Wing Leader: Second Action

 So, on to Scenario 2 (or, more accurately, VO 2). This features not only interceptors on one side and bombers on the other, but some aircraft executing a sweep to protect the bombers. We're still in the CBI; the P-40Bs have a few of their E-type brethren to help out, and both sides have some Veteran pilots (the AVG also has some Green pilots). And there is GCI to help vector the Flying Tigers, and they have some radio nets to help them coordinate (the IJA fighters are missing that, which is a handicap).

The IJA bombers are doing a standard basic bombing mission, running straight across the map and exiting. Their fighters are in escort position, and the AVG are at a spread of levels, hoping to catch some target, somehow.

The P-40Es tallied quickly and dived right down on to the approaching bombers while the Japanese sweep Ki-43s were still scanning the sky for enemies. As the P-40Bs tried valiantly to make their way up to the bombers' altitude, the Es scored two kills and disrupted the leading bomber squadron.

The Ki-43 section likewise tallied and dived down to protect their bombers. They took out one P-40E while the AVG separated out one straggler from the bomber herd. The 43 flight, though, just motored on, oblivious to the fighting below.

Another flight of Tigers joined the melee (which was steadfastly *not* becoming a dogfight, despite IJA attempts to turn it into one. And the P-40 squadron climbed up, almost reaching the rear bomber squadron, which it had tallied.

With the two P-40 flights both tallying the lead bomber squadron and the Ki-43 squadron tallying the P-40Es, there was a big single battle flying across the map, which lead to a bit of computational balancing to see who would be the better lead element in each round of fighting. The straggling bomber was downed and the 43s took their first loss. The lead bomb group was disrupted and down three aircraft now.

The Ki-43 flight finally tallied and joined in, just as the P-40 squadron caught up to the second bomb group. The first round of "now everyone's shooting" was also the last, as both of the P-40 flights broke and headed for the barn, as did the two Ki-43 units. Both bomber squadrons had lost three planes now and both were broken.

And that was where things stood as the bombers flew off the map towards their target. The first group probably should have jettisoned and fled for home, in retrospect, but that will be a lesson learned in the IJA hotwash.

The Tigers lost three aircraft in return for two IJA fighters and six (6!) bombers, a differential of -11, a massive Chinese win! Col. Chennault was all smiles at this debrief, handing out cigars and beers.

Next up, off to Europe and a trip to Stalingrad!