Recon planes large 4e etc - restricting AF they can use.

[Cavalry Corp]

Will it restrict the airfield if I do the check box for the plane as a heavy bomber type in the editor? But leave the plane as recon.

I would like to restrict, to some extent, the 4e recon types to using larger airfields- does anyone know if this will do anything?

Cav

[sandman455]

Pardon the long delay, and sorry I do not know your answer. However, what really got me thinking was the “why” regarding the restriction.

Recon missions don’t require much other than a briefed crew, a working aircraft and some fuel. The phrase that fits is “gas and go.” This was well within the capabilities of any in game level 1 field. Remember, level 2+ fields are often nothing more than a collection of remote strips to facilitate basing of more aircraft and perhaps sharing support.
The typical remote airstrip in the Pacific theatre was about 3000 feet in length which could get any 4E airborne with full tanks sans the B-29. No doubt many runways were shorter, but the airfield level designation is not about the length of the runway(s). It is about the facilities in place to handle the number and missions of the aircraft parked there. Recon missions were simple and the aircraft doing the missions were few. Plus, I don’t even have to google to know that a F7 with half or ¾ tanks probably doesn’t need much more take off roll than a F4/F5 with full tanks.

But what really disrupts everything about the restriction is the fact that PBY’s, H6K’s and H8K’s were routinely using level 0 fields for this mission with no other support than a ship (sometimes just a submarine) sitting offshore. That kind of support makes a 2000 foot strip on some deserted atoll called home by a couple dozen wrench turners and fuelers seem like ATL or DFW. Just some ideas for you to think about and good luck with your scenario.

[JeffroK]

I think the OP has the right idea, while I'm sure an F5/F6 can use any fighter strip, I dont think an F7 or F13 can do the same. Plus the crews would have extra training in navigation as they would be on their own and not part of a formation.

As for "But what really disrupts everything about the restriction is the fact that PBY’s, H6K’s and H8K’s were routinely using level 0 fields for this mission with no other support than a ship (sometimes just a submarine) sitting offshore." the ocean can provide an unlimited landing zone if you pick the right area.

A B17G required a ground run of 3780ft for no obstacle, 4925ft to clear a 50ft obstacle.
The numbers for a B29A are 5230ft & 7825ft.
A P38E needed about 2000ft / 3000ft depending on load.
The P51 1600ft / 2600ft.

Theses are taken from USAAF TPCPC charts, and I assume are based on concrete runways, not muddy Marston mesh fields.