Sweeps and AF attacks?

[Richrd]

When I send fighter units on sweeps and airfield attacks they just don't seem to accomplish much. Is there a trick I'm overlooking?

[m10bob]

I have more respect for the enemy AI than some..
It seems that just because you send sweeps over an enemy airfield, you cannot expect them to always fall for the bait.
If you go in too high, or with too many planes, or much better planes than the enemy, he may not launch at all.
If I want to provoke a fight, I will go in high, (15,000 feet+)..If nothing, I will go again at 6000 feet. This usually is too much of a challenge for them to ignore, but then you have drawn them up with a possible advantage of their flak, and maybe their planes bouncing you from higher up.
If I'm real confident in my planes and pilots, this is a risk I will take.
I will do this with P 38's, Corsairs, P 47's, P 51's.....
NEVER with P 39's........
To me, the best altitude for fighter combat is 15,000 to 20,000,(which rules out P 39's anyway).