Aeronautica Imperialis Missions Hub

Aeronautica Imperialis Scenario and Mission Hub

Aeronautica Imperialis is a game of aerial combat and, whilst a simple battle may see rival air forces clash in open skies, the game offers much more than straightforward dogfights. A commander may task a squadron with destroying a strategic ground target, rescuing a downed ace pilot, escorting vulnerable transports, or even making a daring canyon attack run through enemy territory.

Games Workshop published a wide variety of missions throughout the game's lifespan, spread across rulebooks, campaign supplements and downloadable content. These official scenarios are referenced below. Alongside these, I have also created several custom missions designed to add even more variety and narrative opportunities to your games.

I hope you enjoy them. If you play any of these missions, please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how they worked on the tabletop. I'm always interested in feedback and suggestions for future scenarios.

Most missions are best played with forces valued between 100 and 250 points, though individual scenarios may recommend different fleet sizes.

Custom Made Missions

• Ork Air Race
• Bomber Escort
• Duel of Aces

Games Workshop Missions

Games Workshop produced a surprisingly diverse range of scenarios for Aeronautica Imperialis. These missions appeared across rulebooks, boxed sets, campaign supplements, White Dwarf articles and downloadable PDFs.

The numbers listed after each mission title indicate the publication in which that mission can be found. A full reference list is included at the bottom of the page.

Core Missions

• The Dogfight (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)
• Bandits over the River (1,3)
• The Straggler (1,3,4)
• Search and Rescue (1,3)
• Garrison Relief (1)
• Troop Landing (1,3)
• Bombing Mission (1,3)

Taros Air War Missions

• The Chase (2)
• Subterranean Assault (2)
• Sky Fortress Attack (2,3)
• Canyon Attack Run (2,3)

Starter Set Missions

• Ambush (5)
• Breakthrough (5)
• Death From Above (6)
• Bombing Run (4)

Downloadable Missions

• Ambush in the Clouds (10)
• Escape Velocity (10)
• Flight of the Grot Bomms (10)

References

The following publications contain the official Aeronautica Imperialis scenarios referenced above:

1. Rynn's World Air War
2. Taros Air War
3. Aeronautica Imperialis: Horus Heresy Rulebook
4. Wings of Vengeance Starter Scenarios
5. Skies of Fire Starter Scenarios
6. Wrath of Angels Starter Scenarios
7. Wings of Vengeance Core Rulebook
8. Skies of Fire Core Rulebook
9. Wrath of Angels Core Rulebook
10. Games Workshop Downloadable Scenarios

Many of these publications are now out of print, though they can often be found through second-hand retailers, hobby groups and specialist gaming communities.

Mission Design Notes

One of the greatest strengths of Aeronautica Imperialis is its mission system. Whilst dogfights are enjoyable, many of the game's most memorable moments come from objectives, special rules and asymmetric forces.

A transport attempting to reach a landing zone, a bomber squadron pushing through enemy fighters or a lone ace trying to escape overwhelming odds can create far more dramatic games than a simple battle to destroy the enemy.

When creating my own scenarios, I aim to:

• Encourage different types of aircraft.
• Create meaningful objectives beyond destruction.
• Reward tactical decision-making.
• Remain balanced for multiple factions.
• Create memorable narrative moments.

Future custom missions will continue to expand the range of scenarios available for Aeronautica Imperialis.

I hope you enjoy these missions and scenarios. If you have tried any of them, feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how they played out on the tabletop. I'd love to hear about your favourite missions and any ideas for future scenarios.

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Remember to always watch your six.