Advice on Building Naval Air

[Beatrix Kiddo]

I am thinking of building a Naval Air unit for Italy with the idea it would help with supply to North Africa.

First, what is the best pairing? I see that the second half should be Naval Air, but should I select Ground Support with the higher Naval Air rating, but lowest range? Or maybe the Strategic Bombing for the highest range? Or the Tactical bombers as the balance between the two?

Second, I don't understand how to use them? Are they only worthwhile hitting ships in ports, or do they have some sort of passive ability that triggers during the opponent's turn?

On a side note, I don't understand how to use my fighter interceptors either. Is there a button to set them to intercept or escort?

So clueless! Thanks in advance for your help!

[gwgardner]

I choose tactical, naval air. They interdict enemy ports, if in range, and can interdict enemy naval movements, if the enemy fleet ends its move within range, and the naval air unit is in full support mode. Or they can be used to bomb enemy ports and fleets.

[tyronec]

Would agree, the extra range for naval warfare is helpful.

GS need to be moved more often to keep within range so a close decision between them and Tactical for ground warfare.

[AlbertN]

Tactical for Naval Warfare yes.
Better range and better air to air (not sure how it works vs Carries, but I think it counts)

[wosung]

How to use Long Range Escorts? Full support or airfield attack?

[tyronec]

Fighters will not do much against airports, you need bombers for that.
However if the defending fighters are set to intercept you can get them with air combat.

[TrogusP96]

I wondered about escort fighters too. The manual says p89

"When an air unit flies a mission manually or automatically, the defender of the attack hex will send up its strongest air superiority unit that is at least half its maximum strength to intercept. This unit must be
in support mode. The attacker will also fly escorts to defend the air unit performing the mission using the same requirements as the defender. Air combat is fought between the 2 players and then the mission continues if the air unit is still alive. All air missions are subject to weather, ground anti-air factors, resources, and terrain effects. At most 90 4 air units are involved in air combat."

This all takes place under the hood. We don't really control it and I guess if a unit is around it will intercept. I suppose one could therefore saturate an area with strategic bombers and post fighters in the UK within range of the target but we never move them or know which one was sent - the best? And we don't see it happen or get even a bogus report on enemy aircraft KIA so there may be a trade off in speed for color?
I don't know how 4 end up being involved and I suppose we never know which fighters intercepted.

[tyronec]

You can control it by which fighters you put on support and as the attacker by sequencing your moves.
You can inspect what is happening in the combat log - an essential tool if you are playing a good opponent.