DFLion1944_'The Lightning Strikes'-Recon_Mission

[DFLion]

 

DFLion_’The Lightning Strikes’ - Recon_Mission

 

This mission historically re-creates the first jet reconnaissance mission ever undertaken – over the Normandy beachhead. The German High Command wanted to know what the situation was on the ground in Normandy as the Allies quickly established a foothold on French soil.

Two of the first Arado Ar234b1’s jet reconnaissance aircraft were flown to Juvincourt in Northern France to carry out the task. You will fly the first mission climbing to 9,000m over the beachhead. You will notice the gradual increase in speed as you climb into thinner air. By the time you are over the target area you are travelling at 600-700km/h. High level Naval gunfire can reach your height and watch out for Allied high level fighter condensation trails, they will be patrolling the target area.

This mission is not a dog fighting mission, the aim is to get your photos safely back to Juvincourt, so avoid combat. The Arado’s speed advantage will definitely help you.

 

Mission notes: My advice is to set your aircraft on autopilot at take-off. The airfield length is not as long as it should be for the Arado take-off. Reduce your fuel load to 70% through the aircraft set-up. This fuel reduction is important or you won’t get off the ground.

 

I enjoyed flying this mission in the Arado, watching the speed gradually increase, as you climbed to altitude, and taking in the view from the panoramic cockpit. You can imagine what it was really like for those German pilots at the time.

I would like to thank Han and the team for so accurately re-creating this aircraft for us all to fly.

DFLion

DF_The_Lightening_Strikes.zip