IJN Base Force Units

[JWE]

Continuing with the program of reducing/eliminating base forces, we are looking at the AvSup paradigm. Think we have the IJA Air Service down pretty good, but the IJN Air Service is a bit problematic.

IJN air logistics support was defined at the Air Group level. IJN defined a variable sized base “unit” capable of deployment along with the operational elements of an Air Group. IJN Air Groups varied wildly in size: some ‘approximately the size of an IJA Air Brigade (70-100 a/c), some with only 17 sea/float planes.

On opening day there were 13 operational Air Groups (and about 6 independent scouting/observation float plane Air “Somethings’. By mid ’42 this increased to 15 operational Air Groups. IJN ended up with about 35 by 4/45, but most of the new ones with a reduced complement (24 to 45 a/c). So … the effectivity was about 5-9 more, in early war terms.

Propose to slice and dice the AGBUs into groups of (perhaps) 3; i.e., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Yokohama Hikojo whatever. Added into the mix are (way smaller) base units for sea/float plane facilities. This will give 40-45 deployable AvSup capable IJN LCUs into late ’42, as opposed to the present 87. Others come on line (at historically appropriate capabilities) at their activation dates from 2/43 onward.

Think this will go a long way towards forcing aggregation of logistics support units into established bases, thereby limiting the number thereof, while allowing smaller (and much less capable) detachments to establish and service “forward staging” airfields.

Comments?

[Andy Mac]

Just dont try it with the AI !!! [:D][:D]

[Andy Mac]

p.s. looks good for PBEM though

[Dili]

Maybe you can classify them as an Unit that can be split like Divisions.

[JWE]

ORIGINAL: Andy Mac
Just dont try it with the AI !!! [:D][:D]

LOL. Yeah, this is definitely not an AI friendly scenario. [8D]