Hi all,
I wanted to collect some input on the four flyers. How you see them and maybe what your experience is so far.
Italic: I'tell on how GW/FW IMO intended them, then I shall put down my thoughts on the plane, if the supposed goal was achieved and what could(*)or should(-) be done IMO.
Crimson Hunter -> GW thought to make it the main AA unit in the Codex. Long range weapons good to hit chance and a nice punch in the armament against vehicles (the power against characters are simply a by product).
-> This is a so~so. I like the weapon mix and the option on the exarch to change a weapon. Also I like the re roll and the second re roll on the exarch is nice as well. Still the volume of fire is simply not high enough IMO to pose a viable threat to the enemy air force currently they are a nuisance.
- Both variants should have a 2+;3+;4+ to hit against targets with the fly keyword. This would increase the threat they pose to "serious" level.
Hemlock Wraithfighter -> GW thought to make it the main Air-to-ground support unit. Short range weapons but devastating against armour, still good against heavy infantry and an excellent support unit due to the mindshock pod and the pilot's smite.
-> this baby is an A-10, the fire power is heavy and the accuracy devastating.
Ok, you have to be close to the target but the durability of this thing is terrifying. It's a true close air support plane.
BUT - sadly the fire power is not restricted or even directed specifically against ground targets. Currently the plane is just as terrifying against air targets. If that were intended then there would have been no need for the CH so I presume the AA capabilities are an oversight.
* Personally I would make it slower 15-55,-35,-25
- The auto hit is ok against ground targets but it should be forced to make a regular to hit roll against targets with the fly keyword.
Nightwing interceptor -> FW wanted to make a really good AA platform with nice ground attack capabilities. The weapon mix (ShC & BLs) is effective against hard targets on the ground and in the air. The volume of fire can gnaw anything out of the sky or punish a light to medium infantry target.
-> FW has done a nice job and has almost archived that. Only the lacklustre performance of S6 kills the performance. The ideas are great and the Vector shift rule is very unique and fitting. The plane seems to fit right in between the ground attack plane Hemlock and the Air superiority fighter CH. And of course it is piloted not by an aspect warrior but a guardian resulting in a reduced accuracy but the CTM and the vector shift rule play very nicely with that.
The Nightwing is not as good as either Hunter or Hemlock in their playground but still a sufficient competition for both due to price and versatility. All in all a good pack of rules.
* Personally I would love to have the option of substituting the twin BLs for a single Phoenix pulse laser or even a twin one.
Phoenix bomber -> FW intended him to be a medium to heavy hitting ground attack plane. He as a good number of attacks against any type of infantry and also a very good punch against hard ground targets like tanks. This depends on the chosen load out however.
The long range keeps him save from return fire to some extend and a sturdy airframe ensures survivability.
-> Being heavier and slower then the Hemlock and significantly less accurate, despite a CTM, is compensated by a very much increased range and more volume of fire, if the load out is chosen to be so. Ironically the Hemlock is tougher because of the spirit stone ability despite being less sturdy build. Again FW has IMO done a nice job on the Phoenix' rules.
* Personally I would love to see a few (2?) true missiles or bombs on this one.
Within the next few days I will be able to try out some of my air force, so I do hope.
