I agree with Hena. The thought never occured to me that aircrafts could individually weasle around the board only to meet in formation coherency at the end of their approach move.

_________________
We are returned!
http://www.epic-wargaming.de/

I am of the same naive school of thought.

In that sense, A/c follow the same coherency rules as ground units, and the same principle has always applied there - otherwise the transport attached to a formation in difficult terrain would have to go through the terrain (to maintain coherency during the move) rather than around it.

Unfortunately, because each a/c move (approach or disengagement) allows them to move a cross the entire table, you can end up with the 'flak castle' referred to. The same is especially true where several formations end up in the same area - though this is a bit more realistic (if you have ever considered the allied massed raids in WWII, they adopted exactly this principle to minimise mid air collisions and enemy reactions).

iIFf we adopt the 'interceptors only' principle then these sillinesses go away - it is only the 'Air AA umberella' principle that permits such nonsenses.

Except a CAP is an Intercept.

"A formation on combat air patrol may choose to carry out an interception action in reaction to an enemy ground attack."

So that loophole is already neutered. It can be further explained/FAQ'd, in much the same way that the +1 to hit on both CAP and Intercept is spelled out, if necessary.

Morgan Vening

I personally think the "defensive only" aspect is the way to play it. Aircraft can't hover in one spot and provide a continuous AA umbrella. They are moving, and moving fast. Of course, one could argue that them providing an AA umbrella is merely an abstraction of them flying in a pattern over a certain area. Lsrwolf has recently enhanced his air wing with 15 new Eldar fighters, so I expect our next epic Epic: Armageddon game to have plenty of aerial combat. I think we will be in agreement on AA being defensive only.

Well it could be brought down to this level:

1. How long is an Epic turn in real time?
2. How fast are aircraft in the 41st Millenium?

With the above in mind, it is reasonable to suggest support for what SgtBalicki said above.

If it remains as is, it is not ideal but I for one will look for ways to exploit it to my advantage.

Already it trumps ground based AA for the cost. You can generate the AA wherever you want and also have the option of using ground attacks on any part of the table if you so wish. Easy choice for me.

A boon to Chaos too - I just cannot lose out on this deal!

_________________
Frogbear is responsible for...
Previous World Eaters
Previous Emperor's Children
Previous Death Guard
Previous Imperial Fists
Previous Chaos Squats