It's airship time

[Enceladus828]

Quote

For the WWI era, we will finish the 1918 Western Front map used in the Flying Circus modules. We also plan to release something new that has never been attempted in Rise of Flight or Flying Circus — an interceptable airship (their usual altitude and speed made them a difficult target for the first heavier-than-air aircraft)

 

[Avimimus]

Yes, I just saw that is well. One of those 'eyes bulging', read it three times over moment.

 

I suspect this shows some continued interest in WWI - so maybe we shouldn't entirely give up on a third party releasing a new Collector Plane as well... at least not entirely. It should be fascinating to see an airship in a more modern simulation (I think the most modern I've fought them in is FS-WWI)!

 

P.S. The first airplane to down a Zeppelin was a Morane-Saulnier L... so now we have yet another reason to want one in the sim! It also gives more argument for a flyable B.E.2c - as they were significant Zeppelin interceptors (shooting down six in September to December 1916).

[Enceladus828]

11 minutes ago, Avimimus said:

It also gives more argument for a flyable B.E.2c - as they were significant Zeppelin interceptors (shooting down six in September to December 1916).

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leefe_Robinson

[Avimimus]

1 minute ago, Enceladus828 said:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leefe_Robinson

 

Reginald Warneford - Wikipedia

[Dupxo]

Hmm, interesting news. I supposed that after FC4 there will be only minor fixes, so i am really suprised.

Edited December 28, 2024 by Dupxo

[Enceladus828]

@LukeFF Will the Zeppelin only be AI?

[Trooper117]

It needs a Channel map so that the Zeppelin can attack it's main war targets...

[Calos_01]

If we are supposed to chase zeppelins we need Buckingham ammo I guess. 

[Rodwonder]

Just saying... 

[Avimimus]

2 hours ago, Enceladus828 said:

@LukeFF Will the Zeppelin only be AI?

 

Almost certainly AI only. They were long range / long endurance aircraft that would require a very long time to fly. That said, it would be interesting if they weren't.

 

2 hours ago, Trooper117 said:

It needs a Channel map so that the Zeppelin can attack it's main war targets...

 

They were also used against Paris.

 

I mean, I'd love if this was an indication of a Vol.V with 1916 two seaters (Caudron G.IV, B.E.2c, Morane-Saulnier L, LVG C.II), the Fokker D.II and Morane-Saulnier N... or indications of a Channel Map with a mixture of aircraft (e.g. Rumpler C.IV, Roland D.VIa, Sopwith Baby, Airco D.H.5) and the missing Rise of Flight naval aircraft... but I'm not quite so hopeful. I think it is much more likely that they will launch from the new Zeppelin bases that have been added to the map, and attack Paris...

 

It is interesting to think about what aircraft intercepted Zeppelins though. As mentioned, the Morane-Saulnier L scored the first Zeppelin kill (and was also the first fighter), the B.E.2c was used for Home Defence squadrons. The Sopwith Baby was used as an attempt to intercept Zeppelins enroute over the Atlantic (including being launched from the smallest aircraft carriers in history). What aircraft did the French use? I seem to recall some Caudron G.IV and Farman F.40 with rockets to defend Paris? Any others?

[Avimimus]

Okay, I did some reading:

 

Out of aircraft we have in the sim - three successfully destroyed an airship: The D.H.4, Pup, Camel each claimed one. The mission profile for these was different from what we have in the sim - Both the Pup and the Camel were launched from ships. It seems that the D.H.4 is the only one to launch from land (and the interception itself happened over the North Sea).

 

Edit: An F.E.2b and D.H.2 may have been involved in the engagement where the B.E.12 downed L.48. So those two aircraft may also have engaged a Zeppelin in an engagement where it was shot down.

 

Other types:

- The most important were the B.E.2 family of aircraft - being responsible for half of all Zeppelins destroyed: The B.E.2c (claimed at least five), with at least one more by a B.E.12.

- Flying boats claimed three more: Curtis H12 (claimed 2) and the Felixstowe F.2A (claimed 1).

- The Morane-Saulnier L (claimed the first airship destroyed in flight by an aircraft).

- An Avro 504k damaged a Zeppelin sufficiently that it crashed on landing.

 

The rest that were shot down seem to be by anti-aircraft fire from ground batteries, ships, and in one case - a submarine. 

Several others were destroyed on the ground by aircraft.

 

In theory a successful intercept over Paris could have happened as late as 1917. However, it does seem that those saying a Channel Map would be ideal (along with the B.E.2c and Felixstowe) would seem to be making an argument which, at the very least, makes quite a bit of sense.

[ST_Catchov]

Finally! Something I can hit. Stand by for the Channel Map.

[BladeMeister]

ROF

 

S!Blade<><

 

 

 

 

Edited December 28, 2024 by BladeMeister

[=IRFC=Gascan]

I am curious if it will work in MP as well as SP? I don't know quite what the mission designers will think of, but I'm sure they'll think of something. I always enjoy the story of the airship that captured a merchant vessel out at sea and landed a prize crew aboard to take it back as a prize of war.

Also, something from the BE2 family would be amazing to match with this, especially since it will mesh very well with the rest of the Western Front aircraft we already have.

[Enceladus828]

7 hours ago, Avimimus said:

In theory a successful intercept over Paris could have happened as late as 1917. However, it does seem that those saying a Channel Map would be ideal (along with the B.E.2c and Felixstowe) would seem to be making an argument which, at the very least, makes quite a bit of sense.

A Zeppelin in the game is better than no Zeppelin but given that the majority of the Zeppelin raids were over England and the work to make such a large aircraft, it would make a lot more sense to instead add early war two-seaters and a late war German two-seater. 

 

Of course a sufficient argument can be made that Zeppelin = Channel Map will be added.

[Zooropa_Fly]

10 hours ago, ST_Catchov said:

Finally! Something I can hit.

 

Well, you'd better wait and try it first before you make bold statements like that.

[Trooper117]

14 hours ago, Avimimus said:

They were also used against Paris.

 

 I've been to Paris, up the Eiffel and all that, it's highly overrated... 🧐

[Avimimus]

6 hours ago, Enceladus828 said:

Of course a sufficient argument can be made that Zeppelin = Channel Map will be added.

 

Not really. We know that someone thinks it would be desirable to have Zeppelins for the Zeppelin bases (which exist on the current map). I wouldn't use this as evidence for any other plans. We don't really know.

 

6 hours ago, =IRFC=Gascan said:

I always enjoy the story of the airship that captured a merchant vessel out at sea and landed a prize crew aboard to take it back as a prize of war.

 

Friedrichshafen two-seaters were also used for this purpose, after it was decided that airships were too vulnerable. One floatplane would land to inspect the vessel. The other floatplane would circle with bombs to retaliate if they tried to attack the first crew... which shows a lot of daring on the part of the aircrews (although - to fly at all in WWI required quite a bit of daring to begin with)!

 

You might also enjoying reading about the use of an FF.33e 'Wölfchen' to capture ships as part of the successful merchant raider combination: SMS Wolf (1916) - Wikipedia

[LufberyJAA]

17 hours ago, ST_Catchov said:

Finally! Something I can hit.

Oh my goodness; I an so relate to this statement! 😂

This brings me back all the way to the first Red Baron and the anti-Zeppelin missions in that game. Those were fun.

[ST_Catchov]

16 hours ago, =IRFC=Gascan said:

I am curious if it will work in MP as well as SP? I don't know quite what the mission designers will think of, but I'm sure they'll think of something. I always enjoy the story of the airship that captured a merchant vessel out at sea and landed a prize crew aboard to take it back as a prize of war.

Also, something from the BE2 family would be amazing to match with this, especially since it will mesh very well with the rest of the Western Front aircraft we already have.

 

You have nothing to fear. in fact, you (we) have much to gain. I have watched digital footage of the MP raids into SE England by Gotha's in which you yourself participate. I presume the BoN map was used. It's a fair surrogate if you close your eyes but not quite WW1 innit. Nonetheless these bombing forays of yours capture the mood quite well. However, for complete pleasure, what is needed is a WW1 Channel Map including London .... and hedges. Remember there are many bomber junkies out there who pine for such action. It's not always about fighter pilots and K/D ratios and clown wagons. Please, allow me to continue ....

 

I have a theory, and it is thus. 

 

1C and/or their partners have recently expanded their horizons and skills with TWO surprises thrust quite unexpectedly onto the WW1 community. Paris number 1, and the upcoming Zeppelin, number 2. Neither of these are easy. In fact, I would say they are quite a challenge, a challenge nonetheless 1C seem quite happy to entertain. More power to them I say.

 

So, if we have Paris, why not London? Was Paris a test run for the big prize. I think so. And that prize is London! 

 

And if we have Zeppelins, then of course one must have a WW1 Channel Map. Otherwise, it makes no sense other than eye candy. And then plonk London into it. And then we have Gotha and/or Zeppelin raids into England and London! MP AND SP! The mouth waters at such a prospect!

 

Case closed. Do it 1C!

 

[=IRFC=Gascan]

9 minutes ago, ST_Catchov said:

 

You have nothing to fear. in fact, you (we) have much to gain.

Case closed. Do it 1C!

 

 

Case closed! It is the ONLY CONCIEVABLE possibility! I am strongly in favor of this happening. A large Zeppelin raid over London with BE2's rising up to intercept them. Never in the field of simulated aerial conflict was so much owed by so many to so few!

[BladeMeister]

1C definitely should port the Channel map over to FC. There is no doubt that FC fans would buy that and early war bombers and whatever other early war fighters that are needed plus the float planes plus the Zepplins. Easy money, low hanging fruit. It would be stupid not to do this and call it FC V.

 

DUH!

S!Blade<><

Edited December 30, 2024 by BladeMeister

[JG4_Moltke1871]

My flight sim career starts late in 2020, with Great Battles/Flying Circus ( and a bit MSFS until GB eats all my time 😉 )….

 

 I never experienced the channel map and I simply read somewhere in the FC announcement that only the western front map will be ported, so I was silent about it….

 

Bur with all I read here and meanwhile with the information Zeppelins are coming….:

 

GIVE US THE CHANNEL MAP!!! GIVE IT INCLUDING LONDON!!! GIVE US THE SEAPLANES!!! GIVE US SOME EARLY TWO SEATER COLLECTOR PLANES!!!

 

And if you like:

 

GIVE US THE AEG G.IV AS A COLLECTOR PLANE!!! 😜

 

Have a good slide into the new year!!

Salute🫡

[AndyJWest]

If this is going to be a 'gimme more!' thread, than can I suggest that we get a Zeppelin to go along with our Zeppelin?

 

Seriously though, as much as I'd like to see more FC content, I don't think it's wise to get our hopes up too much. This is a niche within a niche, and nothing I've seen suggests that the profit margins are anything but slim.

 

 

 

[Airborne2001]

This is gonna elevate Flying Circus beyond belief. I hope it makes the game massively popular because it deserves it.

 

On the Gimme More.mp3 topic, I'd love to see Italy, Austria-Hungary, and Russia at some point. Middle East maps for the UK vs Ottoman empire would be cool too.

[AndyJWest]

I very much doubt that an AI Zeppelin will do anything of real consequence to attract anyone but the very small subset of possible purchasers who know or care anything about WWI aviation. It'll be nice to have, but it isn't going to flood the servers with recruits from Fortnite or Call of Duty. A niche is still a niche, even when if has a humongous gasbag of death...

[1PL-Husar-1Esk]

New content for FC is great but I would more like the resources were put into early war two seater.

[Tuninfogliato]

Good morning I wonder why after buying fc 4 in careers I don't see it and not even in campaigns I wouldn't want to have spent €69 for nothing. If someone can HELP me I THANK YOU

[ST_Catchov]

31 minutes ago, AndyJWest said:

I very much doubt that an AI Zeppelin will do anything of real consequence to attract anyone

 

Obviously 1C thought differently Andy. God love 'em.

 

2 hours ago, JG4_Moltke1871 said:

GIVE IT

 

I'm inclined to side with Moltke's sentiments.

 

32 minutes ago, 1PL-Husar-1Esk said:

New content for FC is great but I would more like the resources were put into early war two seater.

 

And Husar's.

[Aapje]

1 hour ago, Tuninfogliato said:

Good morning I wonder why after buying fc 4 in careers I don't see it and not even in campaigns I wouldn't want to have spent €69 for nothing. If someone can HELP me I THANK YOU

 

People have been trying to help you. Can you try creating a quick mission with the Sopwith Pup? If that works, you have FC 4.

 

Again, it is not a new map or career, but you get access to new planes.

[JG4_Moltke1871]

2 hours ago, Tuninfogliato said:

Good morning I wonder why after buying fc 4 in careers I don't see it and not even in campaigns I wouldn't want to have spent €69 for nothing. If someone can HELP me I THANK YOU

In the corner top right all modules you own are listed 

 

[Sayan]

On 29.12.2024 at 02:51, BladeMeister said:

РОФ

 

On 29.12.2024 at 02:51, BladeMeister said:

РОФ

 

S!Блейд<><

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Colleague, where did you get THIS?

[Enceladus828]

3 hours ago, Sayan said:

 

 Colleague, where did you get THIS?

It's a mod from Rise of Flight. May still be able to download it: 

 

[Flashy]

Great news about the Zeppelin, I have wanted one since I played the first Red Baron as a kid in 1993 🤣. I am also really happy to see there is more WW1 Content being created, and I have to add a +1000 to what some of the others have said:

PLEASE GIVE US A B.E.2.. FINALLY! 

 

We're in desperate need for early war two-seaters, but the B.e.2 was such an important part of the RFC for at least half the war, and served as a trainer, liaison aircraft, night fighter/zeppelin hunter, recon, artillery spotter, bomber, submarine patrol aircraft and served in the Egyptian and Greece theaters as well. 

 

But yes, yay for zeppelins and for re-creating this scenario in 2025!

 

Edited December 30, 2024 by Flashy

[No.23_Starling]

14 hours ago, Flashy said:

Great news about the Zeppelin, I have wanted one since I played the first Red Baron as a kid in 1993 🤣. I am also really happy to see there is more WW1 Content being created, and I have to add a +1000 to what some of the others have said:

PLEASE GIVE US A B.E.2.. FINALLY! 

 

We're in desperate need for early war two-seaters, but the B.e.2 was such an important part of the RFC for at least half the war, and served as a trainer, liaison aircraft, night fighter/zeppelin hunter, recon, artillery spotter, bomber, submarine patrol aircraft and served in the Egyptian and Greece theaters as well. 

 

But yes, yay for zeppelins and for re-creating this scenario in 2025!

 

Such a glaring omission from early war. Truly never understood why it was left out of RoF. Look at the kill sheets for most German aces in 1915 into early 1917. Eindecker without it is an odd choice.

 

Immelmann:

[LukeFF]

ROF and FC's timeline begins in September 1916, when the older types like the BE2 and E.III were being phased out - not to mention, the initial focus was 1918. That makes for about ~23 of the games simulated 27 months taking place outside of late 1916, so that alone means a lot of aircraft to model.

And let's please not forget the BE2 in retrospect was a truly awful design. 🙂 I'm not exactly confident it would sell well to justify the cost of development (just my opinion - I don't have a final decision in what's made and what's not).

[PatrickAWlson]

On 12/29/2024 at 12:13 PM, LufberyJAA said:

Oh my goodness; I an so relate to this statement! 😂

This brings me back all the way to the first Red Baron and the anti-Zeppelin missions in that game. Those were fun.

 

In Red Baron the things were tanks.  Very difficult to bring down.  In real life the things counted on not being intercepted to survive.  if a British plane got above them it was very bad news for the Zeppelin.

 

Even so, once they are in I will have to create a pilot named James Patrick Page to have a go at one.

[No.23_Starling]

1 hour ago, LukeFF said:

ROF and FC's timeline begins in September 1916, when the older types like the BE2 and E.III were being phased out - not to mention, the initial focus was 1918. That makes for about ~23 of the games simulated 27 months taking place outside of late 1916, so that alone means a lot of aircraft to model.

And let's please not forget the BE2 in retrospect was a truly awful design. 🙂 I'm not exactly confident it would sell well to justify the cost of development (just my opinion - I don't have a final decision in what's made and what's not).

Don’t disagree, only that the EIII is there and the BE2 is not. It means the EIII is facing planes developed later to counter it, although our DH2 is performing below expectations in flat turns (if you agree with @Holtzauge’s modelling and anecdotal evidence, and granted the FM revision has improved speed). We are teased with some early types but not others 🙂 Even an AI BE2 could add flavour to early career scenarios.

[ST_Catchov]

4 hours ago, LukeFF said:

ROF and FC's timeline begins in September 1916, when the older types like the BE2 and E.III were being phased out

 

The solution is simple. Move the timeline back to June 1915. Too easy mate. And throw in a Morane Parasol.

 

Man, do I have to tell you guys how to do things properly ALL THE TIME! It's exhausting.

 

[Enceladus828]

35 minutes ago, ST_Catchov said:

The solution is simple. Move the timeline back to June 1915. Too easy mate. And throw in a Morane Parasol.

But what other planes are there to go with the BE2c and the Morane in that timeframe? Caudron G.IV, Bristol Scout, and Albatross or Aviatik C.I... I'm not sure how well known the Vickers F.B.5 and 9 are.

Edited December 31, 2024 by Enceladus828