Chapter 9, Simulated Aerial Combat

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Target heading 313, altitude 13,000, now turn to 350, climb to 15,000. The simulated tower instructions came through the headset

Ron, who are these people?" Petrov spoke up

"You are no different," Ron said, "Don't tell me the army has just changed their uniforms to look like yours."

"Follow me to attack!" Ron issued the command. He did not choose a direct approach of diving in for an attack, but instead continued to swaggeringly advance towards the bomber formation. Due to the interference of sunlight, the Japanese fighters were a beat slow in positioning themselves. In a flurry, they quickly turned and accelerated towards Ron's formation, attempting to intercept them before they could attack the bombers. The Japanese fighter group flew approximately 500 meters in front of the bombers, at an altitude about 500 meters higher than that of the bombers, climbing as they ran, barely managing to reach the front of Ron's formation. They quickly turned and accelerated towards Ron's group, trying to intercept them before they could attack the bombers. The Japanese fighter group flew approximately 500 meters in front of the bombers, at an altitude about 500 meters higher than that of the bombers, climbing as they ran, barely managing to reach the front of Ron's formation. However, Ron's altitude was now slightly higher by 200 to 300 meters, and his flying speed was also faster than that of the climbing Zero fighters. Even considering that the number of Japanese planes intercepting them was slightly greater, the situation still favored the Foxhounds in engaging in aerial combat. Nevertheless, Ron did not intend to engage in such a battle.

Ron was also mingling with three guys. One of them was the familiar Ram, and the other two were fighter pilots—Petrov and William—who had been staying in the same dormitory for the past few days. Petrov was a Slavic man, and according to his boastful claims, his grandfather was a nobleman from the Tsarist era. After the October Revolution, his family first followed the fearless Admiral Kolchak to the Far East and then immigrated to America. As for William, he claimed that his ancestors were Irish, who immigrated to the United States during the Great Famine. Petrov was a Slavic man, and according to his boastful claims, his grandfather was a nobleman from the Tsarist era. After the October Revolution, his family first followed the fearless Admiral Kolchak to the Far East and then immigrated to America. As for William, he claimed that his ancestors were Irish, who immigrated to the United States during the Great Famine.

"Hey, it's great to see you all!" Ron hurried over and lightly punched each of his brothers, with whom he had shared hardships, on the chest.

Unless in an electromagnetic silence state, the distance between fighter jets in a two-aircraft formation can be increased further. Unlike the Japanese, who do not have onboard radios and must rely on sign language and drawing boards for communication, their formations must be relatively tight; otherwise, they cannot coordinate effectively. In contrast, we can maintain a greater distance, which is more conducive to observation and mutual protection

This message brought forth a frenzy of applause and cheers. The pilot of VF-3, Kenyon, exclaimed: "Ladies! I am back, how much I love you all!" "I will revel in the nightclub until..."

Ron has leveled the aircraft. Due to the recent dive, he is now approximately 300 to 400 meters lower than the Japanese bomber group. However, his cruising speed, calculated from the dive, should be nearly 700 kilometers per hour, allowing them to easily leave the first squadron of escorting fighters far behind. Another squadron of fighters, remaining near the bomber group, sensed the danger and had to hastily fly below the bomber group to prepare for intercepting the potential attack from the pack of hunting dogs that might surge up from this position. The calculated speed from the dive should be nearly 700 kilometers per hour, enabling them to easily leave the first squadron of escorting fighters far behind. Another squadron of fighters, remaining near the bomber group, sensed the danger and had to hastily fly below the bomber group to prepare for intercepting the potential attack from the pack of hunting dogs that might surge up from this position.

When did the Navy's efficiency become so high? Petrov and William exchanged glances. They also realized that this was not a good sign, as it might indicate that they would soon face a decisive battle

Such exercises are held almost every morning. The content involves interception, escorting, and anti-ship attacks. The afternoons are reserved for summary meetings. As for the evenings, well, the pilots who have nothing to do gather together to pass the time by boasting, playing poker, and enjoying billiards. Days pass in this monotonous yet fulfilling manner. Although they have not yet truly taken to the skies, Ron has increasingly earned the respect of everyone during these days. Now, it is not just a few officers who wish to recruit him into the Navy. Many pilots, when encountering Ron in the dining hall, casually say during greetings: "Hey, buddy, come to the Navy! Our food is much better than that of the Army"

Not far from their location, the USS Yorktown erupted with an even greater clamor than when it had just docked. Ron and his companions turned back to look and saw numerous lights illuminating the aircraft carrier as brightly as day, with countless workers and various machinery boarding in an orderly fashion

Ron executed a 180-degree roll with his aircraft, then pulled up the nose and began to enter a steep dive. His plan was that if the Japanese fighters followed, they would face a dilemma. At that moment, the speed of the Japanese planes was already slower than theirs, compounded by the shortcomings of the Zero's diving performance, and the fact that the Foxhounds were at a higher altitude. With greater potential energy, they could easily achieve a much higher speed in the dive than the Zeros, leaving the pursuing Zeros behind, and diving straight down to the bomber formation below, from where they would surge upward and deliver a powerful uppercut to the unprotected underside of those bombers.

The disguised Japanese aircraft had no choice but to follow, but this was actually of little use

Can wine be considered as alcohol? Those who only drink this kind of thing can also be considered...

Among them, both Pato and Marcos are wearing sailor shirts

The existence of radio communication made coordination among F4Fs significantly more convenient than that among Zero fighters. Through mutual cover, the F4Fs gained far more shooting opportunities than before. The excellent cooperation among crew members and even between groups, combined with the sturdy airframe and more powerful firepower, allowed the Wildcat to gain the upper hand in simulated aerial combat for the first time. By the end of the simulated aerial combat, the F4F side surprisingly achieved a score of 4 to 8. Although this was not actual combat, it greatly encouraged the pilots who had been under pressure from the Zero fighters. However, this was not real combat; in actual engagements, the skills of Japanese pilots, whether in aircraft handling or mutual coordination (after all, they were already accustomed to operating without radio), far surpassed those of the American pilots simulating them.

After turning again, not far ahead, Ram and several others were flying in a tight formation with bomber models in hand. Unlike fighter jets, bombers must fly in a dense formation to provide mutual cover with the defensive machine guns at the rear. Once the formation is disrupted, bombers, which are slow and clumsy and have numerous blind spots to the firepower of self-defense machine guns, become easy prey for fighter jets

Ron did not respond. The Navy's regard for him moved him deeply, but ultimately, he was not a person willing to sacrifice. The next great battle—the Battle of Midway—was about to begin. The United States would win this decisive engagement. However, if history remained unchanged, the USS Yorktown would sink. Many pilots and sailors would lose their lives. The sea is different from land; parachuting from the sky over land offers a much higher chance of survival than over the sea. But if history remained unchanged, the USS Yorktown would sink. Many pilots and sailors would lose their lives. The sea is different from land; parachuting from the sky over land offers a much higher chance of survival than over the sea. Joining the Navy now and immediately participating in such a battle is far too dangerous

Although many pilots have the good habit of checking their 6 o'clock position every ten seconds or so as soon as they board the aircraft, and they avoid flying in a straight line for extended periods, there are still objective blind spots. For instance, in the lower 6 o'clock direction, it is not just the F4F, which does not have an excellent field of view, but even in the future, with the P-51 Mustang, which is claimed to have the best visibility, you still cannot see in that direction. This necessitates assistance from another aircraft in the formation. If the formation is too tight, both parties may inadvertently obstruct each other's visibility. However, because the aircraft are relatively close on the radio, and from an outsider's perspective, a tight formation looks better (the opinions of outsiders often hold significant influence), both the U.S. Navy and Army Air Forces at that time were accustomed to adopting tight formations.

However, Ron did not express these thoughts. He did not want to be sent to the Academy of Sciences or to a center for the study of abnormal humans to be used as a research specimen

"Who said that? It's nonsense," Ron said. The Navy expressed this sentiment, but claiming the position of squadron commander is absolutely ridiculous. Although he had performed excellently in tactical design and on-the-spot command during these days of drills, it was merely a drill; no one would entrust a squadron to an outsider who had never commanded even a company. If that were the case, not only would the Navy pilots have concerns, but he himself would also feel dissatisfied. Although he had performed excellently in tactical design and on-the-spot command during these days of drills, it was merely a drill; no one would entrust a squadron to an outsider who had never commanded even a company. If that were the case, not only would the Navy pilots have concerns, but he himself would also feel dissatisfied.

"In any case, isn't it more manly than a guy who can't even handle two women?" William's words seemed to strike a nerve with someone, who widened their eyes and roared.

At this moment, Ram and his companions certainly saw Ron and his group, but he had to pretend that he had seen nothing. According to the training protocol, they would not appear within each other's line of sight for at least another 5 minutes. In fact, due to the difference in aircraft size, the bombers would detect the enemy fighters later. Moreover, guided by radar, the intercepting fighters could position themselves against the sun, further reducing the warning time for the enemy formation.

"There is no need to call him anymore; just look at that foolish expression on his face, he looks as if he is about to take an exam," Petrov commented

"They also said there was none, deceiving us. Look, the navy's uniform is already worn on them."

The warship docked at the pier. It was the evening of May 26, and for some unknown reason, it was several hours earlier than recorded in history. The sailors and pilots, who had been confined in the cramped quarters for many days, rushed down, except for the unfortunate few who had to remain on duty.

"Foxhound" is the code name for a small team of F4Fs currently led by Ron. They consist of six fighter planes, and the mission of this virtual training is to intercept a squadron of Japanese bombers, escorted by more than ten Zero fighters, that is approaching with the cooperation of other formations

Hound One understands

"I said, buddy, what are you planning to do tonight?" Ram asked

"Enough of that!" William interrupted him, then turned to Ron and said, "Don't listen to him; the drinks there are nothing but swill, and the women are all second-rate. I know a place where you can find the most authentic Havana cigars, as well as California wines—the best wines in all of America, tender California steaks, and young ladies dressed as nurses who can sing and dance..." I know a place where you can find the most authentic Havana cigars, as well as California wines—the best wines in all of America, tender California steaks, and young ladies dressed as nurses who can sing and dance...

The pilots gradually left the restaurant amidst the noise. Upon arriving at the spacious deck, they gathered in small groups to discuss their activities after disembarking

Amidst their playful banter, Petrov and William approached.

They are all my difficult friends, my brothers. They are currently unable to find a place to sleep.

Do you have any plans at the moment? Ron asked

Tonight, I will stay on the Navy's territory for the night, and tomorrow morning I will report to the army garrison on the island. What about you? I heard that you..." Tom nodded towards Petrov and William, who were walking over, "I heard you made quite an impression over there and managed to impress them all? Well done! Moreover, I heard the Navy wants to keep you and plans to make you a regimental commander?

Follow me, do not pay attention to the fighter jets

"Hey, Ron!" A shout interrupted everyone's thoughts. Turning around, they saw Tom and Pat, followed closely by Marcos and the Codis brothers.

Now the entire escort formation has lost its position, and they have all lost altitude. At this moment, another group of interceptors—the Albatross squadron and the Wild Wolf squadron—has appeared. ... Before them lies an expanse of emptiness ...

As Petrov was spitting and gesticulating animatedly to dazzle the inexperienced army recruits, Ron spotted an acquaintance passing by. It was Ram, dressed in a freshly laundered and pressed uniform, with polished new shoes, wrapped up in his own demeanor. With a foolish expression and eyes fixed ahead, he walked as if he were under inspection. He didn't even hear Ron calling out to him. With a foolish expression and eyes fixed ahead, he walked as if he were under inspection. He didn't even hear Ron calling out to him.

As the sun reluctantly sinks into the sea, gathering its last glimmer of light, leaving only a hint of dark purple clouds in the western sky, the silhouette of an island emerges on the horizon of the sea. Soon, the lights on the island begin to illuminate one after another. Pearl Harbor is just ahead

No need to say more, of course we should go drink. I tell you, there is a bar over there called "Flame Girl," which not only serves the most exhilarating vodka but also has hot girls who are even more exciting than the vodka..." Petrov swallowed and continued, "One of them is named Louise, and her figure, that..."

According to the plan, they will first dive from high altitude to attack the Japanese bomber group under the guidance of radar. Their mission is not only to shoot down enemy bombers but also to draw the Japanese escort fighters away, facilitating subsequent group attacks

The primary target of fighter jets executing interception missions is enemy bombers! The second target is enemy bombers! The third target is still enemy bombers! This is the instruction that any naval fighter pilot receives upon entering the unit. Engaging in a futile struggle with enemy fighters before addressing the enemy bombers will result in severe reprimand from the commanding officer

We are not the same, do not be deceived by my blue and white stripes, for my heart will always be green

"Sleep? Can you believe someone plans to waste time sleeping?" Petrov made an exaggerated and astonished expression, "My goodness, listen to me, young men, we are in a time of war, war, which naturally brings you plenty of unfortunate opportunities to sleep long. Shouldn't we take the chance to enjoy ourselves while we still can? Brothers, listen to me, I know a great place..."

Indeed, Petrov was correct in saying that Ram is going to take part in an extremely important examination

When Ron and the others were fleeing, they did not leave without bringing a few extra pieces of clothing. However, when transferring to the seaplane, due to space constraints, they had to abandon these garments. Clearly, it was impossible to wear only the army uniform they had on for so many days, so Ron had no choice but to borrow a set of clothes from the navy to rotate. As a result, he is currently wearing a naval shirt.

Stepping down from the gangway and walking across the bridge, Ron's feet finally stood firmly on solid ground. After so many days, he seemed to have grown accustomed to the subtle swaying beneath him. Now, standing once again on this firm land, he instead felt a strange sensation.

"How many times have I told you! It's just... it's just that good men do not fight with women..." Perhaps realizing that the loud voice would attract more onlookers, someone's voice gradually diminished.

The hounds completed their mission perfectly, scattering the entire bomber fleet of Japan. Some bombers were confirmed as shot down, while others jettisoned their bombs and hurried to escape—clearly, the enemy's assault had been dismantled, ensuring the safety of the aircraft carrier. This was a textbook interception. The coordination between the forward radar warning ships and aerial forces achieved an effect of 1 + 1 > 2, becoming a force multiplier for the entire fleet's air defense.

Hound One, direction 270, altitude 15,000, expected contact in 5 minutes

This is the foxhound, turning completed, altitude 13800, currently continuing to ascend

Due to runway damage, the pilots are unable to conduct takeoff training. Consequently, tactical simulation exercises (which involve simulating with small airplane models) have become the main focus of training. In a hall designated for tactical simulation training, Ron is demonstrating to the naval pilots how to defeat the Japanese in aerial combat

"Haha, are you not used to walking on land anymore?" Petrov said with a smile, "People who have stayed in the sea for too long are like this. I suggest you give up the army and make up your mind to join our navy instead"

At the conclusion of the summary meeting that afternoon, Major Peterson announced some good news: a three-day holiday. It was anticipated that they would return to Pearl Harbor by evening.

In such a conversation, the sun gradually approached the surface of the sea, dyeing it a shade of crimson. A few frigatebirds cawed as they swooped over the aircraft carrier, the evening sunlight outlining their white wings with a dazzling golden edge. Their appearance signified that land was not far away. The sea breeze also picked up, carrying the faint scent of coconut trees.