Wings at War Khalkhin Gol Pilot and Plane Parameters

Some more ramblings...

I've been thinking of the parameters for section organisation and pilot ratings in the Khalkhin Gol rules.

I'm going to have all aircraft grouped in sections of three, as this was the norm for both the IJAAF and VVS at the time, with the exception of reconnaissance and artillery spotting aircraft which operate individually. In Duel of Aces there is an option for Aces to fly individually and for sections of fighters to have an extra 1 or 2 aircraft if Green up to a maximum of four, but I may just keep it simple.

I may allow the sections to be grouped together into a larger formation of up to nine aircraft using the formation rules. The rules for formation flying will be included anyway to make it easier to handle larger numbers of planes.

Not sure about the TB-3 which were used as night bombers, playing only a limited role on the tactical side. It would be a shame not to include them. I'll have t think of a way to bring them in.

Pilot skill ratings will vary between the early and late half of the conflict.

In the early half, the Japanese get up to two sections as Aces and one as Green, the rest Regular. The Soviets get no Ace sections and at least two must be Green.

In the middle, both sides have the same setup. One group of Aces, the rest Regular and one must be Green.

In the second half, the Japanese have only one Ace section and at least two must be Green. The Soviets get up to one Ace sections and no Green ones

This reflects the changing experience of the two sides over the war, with the Soviets bringing in expert pilots to stiffen their ranks and gain combat experience, while the Japanese suffer from increasing losses and fatigue.