invasion tf - big groups or small groups ?

[n01487477]

I'm about to go on the offensive big time, my question is ...
Is it better to have one big TF comprising of AP's for troops and AK's for supply, and some CA's etc ... OR break it up into smaller groups to reduce detection/air attack/other nasties - With the smaller TF's following eachother ?

Just haven't had time to test what works best... am most worried about large air-ship losses.

Thanks for your thoughts...

[okami]

Keep them together and keep them under cap. Just assume you will be detected and plan for it. Put a slow BB as bait for bombers. If you are close to LBA and in fighter range, then cap with everything you have. Run fast bombardment group in on turn before invasion and slow one on turn of invasion. If you have been planning this invasion for sometime then you have suppressed all the airbases you can reach. Keep them together, larger AA value and only one target for your cap means concentrated cap.

[BB56]

I use a separate TF for each LCU, plus 1 or 2 supply TF's.  If I have them to spare, I put CL's, in with the troop ships to help with shore guns.  I also will either put a CVE in each troop TF or have a CVE TF follow the entire invasion group.  I have all my TF's stop one hex short of the target, then move them in the next day.  This way I get both the night and day unloading cycles, which really helps if you're attacking an atoll.
 
Air cover and a surface group are essential to not only soften up the landing beaches,but to protect your troop ships as well.

[Dino]

One big TF will apparently unload more efficiently than several small ones...haven't tested it, but I trust dtravel.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1472914&mpage=1&key=unloading&#1473066

[ctangus]

ORIGINAL: Dino

One big TF will apparently unload more efficiently than several small ones...haven't tested it, but I trust dtravel.

http://www.matrixgames.com/forums/tm.asp?m=1472914&mpage=1&key=unloading��

That's been my experience as well. Plus a larger TF provides more AA defense.

[VSWG]

ORIGINAL: n01487477

I'm about to go on the offensive big time, my question is ...
Is it better to have one big TF comprising of AP's for troops and AK's for supply, and some CA's etc ... OR break it up into smaller groups to reduce detection/air attack/other nasties - With the smaller TF's following eachother ?

Just haven't had time to test what works best... am most worried about large air-ship losses.

Thanks for your thoughts...

KISS - Keep It Simple, St... [;)]

I load every LCU in a separate TF and then merge everything into a single TF. IMO multiple TFs only create additional opportunities for the game engine to mess up your invasion.

If you still want to use several TFs you should read the thread about "Coordinating an Armada" in section II.B here:
tm.asp?m=1274014