically destroyed, I just didn't get the kill credit.

In fact my Phantom's terrible performance in turning fights was the entire motivation behind my purchase of the F-5 Tiger.

>>8829937
Into what?

Mercenary Air Squadron?
Or Air War C21?

>>8829926

>fuel is a bitch

Why yes, yes it is. It might be annoying as hell, but it is realistic. Getting to, into, out of, and home from a fight and having fuel to spare is tough. And the F-5 and F-20 are, as far as I remember, short-range interceptor/dogfighters.

As for mid-air refueling equipment, I assume that just means the probe/lines or whatnot. Or perhaps the conversion equipment to make a civilian cargo-hauler into your own tanker, since planes usually either have midair-refuel ability or they don't. So there's no reason you'd have to pay for it every time.

>>8829937

Which MAS (Mercenary Air Squadron), the game I've been talking about or the game OP is playing?


If you're talking about OP's game, we all wish we were playing that.

>>8829943
Except that 3/4 of OP's planes are NATO and refits to use the Warsaw Pact stuff will be expensive as shit, so they'll end up buying crap anyway.

>>8830011
I'm interested in Mercenary myself, it sounds neat for people without groups as awesome as OP's.

If I were the GM and using modern trends, China would be using air mercenaries in East Africa to turn trade partners into dependent puppets. "Here let us provide you with air superiority against your rebel problem".

The ultimate goal (which also includes moving into Pakistan, ally wise, once the US leaves Afghanisan) being to create an Indian Ocean bloc and thus isolate India.

OH GOSH DARNIT

I read the first two lines of the OP and haven't seen the last two threads! Nooo, Biscuit...He's been truly burnt now.

>In fact my Phantom's terrible performance in turning fights was the entire motivation behind my purchase of the F-5 Tiger.

Yeah, that's where Air War C.21 clearly shows it's superiority, since it actually has maneuvers like the high yo-yo that give planes like the Phantom options in furballs, rather then just a "lolmanuver" stat.

OP again, just got another email from Steve, apparently another guy wants to join the game, he's asking if we're cool with it. I think that'd be good, it broadens our forces and allows 2 by 2 by 2 formations so i think its good.

>>8830009
the fuel management can be tough. For the initial fishbed fight if running the f-4s(I usually take the all cash option and buy something instead) I find it is best to climb, dive , or burner instead of maneuvering with the mig-21's . This can sometime deprive you of a shot but just like it real life it lets you use the advantages of the Phantoms weight and engine power rather than trying to win a turning fight.

>>8830111

>another player

Hoooray! Sucker him into an A-7 Corsair and make him your ground-attack boy.

Or an F-8J. NO MISSILES. ONLY GUNS. FINAL DESTINATION!

>>8830109

Well, I COULD try to use an Afterburn action to get a shot, but that costs 2 precious fuel.

Annoying Climb and Dive actions understandably move your altitude level, which prohibits you from shooting into the altitude you were just in. And due to the way initiative works you can't just simply climb or dive to avoid the enemy cause they'll just follow you next combat turn.

In short close dogfights are almost always settled with maneuver.

>>8830138

>>8830138

If you're gonna go ground only. I want an A-10 player. Bet you can guess which Anon I am.

>>8830158
True, but if you climb or dive the enemy has to do the same so their not getting the advantage of their superior maneuverability rolls. For example, in the 2 on 2 f4 vs mig21 flight, if they come in on the same level, climb with one plane and dive with the other. You'll have a better chance of evading their attack attempts, and then next turn, you can switch off, with the first plane diving on the lower aggressor, and the other climbing towards the higher one

>In short close dogfights are almost always settled with maneuver.

Yeah, I'm going to have to stick with C.21s simulation then, because I couldn't tolerate that. It's just TOO simplistic to me. But MAS's economic simulation is very, very impressive and the ground/air threat tokens that came with the game are useful.

Now that they are dry, they look much better than they do in this picture.

Testing paints and enamel clear coats on the Raptors. Thanks to op, I now own
4xSU-33
6xFulcrum
2xFencer
2xF-22

with
2xFoxhound
2xFlanker
On order.

>>8830135

Yeah, I'm still learning how to play it. Its also cool there are others here who have messed with it.

I considered going with that "Just give me cash" start (that or random jets) but I figured I'd go with basic rules for my first MAS, as I don't expect it to last too long (I'm amazed I got out of my 4th mission without losing a jet).

The random mission generator really gives you a raw deal sometimes. Like this one:

>Mission Objective: Strike Sea Target
>Initial Bid: $35 (Two Rival Bidders)
>Experience: 7

>Mission Target(s): Frigate (Experienced)
>Threat Level: Light
>Enemy Sophistication: 2
>Available Bounties: $Sea$

>Starting Location: Start Band
>Water Bands: 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, Target

Even if I win the bid against two other MAS I'm probably gonna have to low ball and already low $35 by $5-10. Then they want me to take on an Experience Frigate and who knows what else?

Looks not worth it... Though thinking about it if I got lucky and got access to Tier 2 stuff and bought an Exocet or two I could pop the frigate without having to enter the target band.

Exocets costs $5 each though, which would kill the profit factor to basically nothing.

. . .

This really is more of a business game than jet fights. lol

>>8830291
Where do you get those from?

Shop in my town.

>>8830338
Any company name or the like?

I'm going over Air War right now, and OH MY GOD IS THIS GAME SEXY. They have EVERYTHING- the barrel roll defense, the guns defense break turn, unloading for speed, immelmans, yo-yo's... and it's all implemented in an ingenious and simple way.

Wish I had time to read over this stuff before. So busy lately :<

>>8830224
>climb with one plane and dive with the other.
>then next turn, you can switch off, with the first plane diving on the lower aggressor, and the other climbing towards the higher one

Holy shit, like some kind of vertical thatch weave... Brilliant, why didn't I think of that?!

>>8830273
As you can see, apparently I am very wrong.

>>8830295
Definitely, the heart of the game is trying to manage the money and having to make the tough choices about good ordinance vs future upgrades vs profits. It always sucks when you're forced into a postion where you either need to fire something far more expensive than the target is worth or risk loosing an expensive jet. For some missions, like the one you listed, if the payout doesn't seem worth the risk it can be a good idea to just let one of the other squads have it.

>>8830341
Yep, asked the shop owner, he likes talking to me.

Scotia Grendel for the Fulcrums

Everything else is Navwar (now heroics and ros)

GHQ makes models as well, although nothing more modern than the fulcrum.

>>8830382
Awesome. Thanks for the info.

>>8830359

>As you can see, apparently I am very wrong.

Hmm, apparently MAS favors teamwork, then, which is good. Teamwork is Realistic (i.e, everything in real life combat.)

>>8830111
So what are you going to make him fly? What role?

Uh, guys?

Does anyone remember the frame-up we tried to do on Russia just a couple of missions ago?

Do we REALLY want to risk that? As much as I hate the chinks and I think that you'll be used to fight America, I hate both of these pinko countries and think you should prolly just go with China for the sake of the money.

Sukhoi where did you order the planes from?

>>8830615
I bought them in a shop in my city that has them.

>>8830545

Let's see, they have 1 Airsup, 2 multirole and 1 Strike guy. Presumably Biscuits player is going to make another Airsup, so would another Strike guy work well?


the A-10 is amusingly easy to get one in MAS, maybe I'll pick it up in a mission or two as my 4th jet and as a dedicated strike platform.

>>8830614
Russia's cool like that. They more than likely think it was some former republic with some SU-27's lying around trying to get some NATO aid.

>>8830291
F-22s painted, F-18s primed and waiting to be primed? What happened Sukhoi? I thought you were all PRO SOVIET and stuff?

Also the "Weapon Rack" piece of equipment feels potentially "broken", takes up 1 hardpoint yet being able to mount two size-1 IR missiles (must be identical) or 3 size-1 AtG weapons seems... excessive.

Its great for letting my little 5-hardpoint Tiger II carry some decent firepower in addition to countermeasure pods, but on something that already has a lot of hardpoints it could just get ridiculous. Though cost would be a significant limiting factor. While I COULD fit out one of my phantoms with 24 500lb bombs, it'd cost $4 ea for 8 racks and $1 per bomb for a total of $56.

Yeah... I suppose it isn't broken, that'd be an absurd waste of money and no plane would ever have the fuel to drop that many munitions, even with ripple fire (+1 to hit for each bomb you drop).

>>8830742
Where do you see F-18's?

>>8830742

Testing out painting technique on the less important/valued fighters first I bet.

Same thing my friends do with warhammer minis.

>>8830749
So maybe add a few fuel tanks at the cost of a half dozen or so bombs.

>>8830771

Let's see, half of the hardpoitns taken up by two drop tanks (2 HP ea), leaves room for 12 size-1 AtG weapons.

Thats actually a believable load... Though it could just as easily be 12 AGM-65 Mavericks as Mk-82 500lbs bombs.

>>8830742

Clearly, she wants to blow them up.

>>8830880
The F-22s will be a challenge. The SU-33 isn't at the same level as the F-22. I might have to be devious to win.

And the other aircraft are MiG 29s, not F-18s...

>>8831026
Modify one of the flankers to look like an Su-37. It'll have a MUCH better time of keeping up with an F-22.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Flankers! For Sale! To Private Owners!

Ohhhhhhhhh GAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWDDDD YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Some of the plane stats are a bit wonky. The fact that new generation jets just completely beats the pants off the lower tier stuff makes sense, if only form a "progression" and "gameplay" point, but there are some oddities.

One that I've noticed is the mere 1 RADAR rating the game gives the Flanker. OP's game has used their Flanker's Radar system to great effect and there has been discussion in the past threads about how its one of the best/powerful Radar systems in a jet fighter, and yet in this game it has the worse Radar rating in the game (short of no Radar at all).

Radar rating just adds a +Radar bonus to Radar missiles and every time you move a band your fighters roll 1d6 vs their radar rating to potentially locate targets in the next band, giving you a chance to see what you might be up against.

>>8831116

Gotta wonder what the pricetag is though.

>>8831160
$3 mil last I heard

>>8831172

That seems... surprisingly cheap.

>>8831192
>>8831172

From wikipedia, so take it with some salt, "Two Su-27s from the Ukrainian Air Force were demilitarized and sold to Pride Aircraft of Rockford, Illinois, USA. Pride Aircraft "westernized" the aircraft by remarking all cockpit controls in English and replacing much of the Russian avionics suite with Garmin, Bendix/King, and Collins avionics. The aircraft are currently for sale to private owners for approximately $5 million each"

>>8831192
If I was a business executive, you could bet your ass I'd buy a Flanker as the Business Jet. Everyone else shows up in a lear, you show up in a Red Hot Sexy Beast of a Machine From Russia.

5 million is the 'suggested' price, but as with all jet purchases, there's a lot more that will go into it. It's also very cheap because all the expensive stuff (radar etc) is ripped out.

>>8831137
not to mention the F-35 being rated better than the -22.

>>8831291
That's a joke. It has to be. No one in their right mind thinks the Joint Shit Fighter is better than the F-22.

>>8831322
It's better at taking off vertically.

>>8831291

Well that sure sounds like an instant discredit.

Eh, like you'd ever be able to afford one anyways.

But yes, a few stats could use some adjusting. Maybe give the F-35 -1s across the board on its performance stats. Simple fixes, the core system is proving pretty solid to me.


Due to my love of it, I'm trying to figure out where the F-20 would fit into the scheme of things and what its stats would be.

I figure "Withheld" tier. Same hardpoints as the F-5 (maybe add a 6th), +1 or +2 to its performance stats. Add some more fuel (more efficient engine despite being more powerful, IIRC). Give it a radar system, maybe some more flare/chaff/ECM. Modest price tag around $45-55...

Then again it was supposed to be "Competitive" with the F-16, so maybe base it off that, but a bit worse? Would put it into Rare tier though, and given it was developed to sell to friendly counties as a "have a nice fighter that doesn't have all our awesome high tech shit in it" that doesn't feel appropriate.

>>8831322
>>8831373

it looked like a alright game.

then i started looking at the plane stats...

>>8831547

Like I said, the hightier planes get a bit stupid, but you'll probably never be able to reasonably afford them anyways.

Maybe it breaks at high tiers with those super accurate missiles and high performance planes. But at the low tier 60s-80s stuff it feels pretty good.

Fucking Aphids.

>>8831547

"It's a newer plane, so it needs better stats."

>>8831603

fair call, that said i love the idea of the system

a successful mating between MAS and Air War C21 would be bliss

Lawful Good Human Wizard (8th Level)


Ability Scores:
Strength- 20
Dexterity- 20
Constitution- 19
Intelligence- 17
Wisdom- 19
Charisma- 19

>>8831687
This is what I suspect Steve has actually done.

>>8831690

I would kill for his notes. or to be part of OPs game.

>>8831723

Are you attempting to stat Steve?

>>8831723

Too simplistic, MAS' use of "dollars" as an arbitrary number value is too easy. The bastard has probably researched real world plane and ordinance costs.

Though speaking of MAS dollars I vaguely suspect that $1 = $100,000 or thereabouts. But I'm probably totally wrong. Likely it is totally arbitrary.

>>8831777
I suspect $1 = $1 mil. Steve could have used that, correcting as necessary. Then just used Air War rules for combat.

>>8831777

If I could get an A-10 for $40, why the hell would I need a car?

>>8831800

That doesn't work because a Mk-82 500lbs bomb costs $1.

Its gotta be closer to $100,000 = MAS$1

And F-5 Tigershark certainly doesn't cost 25 mil. 2.5 Million, believable.

I love these threads so much.

>>8831879

Wow, nice one anonymous drawfag.

>>8831879

Biscuit has an 'i' in it and hugs has one 'g', but otherwise awesome. :D

>>8831879
brilliance

Hows this look for an attempt at the F-20? Modest improvement to the F-5 and makes it competitive with the other "Withheld" tier aircraft. (see >>8830708 ) Can't decide on a pricetag, somewhere around $45-55.

Then again Wiki says it was projected to have a cost 3 times as much as an F-5E. Though for $75 I'd have to improve the stats a bit more, so I think I like it around where it is.

>>8831539
>>8832100

Some analysts argue that the F-20 would have done the F-16's job for cheaper, in fact.
I say start with a base F-16 and maybe slightly downgrade it to reflect the fact it was built as an export fighter. The real difference was in the avionics loaded, airframe-wise the F-20 is just slightly better, but hardly enough to be super noticeable.

F-20 has a 81lb/sq.ft wing loading, while F-16 has 88lb/sq. ft; slight advantage to the F-20 (lower is better) Thrust-to-weight ratio is 1.1 for the F-20, and 1.095 for the F-16; again, really close. Tigershark also climbs slightly faster, at 52k ft/min, the Falcon climbs at only 50k ft/min.

Also, the Tigershark carries the roughly the same amount of 20mm ammunition as the Falcon, but is mounted with two cannons so it expends it twice as quickly (but also puts out a higher volume of fire).

Where the Falcon really beats out the Tigershark is the payload; the Falcon can lift up to 17 000 lbs of munitions, while the F-20 can only carry 8000 lbs.

>>8832440

True, thought that would make it pretty high performance (look at the F-16's MAS stats) and more expensive than I was hoping for, higher tier as well.

Then again keeping it expensive but still only Withheld tier can be its own sort of balancer, its somewhat easily available, just expensive.

As for the cannons, I'm not really sure how MAS models those. The F-5 gets light cannons which are the least effective but have the most shots.

How does this look, slight downgrade, the most being the fewer hardpoints.

I need to sleep. Bah. Keep the thread alive or be sure to archive this.

I vote for China.

Russia seems to be the way to go. china's free ordinance wont help anyone but Hugs.

>>8832611

Seems like a decent balance. Still not too familiar with the system but it seems like the planes are pretty comparable but still characterful; changing the hardpoints and the dice roll for the cannons is a good way to abstract the differences.

Oh, btw, it's the F-16 Fighting Falcon, or F-16 Falcon. The Eagle is a different jet.

Actually sleep would be good. And someone already threw it up on archive.

>>8832659
>Eagle
>Falcon

God damnit it. See this is how much I need sleep.

RUSSIA RUSSIA RUSSIA RUSSIA

Let me rephrase that: Although the Chinese offer better compensation initially, I imagine there could be a much better deal struck with the Russians.

They have the superior hardware in every aspect. They also have more old stuff lying around, but that isn't relevant. If OP's squad is looking to replace some wings, Sukhois are the way to go.

Maybe they can get a leasing deal with their employers that will leave the mission risk with them while the squad gets a favorable option to buy when the contract ends.

And about that ordnance, Russian A2A is the best there is. Big missiles fly fast and far, and their targeting is up to date. If they get an option to buy that on the cheap not just for missions but for keeps then there's a whole new way to stock up on value or make cash reselling on the black market.

The conflict is also more predictable with Russia. It's sphere of influence is much smaller and more concentrated. The multilateral integration will make for some rather local conflicts between black sea and Siberia. China could send them up against anybody, slaughtering more African refugees would be a best case scenario there...

On a side note: The squadron needs a drone. They need the ability to gather their own intel, especially when working for an employer who surely has other interests than just the squad's well being. If they pool their money they should be able to pick up a Reaper equivalent, doesn't have to be a Global Hawk. Give the WSO something to play with...

>>8831879
This gives me warm and fuzzies! Anon drawfag, we salute you!

How do I keep missing these threads?

>>8831879
The F-111 can't carry a bomb where you put it, due to the main gear door. Other than that, fucking sweet drawing!

I'd love to see more!

>>8825955
Tell me what's your squadron name, and I'll make an Ace Combat emblem within a week.
I AM BRIMMING WITH IDEASSSS

Oh wow, this thread is still up.

Um, does anyone remember when Suhkoi posted up the rules for AirWar C21?
Because I bought the rules annex off DriveThru ysterday, and I was wondering if any of you want it.

I only bought it because I noticed that the rulebook lacked rules for the Saab fighter planes which I love.

Interested?

I'd say Russia. Less risky/more predictable and a discount on juicy russian hardware.

>>8828454
The best current one. I still hold my opinion that Fidel Castro was the greatest troll trolling the US, ever. I mean seriously, in the later years he trolled the US simply by existing.

>>8835396
It should have all of their planes flying towards the foreground and underneath them there's like a huge fiery explosion and burning civilians are running out of it.

>>8835454
Around thread ten I think. And yeah, the Data annex was dumped as well, since you got more oldies and goldies.

/tg/ I am disappoint. I come back after a few days and have to discover that there were 3 (Three) more merc air threads in my absence and not one eloquentgentleman took the time to at least update the threads archive on our wiki page, let alone the mission recap!?

What if I had missed the threads entirely?

>>8835488

Ah, really?

Man. I must have missed that. Means I spent (calculates Dollar to pound rate) about 2 pounds on something I could have gotten for free.

.. ah well.

>>8835496
Good thing you are here to rectify it.

>>8835508
Up to date.

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Mercenaries_and_planes

>>8835467
Naah, Ace Combat emblems usually have a mascot in a roundel/shield. What's the squad name?

>>8835521
They haven't come up with one in a week.

>>8835521
My suggestion was Hell's Black Aces, but we never got confirmation from op if they chose a name yet.

>>8835533
>>8835542
well dayum. I guess I'll create personal emblems for them in the meantime. I faved the 1d4chan article, so if the squadron name's decided, someone update it so I can make an emblem based on it.

>>8835500

To be honest though, I don't mind too much, this is one of those games I wouldn't mind supporting financially anyway.

>>8835552
Same here, I didn't mind paying cash/money for it.

OP won't deliver.

Did sommeone draw up a summary for Gold Rush?
Of course we can nly guess over collateral, but the airspace was cleared so it shouldn't be much.

Holy shit, another Planes & Mercs thread, awesome!

>>8835542

If they go with the Chicoms as Hell's black aces they stand a good chance of becoming a PLA unit in all but name.

I'm curious as to how Blackflag refers to them. Maybe Op should ask the GM what the company calls them internally. Probably along the lines of "Maniacs"

>>8835630
Wing 5?

>>8835630
Given their last two missions, I'd say that Blackflag calls them "Fuck Up Flight"

>>8835607

I did start thinking up some neat beginners scenarios though to get some people in my LGC interested though.

(On that note, does anyone have some good suggestions as to where I can get my hand on some decent models of modern warplanes?)

Anyway, a basic starter scenario would be each player picks a plane (from no later than 1980) and then fights a no frills dogfight in teams or whatever, with no going to ground or special maneouvers to get a feel for the game.

Alternatively, another scenario I had was this.

Yx MiG-25PD Iraqi Foxbat
vs
1x Herc
Yx F-16C Falcon

I'd control the MiGs and the player would control the Falcons. My mission is to take down the Hercules, they have to keep it safe.
They get better missiles and equipment than I do, but to balance it out, they have to defend the slow transport, and my planes would have swapped out two of their Aphids for ECM pods and Gunpods.

How'd that sound?

Victoria's own

>>8825952
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>>8825955

Gentlemen. This is not an RP log. This is the clandestine journal of a real mercenary pilot, currently in operation in <DELETED>

Yo, Buddy... you still alive?

Still lookin' for a world without boundaries.

>>8835681
Be careful to keep the Foxbat:MiG ratio so your players seem as if they've been swarmed. 5:3 or 4:3 would be good.

>>8835681
This scenario seems interesting, the only thing I would worry about is the speed of the foxbats allowing an easy dash and kill

>>8835707
>>8835746

I was thinking of keeping the Falcon to Foxbat Ratio 1:1.

Also, from the looks of the entry that Iraqs 1 plane (the Mirage F1EQ) they have a fair bit of French stock, should I replace all of the Russian missiles (AA-6's and 8's I think) with shitty french equivalents?

>This scenario seems interesting, the only thing I would worry about is the speed of the foxbats allowing an easy dash and kill

You say that, but at speed 32, it'll only take a single AAMRAM to cripple and kill a MiG. Plus, even with Russian Ordinance, the Iraqi's will have shorter range and worse accuracy.

>>8835789
Either french or Russian ordnance would make sense.
And granted the US side has the edge in quality. Guess I'd have to try it out a couple time to check balance.

>>8835789
>should I replace all of the Russian missiles (AA-6's and 8's I think) with shitty french equivalents?

An embarressing check of the idex later reveals that the French stuff is almost universally better than the Russian equivalents.

Pic related to my feelings on this.

>>8835789
Another idea for a starter scenario, particularly at a convention or game day where you might have late players or interested parties watching who then want to play.
Do an 80's NATO/PACT escalating engagement.
Players could start with a MIG 21/23/25 or a West German F4/F104 then as they get shot down they can come back on with an F16/F15/Tornado or MIG27/29/31/SU27
That way later players can grab a plane and jump in anytime, and there is less worry by new players about making mistakes as a shoot down doesn't leave them out of the game.

>>8835853

Yeah, sidewinders are bad, but AAMRAM's especially the latest AIM-120C version are just insane, twice the range and damage with better accuracy than anything the MiG can boast. And the Falcon's standard loadout is 4 of the things.

Along with 2 Sidewinders, which even if I veto the 2002 AIM-9X model are still more than capable of one shotting the MiGs.

Another note is that since the Falcons are escorting the Herc, they'll only be going at 8, this seems bad until you realise that even if the Iraqi player manages to cripple one in his opening shots, it wont be going fast enough to disintegrate, so he's basically assured some return fire.

Hence why I've imporved all of the MiG pilots to Good skills and given them an ECM pod. Even then I don't expect the MiG's to survive.

I wouldn't complicate things with ECM in a try out mission. Leave that for early missions in a campaign where it has strategic value as well as tactical.

I come back after some sleep and I find that we've detoured quite a bit. Don't really blame you though since we haven't heard anything new from OP in a bit and theres only so much we can debate about the China/Russia and new player angles.

Also I found a short clip that I thought the russian enthusiasts might enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQMggtu6RSw

>>8836499
That pilot must have been shitting himself. And based on the pucker factor, I'd say shitting diamonds.

>>8837234
yeah considering how close his tail hook looks like it came to snagging one of the wires the ground crew probably had to clean out his seat afterward or risk the stench spreading.

>>8836499
Ah yes, a classic :)

Wow. I too have woken to see this thread still alive. That surprises me.

This petered off pretty quickly this morning. Better things to do on a sunday I suppose.