quote:

Does this game exist?

I'm looking for a game based on air combat.
I would like to have the squad I belong to (or lead) have different pilots in it. They have different skill levels or skill sets (eg some are great tactitions, others great dogfighters, others have great situational awareness and can spott enemies sooner, or great leaders that can impove the entire squadron etc) Also, do these pilots improve with experience and training, or burn out if used too much?
For me what I am looking for most, is a chance to become familiar with the pilots (either real or ficticious) and watch them grow into aces and rack up the kills. Of course with there demise, i will also feel the pain of their lose.
To be honest the personal level of the pilots is more entertaining to me then the tactics of battle.

It could be a flight sim, or a turn based strategy game, it's the squad management that I am interested in

I'm reminded of old Falcon 3.0
Your squadran had pilots with 3 ratings, dogfighting, bombing and basic flying skill. AI squadmates improved over time. If you had 2 good wingmen and managed to keep them alive for several missions you became and powerful fighting
force! Then when one of them made the ultimate sacrifice I remember being so upset I couldn't eat dinner! I love that sort of immersion! I havn't seen it in any game since.

Thanks!