The 20th Fighter Group is now available!

[Rami]

Good morning,

Since Captain Kurt spilled the beans on his project, I'll do the same. Desert Air Force (1942) is complete, I am just wating for Achim to revise some bases in North Africa. (This is currently underway)

I am also still working on Operation Mezzagosto, but I have had this on my "wish list" for some time now, and with encouragement from Captain Kurt, I decided to go for it...

The first seven missions are semi-fictionalized "training" missions with Spitfire assistance for several of them, a couple are historically-based, but most are not directly taken from fact. The "real" campaign begins on December 31st, 1943, when the 20th Fighter Group flew its first full-scale combat mission. Before that point, pilots of the 20th Fighter Group flew as an attached element of the 55th Fighter Group.

Their home field was RAF Kings Cliffe, which is close to the Methwold aerodrome that Achim created, so that is what I am using for this campaign.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Initiation over England
"summary_string"=Attention! Today, we are finally going to leave our training behind & head out to the Thames Estuary to protect a British convoy making its way toward London. As this marks your initial combat sortie, a flight of British Typhoons will assist you over the target area. Good luck!
"objective_string"=The 20th Fighter Group arrived in England near the end of August, 1943. Through the autumn, they slowly built fighter strength to operational status while training, and to gain experience, some pilots flew as an attached element of the 55th FG. This mission is fiction, but would fit a new squadron in their initial combat sorties over England by being paired with more experienced British pilots.
"intelligence_string"=After leaving RAF Kings Cliffe, you'll parallel the coastline down to the Thames Estuary, where you will fly cover for a small convoy making its way to London. Recently, a few of the convoys have been threatened by Luftwaffe "tip and run" raids, and your task is to protect them. A flight of Typhoons will assist you in covering this convoy, but we will see if you can bag your first kraut!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Patrol along The Solent
"summary_string"=Attention, 20th pilots! Unchallenged enemy fighter sweeps have been tracked along the English coast in recent days, & are focusing on The Solent. You are being asked to patrol over The Solent in order to confront and drive off any German raiders. The alert call has been sent out to other RAF airfields in the vicinity, so you can expect modest support. Make sure the Germans never want to come back!
"objective_string"=The 20th Fighter Group arrived in England near the end of August, 1943. Through the autumn, they slowly built fighter strength to operational status while training, and to gain experience, some pilots flew as an attached element of the 55th FG. This mission is fiction, but would fit a new squadron in their initial combat sorties over England by being paired with more experienced British pilots.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will head down to the South Coast, and patrol through The Solent, looking for any Luftwaffe "tip 'n run" raiders who have been harassing coastal installations and aerodromes in the area. You will not be alone, RAF Spitfires are ready to scramble from nearby aerodromes in case any enemy planes are spotted. We'll be flying over the Continent soon, let's show that we're ready to tangle!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Accompanyment to Amiens
"summary_string"=Listen up! Today, we'll make our second foray onto the European continent, accompanying a formation of B-17s who will strike a German ammo dump near Amiens, France. This is within the combat range of a P-38, but you are being sent out with drop tanks that you can quickly release if you run into enemy fighters. Your primary responsibility is to make sure the bombers get back in one piece. Good luck!
"objective_string"=For some months now, 8th Air Force Bombers have faced attacking German targets with only minimal short-range escort from Spits & P-47s, and being decimated by Luftwaffe fighters as a result. The arrival of your squadron means these bombers can now receive a stronger and longer range escort to their targets. As the 20th FG builds strength, we have been rotating pilots into the 55th FG to gain combat experience after they became operational on October 15th, 1943. This mission is in line with sorties flown by pilots of the 20th FG during this time.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you'll rendezvous with the B-17s over the Thames Estuary, and a flight of Spitfires will meet you minutes before you reach the French coastline. If you encounter enemy fighters, let the Spitfires engage the fighters first and draw them away from the bombers; only break off to attack if enemy fighters threaten these bombers directly. Once you clear the coastline of the Pas-de-Calais, the Spitfires will break for home, and you'll stick with these B-17s until you reach the English coast. Put in a good show today, and show your training has not been in vain!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Stretching the envelope
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! Despite the horrible weather, our bombers are heading out to strike the U-boat pens and dockyards at Bordeaux, France. The blockade runner "Orsono" is about ready to unload a supply of crude rubber, which is essential to the German war machine! Our B-17s will make every effort to make sure that doesn't happen. Make sure they can accomplish this mission by keeping enemy fighters off their tail!
"objective_string"=The 20th FG, who were initially equipped with the P-38H, became the primary fighter for long-range escort sorties into 'Festung Europa' in the period before the arrival of the P-51 Mustang. One of the 20th FG's first major successes was a long-range escort mission of B-17s to Bordeaux, France. The mission covered some 1,300 miles, & seventeen of the thirty-one P-38 escorts were forced to land at alternate bases due to lack of fuel. In the mission you are taking a more direct route than the actual flight path, which was over Brittany & the Bay of Biscay. Weather conditions over Bordeaux, France were totally overcast, not allowing for bombing at the primary target or any secondary targets.
"intelligence_string"=Fuel consumption will be paramount for the escort mission, so after taking off, reduce power to 65% & reduce your prop speed to 2,000 RPM. This will give you about a 20% fuel reserve for any combat. You may endure a very rough ride over Bordeaux, these B-17 bombers will only maintain 15,000 feet to increase their bombing accuracy; this will place you within range of both 37 & 88mm anti-aircraft fire.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Hey guys,

Here are another couple of missions I finished and tested...

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Rodeo over The Netherlands
"summary_string"=Attention, pilots! Luftwaffe fighters are attacking USAAF bombers in large numbers and losses can't be sustained. Today you'll take off & rendezvous with RAF Spitfires off the Dutch coast to perform a fighter sweep in an attempt to draw up & engage Luftwaffe fighters. To win the war of attrition, it is crucial we take down as many enemy aircraft as possible on these sorties so that our bombers stop getting hit so hard. Good luck!
"objective_string"=October 15, 1943 saw the 55th Fighter Group gain full operational status, & during the first mission, a couple of 20th Fighter Group pilots participated in the 55th FG's "rodeo" over Holland, where they were able to draw up and engage German fighters. Pilots of the 20th FG flew as an attached element of the 55th for the next two-plus months.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, fly southeast over England & the North Sea to the rendezvous point, where you will meet the British Spitfires. You will then head over to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital city where you'll most likely find and engage German fighters. Make sure to take down as many as you can, & show our friends in the 55th that we are ready to make our own mark!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - B-17 roundup over France
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! B-17s are on their way back from striking a German oil installation near Le Mans, & will pass over areas where the Germans have many fighters stationed. Your job is to rendezvous with the bombers & bring them through this dangerous area unscathed. British Spitfires will also be sent from aerodromes along the Channel coast to assist you in getting these bombers home. Good luck!
"objective_string"=For some months now, 8th Air Force bombers have faced attacking German targets with only minimal short-range escort from Spits & P-47s, and being decimated by Luftwaffe fighters as a result. The arrival of your squadron means these bombers can now receive a stronger and longer range escort to their targets. As the 20th FG builds strength, we have been rotating pilots into the 55th FG to gain combat experience after they became operational on October 15th, 1943. This mission is in line with sorties flown by pilots of the 20th FG during this time.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you will hold a southerly course to reach the rally point where you will rendezvous with the B-17s returning from Le Mans. It is likely that these bombers have battle damage, so keeping enemy fighters away from the B-17s is paramount as you pass over the mouth of the Seine River and Le Havre on the way to the Channel. Spitfires will assist you over France, and cross the Channel with you before returning to their airfields. After this mission, our commanders have informed us that the joint operations may be coming to an end. We will miss these chaps!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Good morning,

I have completed the first eight missions, and have been steadily building the intensity. Here are the other two missions that I finished...

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Baby steps into the Reich
"summary_string"=Listen up! Today, we will perform our first escort mission into Germany, bringing B-17s to attack the Bessemer Steel Works in Duisburg. This city lies along the Lower Rhine, so P-47 Thunderbolts will be able to stay with you & assist you in escorting these B-17s to and from the target area. However, there are many German airfields in the area, so be sure to keep your eyes open for German fighters. Let's show 8th Air Force commanders that we are ready to protect the heavies over the Reich itself!
"objective_string"=8th Air Force Fighter groups are steadily growing in force, particularly with the arrival of the new P-38 fighters. The addition of these new fighters means we can now hit the Germans hard and where it hurts! The P-47 Thunderbolt can engage German fighters on equal terms, however, their restricted range, even with drop tanks, means that they only have the ability to accompany bombers to targets within northwest Germany. With the P-38, we now have the range to bring our bombers to Berlin and back!
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, head southeast to meet the B-17s as they cross onto Belgian soil. This mission into Germany will be at high altitude to decrease their exposure to heavy flak, but this will place you at a disadvantage against German fighters. Your task is to protect the bombers and keep enemy fighters off their tail so they can make an accurate strike. Because Duisburg is relatively close to Holland & Belgium, P-47s will also participate in this escort mission. Make sure that these bombers come back alive!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Entrance of the Mustang
"summary_string"=Listen up! Today, we are going into the firestorm, as we will help bring a large formation of B-17s & B-24s to Bremen. They will have a heavy escort of P-47s together with a few examples of the newest fighter in the ETO, the P-51b Mustang. You'll help bring the formation into Bremen, and then you will fly between the formations and "bait" the German fighters to keep them busy. Once your job is done, you can return home!
"objective_string"=On December 13th, 16th, & 20th, the 8th Air Force attacked the important industrial cog of Bremen in three large-scale raids. These strikes were unique because they marked the entrance of the Mustang over German skies, flown by pilots of the 9th Air Force. The other escorts for this mission included a heavy compliment of P-47 Thunderbolts, as well as a smaller amount of P-38 Lightnings.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you'll meet up with the bombers and their escort as they cross the Dutch coastline, and then remain with them as part of the escorting force on the way to Bremen. Over Bremen, you will fly between the two bomber formations & engage German fighters, drawing them away from the two formations who will strike the dockyards and the Focke-Wulf fighter plant. Once you have cleared the skies or you exhaust your ammunition, you will return to England. The P-51s and P-47s will remain with the bomber stream on the way home in order to provide fighter cover. Make sure to make Jerry pay if he decides to fight!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38h-5 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Hey guys,

I've really been testing my knowledge with this one, and I hope it works. During this mission, your flight of eight P-38 Lightnings, together with another flight of eight, remain in orbit over Kiel, Germany while B-17s and B-24s attack the shipyard and airfield there. You arrive four minutes ahead of the first wave, a formation of sixteen B-24s and sixteen B-17s. As they depart, a formation of twenty-four B-17s arrive and attack the target two minutes later.

As they depart, a final formation of sixteen B-24s, together with an escort of sixteen P-51s, arrive over the target area. They are again separated from the previous formation by two minutes. It is when this formation arrives, with their escort, that you will be able to leave the area. I think I'll have to toy with the dynamic elements, including random chance elements, to make it all work. I still have to include the German opposition, and I'm using Captain Kurt's 354th Fighter Group campaign as a guide, after he gave me the go-ahead to use it as a resource.

I'm not relying on it as a source for the missions, though. I'm building those mostly from scratch, with the assistance of a 20th Fighter Group campaign for CFS1 which I converted, together with another unexpected find. Like the 354th Fighter Group campaign, though, this will be broken into two campaigns; the first will cover use of the P-38 until July of 1944. The second part will cover the remainder of the war when the group switched over to the P-51 Mustang.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Sweeping the skies over Kiel
"summary_string"=Listen up, airmen! The New Year's parties are now behind us, and today our bombers will head out to strike the docks and industrial areas of Kiel. Your assignment is to perform a fighter sweep ahead of the bombers & clear out the area for them. We are praying for some clearing in the overcast over the target, right now the conditions are overcast, with low-level cloud cover and snow showers. A blanket of fresh snow has covered everything here at the base. Good luck today!
"objective_string"=On January 5th, 1944, the 8th AF dispatched some two hundred B-17s & B-24s to pummel the shipyard and industrial areas of Kiel, Germany. During this sortie, the 20th Fighter Group was responsible for flying out ahead of the bomber stream and holding orbit over the city, covering the waves of bombers that struck the targets until they were relieved by lead elements of the 354th FG. Once their job was completed, the 20th FG returned to Kings Cliffe.
"intelligence_string"=After departing Kings Cliffe, you will rendezvous with the bombers as they leave England. Once you reach the Cimbrian peninsula, you will be several minutes ahead of the bomber stream. Arriving well ahead of the formation, it's your job to orbit over the city, baiting Jerry to come up & fight. If any enemy fighters do appear, you will hack them from the skies until lead elements of the 354th Fighter Group relieve you over Kiel. Once this occurs, you can break off and return home.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Good evening,

Here is another mission, I thought this might interest you...

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Milk run over Pas-de-Calais
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! Today, we will assist the 8th Air Force's effort in the Pas-de-Calais with a fighter sweep over the Dieppe-Rouen sector, looking for & engaging Jerry if he decides to fight. If the skies are clear in the sector, we'll head over the target area & assist the efforts of our escorts to protect the bombers. Let's help them put the "doodlebugs" out of commission!
"objective_string"=On January 14, 1944, & again the following week, 8th Air Force B-17s and B-24s attacked German V1 & V2 rocket sites located within the Pas-de-Calais region. The sorties were flown at medium altitude, and were heavily escorted by P-47 Thunderbolts, along with a smattering of P-38s and P-47s. A few skirmishes between the 8th Air Force escorts and German fighters took place, but on the whole, they did not put up much resistance.
"intelligence_string"=Upon leaving Methwold, both flights of P-38s will head south & cross the French coastline at Dieppe. You will then continue south to Rouen, acting as a diversion to try and bait the Jerries into a fight, keeping them busy & away from the heavies. After departing Rouen, you'll fly back right through the Pas-de-Calais, heading through the target areas on your way home, lending assistance to any bombers or engaging any enemy fighters. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Shadow Wolf 07]

Lots of good work Rami, thank you.

[arfyhun]

All very nice Rami. Looking forward to the day of release. Nice to know I'm not the only 'odd' bloke who has to make sure all the 'T's are crossed and the 'I's dotted...

Graham.

[Rami]

Good evening,

Here is another mission completed. For this mission and for the last one, (11 and 10, respectively) I'm using large formations to simulate the size of the raids. For mission eleven, there are three formations of twenty-four bombers each, with sixteen fighters for escort. With three formations, that totals some one hundred and twenty aircraft, not including enemy planes. The skies are quite literally full within the bomber stream....and it makes for some careful flying when you take the middle position, as you do in this mission.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - A "big show" over Frankfurt
"summary_string"=Listen up, airmen! Our last attempt to raid the city of Frankfurt was aborted because of the horrible weather. However, our officers are determined to run the mission today, no matter what! You'll help escort a massive bomber formation, with plenty of help from P-51 and P-47 escorts. Do not expect an easy ride during this mission; once Jerry figures out where we're heading, he will send up whatever he has!
"objective_string"=January 29th, 1944 saw the second attempt by the 8th AF to pummel the industrial cog of Frankfurt, Germany. The first attempt on January 24th, 1944 was recalled due to terrible weather. The raid on the 29th saw some 700 bombers, escorted by some 600 fighters, pound the city of Frankfurt despite a strong appearance of about 80 German fighters near the target. The bombers suffered significant losses, but the escorts got their share of Jerries!
"intelligence_string"=After taking off with a flight of Mustangs, you'll head southeast out over the North Sea to meet up with the bomber stream. You will be escorting the second formation in the stream with the Mustangs, responsible for the 'Firehorse,' 'Greyhound,' and 'Relentless' flights. Over Frankfurt, the formation will separate, and it is absolutely critical that you keep your head on a swivel over the target areas, because we are expecting Jerry will be out in full force. Above all else, you must keep the bombers safe, and get them home!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

Now, for the eleven missions I have completed, I just have to double-check and correct the weather conditions to make them as realistic as possible, considering that I have the data.

[Rami]

Good evening,

I sketched out another 12th Fighter Group mission, this time a deep-penetration mission to Brunswick, Germany.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Focke-Wulfs over Haselünne
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! Today, we will match our deepest penetration thus far into the Third Reich, as we'll escort 8th Air Force bombers tasked to obliterate German aircraft and weapons-making facilities in Brunswick, Germany. Our penetration path will put us within range of several Luftwaffe aerodromes, so expect to tangle with numerous enemy fighters over Germany, especially considering the intended target of the bombers!
"objective_string"=On February 10th, 1944, the 20th FG supported an 8th Air Force strike on German aviation & weapons facilities at Brunswick, Germany, as other 8th AF elements attacked an important Luftwaffe airfield at Gilze-Rijen in Holland. The 20th Fighter Group was bounced by some ten Fw-190s near Haselünne, Germany and Dümmer See, & were further hassled by twin-engined Zerstörers during the withdrawal from Brunswick. 8th Air Force bombers were able to make a successful attack, however the 55th FG lost three pilots on this day.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you'll rendezvous with the B-17s near the English coastline, & then head just south of due east to reach Brunswick. Because this is a major German manufacturing facility for aircraft and bombs, German commanders will spare no cost defending it, and you can also expect to face very heavy flak. Make sure to keep Luftwaffe fighters at bay; rumors are getting stronger that a massive bomber campaign is in the works, and all available bomber aircraft will be needed to pound the Reich into submission! Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Hello again,

Here is another mission sketch completed, this time, it is a return to Frankfurt, and the 20th Fighter Group suffered through their worst day as a combat unit.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Black Friday for the 20th FG
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! This miserable, cold weather has been causing havoc with our engines, but we have kept Jerry at bay by using the P-38's firepower & speed to our advantage. This morning, we will help escort B-17s to Frankfurt, while other elements of the 8th Air Force will assault targets in Northern France. Remember not to fight Jerry on his terms; he is learning the limitations of the Lightning, and our losses are starting to mount!
"objective_string"=On February 11th, 1944, 20th Fighter Group pilots suffered through their deadliest day as a combat unit, losing eight P-38s during this mission. On the way to the target & during the withdrawal, several small elements of Bf-109s, followed by additional pairs of Zerstörers attacked the formation & shot down several fighters, through the fighter escort responded in kind. The strike was part of a larger joint-operations mission targeting Central Germany & Northern France; the B-24 Liberators, escorted by Spitfires and P-47s, hit Northern France while the B-17s, escorted by P-38s and P-51s, drew the tougher assignment of attacking military targets in Frankfurt.
"intelligence_string"=After taking off, you'll rendezvous with the B-17s as you depart the English coast and head directly for Bonn, where the heavies will use a long target run to look for any breaks in the overcast to make an accurate strike. This will keep you dangerously exposed in areas where German bases are nearby, so keep your head on a swivel, & try not to engage Jerry if he engages these bombers directly! Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Good morning,

Here is one of two missions being done for "Big Week," February 20th, 1944 marked the most successful 8th AF bombing mission to date.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - "Big Week" begins over Gotha
"summary_string"=Listen up! Today, we'll help escort the largest 8th Air Force mission thus far, bringing a large force of B-24s into Germany so they can strike aircraft assembly plants at Gotha. The other two waves are airborne, & we're following them as the last wave. Aside from Spitfires and P-47s, P-51 escorts from the 9th AF will help you provide fighter cover. Be ready for Jerry on this one; with the other waves already en route to their targets, German fighters will be airborne and alert! Good luck!
"objective_string"=On February 20, 1944, the 8th AF kicked off "Big Week," a coordinated effort by SHAEF to destroy German aircraft factories & other military targets inside the Third Reich. The raid on February 20th saw three separate waves pound Central Germany. The 20th Fighter Group supported B-24s sent out to assault aircraft manufacturing plants at Gotha. During this day, the three separate bombing raids encountered some two hundred and fifty German fighters, who attacked in waves of approximately twenty fighters each. Despite this, bomber losses were minimal, and Allied fighters took a heavy toll on Luftwaffe aircraft.
"intelligence_string"=After leaving Kings Cliffe, you'll meet up with the formation near the English coastline and head for Holland. Spitfires and P-47s will help cover parts of the penetration route; Spitfires can cover into Belgium, and P-47s will help bring you along to the Rhine. After that, you will need to keep your head on a swivel, because German commanders are sure to try and prevent these massive waves of bombers being sent over the Reich today. Upon withdrawal, Thunderbolts will relieve you over Koblenz, along the Rhine. From there, you can head directly home.
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Good evening,

Here is another mission, this ends the operations of "Big Week." The next one goes to the big house: Berlin.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Escort to Baden-Wurttemberg
"summary_string"=Listen up, pilots! Today, we'll continue 'Big Week' by escorting B-17s into Germany; they are striking industrial targets in Stuttgart. The B-24s that will compose part of the formation will continue along to Augsburg with the P-51 Mustangs, who now have the 108-gallon drop tanks. Make sure to keep any Jerries off their tail until you are relieved by the P-47s near Brussels. Good luck!
"objective_string"=February 25th, 1944 represented the final day of "Big Week;" the targets were industrial facilities in Stuttgart & the Messerschmitt fighter plant at Augsburg. During the three days that the weather cooperated, the massive assaults inflicted severe damage on German aircraft production all across Germany, as well as weakening the ability of their fighters to defend the Third Reich. However, the brass ring of Berlin remains untouched by 8th AF bombers!
"intelligence_string"=Once airborne, maintain a southeasterly course to rendezvous with the B-17s & B-24s near the mouth of the Tri-River delta in Holland. You will remain with the bombers as they pass over the Rhine near the city of Mannheim, staying on their wing down to Stuttgart. At Mannheim, the B-24s will continue down to Augsburg. Over the Third Reich, you must keep your eyes open and your head on a swivel at all times for any Luftwaffe fighters, they will no doubt be out in force!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[misson]

A big THANK YOU for the hard work that u are making!!!

[Rami]

Good evening,

Hey guys, here is another one...the 8th Air Force goes to Berlin, and you are along for the ride.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Hermann Göring's nightmare
"summary_string"=Listen up! Today, our bombers will take advantage of the improving weather and head back to Berlin, this time putting their bombs on the targets! You'll be a small part of the massive escort force, which even includes two squadrons of RAF Mustangs! We will succeed today and show Hitler that we cannot be deterred from liberating Europe!
"objective_string"=On March 3rd, 4th, & 6th, 1944, the 8th Air Force sent a massed formation of B-17s and B-24s to the city of Berlin and its suburbs to attack industrial targets and aviation plants. On March 3rd and 4th, the formations were forced to turn back or strike targets of opportunity. It was not until March 6th that the weather cooperated, & the bombers faced severe opposition over the Reich, with sixty-nine heavies lost to German fighters. The bombers were under fire all along the route to Berlin and back.
"intelligence_string"=After getting airborne, you'll rendezvous with the bombers as you leave the English coast. Along the route to Berlin, the P-47s, with their longer-range tanks can remain with you until you reach Bremen. The P-51s will stay with you for the entire trip to Berlin. Have your head on a swivel & be ready for anything; you will undoubtedly face the full force of the Luftwaffe today!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Good morning,

Here is another mission, the last escort mission before the 20th Fighter Group begins other activities, including the next mission...a famous ground-pounding effort that gave the 20th Fighter Group a Presidential Unit Citation and a new unofficial nickname.

"title_string"=20th Fighter Group - Pinch-hitting for the 15th AF
"summary_string"=Listen up, airmen! This morning, orders have been put in for you to get extra chow, because we have a long day ahead. Your P-38s and the P-51s will be escorting B-17s and B-24s to Bavaria! The targets today are Munich & Augsburg. Your Lightnings will handle to Munich assignment, but fuel consumption will be critical. Targets this south in Germany are typically handled by the 15th Air Force, but they are socked in, so it's our turn. Be wary of Jerries on this one, many German airfields are in the area!
"objective_string"=On March 16th and 18th, the 8th AF sent waves of bombers into Bavaria to pummel the Messerschmitt fighter assembly plant at Augsburg, as well as the varied industrial facilities at Friedrichshafen and the airfields around Munich. Fighter opposition on both raids was quite severe, and heavy flak on the 18th took a heavy toll. The 20th Fighter Group lost a total of three pilots during the mission on March 18th.
"intelligence_string"=Once you get airborne and link up with the bomber stream, you'll stay on their wing & head southwest to Munich, keeping with the B-17s while the B-24s strike Friedrichshafen. Make sure to keep Jerries away from the bombers; they've been saving their attacks for our withdrawal from the target. P-47s will relieve you near the Rhine on the return trip, and you can proceed directly home from there. Be warned; this mission is at the ragged edge of your range, so it's crucial to keep your drop tanks until you reach Munich. Good luck!
"player_aircraft_name_string"=Lockheed P-38J-25 Lightning
"airfield_string"=England - Methwold

[Rami]

Captain Kurt,

Many thanks for Salzwedel, it looks fantastic. Now, to blow it up...

[Rami]

Hey guys.

I grew tired of working in Greece and Crete for the time being, and quietly loaded my train and headed back onto the Continent for a time. Shadow Wolf 07 had been patiently awaiting my 20th Fighter Group campaign flying P-38s, and so I moved back to England about ten days ago to continue working on it. I am going to send out a beta testing package to him, highpockets, and a couple of other members of my choosing to test this.

So far, I have the first seventeen missions complete. This is going to be a "full immersion" campaign that Captain Kurt is a fan of, because you will be flying the P-38 exclusively for the first campaign, and the missions get progressively bigger and more intense over time. Starting in September, 1943, you deal with missions over England, Holland. and France with assistance from British fighters before graduating to missions over Germany proper. Some of the "Big Week" missions involve formations of over 120 Allied aircraft, and I've pushed beyond that for the first Berlin raid. Thankfully, all the aircraft are multi-lod and use the AI bombs, so frame rates are not affected much.

The second campaign will pick up after the group shifts from the P-38 to the P-51 Mustang. After getting this first beta test package ready to go, I will move on to the attack on Salzwedel airfield, the mission that earned the unit a Presidential Unit Citation.

The list of beta testers is not exclusive, so if anyone else wants to test this, just let me know.

[Rami]

Hey guys,

For the attack mission on Salzwedel, I wanted you to have bombs, rockets, and your gun loads to ensure maximum destruction, but the old gal just didn't have the legs. I remembered that the Blue Arrow P-38 awhile back had an asymmetrical payload option, so the fix was just a simple cut-and-paste job.

[Rami]

Talon, Captain Kurt, Skylane, Shadow Wolf 07, et al...

Good morning. I was looking ahead for a couple of P-38 missions and ran across a really interesting combat tactic used by the 20th Fighter Group, but I have no clue how the heck you could simulate it.

Apparently during their "loco-busting missions," they resorted to having their flight and element leaders carry drop tanks to the target, and releasing them on their targets, (in this case, trains) saturating them with high-octane gasoline. Then, their wingmen would swing back around and on the next pass, strafe these targets with their cannons and machine guns using tracers and incendiary rounds and light those puppies up!

Any ideas on how (or even if) something like that could be simulated?

[Robert John]

Hi Rami,

I have many ideas to make missions interesting even down to a bouncing bomb, it sort of worked.

I think it may need some new models, and invisible models to simulate misses, each model being is own entity.

Lighting up I assume lots of flames.

If you can email me pictures and information what you are looking for I would be pleased to help.

Hope you are well, I been going through a few of life's changes that has not been easy, as I am rebuilding parts my life but the outcome of all the hard work I am putting is going to be worth it.

Robert John

[Rami]

Hi Rami,

I have many ideas to make missions interesting even down to a bouncing bomb, it sort of worked.

I think it may need some new models, and invisible models to simulate misses, each model being is own entity.

Lighting up I assume lots of flames.

If you can email me pictures and information what you are looking for I would be pleased to help.

Hope you are well, I been going through a few of life's changes that has not been easy, as I am rebuilding parts my life but the outcome of all the hard work I am putting is going to be worth it.

Robert John

RJ,

1) Yes, "lighting up" means that the rail cars exploded in flames. The high-octane petrol would be ignited by the incendiary rounds and the tracer rounds.

2) Regarding pictures, that's not really possible. (I don't think)

3) I'm hoping that Talon and Captain Kurt read this, because they might be able to picture in their mind the combination of effects needed to possibly make something like this work. The next best bet would be to use napalm, I suppose.

Once we get information on what is needed to pull something like this off, it might make it easier for you to work on a possible solution with input from other sources.

I also need to talk to Talon about glide and skip bombing with the P-38 for Normandy missions when they attacked bridges from low level.

[bearcat241]

Rami,

1. As you've no doubt experienced, the sim engine doesn't recognize drop tanks as true attack weapons, therefore it won't permit AI to drop them on target if an AI a/c was used as attack leader. If the player is attack lead, he can drop his tanks on target but they would have no destructive effects since they simply disappear on impact without spilling gas or igniting. Another hard-coded limitation.

2. If the above were possible, whatever targets you would want to attack would have to have their damage profiles edited to only match that of the long-burning oil tanks and such already in our inventory of infrastructure objects. I used this suggestion because some ground fuel tanks are known to stop burning and simply vanish upon 100% destruction as designed in their DP effects. You can strafe them just enough to get them to explode and burn, but if you make another pass for 100% destruction, they'll stop burning and disappear. The longer-burning tanks would provide better effects to copy for this purpose, again, if it were feasible.

3. Having the AI or player lead dropping napalm on target doesn't achieve the simulation of this tactic because the weapon would explode on impact and destroy the target with shock and fire, therefore no gas saturation would occur for the following strafers to ignite.

Your idea sounds interesting, but the sim has its limits. As the saying goes, it is what it is...

[Shadow Wolf 07]

I agree with Bearcat's comments. Your next best option is to use napalm, but as he says, it won't duplicate the second hit ignition effect.

[Blood_Hawk23]

I agree with Bearcat's comments. Your next best option is to use napalm, but as he says, it won't duplicate the second hit ignition effect.

I don't think its impossible. Take it apart and look what is needed.

The lead plane in drops the tanks. Easy - Have napalm/drop tanks with little or no damage ability. You may have a crate or something light that it will destroy. The player's part is done. Next, have rest of group set to strafe the target. Make sure to have effects for the target. I think most of the work will be on the trains.

Can we put a splash type of effect on a drop tank/bomb? Maybe, have a smoke marker appear after the drop. Now, if we could do event triggers that remove an object then there are some other things we could do.

That's my thoughts on it...Sounds like a cool idea Rami. I hope it can be done.

[Rami]

Blood_Hawk23,

This isn't a dead idea, in fact it looks to be entirely plausible with a little "outside the box" thinking. Talon is going to help me out by modify the effect files on Wolfi's trains to increase the explosive effects, and creating what best can be described as a "drop tank bomb" that will do the job, at least in terms of simulating the release of the drop tanks.

Fortunately, the targets these P-38s will attack are within the normal combat range of a P-38, so you will not have to worry about fuel. I figured that this was too good of a mission to just skip over. There will also be missions where you have to "skip bomb" and "glide bomb" some bridges in Normandy after D-day.