Quick Look at the new FW Aeronautica book

I like fliers.

And by that I mean I like all the models (even the storm bricks), and liked how they worked in Apoc and as "skimmers" in 5th. I'm not sold on the rules for them in 6th, as they seem to be a little too good

Take the Valkyrie (or the Vendetta). They were cheap when the codex originally came out just as a skimmer, but now they're only hit on 6's (instead of normal BS). Having smaller turns, and having to move a min distance AND having to come on from reserve helps, but still...take a Master of the fleet and you can all but guarentee he turns up turn 2.


ANYWAY

Enough on that, i'm here to talk about actual fliers, those in the new aeronautica book from FW.

Its a good book, particularly if you want to use your nice FW toys in a 6th edition environment. The rules I'll get to soon, but first the "fluff" scenario in it.

Taking place on a swamp agri-world a workers rebellion is joined by the forces of chaos marines and battle the guard and towards the end Star Phantoms Marine Chapter. Aircraft feature heavily due to the overgrown nature of the planet. Its a decent read, but is likely just a nice easter egg to go with the rules

Contents;

Imp Navy - Thunderbolt, Lightning, Aquila, Vulture, Valk Sky Talon, both Marauders, Arvus, Avenger Strike Fighter

Imp Guard - Manticore (AA Varient), Weapon Platforms, Praetor (AA Varient) and Sabre Weapon Platforms

Marines - Storm Eagle, Caestus, LR Hyperios, Whirlwind Hyperios, Thunderhawk (Gunship and Transport) and GK Thunderhawk, Land Speeder Tempest, Contemptor Dread (AA Mortis), Hyperios Weapon Platforms

Orks - Fighta-bomma, Attak Fighta, Flakk Trukk, Flakk Battle Fortress, Flakk Trakk

Eldar - Phoenix, Nightwing, Lynx, both Vampires, Fire Storm

Nids - Harridan (isn't a flying gargantuan creature though. Just a GC that can move as a flier)

Tau - Barracuda, Tiger Shark (both varients), Orca, Manta and Remora drones

Necrons - Pylon (gains Interceptor as well as AA.....ouch)

DE - Raven Strike

Chaos - Hell Blade and Talon, Dreadclaw and Blight Drone

As an Eldar player, theres not much difference in my units as to what was in IA11. They've gained a few rules as per the FW FAQ (Strafing Run on Phoenix, Agile on Nightwing)

I can't say how different some of the other aircraft are, as I don't have all the old books. Marines and guard definently get a lot of good ground AA defences, and the new Avenger Strike Fighter seems very good. Its also takable by Sisters, giving them some airpower without allies

Whats interesting are the rules for aircraft over a campaign and a campaign map with scenarios for capturing the capital city and moving across the map.

Rules like the ability for aircraft to gain "ace" levels, and pilots to survive being downed. The ability to perform maneuvres (no you can't do a barrel roll) seems a lot like the Aeronautica Imperialis rules from the smaller specialist game, just not as complex.

Overall i'd rate the book 7/10. A good read, very useful for the old fliers, but not sure HOW different it is to those in the past to make it an "essential" buy. Those with just Nids or DE or Necrons might want to save their money (although the Necron pylon has taken a change)