[WWII] Helijager

[copeab]

Ah, the MAS 38 might do it. Not sure if I had looked at the entry in the last five years ;) That would save about 3.5 lbs.

The C96 is a good pistol but, even with shoulder stock, has a wicked recoil penalty in the fully automatic version. OTOH, it is probably the lightest full auto weapon available at the time.

[copeab]

Originally Posted by Michele

I'd say this would be a special mission, probably behind the enemy lines, against a specific target. So the Jäger would be custom-outfitted. If they're out to infiltrate a HQ to kill a visiting top Allied general, they won't need heavy weapons.

Since all three of my players lurk on this forum, I'd rater not say what the troops are really up to yet ;)

EDIT: FWIW, I have a mostly finished template, but I'm not going to post it before the session on Saturday.

[Peter Knutsen]

Originally Posted by copeab

You got me to check something I had forgotten about. according to one book, the average WWII Japanese soldier was 116-120 lbs. So that probably is reasonable for a *small* German soldier.

Now I just need to figure out what their essential gear the helijager can carry at around 15 lbs.

It may not have been possible to find a medically healthy German solder weighting as little as 120 lbs, but 135 lbs ought to be findable.

Then again, someone growing up in the years immeidately after WWI, in Germany, could well have suffered from malnutrition, and possibly also undernutrition. I don't know when the "right" age would be for maximized growth stunting, though.

[copeab]

Originally Posted by Peter Knutsen

It may not have been possible to find a medically healthy German solder weighting as little as 120 lbs, but 135 lbs ought to be findable.

It certainly would be *small* for a German, but not a soldier -- see my comment earlier about Japanese soldiers. Helijagers could specifically be recruited from men who were otherwise fit for military service save them being too small.

Also, it's hard for me to get minimal gear under 30 lbs (without it being too minimal). I suppose I could replace the SMG with a pistol (saving around 7 pounds) but then they cease to be of much value in combat. No, 120, maybe 125 lbs, is about the maximum weight (unless I have a Heliofly with better lift ability).

[Kale]

Maybe give one guy just a pistol and a couple grenades. Use the 'baseball' type grenades rather than the bulkier 'stick' grenades.
Also, the troops should be cross-trained in allied weapons. In a case like this being able to use captured gear would be critical. If you come in with only a pistol but manage to get the drop on someone with a BAR, then pick that BAR up and use it until you have to go airborne again!

[safisher]

Originally Posted by copeab

So, the PCs may be facing a section of German soldiers using the Heliofly III-57 (p.W:MP76 -- basically a backpack helicopter). The problem is that the payload is extremely limited and I'm trying to figure out what the soldiers would carry.

Since this is fantasy stuff, why not arbitrarily increase the payload by 30-50 lbs. and just have them be Waffen-SS with FG-42s and such?

[copeab]

Originally Posted by Kale

Maybe give one guy just a pistol and a couple grenades. Use the 'baseball' type grenades rather than the bulkier 'stick' grenades. Also, the troops should be cross-trained in allied weapons. In a case like this being able to use captured gear would be critical. If you come in with only a pistol but manage to get the drop on someone with a BAR, then pick that BAR up and use it until you have to go airborne again!

One thing I've done is to vary the mission load by, um, mission ;)

Missions I've identified so far are:
* recon
* raid (a lot like the traditional paratrooper role, but with the advantage of not being spread out all over the countryside and being able to fly back out -- a primitive airborne cavalry).
* assassination (a small number -- perhaps just 1-2 helijager -- to disrupt the enemy by eliminating key individuals)
* covert ops (similar to assassination, but aimed at blowing things up without being detected, requiring a lot of explosives but not much in guns)

[copeab]

Originally Posted by safisher

Since this is fantasy stuff, why not arbitrarily increase the payload by 30-50 lbs. and just have them be Waffen-SS with FG-42s and such?

I think I'm stretching things enough to have the Heliofly III-57 work properly ;) For a heavier load, I suppose I could use the Heliofly III-59.

I do like the FG 42 although it is a bit heavy. One of the Para-Marines with the PCs is already using the similar M-1941 Johnson LMG.

[Kalzazz]

Hmmm. If they are related in some ways to paratroops, could launch them from a plane and use the heliofly to do a proper controlled crash

If you are only trying to fly in a downwards direction can carry more stuff

And then leave some stuff behind when you exfiltrate

[copeab]

Here's the rough draft pf the template.
---------------------------------
Basic Helijäger Template and Gear

The Helijäger is a special operations Luftwaffe soldier utilizing the Heliofly III-57 rotorpack (p.W:MP76). Due to severe payload restrictions, a Helijäger must be light (no more than 120 lbs) and can only carry a very light load of gear. Their two primary missions are reconnaissance and light raids.

A recon mission typically involves only one squad at a time, spread out and flying at 100 feet or so. As soon as the enemy is contacted, they pop a smoke grenade and leave. Originally the Helijäger used flare guns, but the rotors kept getting in the way ...

A raid is a bit more complicated, but similar to small-scale paratrooper operation. The primary -- and very crucial -- difference is that the Helijäger, once his mission is complete, can strap his Heliofly back on and fly back to friendly territory. Since no heavy weapons can be carried, the Helijäger must secure enemy weapons at the site if they are required. The Helijäger land a mile or more away from the target and proceed on foot; depending on the objectives, they either leave the Heliofly behind (with a small guard) or disassemble them and pack them along.

A Helijäger is extremely vulnerable if caught by an Allied fighter. However, their small size, evasive ability and slow speed (making it hard for a fighter to line up a shot without stalling or overshooting) gives them a small chance.

Template Cost: 75

ST 10 [0]; DX 13 [30]; IQ 12 [20]; HT 11 [10]

Advantages: Fit [5]; 25 points in National advantages

Disadvantages: Extremely Hazardous Duty [-20]; -30 points in National disadvantages, including Skinny [-5] and Reduced Hit Points 1-2 [-5 or -10]

Basic Skills: Armoury (Small Arms)-10 [1/2]; Brawling-13 [1]; Climbing-12 [1]; Demolition-12 [2]; First Aid-11 [1/2]; Guns (Light Auto)-15 [1]; Guns (Rifle)-14 [1/2]; Hiking-10 [1]; Jumping-13 [1]; Knife-13 [1]; Navigation-11 [1]; Pilot (Flight Pack)-14 [4]; Soldier-14 [6]; Spear-11 [1/2]; Stealth-13 [2]; Survival (any)-11 [1]; Swimming-12 [1/2]; Throwing-11 [1]; Traps-11 [1]

Secondary Skills: Camouflage-12 [1]; Electronics Operation (Comm)-10 [1/2]; Guns (Pistol)-14 [1/2]; Orienteering-10 [1/2]; Savoir-Faire (Military)-11 [1/2]; Running-8 [1/2]

Background Skills: Spend 5 points on Driving (Automobile), Gunner (MG), Carousing, Area Knowledge (any), Scrounging, Mechanic (Flight Pack), Forward Observer, Gambling, Intimidation, Engineer (Combat), or foreign languages.

Helijäger Gear
Personal: uniform, toque, goggles, compass, matches, personal basics, wristwatch, web gear (incl. ammo pouches), basic first aid kit, large knife Weight: 14 lbs

Mission Gear:
Scouting: MP40 w/3 magazines, two RG-34 grenades and two colored-smoke grenades. 16.6 lbs

Raid: MAS 38 SMG w/3 magazines, four SteilHandGrenaten w/fragmentation sleeve. 16.1 lbs

Sniper: Mauser 98k w/2.5x scope and 13 clips, four EiHandGrenaten 39. 16.7 lbs