Alliance air force

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AllianceAlliance air force
Skyfire gyrocopters.jpg
Main leader IconSmall Anduin2.gif High King Anduin Wrynn
  Formerly IconSmall Varian.gif High King Varian Wrynn †
IconSmall Lothar.gif Supreme Commander Anduin Lothar †[1]
Secondary leaders IconSmall Turalyon.gif Lord Commander Turalyon
IconSmall Gnome Male.gif Flight Commander Briz Blastbolt
Race(s) HumanHumanHumanHuman Human
DwarfDwarfWildhammer dwarfWildhammer dwarf Dwarf
GnomeGnome Gnome
Night elfNight elf Night elf
Lightforged draeneiLightforged draenei Lightforged draenei
Base of operations Ironforge Airfield, Stormwind Harbor, Fizzcrank Airstrip
  Formerly Strongarm Airstrip, Toxic Airfield, Launch Bay
Theater of operations Azeroth
  Formerly Alternate Draenor
Language(s) Common, Various languages
Sub-group(s) Various task forces
Affiliation Grand Alliance
  Formerly Alliance of Lordaeron
Status Active

The Alliance air force[2] is the collective air military force of the various members of the Alliance. As the aerial wing of the Alliance Forces, these combined flying machines and riders protect the Alliance's interests throughout Azeroth and beyond, and have seen particularly frequent service against the Horde. The backbone of its forces is comprised predominantly of gnomish flying machines due to their maneuverability and speed.[2] Most of the Alliance's aerial power is provided by the engineering innovations of the gnomes and dwarves, and fitted with crews from various Alliance members. Boasting a collection of varied machines, including bombers, gyrocopters, gnomish copters, and even a space-faring vessel, the air force has been utilized in some of the Alliance army's most important operations.

Although they are heavily armed and armored airships, the gunships fall under the authority of the Alliance navy and are generally treated as sea vessels.[3][4] Nonetheless, the main deck of the ship usually serves as a platform from which gyrocopters may take off and land from, and each gunship will often possess its own complement of these smaller aircraft.

Deployment and history

Great Wars

Gnomish flying machines bombarding the orcs.

During the Second War in 5 ADP, Anduin Lothar commanded all land and air forces of the Alliance of Lordaeron,[1] leading the Seven Kingdoms and theirs allies against the Orcish Horde. Among their aerial forces, the gnomes of Gnomeregan displayed their talents by inventing and piloting flying machines. Although having no armaments, they were used to survey vast areas of terrain and detect hidden movements of underwater units, making them invaluable for discovering the movements of the Orcish Horde.[5] Oil was also used in the development of both experimental flying craft and extremely powerful weapons.[6]

When Thane Kurdran and the Wildhammer clan joined the Alliance, their gryphon riders allowed their allies to match the Horde's aerial superiority in the form of enslaved red dragons.[7]

During the Scourging of Lordaeron in 20 ADP, the Wildhammer gryphon riders responded once again to the call and came to aid the Alliance in its time of need, seeking to keep the skies of Lordaeron free from enemy forces.[8] Upon facing the Undead Scourge, the gryphon riders and other Alliance aerial support grappled with gargoyles and frost wyrms on the battlefield.[9]

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

In Year 25 ADP, Alliance official collectors and adventurers gathered a great amount of copper for the Ahn'Qiraj War,[10] in order to build and deploy a small fleet of gyrocopters on the battlefield.[11]

In Ironforge, the Hall of Arms serves as the headquarters of the kingdom's armed forces, as well as the place where flying machines are assembled and launched to the Ironforge Airfield outside.

The Launch Bay once served as Gnomeregan's airstrip, until the capital was irradiated, leaving the area under the control of Sicco Thermaplugg and his minions.

Wrath of the Lich King

Wrath of the Lich King This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

Fizzcrank Airstrip in the Borean Tundra.

During the war against the Lich King in 27 ADP, as the Valiance Expedition arrived in the Borean Tundra, the gnome Fizzcrank Fullthrottle designed and oversaw the building of the Fizzcrank Airstrip near the Geyser Fields. They also built the Fizzcrank Pumping Station, an oil platform to make fuel for the flying machines, with a hydrothermal system connecting it to the airstrip.[12]

Among their crews, the fastest recon squadron was led by Iggy "Tailspin" Cogtoggle to gather information about the nerubian infestation in Geyser Fields. However, an accident caused the death of most of the pilots, as well as the loss of the recorded intel, leaving Tailspin as the sole survivor of the operation.[13] An adventurer eventually recovered the microfilm and brought it back to Fizzcrank.[14]

In Icecrown, Karen No and Kibli Killohertz were responsible for the maintenance and combat readiness of the Alliance Infra-green Bombers, striking at the Scourge across The Bombardment and the Valley of Lost Hope[15] from their airport above Aldur'thar: The Desolation Gate.[16] They used infra-green technology to hide from the undead and shield their bombers in battle.[17]

At some point, the Skybreaker fielded a squadron of recon vehicles over the Valley of Fallen Heroes and Icecrown Glacier, leading the fight against the Scourge. Sky-Reaver Korm Blackscar later sent Horde adventurers to destroy the Skybreaker Recon Fighters with the SGM-3 heat seeking missiles.[18]

Cataclysm

Cataclysm This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The Ironforge Airfield in Dun Morogh.

Following the Cataclysm in 28 ADP, Dark Iron dwarves loyal to the Twilight's Hammer launched a large-scale attack on the Ironforge Airfield,[19] damaging most of the dwarven kingdom's aircraft, with only a few bombers left airworthy. The defenders led by Commander Stonebreaker worked hard on getting the damaged flying machines back into the fight, while the Alliance adventurer was tasked to extinguish the burning bombers.[20] The airfield engineers eventually managed to repair one bomber, which was used to defeat the dark iron invaders and their leader, General Grimaxe.[21][22]

The Gnomeregan Covert Ops's air wing later launched an aerial attack on the Frostmane Retreat, burning the Frostmane trolls' buildings to the ground.[23]

On the Lost Isles, the Ironforge 127th Paratroopers worked with the 7th Legion against the Bilgewater Cartel, using Gnomeregan Stealth Fighters to drop their forces on the Tranquil Coast.[24]

In Stonetalon Mountains, the Northwatch Expeditionary Unit dispatched flying machines to detonate the large bomb within Krom'gar Fortress, which would have wiped out the entire fortress in the process.[25] Upon discovering the plans of the Alliance, the Horde adventurer was tasked to defend Krom'gar Fortress with a heavy gun, shooting down the bombers before they could accomplish their mission.[26]

In the Southern Barrens, the Alliance hired Wildhammer mercenaries to firebomb Camp Taurajo, as well as to control the skies over the Battlescar.[27]

Mists of Pandaria

Mists of Pandaria This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

The Strongarm Airstrip in Jade Forest.

After the rediscovery of Pandaria in 30 ADP, the Skyfire gunship was sent to the mysterious continent with around thirty gyrocopters on board,[28] as well as a complement of gryphon riders.[29] Their first target was Garrosh'ar Point, where they mowed down the Horde soldiers, engineers, and ships stationed there with machine gun-equipped gyrocopters;[30] however, dozens of pilots were also shot down during the initial aerial battle and had to be quickly healed across the Paw'don Glade.[31]

In time, Captain Doren established the Strongarm Airstrip in Jade Forest, as the surrounding jungle were too dangerous for the air traffic of the gyrocopters from the Skyseeker.[32] The base had two engineers responsible for the base's supply of gyrocopters: Master Engineer Cogswing and Gyro-Mechanic Lavenderp.[33] The Horde eventually assaulted the airstrip,[34] killing the soldiers and their leadership,[35] as well as destroying the gyrocopters.[36] After Doren's defeat, General Nazgrim used the airstrip to launch attacks on the nearby Forest Hozen, then left the base in flames.

When the Alliance attacked Twinspire Keep, they marked Xhu'daggab's prison with a flare for pilots to bombard its location, allowing the demon to escape and wreak havoc on the keep.[37]

During the skirmishes in the Krasarang Wilds, the gnomes brought their gyrocopters on the battlefield, forcing Blood Guard Gro'tash to send heroes to burn them down.[38] Shademaster Kiryn later reported that Lion's Landing had an heavy air support in the form many gryphon riders,[39] while the Alliance air dropped supplies, food and ammunition to support their ground forces around Domination Point.[40]

Warlords of Draenor

Warlords of Draenor This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

During the war in Draenor in 31 ADP, the carriers built at Lunarfall Shipyard were dedicated to transporting gyrocopters and bombers across Alternate Draenor. The airships were thus used to spot and attack hostile ships across the seas.[41] At some point, the Iron Horde discovered an abandoned airship base south of Nagrand, which the Alliance defended and used to launch air support for Tanaan Jungle.[42]

Legion

Legion This section concerns content related to Legion.

During the Legion Invasion in 32 ADP, Ironforge Airfield temporarily fell under the Legion's control, prompting Flight Commander Briz Blastbolt to dispatch his best pilots to reclaim it.

When the Skyfire attacked the Windrunner Fleet, 7th Legion Paratroopers landed on the Forsaken ships and took out the crews.[43][44] They then secured the Cove of Nashal and hunted down Horde survivors.

Battle for Azeroth

Battle for Azeroth This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

The G.E.A.R. task force in Fizzcrank Airstrip.

During the Battle for Lordaeron in 33 ADP, gnomish flying machines were part of the Alliance forces invading the Ruins of Lordaeron.

The Alliance leaders later made a request for Gnomeregan's might in the Fourth War,[45] and agreed to fund an elite task force: the Gnomish Elite Aerial Rangers. The unit's test team was assembled in New Tinkertown by Captain Tread Sparknozzle[46] representing the brightest paragons of gnomanity, and was equipped with the latest in flying machine technology.[47] Their first field mission occured at Fizzcrank Airstrip in the Borean Tundra,[48][49] which was under attack from an army of Ironbound troggs led by Krugg the Smart.[50][51] Upon discovering that Telzo Sparkspanner, a former assistant of Sicco Thermaplugg,[52] was behind the attack, the G.E.A.R. confronted the leper gnome and his armies in Ulduar.[53][54] After their success, Captain Sparknozzle congratulated the Commander and their rangers, stating that the Alliance would surely call upon the unit in the future.[55]

At some point, the Horde spotted gnomish flying machines flying above Vol'dun, and eventually encountered Buzz Crankchug while looking for the Alliance launching pad.[56]

When the Alliance forces landed in Nazmir, Baron Cloudsnipe and a squadron of 7th Legion Gyrocopters battled with Pozzik's experimental goblin bomber.[57]

The War Within

The War Within This section concerns content related to The War Within.

During the War in Khaz Algar in 42 ADP, G.E.A.R Bombers were amongst the Alliance forces sent to aid the Arathi when the nerubians of Azj-Kahet launched an all-out assault on Hallowfall.[58]

Organization

The Hall of Arms's launching area.

Task forces

Ranks

Some of the known ranks of the Alliance air force, in order of most to least senior, are:

Rank Role Individuals Types
Squadron commander
(or Wing commander) 		A rank held by aerial commanders leading squadrons onto the battlefield.
Senior airman A mid-level rank denoting an experienced flyer or specialist in bombardment. N/A
Ace pilot A flying fighter or a bomber pilot[60] distinguished by their performance.
Bombardier A trained aircrew professional who operates an aircraft on a mission. N/A
Pilot (or airman) A trained aircrew professional who operates an aircraft on a mission.
Paratrooper A soldier trained to parachute into combat or military operations.

N/A

Aerial forces

Name Description Examples Image
Bomber Carrier Bomber, Expedition Transport,
Gnomeregan Multi-Bomber, Gnomish Bomber,
Gnomeregan Stealth Fighter, Ironforge Bomber 		First Squadron Prototype.jpg
Gyrocopter
  • Small but versatile flying machines that can cover great distances and evade enemy ground forces.
  • Though the contraptions are somewhat rickety, they are armed with mounted cannons and bombs.[62]
 Gyrochoppa, The Blades of Vengeance,
Gnomeregan Gyrocopter, Skyfire Gyrocopter X2,
Alliance Gyrocopter, Carrier Gyrocopter 		Kwiven's Gyrocopter.jpg
Gnomish copter D.R.O.N.E., Sanitron 500,
Scout-o-Matic 5000, Siege-o-Matic 4000 		Choppy Booster Mk. 5.jpg
Space-faring vessel The Vindicaar Vindicaar golden.jpg
Gryphon rider
  • Air support for the Alliance armies. Most are Wildhammer dwarves who wield deadly stormhammers.
  • Often under the guidance of a wing commander, who is sometimes stationed on the ground near their target area.[66]
 Falstad Wildhammer, Knight-Captain Emery,
Alliance Gryphon Rider, Fordragon Gryphon Rider 		Ironforge Gryphon Rider.jpg
Hippogryph rider
  • Provides aerial support in battle, as well as scouting and reconnaissance, they usually act as airborne archers.
  • A properly trained squadron can take on nearly any opposing force,[67] acting as an effective mobile rapid-response unit.[68]
 Aradria Cloudflyer, Hippogryph Archer
Kaldorei Hippogryph Rider, Talrendis Skychaser 		Kaldorei Hippogryph Rider.jpg

Notes and trivia

  • Baron Cloudsnipe is known to have downed more goblin pilots than the rest of the Alliance squadrons combined.[69]
  • After his plane crashed during a recon mission, Iggy "Tailspin" Cogtoggle had to follow a set of protocols:
    • Section 8.2, paragraph B: The pilot must retrieve the microfilm containing all the information collected in the field.
    • Section 8.2, paragraph C: The squadron commander is responsible for locating and returning the insignia of all fallen pilots under their command.[70]
    • Section 8.2, paragraph D: A pilot to scuttle as much of a wreckage as possible, in order to prevent the Alliance technology from falling into enemy hands.[71]

Gallery

References

 
  1. ^ a b Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Legends of the Land, Sir Anduin Lothar
  2. ^ a b  [Flying Machine]'s Mount Journal description
  3. ^ A [10-35] Touching Ground: Sky Admiral Rogers says: [...] This is the ship that took down Deathwing. You think some raggedy little Horde outpost stands a chance against the pride of the Alliance fleet? NO! [...]
  4. ^ Sky Admiral Rogers' gossip
  5. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Alliance Air Units, Gnomish Flying Machine
  6. ^ Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness manual, Resources of the Land, Oil
  7. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 2, pg. 161
  8. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human Units, Gryphon Rider
  9. ^ World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 3, pg. 55
  10. ^ A [60] The Alliance Needs Your Help!
  11. ^ A [60] The Alliance Needs More Copper Bars!
  12. ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 102
  13. ^ A [10-30] Finding Pilot Tailspin
  14. ^ A [10-30] Give Fizzcrank the News
  15. ^ A [80] Watts My Target
  16. ^ A [80] Killohertz
  17. ^ A [80] Leading the Charge
  18. ^ H [25-30] Blinding the Eyes in the Sky
  19. ^ A [1-30] Get to the Airfield
  20. ^ A [1-30] Extinguish the Fires
  21. ^ A [1-30] Striking Back
  22. ^ A [1-30] Grimaxe's Demise
  23. ^ A [1-30] Strike From Above
  24. ^ H IconSmall Goblin Male.gifIconSmall Goblin Female.gif [1-20] Repel the Paratroopers
  25. ^ H [10-30] Orders from Base Camp
  26. ^ H [10-30] In Defense of Krom'gar Fortress
  27. ^ H [10-30] Flightmare
  28. ^ Nodd Codejack's gossip
  29. ^ Skyfire Gryphon Rider
  30. ^ A [10-35] Unleash Hell
  31. ^ A [10-35] Critical Condition
  32. ^ Doren's Logs
  33. ^ H [10-35] Strongarm Tactics
  34. ^ H [10-35] Assault on the Airstrip
  35. ^ H [10-35] Strongarm Tactics
  36. ^ H [10-35] Choppertunity
  37. ^ A [10-35] Smoke Before Fire
  38. ^ H [15-35 Daily] Flash! Aaaaaahhhh!
  39. ^ H [15-35 Daily] Sentry Wards
  40. ^ H [15-35 Daily] Tear It Up
  41. ^ Bomber Target Practice (Alliance)
  42. ^ The Neutralizer
  43. ^ H [10-45] The Splintered Fleet
  44. ^ A [10-45] Greymane's Gambit
  45. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Shifting Gears
  46. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Gnomeregan's Finest
  47. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Shadowed Halls and Dusty Cogs
  48. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] A Tundra Conundrum
  49. ^ Exploring Azeroth: Northrend, pg. 103
  50. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Now With More Mechanical Fowl
  51. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Smarter Than Your Average Trogg
  52. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] The Gnome Behind the Trogg
  53. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Operation: Troggageddon
  54. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] For Gnomeregan!
  55. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] G.E.A.R. Up
  56. ^ Stealth Air Defense Vol'dun
  57. ^ H [10-50] Romp in the Swamp
  58. ^ N [80] The Might of Khaz Algar
  59. ^ A [1-30] Strike From Above
  60. ^ Bomber Target Practice (Horde)
  61. ^ A IconSmall Gnome Male.gifIconSmall Gnome Female.gif [50-80] Shadowed Halls and Dusty Cogs
  62. ^ Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos manual, Human Units, Gyrocopter
  63. ^ A [50WQ] Don't Stalk Me, Troll
  64. ^ B [45] Two If By Sea
  65. ^  [Light's Judgment]
  66. ^ Wing Commander Dabir'ee, A [10-30] Zeth'Gor Must Burn!
  67. ^ A [15-30] Forces of Nature: Hippogryphs
  68. ^ A [110] A Looming Threat
  69. ^ H [10-50] Romp in the Swamp
  70. ^ A [10-30] Emergency Protocol: Section 8.2, Paragraph C
  71. ^ A [10-30] Emergency Protocol: Section 8.2, Paragraph D
 
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