TOP GUN is FASA's fascinating game of contemporary air combat which offers almost unlimited replay value. By adding further aircraft types to TOP GUN, its play value can be increased. This article adds extra Soviet and Chinese aircraft that could be encountered by US Naval carrier aircraft. All TOP GUN rules are in effect at all times unless specifically superceded. Aircraft presented in this article may be substituted into any of the scenarios in TOP GUN, or any others that players may devise. Additional variety and realism may be provided by using any 1/700 scale jet aircraft models or miniatures in constant scale. New Aircraft F-7M Airguard - This is an improved Chinese version of the MiG-21. For game purposes, treat this aircraft as a MiG-21, but allow it to carry two RG missiles. F-8 Finback - This is a new Chinese fighter based on the MiG-21, but equipped with twin engines. TE = 6; Max Acc/B = 3/3; R turns = no; No speed 6 turns; Missiles = 21R/4RG; Climb = 3; Dive = 2. Yak-38 Forger - This is the Russian attempt to copy the AV8 Harrier. Use same performance characteristics as 1~EG-21 except that TE = 5; Max Acc/B = 3/3. At speeds of three or less, this aircraft may brake directly to a speed of one and may accelerate from a speed of one directly to a speed of three. This aircraft is not equipped with a built-in gun, although a gun may be used as an option. AV-8 Harrier - This aircraft is simulated just like the Yak-38 except that TE = 6, a gun is built-in; Missiles 2/41R; Advanced Harrier carries 41R/2RG. MiG-29 Fulcrum - Same as F-16 except that Max Acc/B 2/3. Su-27 Flanker - Same as F- 15 except that Climb and Dive both equal 2. Tu-16/H-6 Badger - This is a 1960s vintage twin engine Soviet medium bomber also used by the Chinese. TE = 4; Max Acc/B = 1/1; R turns = no; Missiles = 0; No speed 5 or 6 turns; Defense = 2 flares and 1 rear gun; Climb = 1; Dive = 1. MiG-31 Foxhound - Same as MiG-25 except that TE = 5 and a gun is used. MiG-19/F-6/A-7 - The MiG-19 is used as a front- line aircraft by China and certain other Communist countries. China also uses a version designed as a fighter bomber. TE = 5; Max Acc/B = 1/2; R turns = yes; Missiles = 41R; Def = 0; Climb 1; Dive = 2. Back to Table of Contents -- Air Power # 11 Back to Air Power List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1990 by J.D. Webster This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com