I had a long chat with Farber about our concerns which fell into two areas:
Aircraft Performance
Radar function
The Hurricane Mk I and Spitfire MkIa (100 octane) aircraft are seriously underperforming:
http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showpos...35&postcount=1
http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showpos...84&postcount=1
I have asked if we can have 87 Octane Spitfires 1a for Hurricanes 100 octane and 87 octane Spitfire MkIIa for Spitfire MkIa 100 octane
Perhaps more important is our ability to interpret what is going on. Trying to lead a Squadron with navigation, formation control, lookout etc and then operating as a Radar Controller too is impossible to do properly. Its not even practical for a wingman. Also not being able to update the radar information for five minutes is unrealistic. I know that the data should be 4 minutes out of date and so has to be delayed to simulate that but Radar Controllers had that late information coming in continuously or could call for it any time. Then the Sector stations had to consider the whole picture and direct their forces as necessary.
What we lack is the opportunity to create and interpret the overall picture which was a vital and fundamental aspect of the success of the radar system and the Battle. It was a weapon in itself not just a handy addon. SLs are currently doing it in isolation and only when it is practical (I was only able to use the radar three times because so much else was going on). What we need are radar controllers, guys willing to sit in a cockpit on the ground where they can operate the radar commands, have time to read/capture and assess the text returns (which don't stay long), talk to eachother and direct Squads as necessary. That's not flying but its not as boring as some people might think. I'd be happy to do it but if we are allowed that we should be allowed extra non-flying personnel to do it to keep our flying numbers the same.
I have asked if we can have that.
I am really grateful for the guys putting this campaign together and in parts we have been able to enjoy it while some parts are frustrating for the above reasons. We don't expect to sweep through victorious skies just because we happen to know the RAF won (or didn't lose) the Battle, we know it was hard and frustrating but for the historical reasons. 56 will certainly continue to take part but I think a few changes need to be made for more realistic possibilities and for improved gameplay.