Command Essay: Nagumo's Dilemma in the Modern Era

[HalfLifeExpert]

This is an essay I've written for newer Command players that looks at the considerations that should be made regarding arming and preparing aircraft operating aboard aircraft carriers, utilizing both the Historical example of the Battle of Midway as well as the Command: Falklands scenario "Fleet Action" as illustrative examples.

[MauriceB]

At quick glance looks like a great essay. Will be reading it thoroughly tomorrow.

[lumiere]

Great Read!

[Tcao]

Thank you for this essay

such as early 1980s US carriers that may have, say, F-14s for Air-To-Air, and A-6s/A-7s for strike.

a side note, in an emergency situation, A-7 loaded with surface/ground strike ammunition can also be used in air to air role as a last resort.

When playing "Hawaii 1985 PBEM" , I detected my opponent's large strike formation at 150nmi distance. I launched all my available A-6 to avoid them be caught on the flight deck. Then launched all my A-7 (armed with AGM-45) to target enemy A-6 , A-7 and later the new detected Harpoon missiles. I remember I lost 2 A-7, shoot down 1 A-6 and 2 A-7 before they release their ammunition. It is a fair good trade.

[HalfLifeExpert]

Thank you for this essay

such as early 1980s US carriers that may have, say, F-14s for Air-To-Air, and A-6s/A-7s for strike.

a side note, in an emergency situation, A-7 loaded with surface/ground strike ammunition can also be used in air to air role as a last resort.

When playing "Hawaii 1985 PBEM" , I detected my opponent's large strike formation at 150nmi distance. I launched all my available A-6 to avoid them be caught on the flight deck. Then launched all my A-7 (armed with AGM-45) to target enemy A-6 , A-7 and later the new detected Harpoon missiles. I remember I lost 2 A-7, shoot down 1 A-6 and 2 A-7 before they release their ammunition. It is a fair good trade.

I'm happy you enjoyed it!

It is true that A-7s can perform limited A2A combat, but they are not intended for it. It's like how the SBD Dauntless ended up performing a very limited air combat role in 1942, but it was definitely not built for it.

There were a few cases of SBD pilots achieving air kills (not including any kills by the rear gunners), and when Fighters were in short supply during the Battle of the Coral Sea, some SBDs were pressed into an ad hoc CAP specifically against torpedo bombers, even though that ended up not being very effective.

Ultimately, if you are in a position where you NEED A-7s in an A2A role, you might already be screwed in terms of any fighter defense.