The Last War: Chapter 378.

[Bernard Woolley]

D+30

*

1931 hours GMT. Kansas City, Missouri.
Captain Rob Herrick’s company of State Guards were formed up on parade for inspection by himself and First Sergeant Richard Brown. A pair of trucks drew up in front of the company and some other Guardsmen started to unload green crates from them.

“Good afternoon, boys and girls.” Captain Herrick said as he took his place in front of the company. “Top Brown and I have a few presents for you today.” He turned to Brown. “Top.”

First Sergeant Brown walked to one of the crates, opened one and took out what looked like an M16 rifle, minus a magazine. He held up the rifle for everyone to see.

“This may look like a standard M16 to the uninitiated, but it is in fact a Colt civilian model, the AR-15A2 Government. It’s similar to the M16 in that it’s chambered in 5.56 NATO and has a bayonet lug, amongst other things. However, one of its main differences is that it’s semi-auto only. So, no three round bursts, or blazing way on full auto with this baby. Still, because it has a low recoil, at least when compared to your M14s, you can put a lot of lead down very quickly even so.
“I’m going to hand a few of these rifles out. Pass them on to your neighbour when you’ve had a look.” Brown said to the company. “Sir.” He added, indicating he was finished his piece.
“Thank you, Top.” Herrick replied. “We’ve been issued one hundred of these rifles, so, not all of you are going to get one. But you’ll all get the opportunity to qualify on them because it’s possible we’ll get some more soon.
“Any questions?”

A hand belonging to newly promoted Sergeant Flower rose.

“Sergeant?”
“Can I ask where the rifles came from, Sir? Purely out of curiosity. And is there any news of the less-lethal weapons we were promised.”
“You can certainly ask, Sergeant.” Herrick replied. “They came from a batch of rifles intended for export. I believe the government bought all such exports. And talking of less-lethal, Top?”

Brown had opened another of the crates and returned to his place beside Captain Herrick. He held a weapon aloft.

“Some of you may know what this is.” He said. “For those of you who do not, this is a Federal Riot Gun, the 37-mm M201-Z model to be precise. We will use them to fire tear gas and rubber baton rounds from them. We have also been lucky to have just received a number of long batons and riot shields. I will shortly be leading some riot training with the new equipment.” Brown turned to Herrick again. “With your permission, I’d like to start the equipment inspection.”
“I’ll leave you to get on with it.” Herrick replied.

The First Sergeant was gratified to find that the Guardsmen were smartly turned out and that their weapons were clean. He noticed that a few more of them had shotguns of various sorts as secondary weapons and almost all now carried pistols. He stopped by one soldier and asked to see their pistol. The Guardsman drew it from her holster, unclipped a lanyard from it and handed it over to Brown, butt first.

“This looks like an M9, Private Lumley, but it isn’t, is it?”
“No, Top. It’s a Beretta 92FS I bought in a gun shop. It’s pretty much the same as an M9. I bought a retention holster and a lanyard for it at the same time. To make it hard for anyone to take it off me.”
“Good work, Private. Getting shot with your own weapon is always a risk and a combination of retention holster and lanyard reduces that risk.”

Brown handed back the pistol and continued on. Stopping to check weapons and kit. He could not help but notice that while there was a variety of pistols on show, they were all in 9x19mm, meaning they could chamber NATO standard rounds. He finished his inspection with Sergeant Flower.

“Might have guessed you’d get yourself a Browning Hi-Power, Sergeant.” Brown said with a slight smile.
“Yes, Top.” Flower replied. “I was quite pleased to be able to get one. The bloke in the gun shop helped me kit it out as close to the pistols I used in the past.”

Satisfied that all was well with the company, Brown returned to his previous position in front of them.

“Good work, people. I’m happy with your efforts. Keep it up.
“I’m going to go through your assignments for the rest of the day, including when you’ll be getting time on the range to qualify with the new rifles.”

1831 hours. Filton Aerodrome, South Gloucestershire.
The senior Vice President for EADS UK tapped a pen on her desk as she thought. Her guest from BAES cleared his throat to break the awkward silence. She looked up at him, irritated at the interruption.

“Sorry, but I understood you had a problem that we might be able to help with?” The BAES official asked.

BAE Systems still had a twenty percent stake in EADS UK, although there had been talk of them wanting to offload it to the company’s parent, EADS. It also operated alongside EADS UK on the Filton site, so there was a lot of day-to-day contact between employees of the two companies.

“I think there is and sorry for asking you to meet so late in the day.” The VP replied. “Our factory at Hamburg-Finkenwerder is now a pile of rubble. It’s gone. The Soviets were in the middle of looting it when the German air force took it on themselves to blow the factory to bits. Oh, I’m sure we can probably rebuild on the site, but it will involve clearing the existing site, dealing with unexploded bombs and the like, before we can even think about a new factory. And it assumes that we can access the site any time soon. Without Finkenwerder our ability to build the A320 family is seriously hurt. It will also mean difficulties with the A330 and A380, though our other factories can take up the slack with those programmes. But we don’t have any spare capacity when it comes to the A320 derivatives.”
“So, you’re looking for somewhere to re-establish final assembly for things like the A318s, A319s, and A321s?” The BAES official asked.

The VP nodded.

“Do you have anywhere suitable? Somewhere we could get things set up within six months to a year?”

The BAES man thought for a moment.

“There’s Hatfield. We still own the site and it’s been building components for the RJX, but we’ve been looking at moving that to Woodford for some time to concentrate production there. There’s Woodford itself, but I don’t think there would be capacity alongside the RJX. Plus, the RAF have asked us to start building Nimrods again. Which is probably going to take up all of the factory’s spare capacity. No, I’d say Hatfield would be the best bet. It’s good transport links and the Belugas would be able to fly in and out of the airfield.” [1]
“It sounds like it would suit our needs. We’ll need to get a legal agreement drawn up, but I’d like to send some of our people to have a look at Hatfield as soon as possible.” The VP replied.
“I’ll need to call someone at H.Q, but I’m sure we can arrange that.” The BAES man said. “The workforce at Hatfield a not what it was in heyday, numbers wise at least, but they are an experienced and skilled bunch. Would you be looking to recruit locally?”

The EADS VP thought for a moment.

“Using the existing workforce would be easiest. We’re relocating the workforce from Finkenwerder to other factories in West Germany. We want to look after them after what they’ve gone through. However, we would want to bring some of them over here. At least for a while.”

The BAES man nodded.

“Makes sense. I guess you’ll be running it by the DTI, though? They’ve been all over us about switching to war production. The RAF have suddenly decided that the 146 and RJX are the best thing since sliced bread and want as many converted to small military transports as possible.”
“We’ve spoken to them already. They were quite enthusiastic about the idea of final assembly of Airbus aircraft taking place in the UK.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet!”

1945 hours GMT. 7th Panzer Division assembly area, northern Germany.
The tanks of the Fourth Company, Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion 7 idled as quietly as Leopard 2A7s could, as the company waited to move off. The 3rd Panzer and 11th Panzergrenadier Divisions had just kicked off ‘Operation COBALT’ and as soon as a gap opened up, the 7th Panzer Division would be pushed into it. 1st Panzer Division was being held in reserve, ready to relieve one of its sister divisions in I (GE) Korps. Or, to meet any Soviet counterattacks.

*

Major Christoph Märkl looked down at the box of ‘little red pills’ that he had been issued, wondering if this counted as ‘very dire circumstances.’ Deciding that they were not, he put the box back in his pocket and climbed up into the turret of his tank. When it came time for the 7th Panzer Division to be committed to the fight, Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion 7 would lead the way, with Märkl’s company being at its head.

*

To the north of I (GE) Korps, I Netherlands Corps was beginning its opening moves. The Dutch had a slightly more complicated advance to their start line, with some units having to cross the Elble downriver of Hamburg. While others would need to move through the city itself. They also had to pass through some forward units of LANDJUT, further complicating matters. However, as their task was mainly to provide a flank guard to the West German corps, Generalleutnant Scholtz felt that the risks of launching COBALT before all Dutch units were ready were worth taking.

*

While opening moves of COBALT were underway a letter posted from a government office outside Bonn was being delivered to its intended recipient. The recipient having read it logged into his computer typed an urgent email. However, rather than sending it, he saved the email to the drafts folder, before logging out and turning his computer off. A short time later an officer of the HVA sitting in an office in East Berlin logged into the same email account. Having read the email, he sent an urgent message to his supervisor. The urgent message was also copied to the KGB and GRU liaison offices since it related to military matters that would affect Soviet forces. Within a few hours an assessment of the report sent from the agent in West Germany was sitting on the desk of General Kamov’s desk.

Having read it carefully, he picked up the phone on his desk and dialled the number for the officer commanding VVS forces supporting the Western TVD.

“I have a very important mission for you. It’s going to take a great deal of your resources and you’re not going to like it.”

2014 hours GMT. Near Tønder, southern Denmark.
In the months before the outbreak of war the local authorities in the Tønder Municipality had given permission for the construction of what was labelled a ‘holiday camp’ next to a small hotel outside of the town. The ‘holiday camp’ was made up of rapidly constructed wooden villas, plus some amenity blocks. The camp had been completed a few days before the outbreak of war and very soon was put to its intended purpose. Acting as a transit camp for West German civilians evacuating from Schleswig-Holstein.
The camp, now designated Transitlejr 2/Durchgangslager Zwei, was not intended to house refugees for a long period of time. Instead, it would house them for a few days while arrangements were made to transport them to more permanent accommodation in West Germany ‘proper’. The evacuation of Hamburg had put a strain on both the camp and the resettlement arrangements. Meaning that a rapid expansion of the camp had been necessary, first by using converted shipping containers, then when those ran out, tented accommodation.

Since the camp was intended to house West German citizens, the Danish authorities had asked the Germans to administer the camp and provide its various services. For example, order within the camp was maintained by evacuated officers of the Polizei Hamburg. A low fence surrounded the camp, but it was not a barrier to keep people in. It was a boundary marker and any refugee who chose to leave the camp was free to do so.

The worst thing that the camp authorities had to deal with until the evening of 22nd May were complaints from those who had to stay in the hurriedly built extension. It had rained recently and the unsealed paths around that section had become muddy morasses. The discovery of a dead body of lying across the boundary between the pre-war camp and the extension changed everything.

*

It felt good to get back to some ‘proper’ police work, Erster Kriminalhauptkommissar Jan Fabel reflected. An actual murder for his Murder Commission to investigate. Yes, it was in a refugee camp in Denmark, but nothing that he felt his team could not handle.

“Good evening, Herr Erster Kriminalhauptkommissar.” A uniformed Polizei Hamburg officer greeted Fabel outside the hotel, which had become the administrative building for the camp. “I’m Polizeihauptkommissar Koch. I’m very glad to see you. The Danes want us to clear this up as soon as possible.”
“Fabel, Murder Commission.” Fabel replied, taking the uniformed officer’s outstretched hand. “This is my colleague Kriminalhauptkommissarin Anna Wolff. The rest of my team will be arriving shortly.”

Wolff nodded to Koch. Who noted that the detective had an MP-5A3 slung over her shoulder.

“Let me introduce you to the Danes assigned to be our liaison.”

*

“Good evening, I am Erster Kriminalhauptkommissar Jan Fabel.” He said to the two Danish detectives. “Do you prefer English, or German?”
“English is better, I think.” The older of the pair, who, improbably, wore a Faroe Islands sweater under her jacket, replied. “My German is a little rusty. I am Vicepolitiinspektør Sarah Lund. My colleague is Vicepolitiinspektør Katrine Ries Jensen. We’ve both investigated murders with similar…ah…M.Os to this one. We have set up an incident room for you.”
“Have forensics had a look at the scene yet?” Fabel asked.

Lund replied.

“The scene has been documented fully and the body has been taken away for an autopsy. Katrine, can you show the Erster Kriminalhauptkommissar the crime scene photos and the forensics report.”
“Here you go, Herr Fabel.” Jensen said, handing a folder across.
“Thank you and it’s Jan, thanks. Chef to my team.”

He looked through the photos, which were of a young woman, and had a read of the report. Both were grim.

“I’ve seen something similar to this in Hamburg. We had a suspect we were about to arrest before…well, you know.” He handed the folder across to Wolff. “What do you think, Anna?”
“I think this is the same sick f*ck as we were after back in Hamburg.” She said after a moment, handing the folder back to Jensen. “He’s a cunning bastard. Got himself an exemption from being called up, though he has done military service. Hates women with a passion.”

Lund and Jensen looked at each other. Fabel could see that neither Dane was thrilled by the fact that they had a West German serial killer on their hands. Jensen said something to Lund, Fabel catching the name Thomas Schaeffer. He recognised the name and saw Lund nod.

“We’re going to call in an outside expert, if you don’t mind.” Lund said. “Do you have the details of your suspect?”
“I certainly do!” Fabel replied.

He opened a briefcase he had laid down on a table and took out a folder with the crest of the Polizei Hamburg on it. He handed a photograph to Lund, who took a look before handing it to Jensen.

“Meet Klaus Wagner, age thirty-eight. Single. Was abused by his mother as a child. Believed to have already killed four women. All similar in appearance and build to the latest victim. He’s basically killing his mother over and over.” Fabel turned to Koch and switched to German. “Can you get his description to your officers and start a search?”

Koch nodded and left to pass the details on and start a search.

“We have to hope that Wagner is still in the camp.” He said.
“Well, there we may have a problem.” Lund said. “A group of refugees left for Esbjerg this morning. He might be amongst them.”
“Oh, hell!” Fabel exclaimed.

2143 hours GMT. Wolfenbüttel, FRG.
Despite the best efforts of the British Army to avoid damage, some whisps of smoke could be seen coming from the Schloss Wolfenbüttel. Moreover, the facade of the building was pock marked and very few windows were intact. Evidently the Soviet troops who had taken up residence in it had not received the West German request that damage to historic structures be avoided.

“That’s criminal what they’ve done to that castle thing, Sergeant.” A Ranger from 4 Royal Irish Regiment commented, as he looked at the damaged schloss.
“What’s criminal, Boyd, is that we’re going to have to find a way to take that place while somehow not causing it any more damage.” Sergeant O’Connell replied. “Damn thing has a feckin’ moat round part of it.”

Lieutenant James Edwards, his radioman following him closely, dropped down by the tree O’Connell and the Ranger were sheltering behind. Evidently someone in the schloss had spotted the movement, as a few bullets tore through the branches.

“The company is going to assault the schloss in twenty minutes. Any ideas about how we get across the moat, Sergeant?” He asked.
“Wish I knew how deep it was, Boss.” O’Connell replied. “We’ll need assault ladders and plenty of smoke for one thing.”
“Both are on their way. Least we have plenty of potential points of entry!” Edwards said, referencing all the windows.
“I think I’ve got an idea of how to get across the moat, Boss, or at least make it a bit easier.” O’Connell suddenly said. “There any APC’s kicking around?”
“I’ll get on to Company and see what they can get here before kick off time. What are you thinking?”

*

The FV430 Bulldog clattered down the road in front of the schloss, attracting sporadic rifle and machine-gun fire from the Soviet occupiers. It halted and performed a zero radius turn by a ramp that led down into the moat. The APC advanced, crushing some metal bollards and causing some damage to the wall on both sides before entering the moat itself. Fortunately, the moat was not deep enough to drown the Bulldog, instead the APC acting as a sort of bridge.

“Go, go, go!” Lieutenant Edwards yelled.

Under covering fire and smoke from the other two platoon sections, Number 1 Section, carrying assault ladders, dashed forward to the Bulldog, boarding via its rear hatch. They opened the troop hatches and climbed up onto the roof of the APC. With the commander of the FV430 providing additional covering fire with the vehicle’s GPMG, the section used the vehicle as a secure base for their assault ladders. They swarmed up the ladders entering via two of the schloss’ windows.

“Go Number 2 section!” Edwards ordered. “See you inside, Sergeant!”

O’Connell followed closely behind Number 2 section, keeping crouched down, half expecting a bullet, until he reached the APC. To board it, the Sergeant still had to wade through water that came up to his knees. But it was still better than the alternative. As he climbed the assault ladder, he did his best to ignore the bodies of two soldiers from his platoon floating in the moat.

2235 hours GMT. Over Oldenburg, FRG.
E-8C Joint STARS tail number 93-0597, carrying a crew from 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron had just come on station, relieving an RAF Sentinel R.1 of No. 88 (AC) Squadron. While the aircraft was close to the Dutch border its AN/APY-7 was able to track ground targets across the DDR and most of northern Poland. A combination of other JSTARS, RAF Sentinels, NATO A321 AGS and radar equipped UAVs meant that NATO could track Warsaw Pact vehicle movements all the way to the western USSR. As High Value Assets, strong Barrier Combat Air Patrols protected these aircraft and the other HVA.

*

The aircraft’s mission commander sipped a mug of coffee as he took in an overview of the targets the E-8C was tracking. He could see the vehicles of the two corps taking part in Operation COBALT moving forward. Along with those belonging to those of their Soviet and East German opponents. Scrolling out he could not see any major redeployment of Warsaw Pact resources to counter COBALT. Instead, he could see what looked like advanced units of the Byelorussian Group of Tank Armies heading towards CENTAG’s sector.

“Boss, message from AFCENT. AWACS and RIVET JOINT are picking up indications of a large-scale build-up of enemy tactical aircraft over East Germany. Their assessment is that it’s a major raid, or possible fighter sweep.”
“Anything for us to worry about?”
“Not yet, Boss.”
“Okay, keep an eye on it. We’ve got a job to do and that kinda hard when there are Migs about.”

*

The Mission Commander aboard a NATO E-3A Sentry orbiting to the southwest of the E-8C was a bit more concerned. As far as he could see, the build-up of Warsaw Pact tactical aircraft was either going to be a major attack against the Dutch and West German advance, or it was a large fighter sweep. Either option was A Very Bad Thing. He made a priority call to JOC Maastricht, requesting that additional fighter aircraft be launched. That call was why RAF exchange pilot Squadron Leader James ‘Jimmy’ Black and his WSO, Oberleutnant Andreas ‘Henning’ When found themselves hurriedly conducting pre-flight checks aboard their F-4F Phantom at Wittmundhafen Air Base. Their aircraft was soon airborne, climbing rapidly along with fighter aircraft from all across 2 ATAF.

*

Barrier Combat Air Patrol was not a task that Squadron Leader Paul Jackson felt was the best use of his time. As far as he was concerned, the Typhoon was best suited to fighter sweeps, taking the war to the enemy. Tying a pair of these ‘swing-role’ fighters to a fixed racetrack pattern to protect HVA was rather limiting them. The Luftwaffe’s remaining F-4F were better suited to this job. On the other hand, he reflected, everybody had to take their turn doing the dull stuff. As he and his wingman completed one circuit and started a new one, Jackson took a second to check an MFD showing JTIDS data. His brow furrowed as he took in the increasing number of hostile contacts appearing over the DDR.

“Well, looks like quiet time is over.” He muttered.

As he monitored the MFD, a message came through ordering the Typhoons to turn east and rendezvous with other fighter aircraft, before engaging the approaching enemy aircraft. A short time later Jackson and his wingman, Flight Lieutenant Robert Watt, met up with a pair of Luftwaffe Typhoons. Both sets of aircraft were similarly armed, six medium range missiles (in both cases Meteor) and four short range missiles (the RAF aircraft had ASRAAM, while the Luftwaffe had the IRIS-T), plus their internal 27mm cannon. They were also able to share sensor information, despite belonging to different air forces.

Jackson briefly energised his aircraft’s CAPTOR radar, allowing it to sweep back and forwards a few times before shutting it down. The Typhoon’s systems sorted through the contacts, identifying which were the closest and posed the greatest potential threat, while also sharing the information with the three other aircraft.

*

The first NATO aircraft to engage were USAF F-22A Raptors, which had used their low observable capabilities to get within AMRAAM range and ambush the Soviet and East German aircraft. Two aircraft shot down an An-71 ‘Madcap’ which was operating as a command plane. A replacement would be launched, with heavier escort, but that would take time and for the moment Warsaw Pact command and control would no longer be effective. Especially when ground control was jammed by NATO. In absence of new orders, the Soviet and East German pilots continued with their most recent orders.

*

Jackson illuminated his Typhoon’s radar again, this time leaving it on for a bit longer as the aircraft was in Meteor range. He armed his missiles and pressed the pickle button.

“Fox Three! Fox Three!”

The four Typhoons salvo fired their Meteors, before turning away and heading west to a place they could safely orbit. Other fighters which still had medium range missiles continued the engagement, while those down to short range missiles now acted as backstops to any enemy aircraft that might leak past.

*

On the ground, the Commander of 2 Allied Tactical Air Force watched the initial engagements with growing. concern. He made an urgent call to H.Q Allied Air Forces Central Europe, requesting assistance from the other two tactical air forces in West Germany. The Air Marshal, the peacetime C-in-C RAF Germany, had a feeling that he was in for possibly the biggest air battle of the war.

***

[1] The RJX was an advanced variant of the Bae 146/RJ. Three variants existed – the RJX70, RJX85 & RJX100. In @ the project was cancelled in November 2001, with only three prototypes, one of each variant, built.

[Bernard Woolley]

Accompanying Pictures

[jemhouston]

Thank you for the late Christmas gift.

[Rocket J Squrriel]

Either the VVS is walking into a trap or something very big and very bad is in the offing.

[Johnnie Lyle]

Either the VVS is walking into a trap or something very big and very bad is in the offing.

Yes. Either way, lots of kids going home in boxes, if at all.

[Bernard Woolley]

Well, you’ll all need to wait until 2025 to find out!

[Johnnie Lyle]

Well, you’ll all need to wait until 2025 to find out!

So 379 is ready Wednesday?

[Matt Wiser]

A belated Xmas present! BZ as usual, and so to business:

Looks like the biggest day in the air over the Central Front since D-Day. Either there's going to be a Turkey Shoot or there's something bad coming....taking out AWACS and J-STARS is a real possibility.

And that agent just showed how snail mail and email can work together to get things out.

A serial killer hiding among refugees? Oh, joy. Goes to show that even in wartime, cops are still busy with "Regular" jobs.

So Airbus is looking to set up a final assembly plant in the UK....that'll make the locals happy, though it's also a target for Su-24/34 and for air launched missiles..

Good job, and get with 379!

[Eaglenine2]

Large air battle is coming.

Civilian life still go on.

[Bernard Woolley]

So 379 is ready Wednesday?

Nobody likes a smart arse!

A belated Xmas present! BZ as usual, and so to business:

I like to think of it as an extra Christmas present and that 377 was an early one!

And that agent just showed how snail mail and email can work together to get things out.

The method of saving an email in the drafts folder is apparently a common one in RL. It makes it hard for intelligence agencies to track the messages as they haven't actually left the email account.

A serial killer hiding among refugees? Oh, joy.

The gem of the idea came from the fact that I thought that the Danes might well ask the West Germans to administer any refugee camps on their territory. Plus, any such camps would be transit facilities, because the refugees would be sent on to West Germany proper. Then the idea of a serial killer being amongst the refugees came to me. The chaos of the evacuation of Hamburg would make his 'job' a lot easier.

So Airbus is looking to set up a final assembly plant in the UK

Back in the mists of time in RL there were plans for there to be an Airbus final assembly plant in the UK. The initial idea is that it would have built a four engined derivative of the A300. Later the A320 was almost built at Filton. The four engined A300 eventually emerged as the A340 and both it and the A320 were put together elsewhere. Though significant components were and indeed are built here.

Good job, and get with 379!

Thanks again and will do!

Large air battle is coming.

Civilian life still go on.

Both very true.

[Johnnie Lyle]

So 379 is ready Wednesday?

Nobody likes a smart arse!

Don’t make it so easy then!

[jemhouston]

So 379 is ready Wednesday?

Nobody likes a smart arse!

Don’t make it so easy then!

You would please tell me who on the board hasn't been a smart arse at least once?

[Johnnie Lyle]

Nobody likes a smart arse!

Don’t make it so easy then!

You would please tell me who on the board hasn't been a smart arse at least once?

They’re currently languishing in the dungeon listening to a carefully curated combination of Kamala Harris, Boris Johnson and Hollaback Girl.

[Bernard Woolley]

They’re currently languishing in the dungeon listening to a carefully curated combination of Kamala Harris, Boris Johnson and Hollaback Girl.

Other than BoZo The Clown, I’d say “don’t threaten me with a good time.”

[Johnnie Lyle]

They’re currently languishing in the dungeon listening to a carefully curated combination of Kamala Harris, Boris Johnson and Hollaback Girl.

Other than BoZo The Clown, I’d say “don’t threaten me with a good time.”

Yell when you want it turned down to nails on a chalkboard.

[James1978]

Good chapter. Sorry for the delayed reply.

About aircraft production in Europe. To what extent have the WP targeted aviation factories?
It almost feels like there is a disconnect or delay in that scene. The governments are gearing up for a long war, but EADS are worried about A320 production. And that's not a criticism of long-term thinking on their part. But it's D+30. I'd think that at some point, EADS was told to pull workers from certain lines and go to three shifts on things like A400M and A330 freighters and MRTTs, and Typhoon.

In the US, I can imagine McDonnell-Douglas was told to shut down the MD-90/95 lines at Long Beach and go to three shifts on the C-17 line and pump them out as fast as possible. If the MD-11 is still in production in TLWverse, I imagine McDD has been told they are only building freighters now.
And I can likewise imagine Boeing being told the 737 line now only builds P-8s and C-40s, the 767 line only builds KC-45s and maybe plain C-45s, and the 747 and 777 lines only build freighters.

When did the Nimrod MR.4 leave production in TLWverse?

I did not see a refugee serial killer coming. But crime still happens in wartime, so that's an interesting wrinkle.

If the "biggest air battle of the war" is looking likely, that seems to imply that the WP air forces have bounced back from the pasting they took during SURTUR. And it's all the more impressive given both sides are not putting D-Day - D+7 numbers in the air. Interesting.

Keep up the good work!

[Bernard Woolley]

Good chapter. Sorry for the delayed reply.

Thank you.

To what extent have the WP targeted aviation factories?

They have, where they have been able to, gone after factories building military aircraft. As we saw a while back, they want to capture civil factories as intact as they can.

The governments are gearing up for a long war, but EADS are worried about A320 production. And that's not a criticism of long-term thinking on their part.

EADS, BAES (and Airbus) are thinking of at least two things (amongst others) with their planning:

1. The A320 family are useful aircraft in many ways for trooping and as a cargo aircraft. Part of the NATO AGS is based on the A321. The A320 family is handy for intra-theatre trooping and freight.

2. The last time a European country with a significant aircraft industry effectively suspended civil aircraft production and development during a world war, it handed dominance to American manufacturers for decades. Airbus has worked very hard in both @ and the TLWverse to establish its position viz a vis Boeing (& McDD in TLW) and no little thing like a war is going to change that.

But it's D+30. I'd think that at some point, EADS was told to pull workers from certain lines and go to three shifts on things like A400M and A330 freighters and MRTTs, and Typhoon.

They were, but see above.

When did the Nimrod MR.4 leave production in TLWverse?

Last aircraft left Woodford in late 2004.

I did not see a refugee serial killer coming. But crime still happens in wartime, so that's an interesting wrinkle.

In many ways the disruptions of wartime make things easier for a serial killer. Having read the Jan Fabel novels, I figured that a serial killer that he might have hunted in Hamburg would have been evacuated with everyone else. And would have continued their ‘trade’.

If the "biggest air battle of the war" is looking likely, that seems to imply that the WP air forces have bounced back from the pasting they took during SURTUR.

The Soviets have brought in aircraft from other TVD and from reserves held in the USSR. That does mean that other TVD will feel the lack of air support.

Keep up the good work!

Thank you, will try!

[clancyphile]

Looks like the biggest day in the air over the Central Front since D-Day. Either there's going to be a Turkey Shoot or there's something bad coming....taking out AWACS and J-STARS is a real possibility.

What's to say both can't happen? The Soviets get the AWACS and JSTARS, but the victory cost them large chunks of their top-line (Flanker/Fulcrum/etc.) assets.

[jemhouston]

Looks like the biggest day in the air over the Central Front since D-Day. Either there's going to be a Turkey Shoot or there's something bad coming....taking out AWACS and J-STARS is a real possibility.

What's to say both can't happen? The Soviets get the AWACS and JSTARS, but the victory cost them large chunks of their top-line (Flanker/Fulcrum/etc.) assets.

Depending on how many they get, the Soviets might like the trade.

[Matt Wiser]

Good chapter. Sorry for the delayed reply.

About aircraft production in Europe. To what extent have the WP targeted aviation factories?
It almost feels like there is a disconnect or delay in that scene. The governments are gearing up for a long war, but EADS are worried about A320 production. And that's not a criticism of long-term thinking on their part. But it's D+30. I'd think that at some point, EADS was told to pull workers from certain lines and go to three shifts on things like A400M and A330 freighters and MRTTs, and Typhoon.

In the US, I can imagine McDonnell-Douglas was told to shut down the MD-90/95 lines at Long Beach and go to three shifts on the C-17 line and pump them out as fast as possible. If the MD-11 is still in production in TLWverse, I imagine McDD has been told they are only building freighters now.
And I can likewise imagine Boeing being told the 737 line now only builds P-8s and C-40s, the 767 line only builds KC-45s and maybe plain C-45s, and the 747 and 777 lines only build freighters.

All valid points.

And what to do with airliners that are at the final assembly stage? What I would do is let the manufacturer finish them, then have the new builds commandeered for CRAF duty. The same goes for those awaiting delivery.

The 767 line at Boeing could also be turning out E-767s.