All are welcome to play. If you can make most of the frames, please register here: http://electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/201706_BigWeek/registration/registration.html
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Brooke on April 25, 2017, 03:29:43 PM
On October 14, 1943, the US 8th Air Force launched 291 B-17 Flying Fortresses to attack the ball-bearing factories near Schweinfurt. 26% of them did not return. Of the 291 bombers, only 33 of them returned without damage. It was named "Black Thursday."
If the 8th AF continued in this fashion, it faced extinction within a month. As a result, Black Thursday was the end of 8th AF bombers attacking Germany without fighter escort all the way to target.
Now, it is February, 1944. The 8th AF has gotten drop tanks for its fighters, greatly extending the range of its P-47's to suppliment its long-legged P-38's and new P-51's. The game has changed.
Now, it's the 8th AF's turn to try for a killing blow against the Luftwaffe.
Now, it is time for . . . Big Week!
The strongest, best-escorted effort the 8th AF has ever mounted, against a Luftwaffe that just dealt murderous losses to the 8th.
In this Scenario, we will see which side prevails in this fight to the death.
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Brooke on April 25, 2017, 03:58:11 PM
"Keep on your toes, high squadron, low squadron. Here they come! Twelve o'clock high!"
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Brooke on April 25, 2017, 10:39:31 PM
(A better version of above video.)
"On your toes, high squadron, low squadron. Here they come! Twelve o'clock high!"
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Brooke on April 25, 2017, 11:36:59 PM
"Gentlemen . . . This morning we have a mission of some importance. For the first time --"
Folks, the upshot is -- yes, the Big Week newsgroup is still up and being used. (It is a Usenet newsgroup started a loooooong time ago in Air Warrior days and was and is a hangout place for folks from from Air Warrior days.)
Ah, Usenet . . . I loved Usenet. These days, I'm not even sure how to access it. What's the easiest way?
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Shuffler on April 27, 2017, 01:55:07 PM
I may find a P38J.
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Oldman731 on April 27, 2017, 02:17:31 PM
Every scenario where I find a P-38 on my tail that I can't shake, and I'm wondering, "How the heck is that guy still there?", I check my film, and it is Shuffler! :aok
My only wish is that we were flying on the same side, as I'm Luftwaffe in this one.
Dace up there protecting our B-17's in Der Grosse Schlag: (http://www.electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/200710_derGrosseSchlag/pics/frame4/Image-0020.jpg)
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Brooke on April 28, 2017, 09:17:32 PM
It was probably the most successful scenario ever if I remember right. You just cant beat those high altitude realistic fights.
Sort of -- Big Week was the first frame of Battle Over Germany, which then progressed to representing other time frames and aircraft. Battle Over Germany ran in 2011 and had 300 players.
Bomber folks have been very enthusiastic about this one. There is only one registration spot left for the bombers.
There are plenty of 109's, 190's, P-47's, and P-38's available still.
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Oldman731 on April 28, 2017, 11:36:00 PM
My only wish is that we were flying on the same side, as I'm Luftwaffe in this one.
Dace up there protecting our B-17's in Der Grosse Schlag: (http://www.electraforge.com/brooke/flightsims/scenarios/200710_derGrosseSchlag/pics/frame4/Image-0020.jpg)
Heck, my first scenario in AH was the "Ruhr Event" way back in late '03 or early '04. 'Bout this same plane set, you and I flew in a group together under JB42 flying FW-190A5s. Got a couple D11s during the event and had much fun. I was hooked on scenarios and flew in probably the next ten after that. Wish I had more time for them these days. Good times. :rock
Title: Re: "Big Week" is coming -- strategic bombing, 8th AF vs. Luftwaffe
Post by: Dace on April 29, 2017, 12:29:24 PM
(https://68.media.tumblr.com/d55cd0f9694b927036d0a26775e20b79/tumblr_mv2t6g9X7m1rsldtqo1_500.jpg) Wow, those P47s were even bigger than the B17s! Come fly mamoth fighters with us - 'cos bigger is better!