surviving the heavies

[Feinder]

So with skip bombing, do you get individual attacks with each bomb, and that's the difference betwen it an level bombing? Or is there a positive accuracy modifier or something if the attacks are still resolved as a stick?

-F-

[Nikademus]

no change to my knowledge. each bomb makes it's roll.

[Feinder]

each bomb makes it's roll.

Ouch.

Question answered.

-F-

[spence]

Speaking of skip bombing, just before coming to work I played a turn vs the AI in which I set a group of high experience B-26s to skip bomb in the presence of the KB (much reduced - 2CV, 3CVL). The only thing that piqued my interest in the following attack was that out of 33 bombers that penetrated the CAP every single one of them went after a heavy cruiser rather than any of the carriers. HUH? If that was a flukey bunch of die rolls I guess I can understand it but if that was the programed target selectivity that would be bad.
BTW in this game those B-26s have been carrying 1000 lb bombs right from the start of the scenario: May 42 (is that this thread?).

Oh and Chez I think you misread the entry about Ariake above. She was hit by a B-24 in December 1942, not 12/41.

In accounts I've read about the sinking of the Mutsuki the Japanese Captain made some comment like "B-17s never hit anything" just before the stick of bombs came down that blew him out of the water. It's interesting in that he was presumably present with the convoy the week before when a B-17 hit and heavily damaged another of the escorts, Hagikaze.

[ChezDaJez]

But the lack of effectiveness at 20k, is the very reason they switched to skip bombing in the first place.

I agree... and a B-17 on a skip bombing attack is the thing Japanese nightmares are made of!

The group commanders felt that it was actually -easier- to train a new pilot to skip bomb in the first place, so I'm not sure why the skill check is in WitP. But whatever.

Weapons delivery might be easier but the actual task of flying low is harder. A single hiccup on the stick is enough to put you into the water. P-3's typically operate at 200' when tracking subs or rigging ships. I've had more than 1 pilot almost give me dirty pants that low![:-]

Chez

[spence]

Have to agree with that, Chez.
A long time ago I was on the bridge of a USCG cutter when a Canadian S-2 (I think) came out of the clouds and flew over at less than masthead height. Watching however many tons of airplane coming "straight at you" at 300 mph is SCARY, VERY SCARY, even when you know there's no bombs involved (Canada was friendly in those days[;)]).

[ChezDaJez]

Oh and Chez I think you misread the entry about Ariake above. She was hit by a B-24 in December 1942, not 12/41.

You're right, I claim a typo![:D]

Chez