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juliet7bravo -> ASW Test (6/2/2002 5:49:25 PM)
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Test parameters;
Modified Scenario #17 used, head to head play, all settings standard. Goro Island turned into IJN base with 10k fuel, 10k supply. 6 IJN I class subs positioned in Goro port with original crew/commander ratings. All USN air/naval units removed from Noumea.
USN air units stationed at Noumea;
VP-9; 12 AC, exp/morale=100/100, commander rated 99/99
VP-11; 12 AC, exp/morale=100/100, commander rated 99/99
VP-23; 12 AC, exp/morale=100/100, commander rated 99/99
Units armed with original MG's and 2 x Mk 13 torps.
1st turn IJN sub formed into 6 TF's, set to patrol in the 6 hexes immediately adjoining Noumea.
(1) USN patrol AC set on ASW 100%, @6000 ft. Game ran through on 24 hour cycles for 30 days.
2 day break, subs return to refuel and return to station, squadrons set to rest.
(2) USN patrol AC set on ASW 100%, @3000 ft. Game ran through on 24 hour cycles for 30 days.
2 day break, subs return to refuel and return to station, squadrons set to rest.
(3) USN patrol AC set on ASW 100%, @1000 ft. Game ran through on 24 hour cycles for 30 days.
2 day break, subs return to refuel and return to station, squadrons set to rest.
(4) Exact same overall setup, PBY's set on Naval Search...IJN light surface TF with 2 CL, 4 DD moved into position directly off Noumea.
TF is not detected by the patrol bombers until 2 hexes NNE of the main island of Esprito Santo. During the course of 7 days the USN AC flew over the IJN TF without attacking.
RESULTS: min sub sightings = 0, max sub sightings = 3 (on any single day). Average number of sightings @38% = 2. Sightings fell off dramatically during bad weather and at 1000'. 2 subs were never detected at all while on station (I suspect the hexes are considered "deep water").
Not a single successful attack was carried out by AC from the USN patrol squadrons during this 90 day test under optimal conditions...zero, zilch, nada.
(5) Exact same setup, except the PBY's are configured with twin forward mounted .30's, L/R mounted .50's, and a 3000 lb bomb load of 6 x 500 lbs bombs.
First turn, perfect weather, I-4 is detected in the shallow coastal water directly off Noumea...hit twice and sinks immediately. Test aborted at that point.
Conclusions;
(1) The Mk 13 torpedo loadout in the game is NOT the correct loadout for PBY patrol bombers on ASW patrol.
(2) The game does NOT automatically configure AC set on ASW patrol with the correct loadout.
(3) The game does NOT include airdropped depth charges either in the AC loadout options within the editor or hardwired for AC tasked with ASW missions.
(4) It is VERY possible that the PBY will NOT use the Mk 13 torpedo offensively under any circumstances.
Make of it what you will...
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