IJN Fuso BB Dec 1943 upgrade

[ElvisDaKing]

Hi

i am reaching Dec 43 in my PBEM, and not yet decided about the Fuso Class BB upgrade :

Battleship can be upgraded with new radar and improved AA => 780
delay = 45 days

but there is also option to 'convert' them with a flying deck :
new radar and improved AA => 1002
delay = 180 days
Aircraft capacity is also increased to 22 at the cost of the rear turret 4x360mm guns


What would be your choice and suggestions ?
What kind of aircraft can operate from these hybrid BB ? Only floatplane or can you put some fighters for fleet protection ?


re : i am playing SC1, PDU ON and only lost 2 CV until now....

[BBfanboy]

Take a look at Ise and Hyuga to see what their configuration and aircraft type is after they mod to BB/Carriers. I think they only fly FPs because the deck is too short for landings (the smokestack and superstructure is still there!

IMO this was a poor modification that took away a lot of the ship's utility. Like the old US BBs, this class of ship is good for bombardments when carriers and torpedo-carrying LBA are not around.

[PetrOs]

You could place some Rufe or Rex equipped units on them, then they are getting useful. That would not stand a fully escorted air raid with torpedo bombers, but sometimes AI would send unescorted or lightly escorted bombers to strike on a battleship group. Or you can use the pair to beef up the air defense of your Kido Butai, even less potent fighters can do harm to bombers while normal carrier based fighters would tackle the escort.