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I like what I am seeing! I immediately noticed the losses have dramatically been reduced using the new beta patch. Much more in line within historical expectations. The adjusted critical hit system works great.

Here are some test results using my standard test, which is an unescorted raid to ATG Mockau on the north side of Leipzig. This target has the advantage of a direct route from England which does not overfly other flak zones and is deep enough to ensure maximum engagement by the Luftwaffe. Raids are set to the same altitude and approximate number of B-17s (number of unit is the same). 1943 is the August 17 intro game. 1944 test is the first day of the 1944 campaign. Luftwaffe sorties vary, but are around 1100 plus/minus 100 per test.

Allied Losses - Luftwaffe Losses

Patch 1.01 1943
97-50
110-42
107-45
110-56
125-45
103-55

Patch 1.02 beta 1943
56-10
44-21
49-7
35-12
64-12
56-9

Patch 1.01 1944
173-85
173-94
206-174
160-123
166-114
143-110

Patch 1.02 beta 1944
74-21
77-30
85-23
81-36
90-27
84-24

When testing with escorts, sweeps, etc of course the daily losses are higher - especially on the first day when all the units are "fresh". But what is really neat is to watch the sortie rate decline over the next few days on both sides - fewer units are flying, which must be the result of increased maintenance time, and additional checks to keep some interceptors on the ground.

Bravo!

It seems that the LW losses are decreased by at least 50%-65% with patch 1.02b.
Nick, have you run several tests or just 1 or 2?

Thanks.

Edit: sorry, now I see thats 6 test runs.. [:D]

overall, losses should be better, a BAD day can still happen, but in the long run, the losses should be lower now

The lower bomber losses are primarily due to lower crash rates - in 1.01 and before there was little chance of a one-shot kill on a BUFF. Now there is a chance for a one-shot kill with the new CH system, but there is less chance a damaged bomber will crash on the way home. We worked out that if a P51 and a B17 were over Berlin and were both damaged to 50% the P51 was roughly a 60% chance to get home and a B17 was about a 35% chance, even though the BUFF had redundant systems etc...

The figures now are about even - somwhere around 60% survival.

There are less fighters being shot down now as a result of the modified CH system. A single 50 cal browning has far less chance of a CH than 4 15mm cannon. It really puts the "luck" back into the lucky shot category, in the past every shot had the same chance, and when a plane had 3 weapon types, the CH chance was trippled, even if two of the weapons were relatively ineffective.

Oh, and as Ron says - there are bad days. I've seen AI v AI do 150:150 kills in a day in mid 1944...