geofflambert
Posts: 14863
Joined: 12/23/2010
From: St. Louis
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Q-Ball
I recommend mixing your CV squadrons
Keep some "Elite" ones; these are CAP-only. Set them to Zero Range, 80% or 90% CAP. They won't tire very fast at Zero range, particularly if they are Elite, so don't worry about the high percentage
Set the less experienced squadrons to "ESCORT" with the range you need to escort. You can mix in some CAP on them, depending on what you need.
You can also mix the A/C types, if you have a mix. For example, it's 1944 and I am using Corsairs for the "Elite" units, and lesser units like CVE fighters use Hellcats or Wildcats. It doesn't matter much if escorts are Wildcats.
Basic point is that Escorting fighters are going to die regardless of plane type or pilot quality, so you may as well make sure the guys dying are not your best ones
I agree with Q-Ball in theory, but figure out how to develop such elite squadrons first. Until you do that I would recommend:
If Allied, when not in contact with the enemy or expecting it, set CAP to 30% and 20% training. Range max.
If not Allied your squadrons better be ready to go when they are assigned to a carrier. CAP 30% unless expecting contact with enemy carriers or substantial land based attack squadrons. Range max.
Naturally take training down to 0% when expecting contact or battle. Always have the fighters set to the same max range as the bombers. That's their number one gig along with protecting the carriers. Your attacks are unlikely to be successful without escort. Furthermore, why expose any CV to destruction if it is not capable of delivering a lethal attack?
Lastly, and in reference to the "elite CAP squadron" there is the problem of what happens if the host CV takes a lot of damage? I like the idea, but I think the odds favor spreading the responsibility over all squadrons.
I think spreading out your 80+ fighter pilots is probably the best unless you have elite fighters for them to fly.
Now (I know I said lastly earlier, but I just can't help myself) what % to set CAP to when battle is imminent is a question I can't answer. Your instincts are required here as well as knowledge of the particulars. CAP at 100% is sometimes tempting, but I've never done that and don't think I ever will. We'll see.
Now, for the rest of your carrier operations;
Allied: Depending on the size of your force and how many search planes are already in play the percentages are as follows: With the instruction that you should never depend entirely on float plane searches as these will not occur in heavy seas. DBs 20% search at 10k feet unless you have more than two squadrons involved in which case you may drop it to 10%.
TBs 10-20% ASW unless carrier battle is expected, in which case 0%. Of course training for the crews should follow this plan.
Japanese Imperial Forces:
DBs 10% search 10% ASW no training. If battle imminent, drop ASW.
TBs 10% search 10% ASW no training. If battle imminent, drop ASW.
By no training I mean on board carrier. Crews should be trained in search and ASW (with ASW of secondary priority) prior to assignment to a CV.
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RE: CAP suggestions wanted - 
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