witpqs
Posts: 26087
Joined: 10/4/2004
From: Argleton
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
quote:
ORIGINAL: uncivil_servant
Really dumb question - not trying to hijack the thread but have game operation question in regards to current tactical situation:
In regards to Task Force Z(?) in close relation to the Kaga Air Group Chickenboy said, "Too crose for comfort, dude-san. Purr back Kaga, lest she be intercepted on the surface. "
My understanding of the game is that Surface Combatants are really restricted in acquisition and engagement as the move in the dark, engage if possible, then move during the day but send out scouts AFTER their day movement. the is no reaction allowed should their aircraft spot enemy vessels. Which heavily tilts balance to air forces vs. surface forces. Following each turn I see vessels move, then two rounds of air turns AM and PM.
If the above is true, how can the allied player in this scenario even hope to catch the carrier group as if he:
* Goes to where the Kaga is now the Kaga will not be there and TF Z will likely not know where.
* Goes to area a few hexes south of current Kaga position hoping they guess the exact spot Kaga will go and that their night time movement will leave them there exactly
* Goes well south of Kaga position hoping to catch them post nighttime and daytime naval movements.
It just seems that, even in the close arena of the Java Sea that the kaga group has a huge advantage (except if torpedo bombers get moved and directed to go after her and Kaga's forces are heavily tilted towards supporting offensive actions and not defensive CAP)
If I was the allied player and knew of Kaga's position I might gamble it but would have little confidence whereas if I was the Kaga controller I'd (maybe stupidly) feel confident a wounded TF Z could not accurately guess my exact movement.
Added: As a question was posed as to possible Allied maneuver -If I was the allied player, and my ships could survive it, I'd do a speed run through either of the two straits to get to the IO banking on the fact that the IJE player would likely do a more normal movement as to not overly gamble on one path or the other and also if they did do a full move as well, gambling on one of the two areas, they would be in very close range to bombers/torpedo bombers stationed in Singers or Dutch areas. The dutch bombers might not be much but enough of them flying in very low under CAP only need a lucky hit or two to put Kaga in for repairs making further Java engagements a more surface vs. surface engagement and making the Grand Retreat a little bit easier.
You're mostly right about some of the limitations / restrictions about a prowling SCTF intercepting an air TF at night. The most likely outcome of an attempted intercept would be the attempted interceptors discovered by aircraft in the morning phase and promptly pummeled.
If the Allies were fortunate enough to react into, guess correctly or run through a maneuvering CVTF with a formidable surface force, a disastrous outcome would likely ensue for the carriers. I've sunk an Allied CV with long lances during a daylight intercept. I've had an Allied CVE TF butchered by three IJN DDs showing up at the wrong time and the wrong place. Interestingly enough, the latter caper was pulled off by one Captain Mandrake in the Marianas scenario PBEM. So he's well aware of what can happen in those circumstances.
So my cautionary tale was meant to forestall a less likely but disastrous outcome. It is a minority outcome in this circumstance, but still a notable risk. A definite high risk: high reward prospect for the Allies. In my opinion, a dangerous path for mini-KB.
As CB said. BTW, in one thread some months back I recall someone saying that surface intercepts of carriers never/rarely happen. I posted twelve from the combat reports of one PBM.
Force Z battleships at least, maybe some escorts(?), have radar which will help night intercepts. Mk I Eyeball sensors work too. POW aircraft could even be set to night naval search (better with radar, but still works to some degree).
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