Flying Fortress Over Denmark to Hunt Bismark

Mission Report: B-17 Strike on Enemy Port Installation What began as a routine heavy bomber sortie quickly proved otherwise. Engine start and taxi already hinted at the tone of the mission. Formation discipline was loose, spacing inconsistent, and several aircraft experienced control and configuration issues before even reaching the runway. Despite that, multiple elements launched in sequence and began assembling into a staggered climbing circuit at approximately 2,000 feet. Several aircraft struggled with trim, throttle management, and basic formation positioning, forcing repeated speed adjustments across the group. Once loosely organized, the formation pushed northbound, gradually consolidating into a larger “super formation.” Standard cruise settled around 160 knots indicated with manifold pressures adjusted across elements to maintain spacing. Even here, cracks showed. Aircraft with heavier bomb loads or minor engine issues began to fall behind, some forced to jettison ordnance early just to remain in formation. Crossing the channel, the group stabilized enough to begin the inbound leg. Smoke markers were dropped, throttles reduced, and spacing tightened as the formation turned southeast toward the target. The port came into view shortly after, defended by both heavy flak and intercepting fighters. Initial contact was immediate and punishing. Flak bursts were dense and accurate, walking directly through the formation. Multiple aircraft took critical hits within seconds. Engines were knocked out, control surfaces damaged, and at least one bomber suffered catastrophic structural failure mid-run. Intercepting fighters, primarily Bf 109s and Fw 190s, pressed from the rear and flanks, further disrupting cohesion. Despite this, elements of the formation pressed the attack. Bomb bays opened late under pressure. Target identification was split between port infrastructure and capital ships, including a large battleship-class vessel positioned off the right side of the harbor. Bomb releases were scattered but effective in places, with several confirmed hits on ships and port facilities. One bomber reported setting a major vessel on fire before being forced off target. Losses during the bomb run were severe. Entire elements were effectively wiped out by combined flak and fighter pressure. Survivors exited eastbound before being redirected toward the western map boundary for extraction. At this stage, the mission transitioned from strike to survival. Egress was disorganized. Damaged aircraft struggled to maintain altitude and speed. Multiple bombers were operating on one or two engines, some losing altitude at over 1,000 feet per minute. Gunner effectiveness was notably degraded across several aircraft, with multiple reports of non-responsive defensive guns during critical intercept phases. Fighter pressure continued intermittently, picking off stragglers. A handful of crews managed to limp toward the extraction zone. Some successfully exited the combat area, preserving both airframes and crew. Others attempted forced landings along the coastline or ditched short of safety. At least one aircraft, heavily damaged and barely controllable, reached the boundary in a near-terminal condition and was counted as a survival. Watch Live and Chat in Real Time Twitch:   / wingalingdragon   Join the Community and Flyouts! Team Sim LFG (Looking For Group):   / discord   We fly IL-2, DCS, War Thunder Sim, and more — always with an emphasis on teamwork, radio comms, new pilot orientation, and not exploding on takeoff (usually). The server includes custom tags for each sim, so you’ll always know when groups are forming and whether it’s time to jump on. War Thunder Players – Want the 'Black Dragon' In-Game Decal? Use my store link to unlock it permanently and get 3 percent off your purchases. This supports the channel: https://store.gaijin.net/catalog.php?... After any purchase using that link, the WingalingDragon in-game decal will unlock automatically. You’ll find it under Special Logotypes in the decal menu. The inverted white version is also available for free under the Axis tab. Thanks for the privilege of your time. Feel free to reach out with ideas, suggestions, feedback, or complaints. I read everything — and take it all to heart to make things better. My goal is to bring as many people into WW II combat sims as possible, in a way where everyone can have fun. If you want to be part of that mission, we’d be glad to have another pair of eyes on the horizon (or even another bandit on our tails!) o7