Air Combat Help request

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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Uncommon Valor - Campaign for the South Pacific >> Air Combat Help request

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Air Combat Help request - 7/29/2003 10:16:22 PM

The Gnome

Posts: 1233
Joined: 5/17/2002
From: Philadelphia, PA
Status: offline

I need some help cracking a massive IJN airforce at Rabaul. I�m the US against the AI (yes I know play a human :P) in the no Midway long campaign, IJN and USN both set to 200%.

It�s mid-August 1942, and my strategy based around not opposing the IJN to conserve force, train up my land-based air and to await reinforcements. With the exception of a few carrier raids to snipe at over extended transports I�ve kept to this strategy.

The IJN has taken Buna, Tulagi and I thwarted a landing attempt at Lunga with a well timed carrier attack, forcing his transports to withdraw.

As a result of this strategy the IJN air assets have grown into quite the monster. Based at Rabaul is a force of roughly 120-130 Zeros of various types and over 150 Betty�s and Nells.

Starting in Early August I decided to start to build up my fortifications at Port Moresby and attempt to build Lunga. The problem is that massive airforce quickly annihilates any air I put at either of those bases. Once I move the air units in they are so fatigued they can barely defend themselves, and if I rest them they�re obliterated on the ground.

On Lunga for instance, I moved in four marine squadrons of F4F-4�s and they were quickly whittled down to 10-15 planes each in a few turns. This was after keeping two air combat task forces in the area totaling 6 carriers in order to help attrite his air assets.

They were doing well until Wasp ate a torpedo and forced me to withdraw to avoid further damage without an exchange.

This situation is actually worse at Port Moresby as IJN air assets from surrounding bases assist the Rabaul strikes.

Any ideas on how to crack this air force? Or am I forced into a ugly attrition war until I can reduce his pilot quality? Attrition doesn't look like a great option as I'm completely unable to replenish my squadrons at this loss rate.

Post #: 1

- 7/30/2003 1:33:58 AM

Sir Robin

Posts: 16
Joined: 7/18/2003
Status: offline

Sounds like you are playing Scenario 19.

Bombardment TFs might be your best option. Letting them dash in and then out might reduce losses to enemy bombers.

With the Japanese slower repair and build rates it will take longer to repair the airfields. Once you have managed a week or two of bombardments try escorted bombing runs again.

If you're lucky the Jap planes will be grounded because the runway is to shot up and you can have a field day blowing them up on the airfield.

When you try your air attacks again try putting a squadron or two on sweep at 100 feet. They should strafe the field and take out more parked aircraft.

(in reply to The Gnome)

Post #: 2

- 7/30/2003 2:06:49 AM

The Gnome

Posts: 1233
Joined: 5/17/2002
From: Philadelphia, PA
Status: offline

I was thinking of running a bombard mission but I don't think the TF would ever make it given the range of the Betty's and Nells. I think my few heavy units would get torpedoed out of existence.

I'm plotting an operation to load PM with fresh aircraft, put everything on CAP and send in every B-17 I have the against Rabaul's airfield. I haven't used them yet and am finally starting to get reinforcements going for them.

(in reply to The Gnome)

Post #: 3

- 7/30/2003 5:59:24 AM

Sir Robin

Posts: 16
Joined: 7/18/2003
Status: offline

I love playing as the japs and have discovered something. Bombardment TFs on Retirement Allowed move fast.

Just group the fastest cruisers and destroyers into the TF.

As the japs my bomb TF will start one hex past Gili Gili in the evening, move all the way down to Port Moresby, turn the place into moonscape, and be back past Gili Gili by morning.

(in reply to The Gnome)

Post #: 4