Japan Pilot Training and Start

[RangerJoe]

First playthrough as Japan is going well... in June 1942. All going well but having issues with American Subs and my long range naval attack.

1. ASW - What is the best ASW altitude for single engine bombers and float planes? 1,000? Max range?

100 feet if possible, 1000 feet if not. But also have some Naval Search at 6,000 feet if possible.

2. Having issues with Enemy Ships getting through my long range naval attack (i.e. ships as big as BB getting by). My 30% search on my Naval attack missions spot them but my Mavis, Nell, and Lilly do not engage. I have tried several things but nothing seems to work. Any advice would be appreciated. (i.e. naval attack vs. naval search? recommended naval attack altitude for my Mavis, Nell, and Lilly's? max ranges?, etc.).

Actually not enough information.
Where the ships seen in previous turns?
Is there night Naval Search?
Is there enemy CAP?
What are the air units experience, fatigue, and moral Levels? How about the relevant naval attack skill?
How about the unit leader? Is he skilled enough in Air skill and is his Aggression high enough?
What is the weather at the base and the target?
Is there damage at the airfield(s)?
Naval attack altitude depends upon the aircraft, the weapon load, and hence the mission profile.

Many thanks in advance.

[smpicciano]

RangerJoe, always appreciate your feedback... will try the ASW recommendations.

Were the ships seen in previous turns? Yes
Is there night Naval Search? No, but tried it and it still didnt work.
No enemy CAP.
No damage to airfields.
Lilly unit: experience - 64, fatigue - 14, moral - 99, leader air - 59, leader aggression - 64, NavB is low - 26
Nell unit: experience - 72, fatigue - 4, morale - 99, leader air - 34, leader aggression - 32, NavB - 68
Mavis unit: experience - 70. fatigue - 6, morale - 99, leader air - 38, leader aggression - 27, NavB - 35
What is the weather at the base and the target? At bases - extreme overcast and heavy cloud, target - heavy rain
Naval attack altitude depends upon the aircraft, the weapon load, and hence the mission profile. Currently do not have Air HQ for torpedoes, so only have bombs for the Lilly, Nell, and Mavis. What altitude do you recommend for this mission profile? If torpedoes were available for the Nells and the Mavis, what altitude to you recommend for this mission profile?

Based on the questions that you asked, I take it I need to replace the leaders for the Nell and Mavis units, since their air and aggression are low. I also take it that the bad weather is not helping. And finally, I understand that if the Lilly and Nell do attack... don't expect the best results with their low NavB.

[LargeSlowTarget]

Air leaders in the 30s? Assign leaders with air = 60+ plus best nav bombing available for that air rating and high aggression as well.

[RangerJoe]

Yes, I agree on replacing those air leaders.

As far as not attacking, the conditions were very adverse for air operations and it would be extremely unlikely for the attack to take place. The leaders definitely made sure to stay on the ground. But go ahead and leave the Mavis and Nells at 1000 feet with torpedoes, who knows? Maybe you would get lucky some day. Also, then it is less clicking and going back when you do get torpedoes.

But train those Lilys for regular Naval Bombing so when you have the Lily dive bombers, they have the skill set to use them effectively.

[smpicciano]

Thanks fellows.

[RangerJoe]

You are most welcome.