close escort vs high escort?

[bchis17]

Hi guys,

I'm terribly new to this game but I love it. But what are the advantages of choosing these different escort tactics? Currently playing Germany in Eagle Day, and I'm looking how to beat the Spitfires. I'd appreciate any other tips for the Germans as well.

[mark dolby]

Hi.
It's hard playing the LW.
I tend to put one gruppe as close escort and then stack up the high escort for example 2.3k, 3.5k, 4.7k, 5.8k and 7k with some delay added. This is for a stab and 3 gruppe bomber raid. Get follow up raids on the same path with targets close to your original. By the 3rd raid you can start reducing the fighter escort. Depending on the radar cover left.
Watch the types of AA at targets as reported by your recons (and get a lot of photos, low level @400 feet, on coastal targets and use the Ju86p at max altitude for inland sites. Nothing can reach the 86p so equip more units with them when possible.
Hit the aircraft factories. Engines and component sites are much harder to hit as they are deeper inland. Ball bearings are vulnerable.
Your choice weather to destroy the radar. In 1941 scenario it seems a bit easier as actually the Italians can be tasked with this coming in just above light AA range after German raids have drawn most of fighter command response.

Good luck.
Mark.

[bchis17]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the answer. I'm constantly looking at manual and wondering at times whats a good approach. I'll take your tips on board, I knew that layering the escorts would be good just wasn't sure.

Cheers.

[simovitch]

Interceptors will likely address the close escort before they can harm the bombers, but counterattack by the close escort will be limited. High escort will more likely counterattack or first strike the interceptors but the interceptors may get to the bombers before that happens. So best to combine the two.

Remember also that escorts on one raid will assist another raid nearby, such that one raids' high escort could become another raids' close escort, as it were. So combining multiple raids at different altitudes keeping in mind other raid's high escort elevation can be a good tactic.

[warshipbuilder]

Use P-47's for close as they can absorb more damage, than the 51's or 38's. Use them high.