Dauntless (1977)

Overview

A game of tactical-level WWII air combat in the pacific. Originally published as a stand-alone game by Battleline, Dauntless was later (1981) republished by Avalon Hill as a gamette expansion for the game Air Force. AH added rules for ships and anti-ship weapons, carrier operations, and rockets.

From a Battleline catalog:

DAUNTLESS takes our proven and popular AIR FORCE game system into the skies of the Flying Tigers, Samurai and the "Black Sheep." The new airplane data charts let you put such renowned aircraft as the P-38 "forked tailed devil," the incomparably nimble Zero, the aptly named Black Widow, and the awesome B-29 through their paces. Other veteran war birds include the P-40, Corsair, Val, Kate, Frank, B-25, the SBD (Slow But Deadly) Dauntless, and many more.

Rules cover all important aspects of the air war in the Pacific: machine guns and cannons, dive bombing, torpedo bombing, level bombing, glide bombing, depth charge bombing, strafing, massed bomber formations, light and heavy flak, fighters, bombers, kamikazes, radar, clouds, industrial targets, vehicular targets, and naval targets, and more. Scenarios portray day fights, reconnaissance missions, bomber interceptions, duels in the night, attacks on land and sea targets, and one-way kamikaze dives and a "roll your own" section that allows players to create their own scenarios.

The game components include a six-piece geomorphic "endless" Map board, 375 extra-thick die-cut counters, rulebook which includes basic and optional rules with a comprehensive historical summary, a well-organized simultaneous movement pad, airplane data cards, game tables, and an introductory game that completes your basic training.

Expansions

Air Force Dauntless Expansion Kit