LBA Bombing TF's

[svenniboy]

Ok, I love this game, but one thing drives me crazy. When air groups are set to attack Naval, they will not attack IJN combat TF's when playing as the allies with the computer playing the IJN. In some instances, I've found IJN CV TF's within 4 or 5 hexes of PM (!), and no bombing runs against them from PM. My air groups will attack transport TF's, but seem to shy away from combat TF's. In another instance, IJN TF's of CA, CL, DD stayed in the same location within range of my LBA from PM for five turns without being attacked, yet my LBA would attack AP's and PC's in Kavieng! I think the cruiser force was making runs to GG, and I somehow suspect that the LBA won't attack a CV TF because of the CAP, but what about when it's heavily damaged? IJN LBA will attack both types of TF's even if the AI is in control. Anyone have any ideas about this? I have the 2.41 patch, my LBA is experienced and not fatigued, and I have more than enough aviation support points at PM. Thanks for your suggstions.

[CatLord]

You don't have enough escort planes.

Cat

[Shadow of the Condor]

Switch places. If you were the pilot, would you rather attack a relatively defenseless AP TF or fly into a hail of AA fire from a combat TF?

Seriously, escort CAP does have an impact in LBA target selection. So does the target AA value. And, to a certain extent, so does doctrine. Allied LBA focused primarily on ground targets (hence no equalivalent to the Japanese LB torpedo bombers) while the IJN (and remember, these are IJN assets, not IJA) - for the most part, didn't.

As the Allied commander, it's tempting to look at your LBA and try to use them tactically (although you're a strategic commander). FBs do a decent job on Naval Attack if you set them to 100 ft and take the losses, but I really don't expect much from 4E bombers on Naval attack.

Try to use the 4E bombers to close ports to the Japanese player. That's (IMHO) their main threat to the IJN.