Anyone got past this yet? I am having a major problem knocking out all the planes over Rome. I know your suppose to let them get into formation and use the test weapon to take out numerous planes at once but I keep running out of time. Wingman are useless here. They actually get in the way at times.

Any help is appreciated.

I finally finished this mission. It's not #17 by the way, i believe it is 14.

SPOILER BELOW

Anyway, I am going to tell you how I believe I made it through. This mission made Red Square seem very easy.

Part 1 of the mission you absolutely need to let the enemy planes get into formation. They will get one behind the other. The enemy is patrolling and are very very slow so it is easy to run directly into the back of them. Also, do not be too close when shooting them down as they will blow up and fall on your plane ending the mission. Once behind them line directly into the same horizontal plane as them and fire you armor piercing weapon. Your weapon should take down 2-3 planes at a time. Just keep doing this. I tried not to chase after stragglers and only went after formations. Also, you need to be constantly telling your wingmen to attack. They will attack for a short period of time then ask you for orders.

Part 2. This part you have about 4-5 planes to shoot down. the problem is if you go into the search lights the ground fire will rip you to shreads. I stayed low above the roman coliseum as there where no lights there and patiently waited for the planes to come to me as they will bait you into the lights. The last plane however will take of at full speed and you must chase him down dodging lights. Make sure to allow enough time to catch him and also order your wingman to attack. My wingman took him down for me.

Part 3 is another Zepplin. This time it has its own search lights which you must avoid and will also shoot missles 3-4 at you at a time. The missles dont destroy you but apply heavy damage.
Make sure to order an attack constantly and try to stay behind and off to the side of the zepplin while taking out primary targets.

Hope this helps.