User Guide

WINGMEN PROFILES
During my years at the Academy, M a n i a c
was one of the most colorful students there.
In spite of barely adequate performance in
class, he managed to beat everyone in the
simulator. He had a definite talent for flying
and soon he was dusting his opponents with
his unconventional and daring tricks. But
talent alone does not necessarily make you
an accomplished fighter pilot. His occasion-
ally irrational behavior and total lack of
responsibility to his wing commander more
often than not made him a liability rather
than an asset. When we were attacked by the
Kilrathi contingent that was to cost me my
career, Maniac failed to obey a single com-
mand. Even though he managed to down
several enemy fighters, he also abandoned his commander, jeopardizing the entire mission. When
you are flying a mission with Maniac, remember that you are on your own. You cannot rely on him
obeying your orders even though his dogfighting and piloting skills are excellent. Flying with a
wingman like Maniac in simulated missions will give you an idea of how important it is to obey
your wing commander’s orders. It will also teach you how to survive when you cannot rely on pro-
tection from your wingman.
You have probably all heard of H o b b e s , the
Kilrathi ace who defected to the Terran
Confederation because he was disgusted by
the ruthless expansionism of the Kilrathi
Empire. Many fighter pilots refused to fly
with him because they were suspicious of his
motives and saw him as a traitor. After I got
to know Hobbes, I was fortunate enough to
fly several missions with him. He is one of
the most formidable pilots I have ever
known. Small wonder that the Kilrathi
empire is such an awesome foe when they are
fighting with pilots of Hobbes’ caliber. With
his brilliant piloting and dogfighting skills, as
well as his loyalty and dependability as a
wingman, he is the epitome of everything a
fighter pilot should be. I incorporated him in the simulation program because Hobbes’ example will
teach you the merits of an accomplished and loyal wingman and show you the gifts of a rare pilot.
Maniac
H o b b e s