The Elephant Vanishes : obvert (J) vs Historiker_SqzMyLemon_Canoerebel (A)

[crsutton]

ORIGINAL: obvert

Thinking about the state of this game right now I though I'd check into losses for the USN during the war. At this point, in early 44, the losses of CVs was similar with one additional fleet CV lost, but of course more CVE lost in this game.

For BBs the Allies are doing much worse than historical, and for cruisers probably similar to historical. For BBs in game the Allies are suffering much more than in the war.

On the Japanese side Midway happened early! [:D]

After that losses have been light to CVs, but cruisers and DDs have been heavily depleted. BBs are good, with only two lost.

So not too far off historical.

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[font="Courier New"]BATTLESHIPS

ARIZONA Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941

OKLAHOMA Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941



AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

HORNET 08 38 S, 166 43 E 26 October 1942

LEXINGTON 15 12 S, 155 27 E 8 May 1942

WASP 12 25 S, 164 08 E 15 September 1942

YORKTOWN 30 36 N, 176 34 W 7 June 1942


ESCORT AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

LISCOME BAY 02 54 N, 172 30 E 24 November 1943


HEAVY CRUISERS

HOUSTON Off Java, N.E.I. 1 March 1942

QUINCY Off Savo I., Solomons 9 August 1942

ASTORIA Off Savo I., Solomons 9 August 1942

VINCENNES Off Savo I., Solomons 9 August 1942

NORTHAMPTON Off Savo I., Solomons 30 November 1942

CHICAGO 11 25 S, 160 56 E 30 January 1943


LIGHT CRUISERS

ATLANTA Off Lunga Point, Guadalcanal 13 November 1942

JUNEAU 10 34 S, 161 04 E 13 November 1942

HELENA Kula Gulf, Solomons 6 July 1943

[/font]

Really light losses for the Allies in game terms. I don't really consider BBs much of an issue as my goal in game is to focus on sinking Japanese CAs and especially DDs. Once they and the carrier force is whittled, the BBs become less of a factor and very vulnerable. In my last campaign, Japanese BBs really started to take hits from subs and other factors by mid 44. Once a BB takes a couple of torpedo hits it takes forever to repair. For Japan, that means they can be effectively out of the war. As for CVE's, well the Allies get so many....[;)]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Drakanel

Well, you posted losses and I really wanted to know that. I am curious about one thing though.

How are you doing with pilot pools and aircraft pools in this game? Especially in regard to carrier-specific airframes. You did lose quite a few recently, but I don't think you wrote recently how your pools are doing.

I can post some of this soon. Not right now as it's late!

Quickly though, I have plentiful A6M5 in the pools. They're escorts now and can in a pinch be low CAP.

For IJN LBA the Georges have been depleted extensively,as have the Jacks. I'm making only 100 Georges and 75 Jacks for now, until the last models arrive. The A6M8 is now being made in numbers 150 a month I think? That is a good plane for 44, but it's not on all of the CVs yet. Still have A6M5b and A6M5c on them as well.

For IJA LBA I'm starting to build some small pools of Franks and Ki-100. Up to around 50-60 each now. Making only 100 Ki-100 and something like 120 Frank Ia.

The IJN strike planes are okay. I have a lot of D3Y3, and it just converted to the D3Y4 with 800kg bomb. I'll have 90 Graces next month. Jills are running short, but plenty of Kates to fill in if needed. Once the last Jill model arrives I'll have more, but the Grace is a DB/TB so it will fill in where needed too. Love that plane. [:)]

Got a ton of Peggy (T) building now, but need to get some pilots trained! Takes forever. I have three groups training now. Will add a fourth once I have the turn back.

Frances Ib are online now and that means they're much more useful with service 2.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 26, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] We are moving forward again and all is normal in terms of game expectations.

The Allies break out of Darwin with escorts, a few APA, some AO and some sub chasers. I'd hoped the two BB TFs moving in would prevent the escape, but alas most ships got away. Moonlight at 7% probably contributed. One plucky TF moves in to sink another xAKL at Saumlaki. Some Frances sortie and sink one of these DDs on the day. This should make Joseph feel slightly better about the affair, as I made the decision to withdraw the KB and restrict the range of many other strike planes so as not to run into LR CAP traps.

The BBs accomplished their primary mission extraordinarily well. Darwin got a pasting! [8D]

The Kongos sank three SCs on the way and then gave a mediocre bombardment to the base, but the next five, including Yamato, absolutely trashed the place. They didn't start in until morning, and the extra light seemed to make a difference. I'd forgotten to take them off of remain, so they stayed and waited.

No CAP was moved into Darwin, and the Allies lost 126 squads and devices destroyed, more disabled. These units already had a rough landing, so I don't think they're doing so well now. I started a division prepping for Darwin and I'll continue regular bombardments by sea and possibly air, depending on flak. I'm sure some supply was added here, but probably not enough for more than a month of constant battles. No forts will be able to be built, which is great, (unless one was built on day one).
[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 26, 44
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Darwin at 77,124, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
BB Kongo
BB Hiei
DD Shimakaze
DD Urakaze
DD Nowaki
DD Tanikaze
DD Shigure
DD Murasame

Allied Ships
SC-1063, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
SC-1064, Shell hits 1, and is sunk
SC-1065, Shell hits 1, and is sunk

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 7% moonlight: 4,000 yards

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Saumlaki at 77,117, Range 4,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
xAKL Misaki Maru, Shell hits 11, and is sunk
SC CHa-5, Shell hits 2, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Henley
DD Craven
DD Gridley
DD Maury

Japanese ground losses:
93 casualties reported
Squads: 5 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 1 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Guns lost 4 (2 destroyed, 2 disabled)

Reduced sighting due to 7% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 7% moonlight: 4,000 yards

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Night Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124

Japanese Ships
BB Hiei
BB Kongo

Allied ground losses:
86 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 5 destroyed, 7 disabled
Engineers: 1 destroyed, 8 disabled
Guns lost 5 (1 destroyed, 4 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (4 destroyed, 8 disabled)

Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 2
Runway hits 17
Port hits 6
Port supply hits 1

E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for BB Hiei
BB Hiei firing at Darwin
BB Kongo firing at Darwin

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Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124

Japanese Ships
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Yamato
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato

Allied ground losses:
1011 casualties reported
Squads: 6 destroyed, 14 disabled
Non Combat: 27 destroyed, 85 disabled
Engineers: 40 destroyed, 15 disabled
Guns lost 19 (5 destroyed, 14 disabled)
Vehicles lost 34 (22 destroyed, 12 disabled)

Resources hits 2
Airbase hits 13
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 28
Port hits 17
Port supply hits 4

BB Ise firing at Darwin
BB Yamashiro firing at 2nd Australian Division
BB Yamato firing at Darwin
BB Mutsu firing at 1st Australian Division
BB Nagato firing at Darwin

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Wessel Islands at 85,124

Weather in hex: Heavy cloud

Raid detected at 67 NM, estimated altitude 8,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 20 minutes

Japanese aircraft
P1Y1 Frances x 13
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 25

Japanese aircraft losses
P1Y1 Frances: 2 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Gridley
DD Craven
DD Henley, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Maury

Aircraft Attacking:
13 x P1Y1 Frances launching torpedoes at 200 feet
Naval Attack: 1 x 18in Type 91 Torpedo

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[/font]

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[font="Trebuchet MS"]Hard to hit these with TB.[/font]

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]Fighter Pools_IJAAF[/font]

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I promised some info about airframes. So far I'm trying to get through this stage of the game with fairly conservative production numbers, at least compared to what I could be making.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]DB/TB Pools_IJAAF[/font]

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No problem with the DBs here, but the Jills are a bit scarce. The Grace and last Jill model will alleviate that in a month or two.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]2E Pools_IJAAF[/font]

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The 2E pools look good.

[Lokasenna]

My good sir, your Frank production is far too low.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

My good sir, your Frank production is far too low.

I agree!!! [:D]

I'm waiting for the Ki-84b and then the Ki-84r to come online. By 7/44 I should have the b which will bring me to 195. Then when the r arrive around 11/44 I'll have 255.

What do you think? I'm trying to be conservative with the production numbers. I'm also very aware that I'll have to rely more and more on the IJAAF as the groups for IJN disappear in summer 44. I'll also have the J2M5 and N1K5 by 9/44 at least so the IJN groups left will be very good airframes.

The Sam doesn't seem to want to repair factories. Very frustrating. I've had one factory at 25(5) for about three months! [:@]

[ny59giants]

The Sam doesn't seem to want to repair factories. Very frustrating. I've had one factory at 25(5) for about three months! [:@]

Replace the leader. [:D]

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Sam doesn't seem to want to repair factories. Very frustrating. I've had one factory at 25(5) for about three months! [:@]

Replace the leader. [:D]

Yes!!!

wait a minute ...

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"][color=#99000] NF Pools[/b][/color][/font]

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For NF I'm going from previous experience and staying with the ones that seemed to work best. I'm also building the Nick Id which I did not build previously. I'll be able to set up soon, in April. I am thinking 1 x 30 for this. I'll have about 3-4 groups that can use it, and based on current game situation should have time to build pools before they start getting whittled down.

I may even be able to use the Randy Ki-102c this game, which would be fun. I didn't go in for the Denko as it arrives too late.

I'll may also build some Frances NF as they are sturdy and fast enough with decent armament.

[njp72]

ORIGINAL: obvert

[font="Times New Roman"][color=#99000] NF Pools[/b][/color][/font]

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For NF I'm going from previous experience and staying with the ones that seemed to work best. I'm also building the Nick Id which I did not build previously. I'll be able to set up soon, in April. I am thinking 1 x 30 for this. I'll have about 3-4 groups that can use it, and based on current game situation should have time to build pools before they start getting whittled down.

I may even be able to use the Randy Ki-102c this game, which would be fun. I didn't go in for the Denko as it arrives too late.

I'll may also build some Frances NF as they are sturdy and fast enough with decent armament.

Love the analysis Obvert. Following along with interest.


Your detailed summaries are very helpful. From my perspective the FrankR was the critical airframe which provided the biggest bang for my buck and allow me to provide some degree of resistance well into 45.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

My good sir, your Frank production is far too low.

I agree!!! [:D]

I'm waiting for the Ki-84b and then the Ki-84r to come online. By 7/44 I should have the b which will bring me to 195. Then when the r arrive around 11/44 I'll have 255.

What do you think? I'm trying to be conservative with the production numbers. I'm also very aware that I'll have to rely more and more on the IJAAF as the groups for IJN disappear in summer 44. I'll also have the J2M5 and N1K5 by 9/44 at least so the IJN groups left will be very good airframes.

The Sam doesn't seem to want to repair factories. Very frustrating. I've had one factory at 25(5) for about three months! [:@]

Meh to even making the -b, unless you have to for some reason. I'm not familiar with PDU Off because I'm never playing that.

Since the -a upgrades directly to the -r, I don't see why you wouldn't just increase -a production.

I'm not sure if 255 will be enough since you are getting a late start on the production in general. Mine came much earlier than yours, so I have had the luxury of building the pools up before 11/44, for example. I can't remember exactly how many I'm producing, or rather the max capacity (I might have one or two factories off at present), but the total is definitely in the mid-200s. I'm not certain if it will be enough.

[Lokasenna]

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: ny59giants

The Sam doesn't seem to want to repair factories. Very frustrating. I've had one factory at 25(5) for about three months! [:@]

Replace the leader. [:D]

Yes!!!

wait a minute ...

Yes. You need to make that factory great.

Bad luck on the repairs. I don't think my game date is that far ahead of yours, but I've already received several months of advancement from mine.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: njp72

ORIGINAL: obvert

[font="Times New Roman"][color=#99000] NF Pools[/b][/color][/font]

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For NF I'm going from previous experience and staying with the ones that seemed to work best. I'm also building the Nick Id which I did not build previously. I'll be able to set up soon, in April. I am thinking 1 x 30 for this. I'll have about 3-4 groups that can use it, and based on current game situation should have time to build pools before they start getting whittled down.

I may even be able to use the Randy Ki-102c this game, which would be fun. I didn't go in for the Denko as it arrives too late.

I'll may also build some Frances NF as they are sturdy and fast enough with decent

Love the analysis Obvert. Following along with interest.


Your detailed summaries are very helpful. From my perspective the FrankR was the critical airframe which provided the biggest bang for my buck and allow me to provide some degree of resistance well into 45.

I loved the Frank "r" in my first long game, much more so because of how much Jocke hated it! We changed our altitude HR because of this plane. [:)]

I'm curious though about the "b" which I didn't use at all in that game. Looking forward to trying it out.

[obvert]

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

ORIGINAL: obvert

ORIGINAL: Lokasenna

My good sir, your Frank production is far too low.

I agree!!! [:D]

I'm waiting for the Ki-84b and then the Ki-84r to come online. By 7/44 I should have the b which will bring me to 195. Then when the r arrive around 11/44 I'll have 255.

What do you think? I'm trying to be conservative with the production numbers. I'm also very aware that I'll have to rely more and more on the IJAAF as the groups for IJN disappear in summer 44. I'll also have the J2M5 and N1K5 by 9/44 at least so the IJN groups left will be very good airframes.

The Sam doesn't seem to want to repair factories. Very frustrating. I've had one factory at 25(5) for about three months! [:@]

Meh to even making the -b, unless you have to for some reason. I'm not familiar with PDU Off because I'm never playing that.

Since the -a upgrades directly to the -r, I don't see why you wouldn't just increase -a production.

I'm not sure if 255 will be enough since you are getting a late start on the production in general. Mine came much earlier than yours, so I have had the luxury of building the pools up before 11/44, for example. I can't remember exactly how many I'm producing, or rather the max capacity (I might have one or two factories off at present), but the total is definitely in the mid-200s. I'm not certain if it will be enough.

I'm interested in the 4 x 20mm of the "b" with two of them CL. It's meant to be the best anti-4E plane in game. The N1K5 will also be good in that role. I didn't get to try either of these in my previous game, and I definitely want to here.

If pools get low I'll just use older airframes for a while. Wait. Build up the Franks. Use them to surprise. I'm not concerned about not having enough total fighters. Especially since this game has just slowed down a lot due to recent events. The low CAP is helping to conserve them better anyway.

[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 27-28, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] Joe sends in the marauders as several Fletcher groups create havoc around Northern New Guinea. The IJN loses several Es and at least 4 DDs on the day. Luckily a few were close to base and could be disbanded to put out fires quickly. Both of his TFs ended up in range of strikes, and only one was targeted. It got attention from around 30 Judys in both the morning and afternoon but the flak was heavy and no hits were recorded. About 8 Judys lost on the day too!

This came as we had pulled a good CL/DD TF back to use as fas transport, and it didn't engage at all. Two DDs hit mines at Hollandia and one was also nailed by RO-66 with one fish.

On the 28th I tried to run two CL led TFs in to engage the low ammo DDs but neither found them in the night. Lost two DMS in more fights and the DDs got away clean. [:@]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] Bombed Darwin to little effect. Lots of AA here, so I'll rely on the naval bombardments to suppress the base for a while. He looks to be moving something toward Katherine here.

The KB is now back into the shadows.
[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 27, 44
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Sub attack near Wewak at 97,118

Japanese Ships
SS I-26, hits 36, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Brownson
DD Beale
DD Bradford
DD Boyd

SS I-26 launches 6 torpedoes at DD Brownson
DD Brownson fails to find sub and abandons search

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Hollandia at 93,114, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E Yanagi, Shell hits 9, and is sunk
E Otori, Shell hits 11, heavy fires, heavy damage
E Hato, Shell hits 3, on fire

Allied Ships
DD Abbot
DD Aulick
DD Beale
DD Boyd
DD Bradford
DD Brownson

Reduced sighting due to 10% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 10% moonlight: 2,000 yards

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Hollandia at 94,116, Range 1,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
E No.2, Shell hits 17, and is sunk
E No.4, Shell hits 38, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Hickox
DD Hutchins
DD Ingersoll
DD Knapp
DD Murray
DD Picking
DD Pringle, Shell hits 1
DD Ringgold

Reduced sighting due to 10% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 10% moonlight: 2,000 yards

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TF 233 encounters mine field at Hollandia (93,116)

Allied Ships
DD Ringgold, Mine hits 1
DD Murray, Mine hits 1, heavy damage

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Night Time Surface Combat, near Hollandia at 93,116, Range 7,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
SC Ch 11, Shell hits 5, and is sunk
TK Kenan Maru, Shell hits 15, Torpedo hits 5, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Hickox
DD Hutchins
DD Ingersoll
DD Knapp
DD Picking
DD Ringgold

Allied Ships Reported to be Approaching!
Japanese TF suspends unloading operations and begins to get underway
Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Sarmi at 92,114, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Harukaze, Shell hits 18, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Matsukaze, Shell hits 12, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Hatakaze, Shell hits 30, Torpedo hits 1, and is sunk
DD Oite, Shell hits 17, heavy fires, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Abbot
DD Aulick
DD Beale
DD Boyd
DD Bradford
DD Brownson

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...

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Day Time Surface Combat, near Hollandia at 95,116, Range 18,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DD Makinami, Shell hits 1
DD Sagiri, Shell hits 7, heavy fires, heavy damage
DD Oboro
DD Akebono, Shell hits 1

Allied Ships
DD Hickox, Shell hits 2
DD Hutchins, Shell hits 1
DD Ingersoll
DD Knapp, Shell hits 2, on fire
DD Picking
DD Ringgold, Shell hits 1, on fire

Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions: 28,000 yards
Range closes to 24,000 yards...

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Sub attack near Hollandia at 94,116

Japanese Ships
SS RO-66, hits 4, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Murray, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
DD Pringle

SS RO-66 launches 4 torpedoes at DD Murray

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 92,114

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 51 NM, estimated altitude 17,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 16 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 16

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 8 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Boyd
DD Brownson
DD Abbot
DD Bradford

Aircraft Attacking:
7 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 1000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
4 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Sarmi at 92,114

Weather in hex: Moderate rain

Raid detected at 38 NM, estimated altitude 5,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 12 minutes

Japanese aircraft
D4Y3 Judy x 29
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 48

Japanese aircraft losses
D4Y3 Judy: 8 damaged
D4Y3 Judy: 2 destroyed by flak

Allied Ships
DD Boyd
DD Beale
DD Abbot
DD Bradford
DD Aulick

Aircraft Attacking:
2 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 10000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
11 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 2000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb
16 x D4Y3 Judy releasing from 3000'
Naval Attack: 1 x 500 kg SAP Bomb

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 28, 44
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Night Time Surface Combat, near Hollandia at 94,114, Range 2,000 Yards

Japanese Ships
DMS W-6, Shell hits 15, and is sunk
DMS W-20, Shell hits 20, and is sunk

Allied Ships
DD Abbot
DD Aulick
DD Beale
DD Boyd
DD Bradford, Shell hits 1, on fire
DD Brownson

Reduced sighting due to 17% moonlight
Maximum visibility in Partly Cloudy Conditions and 17% moonlight: 2,000 yards
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[font="Trebuchet MS"]These ships are already tough to hit, but flak is noticeably tougher now than earlier in the war. Sucks not to get them sitting out there with no LR CAP. [:-][/font]

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[obvert]

[font="Times New Roman"]March 29-30, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] Allied subs are haunting the lanes between Ambon and Darwin, and I see some moving into Darwin. Either to refuel, or possibly to lay mines. I might just send some Es in there to see what's new.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] Franks sortie unexpectedly against Hellcats at Hansa Bay. I'd left them on after moving them in here. They knock down a few defenders before settling in to their usual CAP role. [:)]

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] The cruisers go in on the 29th and get a decent hit on the troops and fields at Darwin. Not great, but keeps up the damage. The key is to keep the Allies from building forts, improving fields or recovering squads. Hitting supply is also positive.

On the 31st though they hit hard. A daylight bombardment, which is highly effective. Overall 8 squads destroyed and 101 disabled.

Landings by APDs at Groote Eylandt go in just fine but our Jakes sortie and get multiple hits on them. Both end up with "heavy fires, heavy damage."
[font="Trebuchet MS"]
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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 29, 44
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Night Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CL Oyodo
DD Yugure
DD Arare
DD Arashio
DD Michishio

Allied ground losses:
44 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 1 destroyed, 11 disabled
Engineers: 2 destroyed, 5 disabled
Guns lost 1 (1 destroyed, 0 disabled)
Vehicles lost 12 (3 destroyed, 9 disabled)

Resources hits 2
Airbase hits 8
Airbase supply hits 4
Runway hits 25
Port hits 11
Port supply hits 1

CA Aoba firing at Darwin

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR March 31, 44
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Invasion Support action off Groote Eylandt (82,130)
Defensive Guns engage approaching landing force

6 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Allied Ships
APD Stringham
APD McKean

APD Stringham fired at enemy troops
APD McKean fired at enemy troops

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Morning Air attack on Hansa Bay , at 97,121

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 15 NM, estimated altitude 34,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 3 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-84a Frank x 13

Allied aircraft
F6F-3 Hellcat x 4

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
F6F-3 Hellcat: 1 destroyed

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Ki-84a Frank sweeping at 31000 feet

CAP engaged:
VF-71 with F6F-3 Hellcat (0 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
0 plane(s) not yet engaged, 4 being recalled, 0 out of immediate contact.
Group patrol altitude is 31000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 31000.
Time for all group planes to reach interception is 1 minutes

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Morning Air attack on TF, near Groote Eylandt at 82,130

Weather in hex: Partial cloud

Raid spotted at 19 NM, estimated altitude 3,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 9 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
APD Stringham, Bomb hits 6, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
5 x E13A1 Jake bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Morning Air attack on 48th JNAF AF Unit , at 76,127 , near Katherine

Weather in hex: Severe storms

Raid spotted at 27 NM, estimated altitude 9,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 7 minutes

Japanese aircraft
Ki-43-IIIa Oscar x 7

Allied aircraft
Mitchell II x 18

No Japanese losses

Allied aircraft losses
Mitchell II: 1 destroyed, 2 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
25 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 0 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 4 disabled
Engineers: 0 destroyed, 1 disabled

Aircraft Attacking:
12 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb
4 x Mitchell II bombing from 8000 feet
Ground Attack: 6 x 500 lb GP Bomb

CAP engaged:
26th Sentai with Ki-43-IIIa Oscar (7 airborne, 0 on standby, 0 scrambling)
(25 plane(s) diverted to support CAP in hex.)
7 plane(s) intercepting now.
Group patrol altitude is 18000 , scrambling fighters between 0 and 18000.
Raid is overhead

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Afternoon Air attack on TF, near Groote Eylandt at 82,130

Weather in hex: Heavy rain

Raid spotted at 23 NM, estimated altitude 7,000 feet.
Estimated time to target is 11 minutes

Japanese aircraft
E13A1 Jake x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
E13A1 Jake: 1 damaged

Allied Ships
APD McKean, Bomb hits 4, heavy fires, heavy damage

Aircraft Attacking:
3 x E13A1 Jake bombing from 1000 feet
Naval Attack: 4 x 60 kg GP Bomb

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Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CL Oyodo
DD Yugure
DD Arare
DD Arashio
DD Michishio

Allied ground losses:
482 casualties reported
Squads: 1 destroyed, 5 disabled
Non Combat: 0 destroyed, 38 disabled
Engineers: 3 destroyed, 43 disabled
Vehicles lost 19 (4 destroyed, 15 disabled)

Resources hits 1
Airbase hits 6
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 15
Port hits 2

CA Aoba firing at Darwin
CA Mikuma firing at Darwin
E13A1 Jake acting as spotter for CA Mogami

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[font="Trebuchet MS"]Jakes! Love these minor actions that frustrate and keep the pressure on the Allies. [/font]

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[font="Times New Roman"]April 1-2, 1944[/font]

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[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SUBS: [/font] The Allied subs hit pay dirt on the 3rd, getting one fish into Yamashiro. The BB continued on the mission, but has 28 (27) flood damage and will need a few months down time now. Trying to take an alternate route back to avoid sub clumping.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]SO PAC: [/font] No more action in this area after the recent DD incursion. CL TFs will move back to Sarmi, so Hollandia will be open to bombardment but is protected by MTBs, subs, midgets and mines. It's also not overstocked, so wouldn't be a total disaster if it got hit.

[font="Microsoft Sans Serif"]OZ:[/font] On the OZ side the BB TF hits Darwin after the CAs soften them up, and it's a mess for the Allied units there. Another 45 squads/devices destroyed and 144 disabled. Some of the guns were hit this time, and if these units stay eventually the AA will be trashed too, and then the Helens will take over. They are hitting the lone division already moving toward Katherine. I see movement indicated from some other units at Darwin now, too. This could mean a retreat. He'll have to cross the river to Katherine, but should beat the two naval guards there. Still, if there are a lot of disabled squads in the unit, you never know what casualties will look like.

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 2, 44
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ASW attack near Damar at 76,115

Japanese Ships
DD Shimakaze
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamashiro
BB Yamato
BB Nagato
DD Akizuki
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Shimozuki
DD Niizuki

Allied Ships
SS Flier, hits 2 (one penetrating with critical damage message)

SS Flier launches 6 torpedoes at DD Shimakaze
Flier diving deep ....

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AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR April 3, 44
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Sub attack near Bathurst Island at 77,121

Japanese Ships
BB Yamashiro, Torpedo hits 1
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamato
BB Nagato
DD Akizuki
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Shimozuki
DD Niizuki

Allied Ships
SS Haddo, hits 18, on fire, heavy damage

SS Haddo launches 6 torpedoes at BB Yamashiro

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Night Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124

Japanese Ships
CA Aoba
CA Mikuma
CA Mogami
CL Oyodo
DD Yugure
DD Arare
DD Arashio
DD Michishio

Allied ground losses:
298 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 3 destroyed, 35 disabled
Engineers: 8 destroyed, 24 disabled
Vehicles lost 16 (3 destroyed, 13 disabled)

Resources hits 1
Airbase hits 7
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24
Port hits 9
Port supply hits 2

CA Aoba firing at Darwin

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Naval bombardment of Darwin at 76,124 - Coastal Guns Fire Back!

2 Coastal gun shots fired in defense.

Japanese Ships
BB Hyuga
BB Ise
BB Yamato
BB Mutsu
BB Nagato
DD Fuyuzuki
DD Shimozuki
DD Niizuki
DD Susuzuki
DD Akizuki
DD Shimakaze

Allied ground losses:
566 casualties reported
Squads: 0 destroyed, 2 disabled
Non Combat: 21 destroyed, 37 disabled
Engineers: 14 destroyed, 30 disabled
Guns lost 6 (3 destroyed, 3 disabled)
Vehicles lost 36 (17 destroyed, 19 disabled)

Resources hits 6
Airbase hits 16
Airbase supply hits 5
Runway hits 66
Port hits 20
Port supply hits 5

BB Hyuga firing at Darwin
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[font="Trebuchet MS"]The Sam is suffering delays in development. Landing gear strength tests, power plant installation kinks, resulting wing loading tweaks. Nightmare. [:D][/font]

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So the Nick NF is now set up and factories are repairing. In this game the night bombing threat isn't imminent as only a few industrial targets are now in range (China has a no strat bombing HR).

I set this up for 37 planes a month. There are around 750 Ha-31 engines in the pool so enough for almost 10 months of production.

Interested to try out this plane. I should have around 4 groups using it.