Q-Ball
Posts: 7336
Joined: 6/25/2002 From: Chicago, Illinois Status: offline
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Interesting approach, but not sure I would try it, especially as the IJN. First, it doesn't take a month to refit CV airgroups, usually a couple days in port will do. Granted, they might not have the experience level from before, but they can still put to sea with enough to cause harm, particularly if they are the US. Even if that wasn't the case, in a pinch your opponent could load additional groups on, the IJN has plenty of Zero's and Val's available to do this, and the US more Dauntlesses than you can use after 8/42. Second, even with large amounts of cap, there is a good chance they could get a hit or two on your ship, enough to have it withdrawn for repairs for a period of time, probably longer than it would take your opponent to refit the airgroup. I think that strategy would work if you are the Allies, and if it's later in the war when you have plenty of flak protection and maybe Corsairs based on your CV's. As the IJN, I would never pursue that strategy. As the IJN, you have to take out US CV's early, even if it's a one-for-one exchange. If no carriers are in the water from either side, that is an advantage for the defense, who still has LBA. Thus, the IJN has to strike US carriers no matter what the costs. I think anyone would gladly trade 100 or more planes to get a CV to the bottom.
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