Skies above Guadalcanal (Cactus Air Force)

Cactus Air Force is an exciting new Solitaire Air Combat game from Terry Simo. It has its roots in Downtown/Elusive Victory Raid style air combat. You will be placed in charge of the “Cactus Air Force” defending Henderson Field from furious Japanese attacks by Air, Land and Sea.

Cactus Air Force covers the period from 7 Aug -15 Nov 1942 and has a card-driven mission system based on two decks of 55 cards which will drive the weather, reinforcement schedule, events and Japanese attacks. Two campaigns each covering 45 days of real-time action will be provided. Player can follow the historical schedule of events to see how they fare or play a random sequence of cards that will test your mettle in defending Guadalcanal. You can also game out a sequence of missions over a smaller number of days if desired.

Player will have to manage their resources and pilot rosters to get the maximum effort under difficult circumstances. Pilots will have different ratings for combat and navigation skill and diseases and fatigue will have a major effect on their capabilities. Aircraft maintenance will be a key factor on how many serviceable aircraft you have available. While flight maneuvering and air combat will be very similar to Downtown/Elusive Victory, the player will now have some tactical decisions such as High Side Pass and other tactics to choose from when attacking enemy formations. Coastwatchers and Radar are your means of detection and you will rely on them to allow you to get in position in time to meet the enemy raids.

The 34”x22” Map encompasses a major portion of Guadalcanal, Savo Island, Florida Island, parts of Santa Isabel Island, Russel Island and New Georgia Island. (An area roughly 98nmx135nm)