RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obvert (J)

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RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/14/2016 6:13:30 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

March 4, 44:

The Allied amphibious landings occur at Merauke. My supporting CVE's and LRCAP from Horn Island provide excellent protection against a Japanese naval air strike, but a few bombers still got through to cause concern. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Merauke at 89,124

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 100 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M5b Zero x 32
D4Y1 Judy x 18

Allied aircraft
P-47D2 Thunderbolt x 7
FM-1 Wildcat x 27
F4U-1A Corsair x 7
F6F-3 Hellcat x 62

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M5b Zero: 13 destroyed
D4Y1 Judy: 7 destroyed, 1 damaged
D4Y1 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
CVE Liscome Bay

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

I counted 23 Zero's and 17 Judy's destroyed during this attack. A P-47 and Corsair were lost to Ops. Of the four Judy's that dropped bombs, three were shot down by AA.

It's overkill once again, but I am using these smaller invasions to try and hone my amphibious landing skills. I was 75% prepped for the target and took a fair number of disablements, but they are spread out among the units quite nicely. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Merauke (89,124)

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 594 troops, 3 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 31

Defending force 13669 troops, 234 guns, 90 vehicles, Assault Value = 369

Assaulting units:
1st Sasebo SNLF Coy
40th JNAF AF Unit

Defending units:
5th Australian Division
7th RAA Coastal Artillery Regiment
2nd RAA Jungle Regiment
11th Marine Defense Battalion
G/H Battery Heavy Cst Art Rgt /1

Disruption is 18% and fatigue 38%, but I've ordered the 5th Australian Division to attack regardless. If the assault doesn't go well, I have the time to recover before another try.

Thoughts:

There was no Japanese response to the Tabiteuea landings and all my combat and amphibious ships withdrew in an orderly fashion. A few dedicated supply taskforces are all that remain in the area. Expansion of the base is already underway and the island will be reinforced heavily over the coming weeks.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/14/2016 6:14:05 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

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Post #: 361

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/14/2016 6:19:22 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

New Guinea and New Britain.

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_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 362

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/14/2016 6:22:51 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The Allied debacle in Burma. I'm about to pull the plug here and withdraw eight divisions to upgrade and redeploy to the Pacific. I should have done this immediately 5 months ago.

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< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/14/2016 6:25:53 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 363

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 5:31:22 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

March 5, 44:

The 11th Bomber Group with 30 B-24D1's bombs the airbase at Sarmi to keep the field suppressed. There is no enemy air opposition for the P-38J's assigned to sweep and escort missions.

Finschhafen is captured by 8th Australian Division which had marched overland from Lae.

Merauke is captured by 5th Australian Division.

In both cases, Japanese ground losses are light, but I'm happy to destroy anything Japanese at this point. Surprisingly, Erik did not withdraw a small E13A1 Jake unit, so six were destroyed. Perhaps they were previously damaged and couldn't fly.

There is an increase in Japanese air ASW missions around Babeldoab, so I've begun withdrawing my submarines to safer waters. There are a number of Japanese naval taskforces spotted near Sarmi and Hollandia, one of which included two heavy cruisers. I have an idea for a naval air strike to target the cruisers, but everything depends on whether I can position my carriers within range of a full speed run undetected. I am starting to get a measure of Erik's aggressiveness and will look to use that to my advantage in upcoming operations. I've ordered a small SCTF of six destroyers to take up station three hexes northeast of Manus, for a possible run in at Hollandia and some small inbound Japanese taskforces.

I'll consolidate Merauke as quickly as possible and look at the feasibility of moving on Darwin next.

In the meantime, Allied forces continue to prep for Hollandia, Sarmi and Biak. Two divisions are fully prepped for Babeldoab. Logistic preparations continue apace with large amounts of fuel and supply moving forward to Milne Bay, Port Moresby and Rabaul.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 364

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 5:36:13 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

It appears I've put some people off the AAR, so I'm recording events for posterity.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 365

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 6:35:11 AM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

It appears I've put some people off the AAR, so I'm recording events for posterity.

You seem to have things in hand now and nothing surprising is happening, so not many comments. But 10,623 hit means you do have followers! Thanks for your efforts to bring us the story of your game.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 366

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 6:46:13 AM

Anachro

Posts: 2506
Joined: 11/23/2015
From: The Coastal Elite
Status: offline

I do read, but I really should make more effort to comment. It can be disheartening when you get no responses. Looking forward to you battering down the Central Pacific.

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 367

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 4:36:55 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

The P-47 for me in this game is an absolute joke. I knew I should have stood my fighters down this turn after my orders got messed up the previous day. I have ZERO faith in the P-47, it sucks.

This has not been my experience and I doubt many other Allied players would feel this way. I firmly am convinced that this is the best fighter in the game. Nothing else comes close until 1945. Not sure what went wrong here, but I put my best pilots in the thunderbolts and find that they kill tojos at about a 10-1 ratio.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 368

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 5:56:10 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

Are you using the P-47s for escort duty? That would be wasting their speed and altitude advantages. They are not great dogfighters at low level either. They need to get the higher altitude bounce and then use their speed to get out of there.
Numbers also count in combat resolution - if he has many more fighters than you it can go badly once your ammo is gone.

All you can do is set the highest altitude you can on a LRCAP or Sweep mission.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

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Post #: 369

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 6:47:44 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

No, the P-47's are purely used in a sweeping role.

We have a loose house rule on altitude. Between Erik and Historiker the second best maneuver band was used as the maximum altitude. We've adopted the same, but you are allowed to fly at whatever altitude you wish, but neither of us has chosen to do so regularly.

I don't think people are grasping what is happening here. I fly sweeps at 31k and usually only face Japanese CAP set to 7k and 9k altitude. I am not getting the bounce, or if I do it is completely ineffective. Radar often puts the Japanese CAP above my sweeps nullifying the bounce. My P-47's are being shredded by the Tojo. I refuse to stratosphere sweep, but even with 22k height advantage the P-47 can not achieve better than 1:1. The combination of low CAP and radar is taking away the boom and zoom of the P-47.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 370

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 7:47:39 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

I think 22K height differential is too high to make a decent intercept - heck, maybe the pilots can't even spot an enemy airplane against the ground clutter from four miles away! I think this sort of thing is abstracted into the combat routines because I recall one of the developers saying that about 5000' altitude differential is best for the bounce.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 371

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 7:58:19 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I'm leaning towards lowering my altitude for sweeps dramatically. I'm actually testing it out this turn, but not against a heavy Japanese CAP. I'm thinking of a number of things to try and counter. See, everybody used to fly high, so high CAP was the norm. Now that Erik CAP's below 10k, the high sweep isn't working. So I'm going to go low, but that hasn't always worked either. I've tried Spitfire sweeps at 15k in Burma, and they've been handled roughly as well. The combination of low CAP and large number of defenders is proving difficult for the Allies to overcome. I'm always working at it, but right now I stand by my statement that the P-47's have been ineffective and I don't think it's just because they are higher. I think radar and detection times are putting the Japanese CAP above my sweeps before I arrive. I plan on lowering my altitude to decrease the detection time the CAP gets.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/15/2016 7:59:29 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 372

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 8:37:38 PM

Anachro

Posts: 2506
Joined: 11/23/2015
From: The Coastal Elite
Status: offline

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 373

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 9:31:44 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Anachro

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

I've tried that too. The problem I've encountered is the low sweep gets chewed up, the next higher sweep performs average and the highest sweep comes last, but by then the CAP is degraded somewhat and there isn't much left to shoot.

In everything I've tried so far, the kill ratio is 1:1 or 1:1.5 at best. I'm not getting anything near 2:1, 5:1 or 10:1 unless the Zero is the only fighter on CAP.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to Anachro)

Post #: 374

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/15/2016 11:28:53 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Anachro

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

The staggered CAP is aimed at intercepting bombers, especially torpedo bombers. Trying to take on enemy fighters defending their own base is a different proposition. You can take advantage of the various fighters characteristics - e.g. the Hurricane does not lose much of its maneuverability at high altitude while the Spitfire has excellent maneuver performance at mid and low levels. IMO they should be used accordingly.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to Anachro)

Post #: 375

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/18/2016 7:32:46 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

We've reached March 11/44.

I'm still organizing for the next big push, but I don't want to delay longer than is necessary. SigInt reports are flowing in of Japanese troops moving to Babeldoab, which means reinforcement of bases directly in the path of my advance. Alarmingly, I'm also picking up reports of troops en route to Darwin. I am definitely getting faulty recon of Darwin which shows only one LCU present. Why, because 60+ fighter, 60+ bomber and 70+ auxiliary aircraft are present by mouseover, and there's no way a single Japanese aviation unit can support them all.

I've decided to use the navy to support an immediate amphibious operation against Darwin. The troops are not fully prepped and it will be a hodgepodge of supporting units, but I can't allow time for Darwin to be strengthened.

In New Guinea, the air force is ordered to fully suppress the airbases at Hollandia and Sarmi. Sarmi has recovered enough for Erik to rebase aircraft, which I won't allow. Japanese naval forces are now basing at Sarmi, but the threat of large land based CAP rules out going after them with my carriers. Both enemy airbases need to be inoperative, or at least suppressed, to prevent interdiction of Allied naval air strikes.

I'm going to risk less than ideal conditions for an amphibious operation against Darwin, in order to apply more pressure to the Japanese perimeter and open up some gaps to exploit. Moving against Darwin immediately will allow the time needed for my LCU's to complete preparations for Hollandia, Sarmi, and Biak. I think I can handle a messy Darwin operation, but the same can't be said for Hollandia. The New Guinea operations must be well prepared hammer blows.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 376

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 3:22:22 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

March 11/44:

Well, the Allied fighters just can't get it done against the low CAP.

I tried a series of sweeps against Hollandia today and results are horrible, as usual. In an effort to combat the low CAP settings Erik has been using, I tried a number of different altitude settings. Corsairs were set to 5k, 10k, 15k and 31k. I'm up against around 225 enemy fighters. Since I can't get co-ordination amongst early sweeps, I tried to pad Allied strength with a LRCAP of P-38's. In all cases, my low sweeps and LRCAP was massacred. Despite higher altitude settings of almost all Japanese CAP, the Allied fighters do not perform well at low altitude. The problem is, even when they are set high, the radar and warning times still put the Japanese CAP above the sweeps, or drive the sweep so low as to nullify the bounce. I really am at a loss as to what to do. I plan on going back to setting everything at 31k and leave it. Setting any Allied fighters low is turning out to be a disaster.

Despite the fact my fighter force is being decimated, a large bomber force hit Sarmi and did moderate damage to the base. On the day only 6 B-24's were lost. Escort P-38's were blown out of the sky, despite being set to 18k and facing Japanese CAP set to 7k and 9k.

I've ordered an all out bombing attack against Hollandia tomorrow. I'll also be trying my last test of low sweeps to see if I can influence detection times and catch the CAP climbing. I'm not optimistic. If fighter losses among the low sweeps are high once again, I will not sweep at low altitude for the remainder of the game and stick to 31k or the maximum allowable altitude to see if stratosphere sweeps have any chance of turning the tide here. Unfortunately, setting high sweeps will have to wait one more day. I expect my low sweeps to get crushed tomorrow.

Thoughts:

If I send sweeps in low they get chewed up. If I send in sweeps high, they get chewed up. If I LRCAP or escort they get chewed up. The most successful high altitude sweeps face degraded CAP and shoot down very few aircraft. In all, the low sweeps, LRCAP and escorts offset any gains the last high sweep gets, and the loss ratio with Corsairs, Lightnings, P-47's and Spitfires is 1:1. The Allied fighters are getting creamed and I'm facing CAP settings of 7k and 9k.

Low Japanese CAP settings are nullifying any advantages the Allied fighters have. I'm all ears, but regardless of what many think of my game play, the low Japanese CAP settings are wreaking havoc on the Allied fighter force.

I'm going to have to drastically change the way I'm doing things, because nothing I have tried to date has been successful against Erik's air defence settings.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/20/2016 4:15:30 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 377

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 5:32:13 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I just went through Erik's low CAP testing thread. I will be changing my air tactics moving forward. There will definitely be no more low sweeps by the Allies. Unfortunately, I'll most likely take it on the chin tomorrow with my low Corsair sweeps.

It's clear to me Erik has tested, tested and tested to get the most from his CAP. Kudos. It appears all I can do is make sure I send in my most experienced pilots at the highest possible altitudes to reduce my losses. I can't change the fact that Erik has discovered how to swamp Allied sweeps with low CAP. I can't prevent my sweeps dropping down to engage the low CAP, but I certainly won't be purposely setting any of my sweeps low anymore. Flying low ensures Allied losses are unsustainable. All I can do is go high and hope for the best.

At least I think that is what I need to do, to try and counter the low CAP.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/20/2016 5:39:47 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 378

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 5:50:24 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Encircled

Can I be the first to mention that in about a couple of months after this someone is going to take a beating with their P-47s and then blame you, the test and the game for the inherent randomness of some results.

Thanks in advance!

This quote was in Erik's low CAP thread. So, I guess I'm the poor bastard that gets to take a drubbing against what I currently consider an unbeatable tactic. Whatever I may have thought about the superiority of Allied aircraft in this game has been thrown out the window.

I'll play along. I blame Erik.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/20/2016 9:31:17 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 379

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 8:13:54 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

The P-47D25 went into production at the beginning of March, with 175 produced monthly. I'll be reorganizing the Allied fighter force over the coming weeks. I plan to:

Reduce the number of frontline squadrons flying the best aircraft.

Reassign every 80+ experienced pilot into a few squadrons using the P-47D25.

Employ new tactics to counter the low CAP.

I'll essentially start from scratch, because I can't get it done trading 1:1 in losses.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 380

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 10:18:22 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

March 15, 44:

I only have the combat report so don't know the details, but an interesting day in the air. It appears I didn't get creamed at Hollandia as expected, but that's because my low sweeps didn't fly. It's probably a good thing they didn't, because Erik raised his CAP! Altitudes of the Japanese CAP were increased to 18k, 20k and 33k. I'm assuming the five squadrons of Corsairs were grounded due to weather and it's a good thing they did not fly. Losses would probably have been heavy against the high CAP, as my altitudes were set to 15k and lower. I think I dodged the proverbial bullet.

Despite the lack of sweeps, the CAP over Hollandia was far weaker than I expected. Unfortunately, only 14 Spitfires from two squadrons swept out of the 38 aircraft assigned to the mission. I'm not sure why. AAR follows:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 33,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 5
A6M5b Zero x 7
A6M5c Zero x 2
N1K2-J George x 33
Ki-84a Frank x 44
Ki-100-I Tony x 20

Allied aircraft

Spitfire VIII x 38

Japanese aircraft losses

A6M5 Zero: 1 destroyed
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 3 destroyed
Ki-100-I Tony: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses

Spitfire VIII: 3 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:

11 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 31000 feet
4 x Spitfire VIII sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(17 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 5 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(6 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(27 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 7 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 4 on standby, 11 scrambling)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 25000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 4 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 26000 and 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 2 on standby, 8 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 23000 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (2 airborne, 4 on standby, 14 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 22000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 26 minutes

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 4 on standby, 12 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 23 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 6 on standby, 19 scrambling)
8 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 28000 and 34440.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes

Bad news for the bombers though, as they didn't face a degraded CAP and a large number of bombers were damaged. Despite Allied durability, the number of Ops losses being suffered is quite high. I won't know the true extent of the losses until I open the file. AAR's follow:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 7
A6M5c Zero x 2
N1K2-J George x 29
Ki-84a Frank x 36
Ki-100-I Tony x 15

Allied aircraft

B-24D Liberator x 11
B-24D1 Liberator x 27
B-24J Liberator x 42
P-38J Lightning x 20

Japanese aircraft losses

N1K2-J George: 16 damaged
N1K2-J George: 2 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed, 3 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-100-I Tony: 2 damaged
Ki-100-I Tony: 2 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
P-38J Lightning: 3 destroyed

Japanese ground losses:

27 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled

Airbase hits 11
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 50

Aircraft Attacking:

9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 63 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 20000.
Raid is overhead

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 14000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes
14 planes vectored on to bombers

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 30000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 24 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 2 scrambling)
7 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 33000 and 36000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 34 minutes
6 planes vectored on to bombers

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 9 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 38000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes
17 planes vectored on to bombers

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 3 scrambling)
12 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 15000 and 37000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 30 minutes
15 planes vectored on to bombers

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 6 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 20000 and 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes
10 planes vectored on to bombers

Matsunaga V. in a N1K2-J George makes head on attack ... forces B-24J Liberator out of formation

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 21,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 2
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 27
Ki-84a Frank x 29
Ki-100-I Tony x 13

Allied aircraft

B-24D1 Liberator x 4
B-24J Liberator x 25

Japanese aircraft losses

N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged
N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
B-24J Liberator: 2 destroyed, 21 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 4

Aircraft Attacking:

9 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 8 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 21990 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
13 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 3 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 37 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 35000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 10 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 27900.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 20 minutes

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 77 NM, estimated altitude 22,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 26 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5b Zero x 1
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 17
Ki-84a Frank x 18
Ki-100-I Tony x 4

Allied aircraft

B-24J Liberator x 14

Japanese aircraft losses

Ki-84a Frank: 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses

B-24J Liberator: 1 destroyed, 13 damaged

Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 1

Aircraft Attacking:

7 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-24J Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 6 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes

Ominato Ku S-1 with A6M5b Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 14 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 28 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 35300.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 46 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 33000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 26990.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 62 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 35 minutes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Hollandia , at 93,116

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid detected at 79 NM, estimated altitude 19,000 feet.

Estimated time to target is 27 minutes

Japanese aircraft

A6M5 Zero x 1
A6M5c Zero x 1
N1K2-J George x 13
Ki-84a Frank x 10
Ki-100-I Tony x 2

Allied aircraft

B-24D1 Liberator x 11

Japanese aircraft losses

N1K2-J George: 1 destroyed
Ki-84a Frank: 1 damaged
Ki-84a Frank: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses

B-24D1 Liberator: 3 damaged

Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:

8 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 18000 feet

Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:

S-305 Hikotai with A6M5 Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters to 28000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

S-601 Hikotai with A6M5c Zero (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 20000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 33 minutes

Yokosuka Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
5 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 29 minutes

254 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 72 minutes

341 Ku S-1 with N1K2-J George (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 26990.
Raid is overhead

20th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters between 18000 and 25810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 25 minutes

87th Sentai with Ki-84a Frank (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 2 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 33000 , scrambling fighters to 18000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 27 minutes

18th Sentai with Ki-100-I Tony (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 1 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 22000 , scrambling fighters to 20810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 31 minutes

Well, it could have been far worse, but hard to say with the Japanese changing their altitude settings. However, as mentioned in earlier posts, I most likely will not be sweeping low anytime soon. I still need to figure out how to achieve better than 1:1 in aircraft losses.

It's still back to the drawing board tomorrow for Allied air operations.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 381

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 10:25:18 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: Anachro

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

I've tried that too. The problem I've encountered is the low sweep gets chewed up, the next higher sweep performs average and the highest sweep comes last, but by then the CAP is degraded somewhat and there isn't much left to shoot.

In everything I've tried so far, the kill ratio is 1:1 or 1:1.5 at best. I'm not getting anything near 2:1, 5:1 or 10:1 unless the Zero is the only fighter on CAP.

I never do "all" sweep operations. Try sweeping with a similar number of fighters on LRCAP over the target. Might work. Worth a try anyways. I sweep with the high grade aircraft and LRCAP with whatever is left over. Even the P39 has about the same speed as a Tojo and can be useful if within range. But we play with different parameters. (25 K max altitude) so that may be a factor.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 382

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 10:28:12 PM

crsutton

Posts: 9590
Joined: 12/6/2002
From: Maryland
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: Anachro

How about staggered sweeps at different altitudes? Just an idea, but I remember reading in the past that staggered altitudes for CAP was more effective than setting everything to high. What do others think?

I've tried that too. The problem I've encountered is the low sweep gets chewed up, the next higher sweep performs average and the highest sweep comes last, but by then the CAP is degraded somewhat and there isn't much left to shoot.

In everything I've tried so far, the kill ratio is 1:1 or 1:1.5 at best. I'm not getting anything near 2:1, 5:1 or 10:1 unless the Zero is the only fighter on CAP.

I never do "all" sweep operations. Try sweeping with a similar number of fighters on LRCAP over the target. Might work. Worth a try anyways. I sweep with the high grade aircraft and LRCAP with whatever is left over. Even the P39 has about the same speed as a Tojo and can be useful if within range. But we play with different parameters. (25 K max altitude) so that may be a factor.

Never mind, I see you tried that. Just go high. It is all I can suggest.

_____________________________

I am the Holy Roman Emperor and am above grammar.

Sigismund of Luxemburg

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 383

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 10:44:41 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Never mind, I see you tried that. Just go high. It is all I can suggest.

I'm just frustrated. I certainly don't expect to walk all over the Japanese fighters, but I do expect to be competitive in the air. At 1:1 I am not, especially with the airframes I have. I think Erik's use of low altitude and the individual percentage settings of his squadrons on CAP...is a game changer.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/20/2016 10:45:41 PM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to crsutton)

Post #: 384

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/20/2016 10:52:47 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: SqzMyLemon

quote:

ORIGINAL: crsutton

Never mind, I see you tried that. Just go high. It is all I can suggest.

I'm just frustrated. I certainly don't expect to walk all over the Japanese fighters, but I do expect to be competitive in the air. At 1:1 I am not, especially with the airframes I have. I think Erik's use of low altitude and the individual percentage settings of his squadrons on CAP...is a game changer.

"Numbers have a quality all their own". I think the problem is you cannot coordinate enough fighters in a sweep to come out ahead over 225 enemy fighters, even if only half of them take part in the battle. Then there are your ops losses of damaged aircraft while he has none. I think you either have to bombard the base by sea or just avoid it altogether.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 385

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/21/2016 6:21:46 AM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I have ordered an operation for tomorrow that may be considered unwise.

There has been a Japanese SCTF spotted near Sarmi and Hollandia for a few turns now. The mouse over indicates at least one heavy cruiser and nine ships in total. There are also three smaller SCTF's at Hollandia, one showing six destroyers and two more consisting of a small number of MTB's in each. I've decided to commit my carrier fleet to a naval air strike against Hollandia, where the enemy SCTF's are now based.

LBA will target Hollandia with fighter sweeps and bomber attacks against the airbase. As much LRCAP as I could assign will try to provide additional CAP, not only for my LBA, but the naval taskforces committed. Five CV's, 5 CVL's and 9 CVE's will launch strikes to try and catch the main Japanese SCTF. If they withdraw, I'll probably lose tons of naval aircraft attacking MTB's instead.

I've also ordered a SCTF of my own to strike at the enemy SCTF's at Hollandia. Four light cruisers and eight destroyers have been committed. The base is now mined, but I'll risk it. I need to stir the pot and not let Erik get comfortable placing his naval forces so close to my positions. The best case scenario would be if he tried a naval bombardment of my airbase at Hansa Bay this turn, but my gut tells me he's taking a defensive posture with these SCTF's to prevent me sending naval bombardments against Hollandia.

It could be a crazy turn, and of course I'm paranoid that I picked the same day as Erik will choose to raid with KB. Did I just offer up my carrier fleet on a silver platter? Will the Japanese SCTF stay at Hollandia? Is it a CAP trap or bait for a KB raid? Ah, the perils of playing this game.

< Message edited by SqzMyLemon -- 10/21/2016 6:28:42 AM >

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 386

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/21/2016 12:57:28 PM

BBfanboy

Posts: 18046
Joined: 8/4/2010
From: Winnipeg, MB
Status: offline

I don't think Naval Attack missions will go after PTs unless they are set to strafe at 100'? Occasionally a search aircraft will attack PTs.
OTOH I vaguely remember some JFBs complaining about their Betties and Nells trying to torpedo MLs at Singapore - and MLs are similar to PTs except in speed.

I know I had my CVs on naval strike very close to a large concentration of IJN barges and they were not attacked despite good weather in both CV and target hex. BTW, I was not trying to get the barges with the naval strike - there were other IJN warships about, but they retreated into port out of range.

_____________________________

No matter how bad a situation is, you can always make it worse. - Chris Hadfield : An Astronaut's Guide To Life On Earth

(in reply to SqzMyLemon)

Post #: 387

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/21/2016 1:17:00 PM

PaxMondo

Posts: 9750
Joined: 6/6/2008
Status: offline

All about target recon ... higher the DL, better the attack will go and what it goes after ... who hasn't had AV's mistaken for CV's etc etc etc.

_____________________________

Pax

(in reply to BBfanboy)

Post #: 388

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/21/2016 4:35:28 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

I forgot to mention the possibility of taking on a strong Japanese CAP. Recon showed 68 enemy fighters at Hollandia after last turn, down from 225 two days ago. Will Erik reinforce with fresh groups for today?

I've ordered two sweeps of Hellcats from Merauke, two sweeps of P-47's from Hansa Bay and four sweeps of Corsairs from Madang. Altitude for all groups is 31k. Every B-24 that can fly is ordered to hit Hollandia's airbase, escorted by P-38's.

This is an all out effort to close Hollandia's airbase and sink those Japanese ships.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 389

RE: A pick up game and it's not Lowpe! Sqz (A) vs. obve... - 10/21/2016 4:39:05 PM

SqzMyLemon

Posts: 4239
Joined: 10/30/2009
From: Alberta, Canada
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: PaxMondo

All about target recon ... higher the DL, better the attack will go and what it goes after ... who hasn't had AV's mistaken for CV's etc etc etc.

I hope you are right Tony. I've had my fair share of KB strikes against PT's in the past. I don't want a repeat performance with my carriers. With my luck lately, KB will show up and hitting MTB's will be the least of my worries.

_____________________________

Luck is the residue of design - John Milton

Don't mistake lack of talent for genius - Peter Steele (Type O Negative)

(in reply to PaxMondo)

Post #: 390

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