Table Air Combat: PBY-5 Catalina

Table Air Combat is a fast, simple air combat game that can be played on any flat surface. All you need are some six-sided dice and some coins to provide weight for the aircraft counters. Everything else can be printed from this ruleset.

Each player has a flight of four fighters, represented by two counters. Aircraft counters move by means of curved “performance rulers” that represent the aircraft’s historical cornering ability and maximum speed.

Each performance ruler is unique to each aircraft, and contains all the speed, cornering, and weapon information needed.

TAC is designed for portability; The entire game can fit in a plastic bag. Even the largest battles can take place on a fast-food restaurant table.

The PBY-5 Catalina was a flying boat designed for maritime patrol and rescue. Although slow, it had a long range and the ability to operate from unimproved pacific islands. When armed with bombs, depths charges,and torpedoes, it was effective at anti-submarine and anti-shipping.