Search and Rescue

[Martyn]

Might be do-able if it came as an evolutionary step. Allow downed pilots to join a plane/vehicle nearby, then allow them to be returned to a base. I reckon it fills out the game a bit without needing new planes/objects to be designed - the empty goon, Jeep or M3 will do for a start. Great for rescuing buddies.

[Simba]

"I'd love to have the option of going out and attempting to rescue a squaddy in a Jeep or Storch or Lysander. It adds to the different kind of ops you could do. Maybe it didn't happen often in RL - but then little in AH did. Not all players want to play the game the same way all the time."

Those 'Dumbo' PBY pilots were courage personified. As I recall, the only Medal of Honor awarded to a PBY pilot was won by Lt. Nathan Gordon USN of VPB-34, when he and his gallant crew of 'The Arkansas Traveler' rescued 25 downed B-25 crewmen while supporting a raid on Kavieng airfield, New Ireland, 15th February 1944. With the record those PBY crews of WW2 put up, I'm amazed they didn't get more.

Now there's an idea. I'm off to post a new 'wish': the ability to land and take off from water in AH, and some aeroplanes in which to do it.

   

[AWwrgwy]

You can potentially walk back to base if you are shot down over enemy territory now and regain 25% of the perk points you would be losing be getting a "you have bailed successfully" message.

Think it's done much?

  realism.


wrongway

[Madguns]

This is a really good idea.  Saving your squadie the 278 perks he might have lost when he got smoked in his 262 would add some very interesting situations for sure.

How about shooting down the 262, watching said terd bail out, then downing the rescue bird.  Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! 

To bad it will never be incorporated into the game. 

[Enker]

You can potentially walk back to base if you are shot down over enemy territory now and regain 25% of the perk points you would be losing be getting a "you have bailed successfully" message.

Think it's done much?

  realism.


wrongway

Actually, the realism is negated when you consider that one can potentially run for eight days and nights with out once stopping for a breather, pit stop, or lamb shank.   

[Martyn]

This is a really good idea.  Saving your squadie the 278 perks he might have lost when he got smoked in his 262 would add some very interesting situations for sure.

How about shooting down the 262, watching said terd bail out, then downing the rescue bird.  Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! 

To bad it will never be incorporated into the game. 

Down the plane then shoot the 'chute.

[Templar]

+1 would make for a more diverse gaming experience.

[WGUtah]

many are missing the point!  Realism was not the main point at all!  The real point is to add additional dimensions to the game.

[daddog]

I think it is a great idea. Not the first time this has come up.

The real point is to add additional dimensions to the game.

Not to mention how we could use it in special events.  I would go pick up downed squadies to save my side some points and I know others would too.

[Martyn]

"I'd love to have the option of going out and attempting to rescue a squaddy in a Jeep or Storch or Lysander. It adds to the different kind of ops you could do. Maybe it didn't happen often in RL - but then little in AH did. Not all players want to play the game the same way all the time."

Those 'Dumbo' PBY pilots were courage personified. As I recall, the only Medal of Honor awarded to a PBY pilot was won by Lt. Nathan Gordon USN of VPB-34, when he and his gallant crew of 'The Arkansas Traveler' rescued 25 downed B-25 crewmen while supporting a raid on Kavieng airfield, New Ireland, 15th February 1944. With the record those PBY crews of WW2 put up, I'm amazed they didn't get more.

Now there's an idea. I'm off to post a new 'wish': the ability to land and take off from water in AH, and some aeroplanes in which to do it.

   

I just read up a bit on the PBYs - if they were to be included they'd REALLY need to be useful. They flew real slow and took a lot of sea to take-off. Range was a major asset, but range is not really needed in game with a 'small world'. I reckon a PBY would be fighter fodder unless used with real care. I'm not sure, but I think they were slower and less manouverable than a C-47.

[bravoa8]

I think it is a great idea. Not the first time this has come up.  

Not to mention how we could use it in special events.  I would go pick up downed squadies to save my side some points and I know others would too.

That's what I like about this idea too I would certainly do it just for fun.

[catdaddy]

lysanders were actually used to insert and retrieve spys, but on occasion were also used to pick up allied pilots that the resistance had rescued.

 There were also a couple of allied pilots that were rescued by squad mates that had landed their fighters nearby and flew them both home.

 PBY's were pretty slow and not as maneuverable as a B-17 but they did pick up hundreds of downed pilots in the pacific.

I think a "rescue" option would ad another dimension to the overall game and certain requirements allowing the rescue to award points would have to be met so the concept wouldn't be abused.

[redwing7]

We ran a squad search and rescue mission that was a blast. One pilot flew deep into enemy territory and bailed near the flack train. We then escorted a goon 4-5 sectors NOE, landed the goon, picked up the pilot and tried to fight our way back. If I recall correctly the goon was the only one to make it back, lol.

I would love to see this option in the game. I also agree with catdaddy, certain restrictions should be applied in order to keep the option from being abused. Maybe something like a minimum distance from bases and spawns.

[K-KEN]

Due to the nature of several Scenarios where this is already used, adding a DOT command like the .join but maybe a .load or some such, to enter a PBY or PT, Goon or other transport. Maybe a proximity setting to make certain you are next to the object that is doing the rescue. (like the "Load Supplies" thingy)
It would then be an effective way to rescue a pielet and/or gunner even and add to the events and MA experience. Also considering a "wounded" pilot bailing out. (First Aid) As far as scoring and all, maybe keep the same score for the sortie as a bail...but it might give you the Kill messages you earned. <shrug>

I think it does have merit. It is something I was just considering posting - the idea of a new DOT Command (like .load) before I even saw this thread.

 

[fbEagle]

So one or two squads might use it out of how many players? Lots to code for such small use.

This is true but, isnt that what we pay HTC every month for?! To make the game as realistic as possible.
+1