Matrix Games Forums

Ok, Seaplane Cruisers. Abbrev. AV in v3.2. What is there primary purpose? It says nothing in the documentation (game manual and all update/data documentation) about what there used for. It's just driving me crazy. And one other thing that's driving me towards a mental heath clinic is Task Force HQ status. Playing the Japanese, I can't an Air Combat, Bombardment, or Surface Combat TF to be attached to any HQ except the Combined Fleet.
For instance, even when I use Truk (South Seas Fleet HQ) as the creation Base the TF is still attached to Combined Fleet. Any other type (Transport, Cargo etc.) I can get assigned fine, just not an Attack Fleet. Why is that?? By the way, v3.2 looks great! I love the 3D base flag effect, gives the appearence that extra "something". Thanks for your time.

About Seaplane Cruisers, AV: I use these to transport planes to far away location. Especially when the plane has a short range and would need several stop-over. Every stop means 10% damaged planes. Another task for them is in replenemishment task forces, to supplement a carriers squadrons. I've read that the later task should not be left to CVE, as they are too valuable.

On the naval task forces HQ assignment: I think this is designed as the Japanese used the same for all major task forces. Everything was ruled and commanded from the Combined Fleet. Not 100% sure about that, though.

The great thing about AV's and their aircraft carrying ability, is that aircraft they carry are not crated up for the voyage unlike MCS.

When you load an air group on an MCS, and unload it at a base, all aircraft are damaged (symbolizing that they have to be un-crated and put back together). HOWEVER, when you load aircraft on an AV, and unload them at the target base, they are undamaged (symbolizing the AV's ability to hold aircraft in their hangers/deck un-crated, so they are unloaded and ready to fly).

There are 2 ways in using AV's to transport aircraft.

#1. Group all AV's into one TF to transport a group of planes to a base totally undamaged (however, 1x AV can carry far fewer aircraft then 1x MCS. There is a capacity formula for how many of what type planes fits into the capacity of a transport but I cannot find it now). If you should load an air group into an AV TF that cannot hold all of the planes, you will find that your air group instantly lost the planes that won't fit.

#2. Group AV's AND MCS into TF's. Your air group will have some planes undamaged, while most are damaged (but will put up a fight on turn #1 when landed at a base). This is probably the best situation, as you never have enough AV's to land a full Air Group without losing aircraft due to capacity limitations.

HOWEVER, as the IJN NEVER EVER use the Mizuho, Chitose, Chiyoda or Nisshin AV's. Keep them in port. Why? Because in 1943 they automatically change into CVL's, unless they are sunk... They are the best AV's in the game, but losing them in 1942 on AV runs really bites as they are more useful in 1943 as CVL's.

Also, AV's can be used to transport troops. They are (more often) better defended (i.e., more guns) then most Transports, and tend to be faster. Using them in combination with IJN CL's and DD's on Tokyo Express runs, or USN APA's and you have fast Troop TF's.

From "PWHINTS11":

Here are the transport (MCS loading) costs for aircraft:

fighter.......................... 20
fighter-bomber .......... 20
dive-bomber .............. 20
torp-bomber .............. 20
tac-bomber................. 30
heavy bomber ............ 40
transport...................... 40
patrol........................... 20


(I admit to being a bit surprised that a C-47 takes as much room as a B-24.)