Hell's Black Aces

Unit Description

Hell's Black Aces is a all-AeroSpace Fighter mercenary force, that came to exist in early 31st Century.

Command

Attaining Rank

The unit pushes candidates for command through grueling trials. The command candidates measured by their number of kills, and they must pass tactical and strategic tests. These tests are considered to be toughest used in the Inner Sphere.

Contractional Command

The Aces have been noted for allowing to surrender strategic command give the situation. However, the unit almost never gives up tactical command. Given there not too many force commander whom would know how to effectively apply Ace's force abilities.

History

Formation in the Late Succession Wars

The Aces' was originally a Liao Aerospace Wing which did not want be victim of then Chancellor Maxmilian Liao's purges. In 3011, the unit had been neglected and fears of the purge grew strong enough for members of the wing to steal a rare Vengeance Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip and defect from the Confederation. The unit in order to survive became a mercenary unit, which took on high-risk contracts. From these contacts, the Ace's numbers suffered. The unit members only recruited veterans, which they prefer to hire Capellan nations.

Near end of the Third Succession War, the unit was hired by Filthy Lurcre mercenary regiment as air cover for the force under Lyran contracted job. They were to provide cover in merc's fight in Dromini VI where Draconis Combine forces attacked in asteroid field, above rock called Hell's Black Acre. The intense dog fight with a Combine Aerospace Company, caused the Filthy Lurcre's to abandon the forme Liao wing to its own devices. Taking all their DropShips including the wing's own Vengeance. After being abandoned, the Company Commander of the Combine forces demanded the mercenaries to surrender. After a young pilot disputed that request, the Combine commander challenged young pilot to duel. Should pilot succeed, they would be free and escorted to Galatea. The two pilots dueled in fifteen minute battle and young pilot succeeding in crippling the combined fighter. The young pilot convinced the Combine commander not to commit seppuke regain his lost honor. He was able convince him best recouped his honor by joining forces with them, getting back at the Filthy Lurcre. The Kurita commander and his company joined them, then rechristening themselves as the Hell's Black Aces.

The Aces' track down the Filthy over Bolan in 3031 while not under any contact. Warning off the Filthy's Lyran contract holders, the Aces take their revenge on them by destroying all their 'Mech carrying DropShips. In process they recover their Vengeance DropShip in the process.

Clan Invasion Era

In 3053, the Blue Star Irregulars hired the Aces to assist them in their raid against Clan held world of Quarell. The Blues wanted the Aces to make sure that their JumpShips and the skies stayed safe during the raid. Clan Jade Falcons had number of aerospace assets, include a Fredesa Class Corvette/WarShip counter the raid. The Falcon's were surprised by the Ace's sudden attack against them, losing two whole Star of OmniFighters to them. The Falcon's force manage to recover from attack and regrouped. The Aces fell back and headed for their JumpShips, with Clan OmniFighters in pursuit. As the Clanner arrived, they were greeted surprise attack by a wing of the Blue Star Irregulars' fighters hiding behind their JumpShips. The Clans caught by surprised were devastated by between the Blues and the Aces. Afterwards, the Aces conducted a series attacks that left the Fredesa crippled, allowing for the Falcon Warship to be captured. The Ace's were able to capture a Clan Titan Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip for themselves. The Clan ship was renamed the Lucifier's Deck, added to its growing fleet of carrier dropships, which include a Leopard CV and their original Vengeance Carrier.

Returning to the Service of the Confederation

By 3063 the unit reputation has grown since its obscurity as a defector Liao Aerospace Wing. Number of the command staff of the Aces's now has descendants of original Kurita pilots that joined the Aces at end of Third Succession War. The Staff member of Capellan Confederation Sun Tzu Liao while in midst of its Xin Sheng movement, offered the Ace's very generous contract. Giving them preferred-buyer status Aerospace Fighters being produced on Victoria, full salvage rights, excellant pay, and also allowing one of their wings to be used by other factions as long they aren't against the Confederation. The Ace's accept the contract, however months later Chancellor offered them chance to return to fold. Ace's commanding Colonel declined offer the unit become coming a house regiment. His Executive Officer, Major Wynn Sung, became leading Capellan descent whom pushing to reintegration of the unit, or threatens mass desertion. Colonel Tanaga, to appease his people agrees continue talks.

The wings of the Aces, serve to as trainers at such school as Liao Conservatory of Military Arts on Liao. While in some case, serving other factions, such as the Draconis Combine as of 3067. The unit by this time also able purchase ancient Invader Class JumpShip, which was given the name Charon.

Jihad

Operation Sovereign Justice

During open throws of the Jihad, the elements of the Aces fought off number of supporting raids by Duke George Hasek's Operation: Sovereign Justice forces. The Aces for the first time in years, re-united on Ningpo when they pounced the Arcadians mercenary company from the system, with the aid of the 1st Taurian Lancers. The Aces were able to destroy the Arcadians' support force, reducing the merc unit by 40 percent fighting form.

The Hell's Black Aces were transferred to Liao, where they team up with the Dynasty Guards. Shortly after, Duke Hasek's 8th Syrtis Fusiliers attack Liao battering Ace's Dynasty Guard partners. However, the Aces claim the air superiority and help Guards repulse the Fusiliers off the planet. The regiment had lost several of its squadrons, so the unit put in for time to refit and rest from various battles. The unit recovered in time for another attack in November of 3069, when Blakists arrived.

Blakists Attack of Liao

The entire regiment faced off with the Word of Blake's 21st Division teamed with the Dynasty Guards. The 21st's Aerospace forces included dozen Pocket WarShips which punch through Liao's space defenses. However, the Ace's first wave fighter arrived in high speed runs against the Blakist force. Inflicting stunning damage as the Aces concentrated on what they believe was the fleet's command ship. The Aces quickly returned to base for re-arm after stunning Blakist fleet and causing them to regroup. As 21st Division's 'Mechs dropped from the sky, the Aces desperately shot down number of the incoming. However, it was not enough keep the landings commence. The Aces were noted for their heroic attacks against the enemy, trying to keep pressure on. Many of the their pilot's fighter ran out of fuel fighting the Blakist fleet. Determined take as many Blakist forces out as possible, many pilot rammed their fighters into Mech & DropShip formation as their fuel tanks rank dry. Only ten Aces out fifty pilots whom took off for space came back alive, among the dead was Colonel Tanaga.

The Ace's efforts, made it possible for the Dynasty Guards to repel the weaken Blakist forces to treat. Their efforts successful in inflicting heavy damage to 21st causing it to withdraw. During the battle for Liao, unconfirmed reports of the squadrons of fighter bearing Hell's Black Ace's colors were spotted fighting Blakist forces.

During the unit recovered during 3070, when it able to confirm that a number of the Ace's newest recruits had gone missing during the initial invasion. The Aces were able bring in brightest and best students from Confederation's schools to bring the themselves back full regimental strength.

With only few non-Capellans left in the unit, the rumor has floated that the Aces seriously considering truly end their careers as mercenaries to become a independent air regiment in CCAF when its contract ends in 3075.

Unit Colors & Insignias

All Ace fighter craft are painted bone white. The unit's emblem, black spade surrounded by flame, is painted on the left wing of their crafts. Aircraft kills are noted by Ace-of-spades painted on the right handside of the fuselage. It noted that 52 kills, "full deck", has never been achieved. Unit that grows in kills, its unit insignia's flaming corona around the Spade expands. On accomplished pilots, twisted red, oranges, & yellows form intricate pattern across the entire fighter. Making no two fighter paint schemes are a like.

Officers

As of 3059, the Commanding Officer was Colonel Colonel Horiu "Great Wyrm" Tanaga

Dragoon Ratings

3059

Rating A+

3067

Rating A+

3071

Rating A

Tactics

The Aces are known to fight per Wing, are assigned to different missions and contracts. First & Second Wings are expert in null gravity combat. First Wing trains for unusual terrains, such as Asteroid fields and orbital bodies. Third Wing is specialized in atmospheric operations including nape-of-the-Earth flying.

While in service of the Confederation as of 3067, the Second Wing taking advantage of the presence of the House Liao's growing WarShip fleet. They've become experts at assaulting and defending WarShips. While Third Wing developed better air & ground support tactics.

Composition

3011

• 1 Aerospace Wing
  • 1 Vengeance Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip

3031

• 1 Reinenforced Aerospace Wing
  • 1 Vengeance Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip

3059

• 1 - Aerospace Regiment
  • Command Squadron - CO: Colonel Tanaga
  • 1st Wing - CO: Major Wynn "Lady Doom" Sung
  • 2nd Wing - CO: Major Jason "Daemon" Windgate
  • 3rd Wing - CO: Major Kerrin "Tsumani" Osikana
    • 1 Vengeance Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip
    • 1 Titan Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip
    • 1 Leopard CV Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip

3067

• 1 - Aerospace Regiment
  • Command Squadron - CO: Colonel Tanaga
  • 1st Wing - CO: Major Wynn "Lady Doom" Sung
  • 2nd Wing - CO: Major Jason "Daemon" Windgate
  • 3rd Wing - CO: Major Kerrin "Tsumani" Osikana
    • 1 Vengeance Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip
    • 1 Titan Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip
    • 1 Leopard CV Class Fighter-Carrier DropShip
    • 1 Invader JumpShip, Charon

Notes

As of 3059, First Wing has squadron of captured Jade Falcon OmniFighters, while squadron's usually employs only heavy fighters. First Wing's aircraft bolster salvage Clan technology with added aerospace fighters. The Second and Third Wings, use mix weight class of fighters.

Game Notes

Special Command Bonus

The Hell's Black Aces as number of game special Command rules when deploy certain ways. If the unit is deployed with two or more wings of fighters, or a single wing backed by its Titan carrier, it automatically wins initiative for three turns.

In addition, when the Aces outnumber the enemy and destroys two or more opposing units in same turn the Aces gets to intimidates its opposition. When both these conditions are meet the opposing force suffers from a +1 to its to-hit modifiers in following turn.

Wing Specific Command Abilities

The First and Second Wings gain a +1 to their initiative when being used in vacuum. First Wing gains additional bonus when operating in a when debris and/or asteroids are on the map. Second Wing gains an additional +1 to its initiative if WarShip is present on the map. Third Wing receives a +1 to its initiative when operating in Atmosphere. When Third Wing is attacking ground targets, its receives a -1 to its to-attack rolls. However, if elements of Third Wing is mixed with either of the other two Wings, it loses its initiative bonuses.

Jihad Bonus

When the unit is defending against an opposing force consisting of Word of Blake Militia force or allies, they gain +1 initiative, the modifiers are cumulative.

References

• Field Manual: Mercenaries
• Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised
• Mercenaries Supplemental Update