Gryphus Squadron

The 207th Tactical Fighter Squadron, also known as the Gryphus Squadron, is a high level ace squadron of the Aurelian Air Force. It is a top secret squadron tasked for border defense, whose existence remained classified until the year 2020.

History
The squadron became one of the last active squadrons in Aurelia during the Aurelian War, and was assigned with the air defense of Aubrey Air Force Base, the last standing AFB on the country.

In October, a Leasath Air Force bomber squadron was sent to Aubrey AFB in an attempt to destroy the base, but were intercepted by Gryphus Squadron while approaching their target. Not all ended well, however, as Aubrey was hit by a Shock Wave Ballistic Missile launched from the airborne fortress, Gleipnir, at Puna Plains in the south. As a result, the base suffered massive damage and most of Gryphus Squadron was annihilated in the missile attack, except for flight leader Gryphus 1, 5 and 6, who followed their leader throughout the game. Afterwards, the squadron went on the offensive, first taking over Puna Plains' forward operating base, then providing air cover for the remains of the Aurelian Army in the recapture of Port Patterson. After the capture of Port Patterson, the Army, Navy, and Air Force began to rush across the southern part of Aurelia, soon capturing Santa Elva, destroying Gleipnir at the same location and pushing into Griswall. However, before Aurelian forces were able to recapture Griswall, the Meson Cannon had to be taken offline or destroyed.

After the Meson Cannon was destroyed or offline, the capital was recaptured, and the war was technically over. However, the Leasath's commanding officer Diego Gaspar Navarro has disappeared, and was followed by Otus Squadron of the Aurelian Air Force. However, two Otus pilots were shot down by the experimental fighter Fenrir which had launched from Leasath's last stronghold, Archelon Fortress. This marked the beginning to the war's end, and Aurelia began planning a final assault on Archelon.

In late December 2020, Aurelia launched an assault on Archelon Fortress, which concluded with the complete destruction of the installation, as well as the destruction of all existing Fenrir prototypes, complete or not. With the war having come to a close, Gryphus Squadron returned to Aurelia, now hailed as war heroes.

Gryphus One
The unnamed Captain is the 207th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander stationed at Aubrey Air Force Base. Often called the Southern Cross by both allies and enemies in reference to the squadron's insignia, he is responsible for most of the counterattack and reclaiming Aurelia from Leasath. Very little is known about him, other than the fact that he hates hot weather.

Eugene Solano
2nd Lieutenant Eugene Solano is the Gryphus Squadron's air controller. His AWACS callsign is Crux. From his seat at Aubrey Air Force Base, he can monitor the movements of the squadron and provide the same support as an E-767's air battle officer.

Rick/Gryphus Two
2nd Lieutenant Rick was very proud of his country, Aurelia, along with liking the Gryphus logo of the squadron. He was killed by the Gleipnir over Cape Aubrey.

Roy/Gryphus Three
2nd Lieutenant Roy was in the 207th Tactical Fighter Squadron. Like Second Lieutenant Rick, Roy was killed by the Gleipnir over Cape Aubrey.

Gryphus Four
Gryphus Four (real name unknown) was one of the pilots assigned to the Gryphus Squadron. Like most of his team, he was killed in the defense of Aubrey AFB.

Gryphus Five
The fifth member of the Gryphus Squadron, and the 2nd of 3 survivors of the Aubrey Air Base missile attacks, followed Gryphus One until the Alect Squadron ambush at the Danern Straits later in the war, where he was shot down. However, he survived as he was able to bail out of his plane before he was downed. He will not get shot down if Gryphus One manages to defeat the Alect Squadron quickly enough.

Gryphus Six
The last member of the Gryphus Team. There is no exact information on him, apart from the fact that he was shot down over Cape Aubery. However, unlike most of his wingmen, survived. He would later return to the skies once more alongside Gryphus 1 and Gryphus 5 later in the war.

Trivia

 * The name "Gryphus" is derived from the Andean Condor (scientific name Vultur Gryphus), a species of vulture living in South America. Notably, the bird is one of the national symbols of Chile, which is one of the countries Aurelia is modeled after.