Flying the Beam

1941 · United States · Parker Bros.

Theme: WWII Air

About this game

While not involving combat, this game was designed by a pilot to simulate "blind flying" conditions. At the time, a transmitter near the airport would send out a radio buzz indicating the correct landing track. Veering left or right of the lane would trigger the Morse code letters A or N. When on track and near the airport, the signal would fade altogether. For wartime production, the planes were made of a wood-based cellulose composite.

Mechanism

Roll and Move

Rules

Players choose an approach lane, and each turn make a spin that determines their move. When they successfully enter the "cone of silence" around the airport, they roll for landing instructions. First plane on the ground wins.

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