WarBirds is a very detailed Print and Play game system that recreates aerial combat engagements from 1914 to the present day. Each volume covers an important era of development, World War I (CF), World War II (DoE), Korea and the Modern era (TCE). Taken together, the full series will show how the aircraft has evolved as a weapons system.

Each volume will use the same core movement, combat systems and rules. For example, the same rules are used to cover aircraft movement across all volumes. One set of rules allows you to play any volume and module.

Each volume uses the same chart and table layout. The scale has been adjusted to fit aircraft performance of the era. For example, Volume 1 Canvas Falcons has a scale of 100 feet per hex, 4.5 seconds per Tactical Game turn and each flight point is 15 mph. Volume 2 The Duel of Eagles each hex is 300 feet, 4.1 seconds in time and each flight point is 50 mph. Volume 3 The Cutting Edge uses a scale of 500 feet per hex, 4.5 seconds and each flight point is 75 mph.

The game may be played on three levels, Tactical, Division Maneuvering and Flight Operations. When using the tactical combat scale, a map board and counters that represent individual aircraft and ground units are used to play combat engagements. At the Division Maneuvering the mission player maneuvers their formation into positon and may engage with beyond visual range (BVR) missiles. At the Flight Operations scale, the player is responsible for meeting mission requirements and leading his flight to and from the target area.

The WarBirds Game System shows the performance differences between aircraft and technological developments have in tactical combat. For example Canvas Falcons shows the difference between a Fokker DVII with a 160 hp Mercedes engine and one powered by a 185 hp BMW engine. Weapon synchronization systems have an impact on the rate of fire and number of hits on the target. Aircraft have a safe G-Load rating, maneuvers beyond this load and the aircraft may suffer structural damage or failure. Aircraft carry a limited amount of fuel and ammunition to complete the assigned mission. Aircrew are limited in the number of operations they may perform during the game turn by Task Points. How aircraft and aircrew limitations and technological advances influenced air combat engagements may be experienced while playing WarBirds.
Each aircraft data card reflects the performance analysis of an individual aircraft, each subtype or advanced model will have a dedicated data card with an anatomically correct 3-view.

A VASSAL module is available for each era at the Tactical and Flight Operations scale. The material is Print and Play. The player may print the material or have it professionally printed for their own use or use the pdf material and Vassal module for on-line play.

Purchasers of the game will be asked if they wish to join a Groups.io support group where game system news, additional material, updates and finding opponents will be available.


NOTE: Updated material is available to purchasers, there is no charge for updates or lost files. Please contact Steve@WarBirdsGS.com for updated material or replacement files.