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This is just a question and opinion of everyone..

What is the max load you put onto your specific carriers when you play the IJN?

Akagi
Kaga
Soryu
Hiryu
Shokaku
Zuikaku

ect...

Thanks in advance

The book "Shattered Sword" addresses this particular question directly in its Appendix 3. Apparently each of the carriers carried a number of disassembled a/c which could be assembled to replace losses in their air group IN A DAY OR TWO. The game mechanics do not seem to restrict carriers to any particular total launch size in any phase: that is they seem to be able to launch their entire attack air group simultaneously while at the same time launching an adequate CAP. Again citing "Shattered Sword", it seems that IJN Doctrine apparently called for launching one of the two attack squadrons (either the dive bombers or the torpedo bombers) in any given strike package (unless, as at Coral Sea, the range was short and the air groups were already reduced). A hi/low combined arms attack was achieved by having an accompanying carrier/carrier division launch the other type of attack aircraft. Since the game mechanics do not restrict any particular strike to basically a "deckload" I would be concerned that neither do they restrict un-assembled planes carried as spares to be included in an initial strike. That would, in effect, increase the size of any particular strike (already potentially twice the historical size) to be further increased by 10% or so.

I usually oversize by about 8-10%. IIRC up to 89 on Akagi, up to 68 on the 63-plane CVs, and up to 78 on the 72-plane CVs.

Generally close to 115%. The more important problem, is what to put on CVLs/CVEs. Their number of sorties, and torpedoes vary wildly, so you have to be careful.

From the perspective of Japan in scenario 1.

I like to size my units for the individual carrier. I usually carry torp bombers equal to half the torp capacity, they don't search. They're strictly for punching holes in Allied hulls.[;)] Don't go over much after the early game so I can get some Judy search plane's onboard once they arrive. I normally carry more fighters than the at start configurations.

ORIGINAL: inqistor

Generally close to 115%. The more important problem, is what to put on CVLs/CVEs. Their number of sorties, and torpedoes vary wildly, so you have to be careful.

For the low sortie CVL/E I like a full fighter loadout. 9 extra torpedoes may make a difference, but 30 fighters might make more

For the low sortie CVL/E I like a full fighter loadout.

Speaking of which...

Watch the (can't remember the name) Japanese CVL that carries 48 A/C its sortie level is really low. Something like 140. For me at least that limits its capabilities, and I only use it as a 'strike' ship.

9 extra torpedoes may make a difference, but 30 fighters might make more

I do this with the Hosho, but not the others. Even though its a small compliment, I prefer to have those 9 on a strike.

The 48 ac capacity ship is Ryujo. I have her carry 12 TBs and 36 fighters. That works well.

Hosho carries only 6 torpedoes, so her TB complement is 6 + a couple of spare aircraft. (I always carry spares because they don't count against the carrier capacity.) After the torpedoes are gone, they become search aircraft if there are Allied combat ships around. If it's juicy tin foil merchant ships, they continue to fight with bombs.

I always overload my Fleet Carriers by about 10%. Usually re-size my Fighters upward and keep my DB and TB the same as war's start.

My CVLs carry fighters: PERIOD.

Typical organization is 2 CV and 1 CVL/Task Force. If using the 72 plane CVs and a CVL, my load-out is usually about: 90 Zero, 48 Val, 48 Kate, and 6 Recon Kate/Judy.

I do it a little differently. If a carrier carries torpedoes, I have torpedo bombers on her. I also increase the fighters on them, usually 50% on CVs and >50% on CVLs and CVEs.