P-39Q BOMBER ESCORT TRAINING

Bomber crews in World War II came to
call their fighter escorts "little
friends", and for good reason.  Through
most of 1943, the limited range of
fighters escorting bombers on deep
penetration missions into the Reich had
forced them to turn back before the
heavies had reached their target.  The
P-39 could have been used for close-in
escort for Pe-8s when using its drop
tank.

                    YOUR MISSION

You and your wingman are escorting four
Pe-8s as they fly on a course to bomb
the German headquarters.  Focke
Wulf interceptors will attack the
bombers before they reach their target.
Protect the bombers from the enemy
fighters, but don't stray too far from
your "big friends".

 