Defending Port Moresby with P39s

[wga8888]

This arises from my initial experience with Uncommon Valor, but as that board is idle and same issue expected in WITP, let me ask here. Port Moresby fighter defense is largely P39 variants (with a few P40s). P39 maneuverability (key combat factor) degrades above 10000 ft. Both of my IJN opponents perform fighter sweeps at higher altitude and getting 10+-0 kill ratios when I fly CAP. Is there any counter for this. Bringing in more P39 groups just provides more targets. Not flying CAP risk damage from bombers. Any experience my survivors gain is countered by losses and replacement pilots. Seems like a lose-lose situation. Am experimenting with several tactics to see what may work. Depressed group morale is another issue which takes time to recover. Initial hindrance Allies have is the lower group experience vs the IJA,

[tocaff]

The Zero bonus is in effect until 5/42 (?). The sweeps enable you to get the bounce. The higher altitude enables you to get the bounce. Better planes and pilots enable you to decimate your enemy. All of that equals out to keeps the P-39s out of harm's way for their survival.

[Capt]

Yes the air defense of PM in the early stages of the war appears to be hopeless. Against a competent human opponet you cannot hold PM, never.

If your opponets are inexperienced you can give it a try. Holding Gili Gili is key.

[wga8888]

Given the allies only have 2xP40E groups vs 6 P39/P400, the latter are the bulk of defense. I have found only using 1 P39 at higher altitule cap is better than 2-3 at 10K. The more groups used, the more losses to the defending fighters.

I note that vs AI, IJA takes Gili-Gili before Allies can do anything about it. in one pbem, human opponent opted for Lunga.

[tocaff]

The P-39 can not stand up to the Zero, no matter the altitude.

[tankboy]

The only utility I have found for P-39s is as LRCAP at bases outside of Zero range. Keeps his bombers honest.

P-39s die enmasse against Zeroes. I try and keep them alive in order to upgrade to P-38s.

[wga8888]

If PM is hopeless and expected to be captured by IJ, is there hope of Allies returning or is that front concluded?

[tocaff]

The Allies can retake PM at a later date as their strength will enable them to trounce the Japanese almost everywhere they choose. The key word is almost as a good opponent can catch you off guard and sting.