Not dependent on any map or offline mission
1. Takeoff on any map you like offline
2. Pull up the clipboard
3. Select the "Quick Combat" option - a dropdown of all A/C appears
4. Select the A/C you want
5. Click OK - in a few moments AH sends an AI of the plane type you selected
AH could vary the initial altitudes and headings of the AI relative to your plane, including bouncing you from behind.
If you select a bomber you can select formation or not, and can enable or disable "evasive action"
It occurred to me that quick combat would be nice for GV's too but I suppose there are no AI GV's at this stage, and where to spawn them would be a headache.