5150 Fighter Command - Operation Blackburn campaing mission one: Hornet nest

I finished most of my fleetscale fighters for Thr´engi wars 5150:Fighter Command if you following my blog for sometime you know i am played campaing set into this "universe" sometime ago end result was total destruction of player squardron - Pumas and shortly afterwards even their homecarrier.

To regain situation Terran command order to start Operation Blackburn sending battlegroup into the area and deal with Thr´engi threat. You will be following story of  young 1st Lt. Sean Cedric "Archangel" and his wingmen Tori "Spectre" Sanders.

Since start of operation ANS Gettysburg launched various patrols but without any activity but that is soon to begun change.

The Mission started as rutine patrol, with PEF in sector 4.4 and 2 and Patrol nav points in sector 2,4,6 so far it should be cakewalk. At start of game PEF (2 and 4) moves 4" forward. Alliance Flight moved little forward but PEF tried to bunch up so Archangel decided they will break right and try to outrun them.

Got multiple readings! 
Roger that, i see em we will break right and if we are lucky we can outrun them complete mission and RTB!
Changing course......

First PEF was resovolved as ghost siginal with good intel, but second  was flight of Remora fighters and patrol run into 3rd PEF which was Manta interceptors. The Patrol Launched 2 FF missles first almost hit enemy flight patrol leader but he managed to launch decoy but still his engines was damaged. However 2nd Fighter targeted by Spectre hit it mark with full efect, the cockpit was annihilated by strike, which even the odds.

 The Archangel and Spectre moves in to engage Squid patrol and separeted the flight so they can engage them one by one, Archangel opened up on fighter destroying his guns and engines which ruptured into one big plasmaball.

The Remaing squid decided to make stand instead of running, there was also no point the Alliance fighters are faster and they will catch him and shoot him down. He launched both his FF missles on Archangel but luckily Archangel launch his decoys and evades both missles.
Archangel again engaged enemy fighter in deadly combat, performing high-energy yo-yo he end up at the side of manta and engaged him with his mass drivers ripping him appart.

Real smooth kill there, Archangel!
Yeah lets pop up those bombers and...
New contacts! bearing 232/74 they are right behind us!
Okay plan B! we hit those afterburners and try to outrun them! with anyluck we will finish our scans and get the hell out there!

The Squids get reinforcements - Rep 5 Stingray medium fighters you dont want to mess with these guys, The patrol will try to outrun them hit navpoints and get the hell out of there. Both Stingrays and Alliance hit burners with patrol and  headed to NAV Point one. The Alliance meet second waypoint but the squids reorganised and form large group with bombers ready to cut them at navpoint in sector 4.

Additional Contacts! IFF confirmed hostiles! Bearing 872/54
Damn it! Spectre we are pulling out!
But we can reach Navpoint III!
Negative Spectre! they will caught there and we will shot space dust from every direction!
engage those jump drives!

Again squids got reinforcements another Stingray flight this time piloted by rookies but still force to be reckon with. The Archangel knew if he caught him in the middle the party will over so he decided to abandon mission and surviving is part of battle eh?

I hope you enjoy the report and see you soon in second mission of Operation Blackburn......

here are some bonus photos of the game

Sacred Cause - Mission five Search and Rescue

This was little special scenario i played after deadly gaulnet between Thr´engi and Human fighters.  Viper teamed up with new guy callsign Hyde, they were escorting transport ship which were send to pickup escape pods from New Orleans and fighter escort. the mission was played similiary as patrol , there were four point points but only transport ship can clear them. In order to clear navpoint transport must come into 1" distance from navpoint and roll 1d6 on 1-3 the escape pod run out of oxygen and everyone on board is dead. on 5-6 pod is rescued.

Area of Operations have some asteroids and two dust fields (Homemade by my kids nothing fancy but get the job done). SAR party consists of Viper (Rep5 star) and Hyde (Rep 4 grunt)in Raven medium fighter escorting transport ship piloted by Tag (Rep 4 grunt).

As always enemy have 3 PEFs, intel again was solid, so Thr´engi dont prepare any suprises. First PEF hidden in dust cloud moved forward but remain in cloud, PEF located in rear center of board moved up to our patrol, scanners picked up two An´rah fighters closing fast, Viper and Hyde  move up to engage them before they hit  SAR ship. second PEF moved from cloud but it was just interference. third PEF has been identifed as flight of two An´rah has been indentifited. Terran patrol has been now outnumbered 2:1.

Before second squid flight can close in Viper fired his FF missle and hit 1st An´rah which exploded before he can launch his decoys. Second An´rah fire his missle too, targeting Hyde but he was able to launch decoy and do evasive maneovre which threw him out of his course but thanks to dogfight maneovre he was able to close in on An´rah and hit his hull and cockpit knocking off squid life support and Thr´engi flight leader was instantly dead. Viper tried to lure second An´rah fight out of transport, to battle them on their own terms.

one of the An´rah moved up to hit Hyde flank opening fire and knocking off Hyde shields and Comms, but Hyde performed dead mans return maneover and ripping an´rah appart with his mass drivers. 

Viper showup little performing special maneovre and fire IR Missle on second fighter, missle struck home damaging  cockpit and shields the Thr´engi pilot was knock-out and Terran fighters maneover behind him and Hyde take him down.

Meanwhile Tag picked up first pod which contained surviovors alive, so far so good, Viper move up far from transport to provide overwatch while transport picking up the pod inside the cloud, unfortunatly everyone in pod was dead. as TAG marine team seariching the pod, the Thr´engi Early Warining Satelitte picked up Viper ion trail and alerted nearby squid patrol which came up to engage. Hyde was able to bring up damaged system online as flight tried to outmaneover An´rah fighters behind asteroids. the An´rah was lured to trap and viper fired his second FF missle which obliterated flight leader An´rah. Hyde opened fire was able to hit guns of An´rah but thats was it, An´rah returned fire but wasn´t able to hit Hyde Raven. Fighters move in to position for another pass on each other but Viper experience and reflexes give him upper hand above the squid rookie pilot and Viper´s mass drivers completely obliterated enemy fighter.

Tag picked up another pod containing more surviovors and Alliance patrol from ANS Solaris came in area in case that any squids wanted  to break up the party. their assistance however wasnt needed and Tag collected last pod containg only dead humans. all fighters then escorted transport back to Tarawa.

5150: Fighter Command Mission three

Viper: Well it was simple we had to babysit ANS New Orleans to take out raider Capship, not she would need us but we we´re there just in case , and had Sandbox and Flattop wainting in NO hangerbay so it was just fine

Well third mission is here and althought it seemed it will be hard it was nothing more than turkey shot poor rep fighters and frigate instead of something heavier resulted in bloodbath. anyway here is full report of what happened. please note astroids here we´re rich for Allaetium so they blocked sensor range. there was some asteroids in center of table and far end was full of asteroids

Viper and Angel entered table in center (sector 8) in close escort formation with ANS New Orleans, a Terran Heavy Cruiser. first activation roll was hell enemy reinforcements for Thr´engi force so another PEF apperead other PEFs moved forward and first contact was  enemy fighter patrol. Because they was clearly outclassed they try to break for it and head for reinforcements, Angel and Viper engage them destroying both without any resistance (rep 3 both of them, poor bastards!) and crisis was averted.

Angel: And then they appered from asteroid field, they dont detected us until they almost crashed into New Orleans, they must be scarred shitless because they turn right very fast. then we´ve opened fire and it was over before dogfight even started.

second contact identifited as Kal´sha class frigate with intial exchange of fire, New Orleans managed to damage beam battery of frigate and moved closer.Angel took hit from defense turrets, but he was only stunned. then New Orleans launched Sandbox and Flattop Rep 4 grunts. in next exchange the Kal´sha was unable to penetrate shields of New Orleans, but his adversary was more succesfull with two hull breach results it was over. the remaing two PEFs moved in going for straight kill on our hero flight. The PEFs we´re two Thr´engi fighter flights. Flattop and Sandbox joined Viper and Angel and outnumber first flight 2:1, Angel and Viper each of them penetrated cockpits of their opponents who was sucked into space gameover for them.

Cpt. Morrison: When I saw that frigate running towards us and I think are they serious? of course they don´t stand a chance.....

The Last two squids decided that it is better to run to fight other day, but Viper had other idea so all four ravens jumped on Thr´engi six and it was over both enemy fighters exploded under heavy Terran fire. It was over

Viper: Then those two furballs make run for it , i give only one order - Waste´em boys!

Sacred Cause - Mission two Boarding action 5150 Fighter Command

Aquiring new mat painting few fleet scale fighters i decided to move up with campaing, i ordered more fighter scale fighters and bombers. the new thing i buy some black cloth yesterday and created easy gaming mat, enhancing game much more. anyway let´s return to our heroes Viper (Rep5 star) and Angel (Rep 4 grunt) are prepearing for boarding action mission they will be escorting two boarding transports loaded with badass marines - their job is to capture enemy cruiser from inside, Alpha flight consisting of Viper and Angel are tasked to protect their rides easy as breakfast.

Alliance task force

Table was using my DIY gaming mat and few asteroids which are still not paitnted segment 1 was asteroid field as wal as number 5. Alliance forces deployed in sector 9, while PEF was in sector 1, 5 and 6. Viper and Angel was flying on Raven Medium fighters, escorting two assault transports.

Operation Area

The flight moved forward to deal with any troublemakers that may pop-up, they got fix on first two PEFs, First one was their objective Zu´kara class Cruiser, and second flight of two Ak´rah medium fighters. Our heroes move up to deal with troublemakers.

This Viper we have fix! Za´kura class cruiser designation TS Indira. Elysium 1 a 2  she´s all yours! Wait the minute, two contacts Ak´rah fighters engaging now!

Za´kura class Cruiser

Target Aquired, Fox 1 awaaay!

Target aquired! Fox 1 awaaay! Damn he´s good!

Viper here i got him! another squid bites the dust....

Viper evade! evade!

Ravens engaged enemy medium fighters, Angel (left on photo) fired his missle, Squid evaded but he ended out of sight so he must dogfight his maneovre has failed leaving him in front of Viper guns, who blew him up from the skies. the second open-up but result was he miss all fire. in consquence he tailed his back and run before Alliance fighter could catch him (they fired missles but he was able to evade.) Cruiser started moving in and Alliance started to deal with cruiser.

Boarding Operations begin

Get tactical marines!

Cruiser openup fire from his turrets and was able to hit one of the boarding crafts in cockpit, stunning  pilot, but second one was able to board it. Marines quickly overcome enemy resistence and seized bridge. second dropship unloaded his cargo to deal with any leftovers in cruiser. In moment of capture another message comes in Alliance convoy has been ambushed and last remaing transport has moving through location of battle followed by two Ak´rah fighters.

To all Terran forces in area this is transport Echo 466, we are under Thr´engi attack anyone please assist, this is transport Echo 466 someone, anyone please respond!

This is Alpha flight from ANS Tarawa, hold there 466 we are on the way!

Transport Echo 466 under attack

Viper and his wingmen has move away from escort formation to protect the transport and attacked enemy flight and Angel destroyed another squid fighter. The Second one evaded Viper IR missle

Protecting transport

That´s right squiggy run! and tell your octopa-admiral that you has been beaten by Pumas!

The Thr´eng forces decided this too much for them and begin their retreat, Alliance fighter decided to let them go.

This mission was huge success, not only the vital intel has been gathered, but our heroes also saved civilian convoy and rout enemy forces in this sector.

5150 Fighter Command another AAR - this time first mission in campaing

I take my Fleetscale fighters from GZG and mounted them on bases, while GZG crusty fighters representing our  kind - the Terran Alliance, Kra´vak fighters are representing Thr´engi, squid resembling race which is in war with humans for over 70 years. Thr´engi human conflict is based on few RPG campaings we played in my hometown about 14-12 years ago.

Humans now starting operation Sacred Cause to drive out Thr´engi forces from Deri system, our pilots are members of ANS Tarawa 3rd Squadron "Pumas". Initial push into system drive Thr´engi Carrier group Lasha into hiding and it is Tarawa job to put them out from their misery.

First mission assigned to third flight of Pumas was reconnisance mission of nearby asteroid field, again played at home i will star building some asteroids and making some nebula markers. here is overall map of area

Left side contained two minefields, middle asteroid field and dust cloud and right side one asteroid field

Our Hero Sandman (Rep 5 Star) and his trusty wingman Angel (Rep 4 Grunt) has been flying Perseus light fighters for this Op they has been issued two more rockets....

The Pumas went in with good intel but still enemy is lurking somewhere out there......

"This Angel  we´re entering patrol area so far so good ....... whoooaaa wait a minute i got three sketchy siginals could be squids, should we check it out?"

"Thats negative Angel, we go in check out the Navs and get out! if we encounter any Squids we blow them out of the skies but no heroics."

"Yes, sir!"

Perseus started in sector two with no "terrain" and starting closing towards nearest Nav point, nearer PEF moved 8" towards them while second only 4" and last one remained in place. the first PEF has been resolved as squid medium fighter flight but they showed our heroes sides of their fighters but they we´re too far to engage now.

"Squid fighters! two of them, orders?"

"Punch it! let´s take em before they call more friends"

Second marker moved 4" toward our heroes, while squid fighters tried to maneovre to engage human fighter, whom did the same thing. thankfully human reflexes were better and they fired first and blew up both fighters from skies

"Closing in! got him! got him!"

"Say good night squid! This Viper to Tarawa, we engaged Squid patrol, two medium fighters please Advise."

"Tarawa to Alpha 1, mission is still go, proceed with mission."

After succesfull combat second PEF closed in and again medium fighter wing with turned backs on our humble patrol.

"Angel here, another squid flight three o´clock! engage?"

"Negative we try to lose them in that asteroid field, hit burners!"

Human fighters tried to evade the Thr´engi patrol in asteroid field using afterburners, while squids try to outrun them by bypassing field from other side, third contact resolved as false alarm. Squid fighters cleared the field, and came into sights of human fighters before they can change direction, humans launched their missles and both fighters we´re not able to launch decoys and we´re instantly destroyed.

"I´ve got lock!"
"Fire!"
"Bleep! and it is over!"
"Confrimed kill, Angel"

Flight then checked both remaing points and head home.
"This is Alpha leader mission acomplished, RTB"