Several issues arising out of game.

[LoBaron]

Mike has found out in our PBEM that some of the most effective heavy killers are Nicks (early war).
They are not as fragile as Oscars or Tojos and come back a second time even if damaged by defensive fire.

[Fletcher]

LoBaron, thanks a lot..

But like you could see at my AAR, I had three (3) IJAAF Daitais with Ki-45 KAI "Nick".. they were absolutely unable to down one B-17 over Munda or Shortlands...

I am lightly unhearthened !

Best wishes
Ramón

[erstad]

ORIGINAL: Fletcher

witpqs,

Thanks for your post. In my own game, I had more than 40 Ki-44IIa on CAP over allied target (Munda) and they were unable to down one enemy 4E. It was not only one time, it was maaaaanyyyyy times... I am talking about 12-14 B-17s at daylight time with good weather.

I've got a fair number of hours logged as both Allied and Japan. I am by no means an expert on air warfare, but here's what I think:

1. Cannons are important in taking down 4E. Your Ki-44IIa only have MGs and will be much less effective. This is consistent with LoBaron's observation on the effectiveness of early war Nick's; they have 20mm cannons. Planes like George's with 4 cannon are awesome.

2. The combat reports aren't the best source of info for 4E losses. Even with well armed fighters, only a few/no 4E may show as lost; however,the info screen (or post-raid viewing the group as allies) shows that there are actually more losses. Presumably planes that finished their mission despite damage, but were lost on the way back or written off on return. This happens for all planes but my unscientific sense is it's a bigger percentage of total losses for 4E.

3. The experience comments others have made are valid. Note in particular the early 4E groups have pilots somewhere below or at "mediocre", so if Allied players are reading all of these threads going "but mine die like flies" it may be because the pilots aren't upgraded. (Some of them might start with crappy leaders too)

[bigred]

Flecther, your english is not perfect but still easy to understand.

PS: Excuse my english, it´s poor, it´s not my native laguage. I request to Cantona2 to open this threat due he is english native.