Using the REX

[John 3rd]

Hello All.

I am home and bored without a turn to do.

Something I have tried as an experiment in my match with Sean has, seemingly, gone pretty well. I have dedicated using the N1K1 REX (FP GEORGE Variant) for dedicated low altitude CAP. We all know that there are bunches of Float Plane capacity in the Japanese BB--BC--CA--CL--CS. In my current CV TF I usually have a 50-50 split in JAKES and REX so this usually means I have 20-25 REX flying at 5,000 Ft.

We have had three CV engagements so far and I have noticed that I don't take a lot of casualties with the REX's and that they do pretty well versus whatever they are fighting. Keep in mind that I don't base this statement on anything but observation at this point.

I throw this out for JFB to comment on and see what they think. Have you tried this? Any comments??

[John 3rd]

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the planes that fly CAP over Japan's Fleet in mind-1943. Really LIKE the Armor 1 on the REX!

[Ian R]

Not a JFB, but do they have the same problems with the weather that searching float-planes do?

[John 3rd]

I have not noticed any issues with weather. Course the only time I see them used is during the fights so we know that weather is good to marginal for that to happen.

Should pull off the JFB comment. Anyone's thoughts on FP use as CAP?

[Canoerebel]

You might want to PM Lowpe, Obvert and Lokasenna. They'll know all about it, I think. In particular, Lowpe experiments with everything times three.

[anarchyintheuk]

Never noticed the maneuver bands on the Rex. They defy belief.

[rustysi]

I am home and bored without a turn to do.

Not a good combo.[:D]

[obvert]

I've never used the Rex on BB/CA as a float. No groups allow this in any game (stock or DBB) that I've tried.

The only time I've tried this on a BB is on the Ise once converted.

I use the Rex extensively as low CAP in a stock/DBB game since I don't like to covert the CS cruisers during the most critical time for Japan as the Allies begin to push forward in 43. It gives 80+ Rex CAP as an addition to the KB and that is a lot of decent defence I that period.

By the time Corsairs show up the Rex's won't be great. Still, better than Jakes/Petes as CAP.

[HansBolter]

The Ironman AI uses them extensively.

Haven't paid much attention to how well they perform in the CAP role.

[rustysi]

covert the CS cruisers during the most critical time for Japan

IHMO, time for the CS cruisers is over by the time their conversion dates arrive. Give one another 80+ fighters for cap.

[RADM.Yamaguchi]

Rexs are useful but rufes aren't too bad either. More than a year earlier, just a little slower and little less climb.