Allied Drop Tank questions

[hbrsvl]

Hi-I tried a search on this topic-nada.

I understand how a VF can use DTs when it's shown on the aircraft screen. What I'm trying to do is get VF from PH down to SoPac and SoWesPac.

1. Can DTs be reused? Let's say I want to move P-40Bs or Es from Oahu down south. I can get them to Palmyra OK. But if the pilot does NOT drop the tank, can it be used again, in AE? How many times?

2.If tanks cannot be reused,how does one determine, in advance, if there are DTs at a base? If there are no VF at a base, how does one know that they are available? Where,in what screen, does one look?

I did this in one of my scenarios-got P-40s to Palmyra, then Canton-then ran into "no tanks available".

BTW, I looked in the manual under Drop tanks and Tanks, drop. Again, no joy.

Thanks, Hugh Browne

[Wirraway_Ace]

hbrsvl,
Drop tanks are not reusable. Drop tanks are replicated by increased supply usage and minimum base supply requirements. I will look through my notes, but I believe a base must have at least 2X its supply requirement to be able to support an air unit using drop tanks.

[rockmedic109]

Dropt tanks are abstracted.  I believe they double supply usage.  And, as Wirraway says, they require a certain level of supplies.  I can't remember what the level was {I think Wirraway is right again on the it being double required}.  I didn't pay that much attension as I {playing allies} expected to have way more than the required level of supplies anywhere I would be operating from after the first couple of months. 

[hbrsvl]

Hi-Playing v1096a(haven't been able to get e working yet), scen.9, late 12/41.

I did some investigation. At PH I have both P-40B and P-40Es. PH has tons of supply. However, the Bs do not show any DT ability, while the Es have the switch notation " using/not using drop tanks."

P-39s show no DT usage. Haven't tried Brits or Aussies yet.

It would seem, therefore, that DT usability is a function of aircraft model. I wonder if it also has a time factor.

Comments, anyone?

Thanks, Hugh Browne

[Wirraway_Ace]

Hugh,

yes, the ability to use drop tanks is aircraft model specific. Many of your early war models were not designed to use them. The ability to use drop tanks is one of the key advantages of the P40E. Of course, as you have already found out, the base has to have enough supply to equip the squadron with the tanks.

[hbrsvl]

Wirraway_Ace-Thanks-you've put it all together for me. Now, all I have to do is wait for everything(in time) to catch up with me.

Boy, this is SOME game. Everytime I think I have something put together, up pops the devil, with a new wrinkle.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to ALL. HB

[Sardaukar]

On surprise may also be that when using Drop tank/tanks, some planes may not be able to carry bombs/torpedoes... Sounds quite "Duh!", but it is easy to forgot. I think Swordfish is one of these. Quite annoying to have your planes on Naval Attack and wondering what is wrong with them...[:'(]