Matrix Games Forums

We know that in real life they were used to provide close air support to infantry. They would drop a bomb on enemy troops.

Also we know that if they ran into enemy aircraft fighter during the mission they would discard their bomb and engage in combat.

1. So, in the game how should I deploy fighter bombers?

2. If they run into enemy aircraft fighter during the mission they would discard their bomb and engage in combat?

[Deleted by Admins]

ORIGINAL: larrybush

My opinion only, Use them in Air Superiority until you have won the Air Superiority battle then change them over to Interception.

Interdiction, Larry

A good example would be the Korea scenario - B29 for CS, medium/light bombers to destroy bridges and then switch to interdiction; FB to interdiction or CAS.

But again, depends on the scenario and the goals you want to achieve.

Klink, Oberst

Is it wise to put high altitude bombers without any anti-armor strength into CS?
I always use them as interdiction and low atltitude bombers as a CS force... I might do the wrong thing since 2000 though.

ORIGINAL: Emp_Palpatine

Is it wise to put high altitude bombers without any anti-armor strength into CS?
I always use them as interdiction and low atltitude bombers as a CS force... I might do the wrong thing since 2000 though.

Against the hordes of infantry the NK and PRC have... they do the trick. OK, carpet bombing in real life (see the example in Normandy) turned the terrain into impassible muck... but well, it works in the Korea scenario against the infantry and soft targets.
Again, depends on the situation and scenario. Naturally, one could impose a house rule in a PBEM game NOT to use B-29 in a CS role.

Klink, Oberst

Naturally, one could impose a house rule in a PBEM game NOT to use B-29 in a CS role.

I've seen house rules in WITP-AE that work along those lines: "(1) no 4-E bombing below 10K feet", etc.
So it's realistic to use such a house rule if desired.

The P51 Mustang with a bomb underneath is called a "fighter bomber".

How best to deploy a fighter bomber?

ORIGINAL: Fred98

The P51 Mustang with a bomb underneath is called a "fighter bomber".

How best to deploy a fighter bomber?

Again, depends on the situation/scenario. @Korea, use it as AS, Interdiction...

Klink, Oberst

But, in real life its carrying a bomb and can't engage in a dog fight. This
is a game and not real life, so can it engage in a dog fight?

In its role as interceptor does the game ignore the bomb?

I would say if they are in "air superiority" mode they won't be carrying bombs. And if in bombing-interdiction missions fighter bombers would take advantage of their good numbers against air opposition.

Anyway, remember that a good deal of abstraction in the game, specially in air combat.

You really need to go by the information about the plane that is given to you. Open up its information panel and look at its anti-air strength and defence.

All planes have anti-air, and that helps with Air Superiority. If you send low/high level bombers which are very low, it will add to AS, but not much. Against just a few fighters with high anti-air and enemy AS is going to be superior.

Each type is rated anti-personel, anti-tank, anti-ship, etc. You should use their strengths in the obvious role. Interdiction is good for long range, though care should be taken with fighter cover range. CS is good for shorter range and those with high attack values, and of course, keep fighters on AS and in range to cover it all. Some planes are particularly good at bombarding naval craft, remember those and position accordly.

It is always important at the start of the scenario to review air assets and consider what is best for what mission, and of course, your goals and the present condition of the enemy.

It is totally up to you and if you want level bombers on AS, go ahead. Won't help that much, and its waste of their strengths, but your in command.

I would personally not turn on the Air Assistant if you don't have to. It sure has a tendency to attack air bases and other targets with high AA and take some really heavy losses. I would prefer for a future air assistant that only setup modes, rest, interdict, AS, etc. (does a pretty decent job), but NEVER performs a bombardment mission unless I set it manually. I would use it then, maybe in a future update. For now, I keep it off and preserve my air strength, or sacrifice it myself on something of significance.

I am confident I might be able to shed some light on the subject of the matter. Praise cantona2, who suggested to me... to create Tutorial '44 about all the air warfare thingies... 'Let's be about it people' (Honor Harrington).

Klink, Oberst

Good, looking forward to it. Any guidance in this arena is well appreciated.

I'll try to cover night fighters, low/high altitude bombers, fighters, figher-bombers and... YES! WW2 jet fighters

Klink, Oberst