Loiter speed query

[PongoDeMer]

1) Why are loitering fixed wing aircraft (usually moving at 300 knots plus) shown as stationary on the map. Are they meant to be circling?

2) What is the best way of using aircraft such as Nimrod and Orion? If I set them to loiter with a zig-zag course (see point 1) they don't seem to move. Is it best to keep them stationary on loiter, or put them on a suitable zig-zag course on cruise setting?

Thank you in advance for all replies.

PongoDeMer

[CV32]

ORIGINAL: PongoDeMer
1) Why are loitering fixed wing aircraft (usually moving at 300 knots plus) shown as stationary on the map. Are they meant to be circling?

That is the way 'loiter' speeds are modeled in HCE. They're still burning fuel, but at a reduced rate.

2) What is the best way of using aircraft such as Nimrod and Orion? If I set them to loiter with a zig-zag course (see point 1) they don't seem to move. Is it best to keep them stationary on loiter, or put them on a suitable zig-zag course on cruise setting?

I assume you mean anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrols outside of airfield formations. You will need to 'micro manage' the aircraft to conduct an effective search pattern, e.g. set a zig zag course over the intended search area and manually drop sonobuoys by tapping the '.' key. A method of getting ASW aircraft to do this themselves is on a 'wish list'. (Inside those formations, an ASW aircraft like the Nimrod or Orion will perform its patrols automatically).

[TonyE]

ORIGINAL: PongoDeMer

1) Why are loitering fixed wing aircraft (usually moving at 300 knots plus) shown as stationary on the map. Are they meant to be circling?

Not that it will convince you all that much more but you should see their heading arrow work in a circular motion when the aircraft are loitering.

[CV32]

Yes, and aircraft with nose mounted radars will benefit from that sensor most when the aircraft is facing in that direction while loitering. So, the aircraft are, effectively, circling. Really tight circles. [:D]

[ird]

So are you saying that if I put an Orion on patrol for subs from my carrier then they won't automatically drop sonobuoys???

[hermanhum]

Aircraft carriers cannot launch Orion aircraft.  [;)]

If you use the Launch Patrol command (the one followed by the crosshairs to show where it is to go), then when the aircraft arrive at that location, they will not drop sonobuoys on their own nor search the local vicinity.  They just go to that point and sit there.

[NefariousKoel]

ORIGINAL: ird

So are you saying that if I put an Orion on patrol for subs from my carrier then they won't automatically drop sonobuoys???

Not in their own group.

I often extend the outer formation ring, attach my land-based patrol aircraft to a formation, and place them on patrol in the outer ring(s). That will get them to drop sonobuoys. You gotta remember to watch their fuel so you can land them, however.

Getting them to do it on their own, far away from a surface group, is all about micro-managing though. [:(]

[CV32]

Nefarious is correct.

Adding land based air to a ship formation is an excellent way of forcing an efficient ASW patrol pattern in protection of that ship formation.

A careful watch over that aircraft's fuel state is a must, however, which means that some degree of micro management is still required.

[ird]

Sorry I meant the Viking not Orion