Using fighters for ground support

[Justus2]

I am just starting to learn this game, playing the Barbarossa scenario, and I can't figure out how to use some of my fighters (with tactical ratings) in ground support. I have a couple combats where I am 1 or 2 points from the next odds level (41-6, for example) and I want to add a fighter with a 1 tactical rating to get me to 42. But the game seems to treat all fighters as escorts? I had a battle where I needed 6 points, so I sent a Stuka and a fighter, the Stuka added 5 but the fighter did nothing. Can fighters not be used for ground support? If not, why do they have tactical ratings?

[paulderynck]

Right click unit menu and choose fly as bomber. The range is halved round up.

[Justus2]

Thanks! Worked like a charm. Didn't even think to check the right-click menu, still a lot to learn!

[Courtenay]

You also have to use the right-click menu if you want a plane to fly at night, or if you want to force an extended range mission (the last is if you want the return to base to be at extended range.)