Trying to understand air base stacking

[Randy Stead]

I am switching between the manual and the tutorial (#10) to understand air base stacking limits. I think I have a fairly good grasp of the concept. For example, an airbase of size 3 could hold 3 different formations; adding more formations can get the asterisk to display. As well I understand the limitations imposed by the number of engines. I also understand that an air HQ can increase the stacking limits as a function of half its radius, rounded down. So, the above size 3 with an HQ of radius 5 can add 2 (5\2 rounded down = 2] could have 5 formations?

I am looking at Pearl on 12-8-41 and I see over 30 formations, though the number of planes is below the theoretical maximum of 500 fighters, 250 2E and 125 4E. How does Pearl not get an asterisk? Is it because it is a size 9+ airfield and thus has no stacking limit?

If no stacking limits apply at Pearl, could you theoretically stack 1,000 planes and have no loss of efficiency? I'm also aware of the effect of aircraft on training having a lower stacking cost.

[Sardaukar]

Air HQs.

"A 9+ airfield does not suffer from overstacking.
An airfield can operate 50 single engine (or 25 two engine, or 12 four engine) planes per AF size
or 1 group per AF size. The best Air HQ of the same command as the base which is within range
can add its command radius to the number of groups that can be administrated, or if not in the
same command, the nearest HQ will add ½ its command radius to the number of groups."

Also 8+ AF has air support doubled.

So Air HQs make lot of difference.

[dasboot1960]

I think all limitations are off on lvl9 bases. As a tac-op note, overloading is not the end of the world. Every little detail is a trade-off. The lvl1 = no bomber etc sort of restrictions apply, but after that whatever you can stand and what your guys will do with it is up to you

[RangerJoe]

Overload your coastal airbases with four engine bombers so the Japanese Navy can bombard them with lots of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. [:D]

Then you will see the problems with overstacking.[X(]

[Knavey]

fb.asp?m=2219116

Here is a link to some discussion quite a while ago on this subject. I was browsing it just before I saw your post.

Below is a link to an answer to the question above so you don't have to get to post 31 for an answer.

fb.asp?m=2220389

[Knavey]

Yup.. over stacking works better when those ships you list are on the bottom of the ocean.

[Randy Stead]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Overload your coastal airbases with four engine bombers so the Japanese Navy can bombard them with lots of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. [:D]

Then you will see the problems with overstacking.[X(]

That's kind of like the advice from a Japanese player to take all of your damaged ships and immediately sail them to west coast. [:D]

[RangerJoe]

ORIGINAL: Randy Stead

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Overload your coastal airbases with four engine bombers so the Japanese Navy can bombard them with lots of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. [:D]

Then you will see the problems with overstacking.[X(]

That's kind of like the advice from a Japanese player to take all of your damaged ships and immediately sail them to west coast. [:D]

That is the wrong suggestion. The Allied player should immediate put on aircraft on 100% training and sail ALL combat ships to Japan. All transports, cargoes, tankers, and oilers load all available fuel and supplies, then they should sail to an undefended Chinese port which stockpiles everything, unloads, then sails to Japan. Then the Japanese can simply parachute a few squads in that undefended Chinese base to capture it.

[Yaab]

ORIGINAL: RangerJoe

Overload your coastal airbases with four engine bombers so the Japanese Navy can bombard them with lots of battleships, cruisers, and destroyers. [:D]

Then you will see the problems with overstacking.[X(]

No, you bombard with three carriers, five battleships, and several cruisers and destroyers.

[Ian R]

I had to laugh at the Elf's comment about putting 5 radius air HQ on Saipan.

There is a lot to this game, ignorance whereof produces unjustified (and oft repeated) complaint.

[BBfanboy]

ORIGINAL: dasboot1960

I think all limitations are off on lvl9 bases. As a tac-op note, overloading is not the end of the world. Every little detail is a trade-off. The lvl1 = no bomber etc sort of restrictions apply, but after that whatever you can stand and what your guys will do with it is up to you

No penalty for the number of units there nor the number of aircraft vis-à-vis the AF size, but you still need adequate air support squads to keep all those aircraft operating. Fortunately level 8,9, and10 AFs double the air support present.

[rustysi]

ORIGINAL: Ian R

I had to laugh at the Elf's comment about putting 5 radius air HQ on Saipan.

There is a lot to this game, ignorance whereof produces unjustified (and oft repeated) complaint.

[&:]

Not sure what you're driving at. Are you disagreeing with the Elf?

If so why.

[Ian R]

No, I am referring to the complaints about Saipan being a maximum size 4 air base on this forum.

[rustysi]

Ah yes, that would seem to go against the grain, as at the war's end it was said to be the largest airbase in the world. The Elf just explained how we can make it so.[;)]

Thanks for the reply.[8D]

P.S. Although I haven't said anything about it I was in fact wondering why it was so (level 4).

[Ambassador]

Did I miss a change, or are you talking about a mod ? Last time I checked, Saipan’s AF SPS was 4, so max level is 7.[&:][&:]

[rustysi]

ORIGINAL: Ambassador

Did I miss a change, or are you talking about a mod ? Last time I checked, Saipan’s AF SPS was 4, so max level is 7.[&:][&:]

You are correct, but by adding an air HQ you can increase the bases' capacity for 'stacking' air units.

Something I knew about, but since I play Japan, I never associated it with the Allies. D'oh.[8|]

[Ambassador]

I mean Ian R’s mention of complaints about size 4 being the max (I know for the Air HQs).

[Ian R]

ORIGINAL: Ambassador

I mean Ian R’s mention of complaints about size 4 being the max (I know for the Air HQs).

Sorry, I was referring back to Ian's "Elf's" post on the linked thread.

Leaving aside what level you might build Saipan to, above level 4, if it is level 4, and you park 20th airforce HQ (radius 5) there, you bump the base to an ersatz level 9.

You will still need a lot of av support guys for all those B-29s, but yes, you can make it (and Tinian next door) the biggest airbase in the world in 1945.

It's a very elegant piece of game design.

[Sardaukar]

So, basically, to answer original question, Air HQ bumps size of air base in PH over 9 and immune to administrative stacking limit.

You also need air support, but even that is doubled from what exists with AF 8 or bigger.

[rustysi]

you can make it (and Tinian next door) the biggest airbase in the world in 1945.

I knew that, don't know why I said otherwise. Musta been too late.

Thanks for the correction.