Manual

YOUR WING-MANAs if flying the F-14 in combat wasn’tenough, FLEET DEFENDER gives youthe opportunity (responsibility) to controlthe actions of another F-14, that of yourwing-man’s. While this means addedwork for you, it also allows for an almostendless list of tactical possibilities.Usually, the minimum number of F-14ssent on any one particular mission is two(2). Known in the Navy as a section, aformation of two aircraft consists of aflight leader and wing-man. On eachmission you (as the active player)assume the role of flight leader. As aflight leader, it will be your job tocoordinate the actions of both aircraft.This is not easy. It will either double youreffectiveness in combat or half it throughmiscommunication and poor coordination.Although you are able to direct your wingman’sresponses in combat, if left alone,his own artificial intelligence will takeover. Otherwise, your wing-man willalways be right where you put him. You’llnever have to worry about him leaving afight early just to save himself at yourexpense.In fact, when controlled by the computer,your wing-man is every bit as capable asyou, sometimes, even more so.The more missions your wing-man hasunder his belt, the more skilled hebecomes. Actually, FLEET DEFENDERkeeps track of four separate areas ofwing-man development: general flyingskill, use of the radar, weaponemployment and initiative.GENERAL FLYING ABILITY: Your wingman’sexpertise at performing ACM isbased upon his general ability to handlethe aircraft. This rating improves as hegains experience.RADAR USE: As your wing-man’spilot/RIO skill level improves, hostiletargets are located on radar faster. Inaddition, it takes less and less time foryour wing-man to sort and lock targets.WEAPON EMPLOYMENT: Your wingman’sability to use his weapons once atarget is found is judged according to hisskill level.INITIATIVE: Each time your wing-manengages an enemy aircraft his AI routineattempts to gain a position of advantage.The more initiative a wing-man takes thebetter able he is to achieve this position.If however, your wing-man is forced totake up a defensive posture, he will call“ENGAGED DEFENSIVE”. ENGAGEDDEFENSIVE is the equivalent of youpressing the alt F5 Key to requestassistance from your wing-man.WING-MAN CONTROL KEYSThe addition of a second F-14significantly increases the combat powerat your disposal and gives you the abilityto perform multiple tasks simultaneously.But, having a wing-man along is only apositive thing if your are able to use himwisely, otherwise he’s something else toworry about and get in the way.Your wing-man has the ability to makereasoned decisions if left alone. (FLEETDEFENDER features stunninglycompetent AI routines.) However, you (asflight leader) are able to exercise a greatdegree of control. The following keysallow you to direct the actions of yourwing-man;Go Tactical (alt F1 Key): Pressing thiskey releases your wing-man to attacktargets independently. His response toyou is either; "Roger" (indicating he isafter a specific target) or “No Joy”,