Red Stars – Black Cross’s Ally over Poland. Soviet Aviation over East Part of Poland in IX, X 1939, a New Book

[lingodog]

Originally Posted by Ruy Horta

If you discuss unarmed Cubs and Austers you might as well look at the definition of combat rules by the forces operating them, instead of simply making up our own rules. Most combattants had elaborate systems defining what a constituted combat mission (or its equivalent with or without encountering any enemy forces).

However once you fire at or throw bombs at the enemy the point is mute, regardless if you are flying the most modern or obsolete aircraft in the sky.

Sorry Ruy, can't agree with you here. Don't forget that an unarmed machine can correct artillery fall of shot, or radio observations during reconnaissance that brings in strike aircraft. The pilot of an unarmed, unescorted light plane is at considerable risk. I doubt he would consider that a moot point.