BUFFs - Understanding their use and modelling in-game.

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: SuluSea
Looks like Allied bombing 101 to me. Players of the Japanese side are able to make improvements using historical hindsight but when an Allied player does it , it's wrong?

I heavy bomb the heck out of any airfield I can get to and mix in sweeps and medium bombers when the field is damaged to my liking.

If you come within 7 hex's of my level 9 airfields expect lots of steel raining down.[:'(]

This.

Also by using your heavies to bomb the hell out of an opponent removes them from other duties such as recon or naval search.
Why do I have the feeling that Allied players who use 4eng bombers for land bombing and "fighter sweeps" exclusively, are the same who
complain most about their patrol plane losses and the fact that Japan has loads of fighters and elite pilots later in the war?

By using your bombers on a very confined part of the game you remove them from other vital missions.
As a Japanese player I would not complain about it but start thinking about how to exploit this.


WitPAE provides limited ressources for a wide range of tasks. Concentrating on one task removes or limits your ability to accomplish another.
I wonder why so many consider KB as a strategic platform which should be used in combination with speed, strenght and surprise and
consider covering its position vital for mission success, but at the same time are convinced that does not apply to other areas.

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron
Also by using your heavies to bomb the hell out of an opponent removes them from other duties such as recon or naval search.

You can use medium bombers for those. Recon, especially, I leave to B25s. Against air defence they are too vulnerable and too few in replacement rate for anything else.

I do wonder if the JFBs who moan about 4E bombers have perhaps considered the impact of the apparently almost limitless number of Tojos that they can put into the air in 1943. I've destroyed about 900 since they came onto the scene in about six months and they just keep on coming, stronger than ever before. I wonder how historical that is. In the face of such a powerful fighter arm 4Es bombing the tar out of their airfields is about the only effective Allied response, so it's not surprising that that is what the 4Es are ordered to do.

And of course supply of pilots are a non-issue in AE, another major ahistorical plus for Japan.

I would love to have so many spare 4E bombers that I could recon more bases or search more sea. However unless I want to concede air superiority and have them destroyed on the ground, a bombing they will go.

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

ORIGINAL: LoBaron
Also by using your heavies to bomb the hell out of an opponent removes them from other duties such as recon or naval search.

You can use medium bombers for those. Recon, especially, I leave to B25s.

Which reduces the ammount of mediums you can use for ASW duty. See? [;)]

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron
Which reduces the ammount of mediums you can use for ASW duty. See? [;)]

Not really, recon missions do not preclude you from also flying ASW. It just 1 plane that does the recon mission after all, and in a 16 plane B25 squadron thats not a big deal.

Makes for a good combination actually as recon IMHO doesn't really need training, while ASW does. So my trained ASW squadrons effectively do recon as an aside.

I tend to use recon as an alternative mission for just about everything set to naval strike, as well. The actual number of naval strike missions you fly is quite low, most of the time targets do not present themselves, so in the meanwhile they can get info on areas of secondary importance.

[LoBaron]

You said recon and naval search.
 
And my point is, if you use a plane or anything else for a specific goal for which it
was not exclusively intended you either remove or reduce its use for other historical areas of operation.
 
Simple as that.
 
So if you use heavy bombers for ground pounding exclusively, go ahead. As long as you don´t forget
that you have to cover other areas of operations in which those planes where used, or as long as
your opponent does not find a way to exploit it youre fine.
 
Everybody has to decide for himself how to best use his assets and cover his weaknesses.
And overuse of assets for a certain goal is usually not the most effective line of progress, at least
if you fight somebody who is quickly aware of his opponents weak points.
 
Just in case that was not clear: this equally applies to a Japanese player who thinks
that overproducing Tojos is the road to salvation.

[FatR]

ORIGINAL: castor troy
yeah and they would have a high chance to come in after the bombers (which in the end would be not bad anyway as the bombers would sweep the enemy). It was a common mission for P-38 to escort bombers in the Pacific and they did VERY well on escort.

It wasn't that common (what was often generally called escort actually is sweep in the game) and when actually escorting, they didn't. As an example, whenever Lightnings of 13th Fighter Command were forced into protecting bombers, abandoned by squadrons supposed to escort them, during late-1943 bombing campaign against Rabaul, they were heavily defeated, even by their own claims.

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

You said recon and naval search.

And my point is, if you use a plane or anything else for a specific goal for which it
was not exclusively intended you either remove or reduce its use for other historical areas of operation.

Simple as that.

So if you use heavy bombers for ground pounding exclusively, go ahead. As long as you don´t forget
that you have to cover other areas of operations in which those planes where used, or as long as
your opponent does not find a way to exploit it youre fine.

Well, statement of the obvious. If you use asset A on mission B, then it cannot be used on mission C.

The bit of interest is what is the best use of asset A.

The training system encourages specialisation, not flexibility, incidentally. If you got an ASW trained squadron then its best employed in ASW. If you got a squadron not trained in ASW then trying to use it as such is an exercise in futility. If your ASW squadron turns out to be superfluous to requirements you misjudged and wasted a whole bunch of training time. And if you trained a squadron in ground bombing /as well as/ ASW, unless you do both all the time then that is superfluous to requirements as well.

Just in case that was not clear: this equally applies to a Japanese player who thinks
that overproducing Tojos is the road to salvation.

The Tojo situation is rather different, as those factories have only a finite number of uses. If you got a factory and it can be used to make Nates, Tojos, Oscars or Zeroes, what would you pick? All Tojos, obviously, as many as the number of Tojo squadrons effectively allows you to use. IRL the Japanese made Zeroes throughout the war, in game you want to cut that to a minimum when better planes come along, and the game does let you do that.

[SuluSea]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

ORIGINAL: SuluSea
Looks like Allied bombing 101 to me. Players of the Japanese side are able to make improvements using historical hindsight but when an Allied player does it , it's wrong?

I heavy bomb the heck out of any airfield I can get to and mix in sweeps and medium bombers when the field is damaged to my liking.

If you come within 7 hex's of my level 9 airfields expect lots of steel raining down.[:'(]

This.

Also by using your heavies to bomb the hell out of an opponent removes them from other duties such as recon or naval search.
Why do I have the feeling that Allied players who use 4eng bombers for land bombing and "fighter sweeps" exclusively, are the same who
complain most about their patrol plane losses and the fact that Japan has loads of fighters and elite pilots later in the war?

By using your bombers on a very confined part of the game you remove them from other vital missions.
As a Japanese player I would not complain about it but start thinking about how to exploit this.


WitPAE provides limited ressources for a wide range of tasks. Concentrating on one task removes or limits your ability to accomplish another.
I wonder why so many consider KB as a strategic platform which should be used in combination with speed, strenght and surprise and
consider covering its position vital for mission success, but at the same time are convinced that does not apply to other areas.

I can't speak for anyone else but my patrol plane losses are managable as I baby them.

To help augment I have a fleet of AMc's and other low value ships on picket duty in area's the patrol planes can't reach . I only fly 4E's from large airfields so they don't see too much search missions (4 -4E units doing search in '42) until airfields get built up.

I really can't see wasting the my valuable assets by flying from smaller airstrips doing search as I'll see more ops losses than I'd like. [:)]

[EUBanana]

I don't really have a Catalina shortage. Though the big upgrade of squadron sizes and extra planes in late 42 onward did take a big chunk out of the pools (if you got 60 in the pool in 1942, dont get complacent [:'(]). I don't really baby my Catalinas much either, they get sent in on nasty recon missions quite often due to their long range.

I might possibly run out in 1943, not sure yet, but I doubt it.

I guess people who really suffer an acute shortage have been using them as torpedo bombers. It is true though that a Catalina Surprise can do quite disproportionate damage if the opponent is caught napping, and I have used them as torpedo bombers a couple of times. I notice my foe is using Emilies likewise occasionally. So long as you dont make a regular thing of it.

[LoBaron]

ORIGINAL: EUBanana
Well, statement of the obvious. If you use asset A on mission B, then it cannot be used on mission C.

The bit of interest is what is the best use of asset A.

If you ask whats the best use for asset A then you are asking the wrong question IMHO. And thats why you say I am
stating the obvious, without understanding where this leads to.

My question would be: What is the best use for asset A in situation X in Fall 194Y.

The training system encourages specialisation, true, but this does not automatically imply that specialisation
is the best way to train. I guess a discussion about this topic would fill another thread and I know what my
point of view would be.

The Tojo situation is rather different, as those factories have only a finite number of uses. If you got a factory and it can be used to make Nates, Tojos, Oscars or Zeroes, what would you pick? All Tojos, obviously, as many as the number of Tojo squadrons effectively allows you to use. IRL the Japanese made Zeroes throughout the war, in game you want to cut that to a minimum when better planes come along, and the game does let you do that.

No its exactly the same situation.
By what you wrote alone, you artificially limit yourself to choose between four different fighter types which is not neccesary, at least not if you
leave PDU on. You can instead use the same ressources to produce patrol planes, torpedo bombers, float fighters, light bombers, save the HI
for the future, you can expand it or leave it as it is...I could go on and on.
And you can (ab)use those assets with completely different intensity and intentions.

Churning out Tojos at a rate you can afford the losses you stated will limit the Japanese player on many other levels,
and losing that ammount of pilots even more. The fact that the Japanese player can do it does not mean it does him
any good.

Thats very similar as an Allied player who uses all his heavies on land bombing missions.

You can be successful, but only if your opponent does not ask himself what you are sacrificing with your strategy
and comes up with a good counter exactly where your sacrifice leaves an empty space.

For that reason I prefer flexibility over "what is the best use for asset A" without having to think twice.

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron
My question would be: What is the best use for asset A in situation X in Fall 194Y.

Well, of course, you can press things into doing tasks they may not be best suited for as a matter of urgency. I use B24s on naval attack quite a lot even though they suck at it.

The training system encourages specialisation, true, but this does not automatically imply that specialisation
is the best way to train.

Well, depends, if you dont need trained pilots out ASAP you can spend time crosstraining them instead. I know i got a huge surfeit of pilots, so I could crosstrain them if I wanted to. I don't generally bother, though. I have specialist squadrons and I move them to where they are needed. We're talking bomber squadrons after all, they are the most flexible unit you have movement wise.

By what you wrote alone, you artificially limit yourself to choose between four different fighter types which is not neccesary

Sure it is. IRL the Japs built substandard planes well into the war. Why build a Zero when you can build a Tojo? Theres no point. Tojo or nothing, if you got enough Tojos.

Thats very similar as an Allied player who uses all his heavies on land bombing missions.

You can be successful, but only if your opponent does not ask himself what you are sacrificing with your strategy
and comes up with a good counter exactly where your sacrifice leaves an empty space.

If I was a Japanese player and you insisted on a big proportion of heavy bombers being used in naval search all the time I'd generally consider that quite merciful on your part. [:'(]

[castor troy]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

ORIGINAL: LoBaron
Also by using your heavies to bomb the hell out of an opponent removes them from other duties such as recon or naval search.

You can use medium bombers for those. Recon, especially, I leave to B25s.

Which reduces the ammount of mediums you can use for ASW duty. See? [;)]

who really needs air ASW as the Allied? It seems that IJN subs pretty much get one shot wonders from mid 43 on. Not that they would never hit something but they usually get sunk for doing it. Halve a year later it´s not much better for the Allied subs as the enemy then gets those super E with an ASW value of 14 and while there are ppl that say a DC rack dropping 12 DC patterns isn´t as effective as 3x4, they seem not have to noticed their subs either heavily damaged or sunk by these 12 DC patterns all the time. But that´s another issue than bomber use.

[berto]

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

IRL the Japs built substandard planes well into the war. Why build a Zero when you can build a Tojo? Theres no point.

According to my readings, Japan was forced to rely on obsolete planes because for the new-and-improved designs their industrial production techniques, their quality control, just wasn't good enough. Too many duds. Not for all things, but for too many things. A modern economy in some respects, but the old traditional economy in others. Mass production vs. cottage industry. They faced some hard choices.

In strictly game terms, there may be no point to keep building Zeros. But if you favor "historical" game play, it's just one more house rule.

[bradfordkay]

ORIGINAL: berto

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

IRL the Japs built substandard planes well into the war. Why build a Zero when you can build a Tojo? Theres no point.

According to my readings, Japan was forced to rely on obsolete planes because for the new-and-improved designs their industrial production techniques, their quality control, just wasn't good enough. Too many duds. Not for all things, but for too many things. A modern economy in some respects, but the old traditional economy in others. Mass production vs. cottage industry. They faced some hard choices.

In strictly game terms, there may be no point to keep building Zeros. But if you favor "historical" game play, it's just one more house rule.

Instead of a house rule, just play with PDU off... you will have to keep producing the A6M series because that's all many of your squadrons will ever use.

[mike scholl 1]

ORIGINAL: berto

According to my readings, Japan was forced to rely on obsolete planes because for the new-and-improved designs their industrial production techniques, their quality control, just wasn't good enough. Too many duds. Not for all things, but for too many things. A modern economy in some respects, but the old traditional economy in others. Mass production vs. cottage industry. They faced some hard choices.

That's the kind of "historical reality" that many players want to avoid. No fun playing Tojo & Company if you actually have to live and fight under the same constraints they faced. It's a matter of preference.

[Puhis]

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

Why build a Zero when you can build a Tojo? Theres no point. Tojo or nothing, if you got enough Tojos.

Have you ever try Japanese side? Tojo is an army plane, not navy. Only army squadrons can use Tojos. Zero is only carrier capaple plane, and most of the IJN squadrons can use only Zeros (or late war A7M Sams), PDU on/off doesn't matter.

So Tojo can't replace Zero...

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: Puhis

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

Why build a Zero when you can build a Tojo? Theres no point. Tojo or nothing, if you got enough Tojos.

Have you ever try Japanese side? Tojo is an army plane, not navy. Only army squadrons can use Tojos. Zero is only carrier capaple plane, and most of the IJN squadrons can use only Zeros (or late war A7M Sams), PDU on/off doesn't matter.

So Tojo can't replace Zero...

I speak from the experience of being on the receiving end - I think 2/3rds of all fighters I meet are Tojos now, so I think it pretty much can - not on the carriers, admittedly. I'm assuming the Allied CVs will have a qualitative edge when they get Hellcats.

But I don't see IJN CVs much away from the shores where the Tojos lurk. My foe is cautious. [;)]

My foe also told me he's making 200+ Tojos a month, which is about double the useful Allied fighter rate, which probably explains why this flood of top notch fighters isn't going to be dammed until the P47 arrives. The only Allied a/c demonstrably better than a Tojo is the Corsair, and I find it frankly useless with service rating 3 and a short range - their up time is terrible, 50% is above average I find. Not good enough.


Just had a particularly busy day in my game in SOPAC - looks to me like he had ~40 Tojos in the air over Choiseul Bay, ~120 Tojos escorting, and about 50 non-Tojo fighters making an appearance. Clearly the Tojo is doing the bulk of the fighting where it matters. In any case that is a lot of Tojos!

If you wanna wade through a report and see the Tojo versus other distribution, here it is.



AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR Apr 22, 43
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Tsu at 108,63

Japanese Ships
DD Sazanami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
SS Albacore



SS Albacore is located by DD Sazanami
DD Sazanami fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri attacking submerged sub ....
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Night Time Surface Combat, near Panggoe at 111,133, Range 8,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo

Allied Ships
PT-186, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-187, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-188
PT-189, Shell hits 3, and is sunk
PT-190, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-191, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-196
PT-219, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-220, Shell hits 2, and is sunk
PT-221
PT-222, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
PT-223, Shell hits 1, and is sunk



Improved night sighting under 92% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Overcast Conditions and 92% moonlight: 8,000 yards
Range closes to 11,000 yards...
Range closes to 10,000 yards...
Range closes to 9,000 yards...
Range closes to 8,000 yards...
CONTACT: Japanese lookouts spot Allied task force at 8,000 yards
CONTACT: Allied lookouts spot Japanese task force at 8,000 yards
PT-223 sunk by DD Akigumo at 8,000 yards
PT-187 sunk by DD Akigumo at 8,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-191 at 8,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
PT-191 sunk by DD Akigumo at 7,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-186 at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 5,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-221 at 5,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-186 at 5,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-222 at 5,000 yards
PT-222 sunk by DD Akigumo at 5,000 yards
Range increases to 7,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-186 at 7,000 yards
Range closes to 6,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-189 at 6,000 yards
Range increases to 8,000 yards
PT-220 sunk by DD Akigumo at 8,000 yards
PT-219 sunk by DD Akigumo at 8,000 yards
PT-186 sunk by DD Akigumo at 8,000 yards
Range increases to 10,000 yards
PT-189 sunk by DD Akigumo at 10,000 yards
Range closes to 7,000 yards
DD Akigumo engages PT-190 at 7,000 yards
Sooma, Shoohei orders Japanese TF to disengage
Range increases to 13,000 yards
PT-190 sunk by DD Akigumo at 13,000 yards
Task forces break off...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Invasion action off Vella Lavella

Allied Ships
SC PC-582
LCI-24
LCI-63
LST-18
LCI-22



SC PC-582 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 6,000 yards
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 1,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibious Assault at Vella Lavella

TF 62 troops unloading over beach at Vella Lavella, 110,133


Allied ground losses:
189 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 37 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 19 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 26 (0 destroyed, 26 disabled)
Vehicles lost 25 (0 destroyed, 25 disabled)


5 troops of a US HMG Section lost overboard during unload of 132nd Infantry Rgt


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Vella Lavella

Allied Ships
SC PC-582
LST-448
DMS Chandler
LST-19



SC PC-582 fired at enemy troops
Defensive Guns fire at approaching troops in landing craft at 2,000 yards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Truk at 110,112

Japanese Ships
PB Choko Maru #2
xAK Izumo Maru
xAK Nansin Maru
PB Kyo Maru #12

Allied Ships
SS Trigger, hits 1



SS Trigger launches 4 torpedoes at PB Choko Maru #2
Trigger diving deep ....
PB Kyo Maru #12 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kyo Maru #12 attacking submerged sub ....
PB Kyo Maru #12 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kyo Maru #12 fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Kyo Maru #12 fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack near Nagoya at 110,62

Japanese Ships
DD Akatsuki
DD Sazanami
DD Asagiri

Allied Ships
SS Albacore



SS Albacore launches 6 torpedoes at DD Akatsuki
Albacore diving deep ....
DD Sazanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Asagiri fails to find sub and abandons search
DD Sazanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sazanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
DD Sazanami attacking submerged sub ....
DD Sazanami fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 22
G4M1 Betty x 18
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 42



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty: 5 destroyed, 7 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
LST-18
xAK George H. Williams, Torpedo hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
DMS Chandler



Aircraft Attacking:
11 x G4M1 Betty launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4U-1 Corsair (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(4 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 3 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
VMF-222 with F4F-3 Wildcat (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(7 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
2 planes vectored on to bombers
49th FG/7th FS with P-40K Warhawk (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(8 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 6 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 29000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes
4 planes vectored on to bombers
347th FG/67th FS with P-40K Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 7 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-40E Warhawk (3 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
3 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 7 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 18 minutes
3 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 31 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y1 Judy x 2



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 6
P-40K Warhawk x 1
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1
F4U-1 Corsair x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y1 Judy: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed

Allied Ships
CL Nashville



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x D4Y1 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-222 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(1 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 4000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 16 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers
18th FG/70th FS with P-40E Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters between 4000 and 34810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 69 minutes
VMF-121 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) not yet engaged, 1 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 66 minutes
347th FG/67th FS with P-40K Warhawk (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 32810.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 13 minutes
1 planes vectored on to bombers



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
B5N1 Kate x 37
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 1
P-40K Warhawk x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
B5N1 Kate: 1 destroyed


Allied Ships
AK Bellatrix
DD Frazier
LST-19
DMS Chandler
CL Nashville
xAK Henry Villard
xAK Caleb Strong
xAK Cleveland Abbe, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
AP George F. Elliot
CA Quincy
xAK George Taylor



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 5000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 2000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
21 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 4000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x B5N1 Kate bombing from 3000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
347th FG/67th FS with P-40K Warhawk (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-40E Warhawk (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 56 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK Cleveland Abbe


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 100th Chinese Corps, at 79,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 17 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 18
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 21
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 13



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 2


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses


Allied ground losses:
106 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Aircraft Attacking:
18 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 250 kg GP Bomb
12 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 25000 feet
7 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb
6 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 1000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 100 kg GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
11th FG/42nd FS CAF with P-40E Warhawk (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Raid is overhead

Also attacking 2nd Prov Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 78th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 100th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 78th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 100th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 78th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 100th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 21



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 4 damaged

Allied Ships
xAKL Regulus
DD Duncan
CA Quincy
DD Mustin
CL Nashville
xAK George H. Williams, Bomb hits 2, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x Ki-21-Ic Sally bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
4 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

George H. Williams dead in the water ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 78th Chinese Corps, at 79,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-21-IIa Sally x 11
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 10
Ki-48-IIa Lily x 14



No Japanese losses


Allied ground losses:
94 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled


Aircraft Attacking:
14 x Ki-48-IIa Lily bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 100 kg GP Bomb
11 x Ki-21-IIa Sally bombing from 6000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 kg GP Bomb

Also attacking 75th Chinese Corps ...
Also attacking 78th Chinese Corps ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 20



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAKL Hirondelle, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires, heavy damage
CL Nashville
xAK West Nilus
AM Advent
xAK K.I. Luckenbach, Bomb hits 1, on fire
LST-19, Bomb hits 1, on fire



Aircraft Attacking:
20 x Ki-48-IIb Lily bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Hirondelle


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 16



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-48-IIb Lily: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Benjamin Franklin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CA Quincy
LST-18, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK Cleveland Abbe, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
LCI-63, Bomb hits 3, and is sunk



Aircraft Attacking:
3 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
4 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb
8 x Ki-48-IIb Lily releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 75th Chinese Corps, at 79,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 42,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 8 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 2



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 36740 feet *



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 12



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 6 damaged

Allied Ships
xAK Benjamin Franklin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
CA Quincy
xAKL Tamara, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8



Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied Ships
LCI-22, Bomb hits 1, and is sunk
xAK San Vincente, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires
xAK Benjamin Franklin, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Choiseul Bay , at 111,132

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 37



Allied aircraft
B-25C Mitchell x 13
Boomerang C-12 x 6
B-17E Fortress x 5
B-17F Fortress x 3
B-24D1 Liberator x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 17


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed, 20 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 2 destroyed on ground
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed



Airbase hits 15
Airbase supply hits 7
Runway hits 85

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x Boomerang C-12 sweeping at 25000 feet
5 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-17F Fortress bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
5 x P-40K Warhawk sweeping at 29000 feet

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (21 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(21 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
21 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (6 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(21 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
6 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
33rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (10 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(10 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
10 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Choiseul Bay at 111,132

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 47 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31



Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 16


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 2 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Takanami



CAP engaged:
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(15 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
18 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36740 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 70 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (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 36740 , scrambling fighters to 8000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 73 minutes
33rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
8 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36740 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 79 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koggala , at 29,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 41 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes


Allied aircraft
Wellington Ic x 22
A-29 Hudson x 3
B-24D Liberator x 4


Allied aircraft losses
Wellington Ic: 2 damaged



Airbase hits 7
Runway hits 112

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Wellington Ic bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 8 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x B-24D Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x A-29 Hudson bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 12th Division, at 30,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 12 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hudson IIIa x 12
Hurricane IIc Trop x 17
Vengeance I x 13
Beaufort VIII x 12
B-25C Mitchell x 14
B-26 Marauder x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40K Warhawk x 13


Allied aircraft losses
Hudson IIIa: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Beaufort VIII bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
12 x Hudson IIIa bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
14 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
2 x Vengeance I releasing from 2000' *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
6 x B-26 Marauder bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
7 x Vengeance I releasing from 3000' *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x Vengeance I releasing from 4000' *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 112th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 12th Division ...
Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 112th Infantry Regiment ...
Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 12th Division ...
Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 112th Infantry Regiment ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 29th Division, at 30,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes


Allied aircraft
Vengeance I x 14


Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
10 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
2 x Vengeance I releasing from 3000' *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
8 x Vengeance I releasing from 2000' *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x Vengeance I releasing from 4000' *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koggala , at 29,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 18 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 7
A-29 Hudson x 9
B-25C Mitchell x 37


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 3 damaged



Airbase hits 4
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 108

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
9 x A-29 Hudson bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 4 x 250 lb GP Bomb
12 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
10 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
3 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Shortlands , at 109,131

Weather in hex: Extreme overcast

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 13


Japanese aircraft losses
E7K2 Alf: 1 destroyed on ground
D3A2 Val: 1 destroyed on ground


Japanese ground losses:
23 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 3 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled



Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 33

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Choiseul Bay , at 111,132

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 6 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 19



Allied aircraft
B-25D1 Mitchell x 4
F4F-3 Wildcat x 4


Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-25D1 Mitchell: 1 damaged
F4F-3 Wildcat: 1 destroyed



Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 16

Aircraft Attacking:
4 x B-25D1 Mitchell bombing from 100 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
15 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36740 , scrambling fighters to 7000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 45 minutes
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
33rd Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
3 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36740 , scrambling fighters to 9740.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 145 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Choiseul Bay , at 111,132

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 14 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 4 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 11



Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 10


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 6 damaged
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 2 damaged



Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 25

Aircraft Attacking:
10 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
11 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 36740 , scrambling fighters to 6000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 12 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Choiseul Bay , at 111,132

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 10 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 12


Japanese aircraft losses
H8K2 Emily: 1 destroyed on ground
Ki-44-IIa Tojo: 1 destroyed on ground

Allied aircraft losses
B-24D1 Liberator: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 1
Airbase supply hits 3
Runway hits 41

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Maloelap , at 136,117

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 31 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes


Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 3


Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress: 1 damaged



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 2

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x B-17E Fortress bombing from 6000 feet *
Airfield Attack: 4 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Choiseul Bay , at 111,132

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
no flights


Allied aircraft
B-24D1 Liberator x 7


Japanese aircraft losses
No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Airbase hits 1
Runway hits 14

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x B-24D1 Liberator bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 10 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Koggala , at 29,50

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 46 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 11
B-25C Mitchell x 9


Allied aircraft losses
B-25C Mitchell: 1 damaged



Runway hits 28

Aircraft Attacking:
9 x B-25C Mitchell bombing from 8000 feet
Airfield Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on 75th Chinese Corps, at 79,52

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 20 NM, estimated altitude 37,740 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
10 x Ki-44-IIa Tojo sweeping at 36740 feet *



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Kienko , at 78,41

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid spotted at 16 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-Ic Oscar x 17



No Japanese losses



Aircraft Attacking:
17 x Ki-43-Ic Oscar sweeping at 10000 feet



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on Torokina , at 109,130

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 43,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 5 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1



Allied aircraft
P-38G Lightning x 19


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses



Aircraft Attacking:
19 x P-38G Lightning sweeping at 39000 feet

CAP engaged:
87th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (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 36750
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 46 NM, estimated altitude 34,810 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 14



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 5
P-40K Warhawk x 7
F4F-3 Wildcat x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 2


Japanese aircraft losses
A6M3a Zero: 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
P-40E Warhawk: 1 destroyed
P-40K Warhawk: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4U-1 Corsair (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 4 minutes
VMF-222 with F4F-3 Wildcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 2 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 44 minutes
49th FG/7th FS with P-40K Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 29000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 2 minutes
347th FG/67th FS with P-40K Warhawk (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-40E Warhawk (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 3 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 11,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3a Zero x 6
G3M3 Nell x 4



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 2
F4U-1 Corsair x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK John Adams, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
4 x G3M3 Nell bombing from 6000 feet *
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 48 minutes
18th FG/70th FS with P-40E Warhawk (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 32000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 71 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK John Adams


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 1 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 25
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 7
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 33



Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 1


Japanese aircraft losses
Ki-43-IIb Oscar: 1 destroyed
Ki-49-IIa Helen: 1 destroyed, 4 damaged


Allied Ships
CA Quincy
xAK Caleb Strong, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
AP George F. Elliot, Bomb hits 2, on fire
xAK West Nilus, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AM Swallow
xAK John Adams, Bomb hits 3, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAK K.I. Luckenbach
CL Nashville
DMS Chandler
AK Titania, Bomb hits 1



Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
15 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
6 x Ki-49-IIa Helen bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 250 kg SAP Bomb
9 x Ki-43-IIb Oscar sweeping at 16000 feet

CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 10000 , scrambling fighters to 9000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 11 minutes



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Light rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 3
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 5
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 19



Allied aircraft
F4U-1 Corsair x 1


No Japanese losses

No Allied losses

Allied Ships
xAK John Adams, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage
xAKL Susana, Bomb hits 1
xAKL Kailua, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
LST-19
xAKL Vincent, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires
AM Advent, Bomb hits 1, heavy fires, heavy damage



Aircraft Attacking:
19 x Ki-48-IIb Lily bombing from 6000 feet
Naval Attack: 2 x 100 kg SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
VMF-121 with F4U-1 Corsair (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 10000
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 9 minutes

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAK John Adams
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Kailua
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring xAKL Vincent
Heavy smoke from fires obscuring AM Advent


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Shortlands at 110,131

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 40 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 15 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 24



Allied aircraft
Boomerang C-12 x 2
SBD-3 Dauntless x 16


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 destroyed, 7 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Akigumo, Bomb hits 2, heavy fires



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
4 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb
5 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 1000 lb SAP Bomb

CAP engaged:
1st Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (5 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(5 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
5 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
24th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (19 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(19 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
19 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead

Heavy smoke from fires obscuring a Momi class DD


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 109,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 30 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4



Allied aircraft
Beaufighter Ic x 3


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufighter Ic: 1 destroyed



CAP engaged:
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(2 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
2 plane(s) not yet engaged, 0 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 14000 , scrambling fighters to 3000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 40 minutes
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
87th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36750
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Torokina at 109,130

Weather in hex: Overcast

Raid spotted at 36 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 2
Ki-43-IIb Oscar x 1
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 4



Allied aircraft
Beaufort VIII x 2


No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Beaufort VIII: 1 destroyed, 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
xAKL Suzan Maru



Aircraft Attacking:
1 x Beaufort VIII launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 22in Mk 13 Torpedo

CAP engaged:
87th Sentai with Ki-44-IIa Tojo (4 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
4 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36740
Raid is overhead
87th I.F.Chutai with Ki-43-IIb Oscar (1 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
1 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 36750
Raid is overhead
452 Ku S-1 with A6M2-N Rufe (2 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
2 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 14000
Raid is overhead



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 12th Division, at 30,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 45 NM, estimated altitude 14,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 17 minutes


Allied aircraft
Beaufort I x 6
P-39D Airacobra x 16
P-40K Warhawk x 13
SBD-3 Dauntless x 21


Allied aircraft losses
SBD-3 Dauntless: 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
17 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
8 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
6 x Beaufort I bombing from 10000 feet *
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb
11 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb
2 x SBD-3 Dauntless releasing from 2000'
Ground Attack: 1 x 1000 lb GP Bomb

Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 12th Division ...
Also attacking 29th Division ...
Also attacking 12th Division ...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afternoon Air attack on 12th Division, at 30,48

Weather in hex: Clear sky

Raid spotted at 35 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 13 minutes


Allied aircraft
Hurricane IIc Trop x 13
Vengeance I x 14


Allied aircraft losses
Vengeance I: 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
21 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled



Aircraft Attacking:
6 x Vengeance I releasing from 3000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb
8 x Vengeance I releasing from 4000'
Ground Attack: 2 x 500 lb GP Bomb, 2 x 250 lb GP Bomb



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submarine attack near Tsu at 109,61

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 39
SC Ch 38

Allied Ships
SS Albacore, hits 13, heavy damage



SS Albacore is located by SC Ch 39
Albacore bottoming out ....
SC Ch 39 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 39 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 39 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 39 fails to find sub, continues to search...
SC Ch 39 attacking submerged sub ....
SC Ch 39 is out of ASW ammo
SC Ch 39 is out of ASW ammo
SS Albacore forced to surface!
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 39 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 39 firing on surfaced sub ....
SC Ch 38 firing on surfaced sub ....
Sub slips beneath the waves


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASW attack near Shikuka at 125,45

Japanese Ships
PB Tokotsu Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-46



SS S-46 is sighted by escort
S-46 diving deep ....
PB Tokotsu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokotsu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokotsu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokotsu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
PB Tokotsu Maru fails to find sub, continues to search...
Escort abandons search for sub


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invasion Support action off Vella Lavella
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

8 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
SC PC-582
LCI-24
LST-19



SC PC-582 fired at enemy troops


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

Ground combat at 30,48

Allied Bombardment attack

Attacking force 13768 troops, 218 guns, 205 vehicles, Assault Value = 652

Defending force 24824 troops, 234 guns, 61 vehicles, Assault Value = 811


Allied ground losses:
6 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled


Assaulting units:
32nd Infantry Division
267th Armoured Brigade
88th Chinese Division

Defending units:
29th Division
12th Division
112th Infantry Regiment
55th Engineer Regiment
2nd Ind.Hvy.Art. Battalion
2nd FA Rgt /4


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

Ground combat at 82,23

Japanese Bombardment attack

Attacking force 4429 troops, 38 guns, 26 vehicles, Assault Value = 166

Defending force 55 troops, 13 guns, 0 vehicles, Assault Value = 6



Assaulting units:
36th/A Division

Defending units:
33rd Chinese Corps
Lusu War Area
15th Chinese Base Force
8th Chinese Base Force
8th War Area
4th Heavy Mortar Regiment

[Puhis]

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

ORIGINAL: Puhis


Have you ever try Japanese side? Tojo is an army plane, not navy. Only army squadrons can use Tojos. Zero is only carrier capaple plane, and most of the IJN squadrons can use only Zeros (or late war A7M Sams), PDU on/off doesn't matter.

So Tojo can't replace Zero...

I speak from the experience of being on the receiving end - I think 2/3rds of all fighters I meet are Tojos now, so I think it pretty much can - not on the carriers, admittedly. I'm assuming the Allied CVs will have a qualitative edge when they get Hellcats.

But I don't see IJN CVs much away from the shores where the Tojos lurk. My foe is cautious. [;)]

My foe also told me he's making 200+ Tojos a month, which is about double the useful Allied fighter rate, which probably explains why this flood of top notch fighters isn't going to be dammed until the P47 arrives. The only Allied a/c demonstrably better than a Tojo is the Corsair, and I find it frankly useless with service rating 3 and a short range - their up time is terrible, 50% is above average I find. Not good enough.


Just had a particularly busy day in my game in SOPAC - looks to me like he had ~40 Tojos in the air over Choiseul Bay, ~120 Tojos escorting, and about 50 non-Tojo fighters making an appearance. Clearly the Tojo is doing the bulk of the fighting where it matters. In any case that is a lot of Tojos!

If you wanna wade through a report and see the Tojo versus other distribution, here it is.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 10,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 42 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M3a Zero x 22
G4M1 Betty x 18
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 42



Allied aircraft
P-40E Warhawk x 10
P-40K Warhawk x 13
F4F-3 Wildcat x 7
F4U-1 Corsair x 4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 12,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 52 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
B5N1 Kate x 37
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 120 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 40 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-21-Ic Sally x 9
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 21
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 21



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 20


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 80 NM, estimated altitude 13,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 23 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-48-IIb Lily x 16


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 2,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
A6M3a Zero x 10
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 12


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid detected at 40 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
A6M2-N Rufe x 4
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10
Ki-49-IIa Helen x 8

I'm not saying that your foe don't have lot of Tojos... But I think what do you really see here is a display glitch. Same group of planes appears several times during air phase (but it's only flying once). Bolded groups are pretty obvious for me.

So I think your opponent don't have that much Tojos. It's minor a bug.

[EUBanana]

ORIGINAL: Puhis
So I think your opponent don't have that much Tojos. It's minor a bug.

You're seeing some twice because of morning and afternoon attacks, and a lot of them are the 40 Tojo CAP over Choiseul Bay, which you see again and again as the Allies attack it, again and again.

But even given that, look at the Japanese strikes on Vella Lavella. Possibly some Tojos are managing to escort the same raid twice in one phase, not sure. Either way, this is not abnormal, like I said, Tojos are probably about 2/3rds of the fighters I meet in general. I think my honourable opponent, not being stupid, would rather put Tojos into the fray than flying coffins whenever possible so he probably has a lot of other stuff too bumming around out of the hot zones.

I do wonder about what the situation would be with heavy bombers ruined, though. They are the only truly effective weapon system the Allies have until the P47 in my estimation. Even bombing the crap out of airfields doesnt necessarily work either, consider the above - Torokina and Shortlands have been levelled, even Rabaul has been attacked every so often, it didnt stop a massive Japanese strike though. And "brute force", dont make me laugh. How is a river of Tojos 'finesse' versus 'brutish'? Aerial human waves of fighters are also brute force and thats an effective Japanese tactic.

[Puhis]

ORIGINAL: EUBanana

ORIGINAL: Puhis
So I think your opponent don't have that much Tojos. It's minor a bug.

You're seeing some twice because of morning and afternoon attacks, and a lot of them are the 40 Tojo CAP over Choiseul Bay, which you see again and again as the Allies attack it, again and again.

But even given that, look at the Japanese strikes on Vella Lavella. Possibly some Tojos are managing to escort the same raid twice in one phase, not sure.

No no... All those strikes I quoted are Morning Air attack on TF, near Vella Lavella at 110,133.
As you see, A6M2-N Rufe x 4 appears 6 times.
Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 31 appears 3 times, and Ki-44-IIa Tojo x 10 appears 2 times. Some of those other Tojo groups might partly be "ghost" planes too. Like I said, it's a minor bug, a known display glitch. They are escorting only once, but they appear several times.

Because of this bug, player can't really tell how many fighters are flying... [:(]