S3 Series

23rd FG started the night with 9 pilots, then lost another to a bad modem/router. We lifted from F144 and F158 and formed up heading north into the center of the playable area. =sqtc= had GCI (wounded and out of flying for the night) and reported a large LW group on dar to our west, we vectored 270 to intercept. Darryl asked we turn for F86, and I hesitated while closing on the western group. Second cry from Darryl sent us east to F86. We arrived late for the big fight, but downed a few bombers making their exit to the north. We were jumped from high by 109's and exited south in a hurry. Formed up and headed north again. No further contacts made and finally had to rtb for fuel.
Second sortie reupped and headed north, then nw for contacts reported by GCI. Engaged a mess of 109's and 202's at alt without much success, and had to withdraw as they were gaining numbers and alt on us. Long pursuit by the enemy resulted in no losses. We grabbed hard and returned to F116 area to intercept raiders. Again we we bounced by high 109's and 202's. Never could get down to the attackers. With ammo and fuel low we rtb'd.
Third sortie was a repeat of sortie two. However, the LW did close F113. And once again we danced with the the LW from F113 south to F140. Frustrating night, but well played by the 4th who seemed to have at least 2K on us at every turn.

Final tally: 5kill and 2 losses.

Found the 109's and 202's hard to bring down, guns worked well on the buff's, but almost useless on the fleeing LW fighters, even from D3.