56 Kates

[spence]

I was just reading random pages in Shattered Sword when I stumbled across an astonishing figure: 56.

That number is apparently the total number of carrier attack aircraft (presumably Type 97 "Kates") produced by Japan in ALL OF 1942[X(]

The figure is not itself footnoted but the paragraph containing it is and the figure is apparently contained in USSBS 22, Nav 50, and/or captured wartime reports from the Japanese Munitions Ministry.

The chapter in SS goes on to describe the compositions of aircraft and aircrew in KB (and the Aleutians forces) and tends to indicate that a general shortage of carrier type attack aircraft (both Vals and Kates) was prevalent in the IJN in mid 1942.

[DuckofTindalos]

That's not... much...

[Mike Solli]

Interesting. Gotta get that book.

[spence]

If that figure is accurately portrayed in WitP (given passive Japanese Player production activity) I would be just as astonished.

If that figure is accurately portrayed in WitP it seems the Japanese Player could ill afford to WIN a CV vs CV battle with the likely casualties.

[Nikademus]

According to the authors, both Nakajama and Aichi had ceased production of the Val and Kate in anticipation of developing/producing their next generation replacements. A bit premature to say the least.

[DuckofTindalos]

They stopped producing the Val and Kate, before the Judy and Jill were ready? Smaaaaart...

[Mike Solli]

Maybe WitP needs to be changed. When you change a factory, it takes a year to retool.[:D]

[DuckofTindalos]

But you should be able to accelerate that, too. At least down to 350 days...

[Mike Solli]

Don't go there T. The Allied fanboys will cry foul.[:D]

[Apollo11]

Hi all,

ORIGINAL: Nikademus

According to the authors, both Nakajama and Aichi had ceased production of the Val and Kate in anticipation of developing/producing their next generation replacements. A bit premature to say the least.

Luckily when we take over in our WitP as supreme commander of Japan (a title and powers that never historically existed BTW [;)]) we can remedy this and produce as many aircraft as we need... [:D]


Leo "Apollo11"

[DuckofTindalos]

ORIGINAL: Mike Solli

Don't go there T. The Allied fanboys will cry foul.[:D]

Let them cry as much as they want. Just as long as I don't have to blow their noses afterwards.

Seriously, though, we need to have production models for both sides.

[Nikademus]

not me.

I'm production "challenged" [:D]

[DuckofTindalos]

Among other things...[:'(]

[Nikademus]

Shuddup Termite

[Mike Solli]

[:D] You guys crack me up.

[Bradley7735]

So, does that mean that the Japanese player, on 12/7/41 should have total Kate factories of 5? And, let them expand production as the see fit?

How many Kate factories does the stock game give the Japanese player?

[DuckofTindalos]

Two, one in Nagoya and one in Hiroshima/Kure.

[Bradley7735]

ORIGINAL: Terminus

Two, one in Nagoya and one in Hiroshima/Kure.

What are the sizes?

Assuming Shattered Sword is accurate, then WITP beginning factories are probably significantly overstated. Even with Kate factories at 5, you'd get 60 built in 42. that's still 4 more than historic, according to Shattered Sword (which I haven't read, but I am assuming the poster of this thread is accurate.)

[Nikademus]

well to be fair, no more so than certain US types. Even as late as the Lunga campaign, Nimitz and co. had to struggle to get enough fighter aircraft into the region and bickered with the army frequently to get them to release some planes.

In the game....you immed start off with lots of SBD's and F4F's in production, enough to keep the carriers happy till kingdom come 'and' fill out the land squadrons both.

[Mike Solli]

Hmm, don't have that info with me. I could tell you at home though.

Another question. How many new B5N daitai/chutai come in 1942?