Hi my friend, thank you for you insight. answer to b) attacker does burst damage and then apply all attack increases added to the original burst value, (all/most cards ADD to to original burst value) then the defender can mitigate any damage. The final total is then subtracted from the aircrafts airframe. I keep track of the airframe damage with a d20 or on paper.
I didn't post the solo rules and after the warm response from 3 playtesters at SDHistCon, i am focusing on finishing the game in 2024.
thank you for playing Richthofen - Bloody April