Mechanics of ACM...What is possible,not possible

[Pete McCullagh]

I look at this game and it as great. There are, however, times when I look at what is happening and think 'I don't think that is possible!'
Let's look at bouncing vice attacking.
A bounce can only occur if the attacking force can attain a position of tactical superiority(normally an altitude/position advantage) the victim cannot be fully aware of this or it will simply turn into an attack. So
A) fighters bouncing heavy bombers, very possible
B) fast medium bombers, less likely, still very possible.
C) fighters and fighter/bombers. Given the speed differential, much less likely, almost impossible if good escorts present. Escorts will foil your attempts to get into a bounce position. Fighters, unless mechanically inferior will tend to upset your attempts to bounce. Remember, NO PLAN EVER SURVIVES CONTACT.

So are all those bounces possible?

[mark dolby]

I would imagine A and B might become more possible the closer the bomber unit is to the target. As bounces on bombers occur from head on, the closer the group to the target the less room to turn away from the head on attack and foil it.
C) Would this mean a successful bounce would occur on the escorts instead?

[Pete McCullagh]

My point is many BTR bounces should convert to attacks. As to bouncing escorts, yes possible, but as common practice was to stack escorts up to 5k above bombers, the risk is the bouncer becomes the bouncee!
Bouncing large well escorted formations is complex and results in counter bounces. The game is good at representing this. Bouncing well escorted FB missions, that is another matter altogether

[Pete McCullagh]

Re airfield caps.
There are essentially three reasons to sweep
1)inflict damage
2)disrupt enemy action
3)create diversion
We do this by
A) strafing/bombing
B) the cap formed by the escort/attacking unit. The cap performs 2 functions a) attack returning fighters (it is good at this) b) attacking launching fighters, IT IS ALMOST USELESS for this.
We are looking at fixing this, but not immediately. There are other things that have priority.
Consider instead having your sweep between the airfield and it's likely target. Consider using a bombing mission instead.
I often bomb an airfield, then sweep it a few hours later to catch returning ac.
Figure out your goal, plan your mission and if it doesn't work, try something else. Remember, 'no plan survives contact with the enemy'!

[Pete McCullagh]

Re : strafing runs.
What version are you running? Builds prior to 1.05 were bad about strafing everthing in sight. It still occurs , not so bad though. Prevent or reduce by:
A) routing, keep away from targets you don't want.
B) consider a FB bombing mission instead.
This area of the game is getting a very close look for future improvements. Your input helps.

[SagarenHunter]

I have the most up to date version. And the strafing is certainly better than it used to be, I'd just like the option to order a FS to not engage in it at all if possible in the next big update.

[Pete McCullagh]

I hear you. A tip. If you want to suppress attacks on your bombers, place a sweep at the point where LW must pass to get at them. I like in the bomber return path near the coast. Then sit back and watch them get those nasty LW seekers of stragglers! Use something with good endurance like a p38. I too would like the ability to cap airfields...that is what Dolittle did in44

[SagarenHunter]

I've tried that which rarely seems to work, but I'll keep tinkering with it at your suggestion. Thanks!