The Eastern and Italian fronts in W.W.I are often forgotten with respect to the air war. The primary antagonists, Italy and Austria-Hungary, did not use nearly the numbers of aircraft used on the Western Front. At the same time, pilot training on the Eastern and Italian fronts was not of the high calibre found in the west. The combatants did, however, use sufficient numbers of aircraft to allow the leading Italian ace, Major Francesco Baracca, and the top scoring Austrian ace, Capt. Godwin Brurnowski, to score 34 and 40 kills respectively. The leading Russian pilot, Major Alexander Kazakov gained 17 confirmed kills. The Avalon Hill Game Company's Richthofen's War game may be used to simulate these air battles on the Eastern and Italian fronts. Unless otherwise mentioned, all rules from the regular game will be in effect at all times. As mentioned earlier, pilot quality on these fronts was generally lower than that found in the west. In scenarios using multiple aircraft, one in three Austrians and Germans should be inexperienced. Two of three Italians and all Russian pilots should be inexperienced. When using inexperienced pilots, roll one die for each at the start of each game turn. If a "6" is rolled, the inexperienced pilot may not change altitude, or speed in that game turn. When playing using campaign rules, a pilot is considered experienced after flying five missions or shooting down two aircraft. Any changes in training/ experience status take place at the end of the scenario in the conditions were met. For scenario purposes, the Germans and Austro-Hungarian pilots are hostile to Russians. For scenarios set after 1915, the Italians are allied with the Russians against both of the above. Aircraft Availability: Austria-Hungary: Albotross C3/D2; Fokker D3/E4; Phoenix-II; Pfalz D3. Italy: Spad 7/13; Nieuport 11/12; Ansaldo SVA.5. Germany: As for Austria-Hungary. Russia: As for Italy except delete the Ansaldo. Phoenix-II Single Seat Fighter Data: F, T, 16-17, 8, 3, 7,8, none, 4500, 250, 300, 7, 8, B, C. Note: Aircraft data formatted as per RW game rules. Back to Table of Contents -- Air Power # 17 Back to Air Power List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1991 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