WITP vs AE; altitudes for P39s, naval bombers

[wga8888]

Quickly realized in my PBEM game that optimum choices in WITP may not apply to AE. Also my mind is clouded by a long history of playing Grigsby game going back to 1982(?) Guadalcanal Campaign. Concepts about bounce, etc are impacted by higher altitude.
---
1) P39s lose maneuverability above 10+ (UCV, WITP) but were competitive at low altitudes (historical reading). So other than strafing attacks on the deck (100 ft) what altitudes do others use for escorts, sweeps, CAP. I was thinking up to 10K below the maneuverability plenty to limit being bounced but 10K may be too high. P39s do best in CAP over their own bases (most pilots recovered) but often have to take the war to the Japanese. [Buna is in the path of any attacks in the West Solomon Sea northeast of Port Moresby.
2) I am now guessing one 25 plane P39 group may be more effective than two 10-15 plane groups trying to coordinate from the same base to minimize variables (leaders, etc).
3) Default for USN torpedo bombers seems to be 5000. Believe in game mechanics they drop attitude when executing torpedo runs. So I found it best to have combined Torpedo and Dive-bombers all at 10K. May not be true in AE, different altitudes infer packet attacks through CAP.
4) Think in WITP Dive-Bombers needed 10K+ for steep dive attacks, 15K+ may be better. Most torpedo planes cannot fly that high, early ones barely fly at all. Not sure what works in AE as have had few opportunities. In Guadalcanal the VMSBs start with <50 exp so not much expected. Carrier SBDs are more experienced but still lucky to get hits.
*) Sidenote; Beauforts V+ were torpedo bombers within normal range in WITP (I think). Seem to be all bombs in the Guadalcanal scenario games I am playing.
**) GC has three Wirraway groups. AI will occasionally do unescorted Betty attacks vs Australian Ports. Beaufighters have a field day vs Bettys; Wirraways have not seen action. In WITP, most Wirraway groups were Hurricanes or Beaforts by now. Wirraway speed is inferior to a Betty, no evidence yet they are effective as Port CAP (other than their presence reduces the chance of a raid); but they do have dozens of replacements. But due to poor stats, does not seem wise to attempt to use them.

[RangerJoe]

I suggest that you look up some threads on these issues and read them. Also read some AARs on the After Action Report page.

https://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=4726264

[Ambassador]

ORIGINAL: wga8888

Quickly realized in my PBEM game that optimum choices in WITP may not apply to AE. Also my mind is clouded by a long history of playing Grigsby game going back to 1982(?) Guadalcanal Campaign. Concepts about bounce, etc are impacted by higher altitude.
---
1) P39s lose maneuverability above 10+ (UCV, WITP) but were competitive at low altitudes (historical reading). So other than strafing attacks on the deck (100 ft) what altitudes do others use for escorts, sweeps, CAP. I was thinking up to 10K below the maneuverability plenty to limit being bounced but 10K may be too high. P39s do best in CAP over their own bases (most pilots recovered) but often have to take the war to the Japanese. [Buna is in the path of any attacks in the West Solomon Sea northeast of Port Moresby.
2) I am now guessing one 25 plane P39 group may be more effective than two 10-15 plane groups trying to coordinate from the same base to minimize variables (leaders, etc).
3) Default for USN torpedo bombers seems to be 5000. Believe in game mechanics they drop attitude when executing torpedo runs. So I found it best to have combined Torpedo and Dive-bombers all at 10K. May not be true in AE, different altitudes infer packet attacks through CAP.
4) Think in WITP Dive-Bombers needed 10K+ for steep dive attacks, 15K+ may be better. Most torpedo planes cannot fly that high, early ones barely fly at all. Not sure what works in AE as have had few opportunities. In Guadalcanal the VMSBs start with <50 exp so not much expected. Carrier SBDs are more experienced but still lucky to get hits.
*) Sidenote; Beauforts V+ were torpedo bombers within normal range in WITP (I think). Seem to be all bombs in the Guadalcanal scenario games I am playing.
**) GC has three Wirraway groups. AI will occasionally do unescorted Betty attacks vs Australian Ports. Beaufighters have a field day vs Bettys; Wirraways have not seen action. In WITP, most Wirraway groups were Hurricanes or Beaforts by now. Wirraway speed is inferior to a Betty, no evidence yet they are effective as Port CAP (other than their presence reduces the chance of a raid); but they do have dozens of replacements. But due to poor stats, does not seem wise to attempt to use them.

1) It depends on circumstances. Like you say, P-39 do well as CAP, they're killers against Netties. If you have to defend PM for example, you may use them to cover convoys who bring supplies or LCUs to PM.
Also, don't focus too much attention on maneuverability, it's only one factor, and speed (and pilot skill) is more important.
Side note : that said, P-39D's maneuverability is better than the P-40E in each band. The difference between P-39D and A6M2 is also lower at 31k+ than under 10k...
2)Number of planes is not everything either. Pilot skills matter, a lot - not only Air, but also Defence. The Air skill of the squadron's leader will also improve air combat performance, while Inspiration may increase the number of planes flying, so check those. Plus, things like available AV, overstacking the airfield, availability of supply...
3) TB will drop to their low level attack altitude if set to load torpedoes (and if they're available). The altitude you set for them is mostly for the travel (and coordination, but check LoBaron's guide for that, TB are hampered by their very low cruise speed).
4) 50 XP or skill is quite low. Don't expect good results until your pilots have skills in the 60's (top 60's, not 61), but there are lots of factors. Speed and maneuverability of the bombed ship matter a lot (xAK's are sitting ducks, but good luck hitting those nimble DD/TB), but also disruption by enemy CAP and flak.

[Yaab]

Wirraways FBs should have two 7.7mm MGs in CL (centerline) position, giving them a greater accuracy than other Allied F/FBs. I guess they can be used as emergency fighters to disrupt Jap bombers.