Took the leap with Aeronautica Imperialis

Take to the Skies! Aeronautica Imperialis is a game of aerial combat set in the Warhammer 40,00 universe. While ground troops push forward to secure tactical objectives, winged squadrons push forward in the skies to decimate enemy positions and intercept enemy fighters.

Though I think I bought the original Forge World Aeronautica Imperialis rules I don’t think I ever got around to playing an actual game. I certainly painted up a few of the planes though.

I had thought about buying the new game for a while now, but kept putting it off and buying other stuff. When the game first came out I did wonder about the size of the planes and how they compared in size to the Epic models I had already. I know that the new Adeptus Titanicus was “larger” in scale than the original Epic, so I was assuming that these new Aeronautica Imperialis planes would similarly be larger. However I found searching the internet that I couldn’t for sure see a comparison between the old and the new.

So I was pleased on a visit to Warhammer World in January to see the models in “the flesh” and they are significantly bigger than the Epic versions I had in my collection.

These were the Ork Air Waaagh!.

These are the Imperial Navy flyers.

I decided that if I was going to get into the game, I would buy the Wings of Vengeance boxed set.

I did think about ordering it from the Alchemists Workshop, but it said it was out of stock (rather than available on back order) so I tweeted to them and got this response.

It’s now Dirwct only until the new starter with the Tau comes out we are afraid

— Alchemists Workshops (@AlchemistsWorks) May 2, 2020

After hearing that it had gone direct only and was to be superseded by a new boxed set featuring the Tau, I decided I had better buy it now before it was gone. I wanted Orks not Tau. I couldn’t get it at my usual suppliers so I went direct to GW and paid full price for it… well at least delivery was free, though to be expected, there will be a delay in delivering the boxed set to me.

The boxed set contains the following:

Citadel multipart plastic miniatures, each supplied with an Aeronautica Imperialis base:

- - 2x Imperial Navy Thunderbolt Fighters (can be assembled as Thunderbolt Fighters or Thunderbolt Fury Fighters)
  - 2x Imperial Navy Marauder Bombers
  - 3x Ork Air Waaagh! Dakkajets
  - 2x Ork Air Waaagh! Fighta Bommers

The set also includes a 36-page rulebook featuring the following information:

- - The full Aeronautica Imperialis game rules, including how to build your force using Squadron Lists, how to perform Ace Manoeuvres, field different classes of aircraft and unleash ground defences. Learn how to manoeuvre your aircraft, adjust their altitude and change speed while avoiding the risks of crashing and breaking up (if you exceed your maximum speed). There are even rules for special manoeuvres including landing, taxiing, and taking-off.
  - The Dogfight scenario, as well as optional rules for fighting at night or in bad weather conditions
  - Squadron Lists, providing details of all of the aircraft in the box as well as their weapon options and special rules
  - A reference page showing the 8 different manoeuvres aircraft can take, as well as a 2-page quick reference containing the key game rules

And more…

- - 1x double-sided Area of Engagement game board (depicting two aerial war zones)
  - 1x double-sided card token sheet (70 tokens to help you keep track of all the action)
  - 8x Six-sided dice (white with black pips)
  - 1x Transfer sheet (for the Imperial Navy and Ork Air Waaagh! aircraft included in the set)
  - 2x Quick reference cards (containing the key game rules)

I have added relevant sections to the site for a gallery, workbench and a page on the rules and games.