|
ITAKLinus -> RE: ETO Bombing Tactics (4/29/2020 1:58:30 PM)
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: Taxcutter
Zeroes and Oscars have fabulous maneuverability ratings. Even Spitfires and late-model P-51s can't beat them at normal Pacific altitudes (15,000 to 20,000 feet). But their maneuverability drops off at higher altitudes.
US 4E bombers (B-17 and B-24) have reliable turbocharged engines that allow operations at very high altitudes.
P-38s and P-47s have low maneuverability (~13 IIRC) but it does not degrade with altitude. Zeroes and Oscars see a big loss in maneuverability at high altitude (~18 IIRC). so by engaging a high altitude the US planes don't suffer the big disadvantage in maneuverability at very high altitudes. At this point the speed and other advantages should make the US fighters supreme.
Oscars have a tough enough time with US 4E bombers by themselves, but with decent escort the bombers get through easily.
Yeah, hitting anything at 31,000 feet is a hard proposition. Again ETO tactics: Big raids get the Law of Large Numbers on your side. Enough bombers over the target and you'll eventually hit something worthwhile.
I'm trying this now. Chittagong is 12 hexes from Rangoon. B-24D escorted by P-38F at 31,000 feet. I'm trying the idea that if I rubblize Rangoon the lack of IJA supply makes the land warfare easier and getting the Burma Road open sooner a possibility.
Have you ever sent Oscars and Zeroes against Spitfires and P51s in a PBEM?
They die in dozens with an extremely low kill ratio.
Now. In WITPAE it works pretty much the opposite of your theory.
As Allied player you sweep for a while over a base to degrade enemy's CAP. Max altitude. Your planes supposedly go in dive on Japanese ones and they have a favourable kill ratio even if the Japanese is a relatively expert player who knows how to structure a low-alt layered CAP.
After the sweeps, you send huge waves of 4Es at the lowest feasible altitude and you close the AF.
Rinse and repeat for every base you find on your way to Japan or whatever can be your ultimate strategic goal.
Sweep at the highest altitude allowed by HRs.
Bombing runs at the lowest altitude allowed by enemy's resistance.
As Japanese there is relatively little you can do to counter this way of waging the air war.
Personally I am a proponent of networks of AF served by railways plus low-altitude layered CAPs plus huge quantities of AAs.
It works quite well for a while, but at a certain point the allied player simply has too much stuff and too good for you.
Also focusing your production and R&D on relevant airframes is important from the Japanese side and it can make you resist a little bit longer.
I would sign immediately without a single moment of hesitation to have my allied enemies adopt your doctrine of high-altitude bombing.
|
|
|
|
