Japanese Float Planes

[GaryChildress]

In considering streamlining Japanese aircraft production to a more homogenous model, which is better, the Jake or the Alf? Or are both necessary to produce? I'm assuming that Petes and Daves are well worth discontinuing in favor of either Jakes or Alfs?

[&:]

Gary

[Yamato hugger]

Im sure I am in the minority on this but I use Jake as my main land based plane (bigger bombload) and the Alf for shipboard. I keep Glens on subs. Doing it this way means you have ample Alfs and can switch all their factories to other types. I run Jake production up to around 45 a month, and keep Glens producing (IIRC there is only like 4 Glens a month).

[Charles2222]

I'm still not sure how much top speed plays for the flight of recon planes, but I would at least keep in mind that though the Alf has the best range, it sure is one very slow plane; which as the war wears on may mean an awful lot getting shot down. I don't know by experience, but I suspect that to have a pretty good chance of happening.

[Arstavidios]

I like the Jake. They are faster and carry more bombs. That can be useful against ships if you get the opportunity. You've got quite a lot of them and it's possible to have highly experienced pilots. As they are seaplanes it's easy to redeploy them to forward bases to harrass allied shipping.

[Gen.Hoepner]

Jake and Alf + glen for subs.

Nothing more.

[John III]

What would be a good production mix of these? In both of my PBEM, I have streamlined down to Jake, Alf, and Glen. My current production is 15, 10, and 10 each month.

[Oznoyng]

Depends upon usage. I use a mixture of Dave's, Alf's and Jakes on land/ships, and the Glen on subs. For airgroups with a primary mission of scouting, I use the Alf. For airgroups with a primary mission of ASW, I would use the Jake. I use the Dave primarily for ASW and to use up the pool. It's smaller bombload is probably not that effective against subs, but my main goal with ASW forces is to detect subs for ASW groups to prosecute and to discourage activity in an area.

As for production, I do not generally use float planes for offensive missions so my production of float planes is small. I have Glens producing 4 per month (and they are halted at the moment due to having 27 in the pool) and Alf's producing 10 per month. I will probably switch Jakes back on once my CV's are sunk.

[Charles2222]

The Pete is the fastest of the bunch[:D].

[GaryChildress]

ORIGINAL: Charles_22

The Pete is the fastest of the bunch[:D].

Jakes are a little faster than Petes, 234 vs. 230. Then there's the Rufe at a whopping 270! [:D]

I sort of wonder how effective they will be as fighters by the time the Japanese get them. They might be able to shoot down a PBY I suppose.

Gary

[Mike Solli]

I use up my supply of Petes, Daves, and Jakes as ASW planes. I use Alfs for recon, and Glens, of course, on subs. My production is 10 Alfs and 4 Glens. Eventually (if I ever us up the other planes), I'll just have Alfs and Glens.