Thought I read something about this on this forum but couldn't find it when I searched: I assume that IG fliers don't observe chain of command rules? I couldn't find it mentioned in the codex.

Hi!

Correct. As independent units they would not need to observe chain of command.

Primarch

Cheers. One more question though Can fliers engage other fliers in ranged fire?

Incidentally, it seems odd that fliers can't pin other fliers. Not being able to pin/dogfight seems to undermine the roll of fighters as (dependent on initiative) 'bombers' can just move away to make attacks on other units unmolested.

Hi!

Yes, fliers can engage fliers in ranged combat.

The reason for no pinning if I remember correctly was that bombers are very much more expensive than fighters and to have the cheaper unit invalidate bombers for no more reason than "pinning them" would devalue them.

Fighters already have higher CAF's than bombers, so if you engage them on average you should destroy two out of three if not all three in one round. Those that escape simulate the lucky few whom escape the bombers attentions.

Not perfect by any means, but it was deemed a reasonable compromise.

Primarch

That makes sense. I guess I'm trying to accommodate how strong bomber type fliers can be. The alternate flyers rules seem like a necessity.

Just trying to resist buying a squadron of the most recent Marauders models. They're beautiful!
http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catal ... rod1101960

Hi!

You have just tasted the thought process that occurred during the revision years. At one point the "alternate" flier rules were actually core. But many people just like the current abstract system.

Like you, I think the alternate flier system IS the way to go with fliers. But different strokes for different folks and all that.

Primarch