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Final Approach - B17 Flying Fortress: The Mighty Eighth
by Len "Viking1" HjalmarsonOther Command Options
If you are flying fighters, there are no commands to issue. The AI is designed to be smart enough to engage when necessary, and your wingman will cover your tail as you engage.
Onboard the Fortress, however, you have complete control. The Radio position allows you to monitor incoming messages, as well as to issue orders to the squadron, check weather over the target, and a host of other navigational and communication functions.
In the first image we are at the Instrument View for the Radio Operator. The left log book is outgoing messages, the right incoming. The next image shows the outgoing log, which allows you to issue orders, and will change as the mission progresses. The right book records mission events.
Radio Instrument View
In order to issue orders, the player hits the "M" key to move to manual control. Then simply clicking on the order desired issues that order.
You issue orders by clicking
This screen capture was taken seconds after I clicked on the request weather report command. You can see the weather report coming in.
The gunners in B17 call out bandits according to the 12 hour clock system, with the nose of the bomber always at 12 o'clock. In the image above the message in red says "Looks like Two Six Two's!" Clicking on these warnings (like "Fire in the Nose!") takes you immediately to the reporting position. There is also a shortcut key to do the same so you can program it to your joystick.
Crew Portrait Icon
The Crew Portrait Panel shows you every crewman on board your Fortress. You access the panel by sliding your cursor to the top of the screen, where you can access any crewman by clicking on his icon.
Crew Position Icon
The Crew Position Panel is accessed by sliding your cursor to the left edge of the screen while in any action station. The Panel accesses a particular station, so if the station is not manned it won't show up on this icon tree.
Compartment Icon
Sliding your cursor to the bottom edge of the screen brings up the Compartment Selection Icon. A red LED indicates the active compartment, and clicking takes you to your selection.
Aircraft Interface
The Aircraft Interface menu is accessed when you are in the external view. Sliding the cursor to the edge of screen left brings up the icon menu. Clicking on any aircraft takes you to an external view of the action.
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