Fighters on escort mission

[Gratch1111]

So a fighter unit of type A, on 20000 feet goes on Sweep mission and meets an enemy fighter unit of type X on CAP at 15000 feet

Another fighter unit of type A, on 20000 feet escort mission is escorting a bomber unit on a 10000 feet bombing mission meets an enemy fighter unit of type X on a CAP mission at 15000 feet.

Note. The A units best maneuver rating is at 20000 feet and the X units best maneuver rating is at 15000 feet

Question. If given that all fighter units have the same xp of the pilots will the result basically be the same or will the fighters on escort be at a disadvantage because they are escorting a bomber unit at 10000 feet. We are only interested in the fighter vs fighter result/impact

[RangerJoe]

You are asking a lot if you think that those escorting fighters will escort those bombers not to mention that the bombers may make it to the target hex before the fighters.

There are many other factors other than the experience of the pilots involved.

[Gratch1111]

I dont really care about the bombers, the question is if the fact that the A fighters are on an escort mission of bombers that are below the CAP will influnce the performance of the escorting fighters compared to fighters on a Sweep mission

[Chris21wen]

It's all about good raid coordination.

First to escort bombers with any degree of success the fighters need to be at the same height, they are there to defend the bombers. They defend the bombers at the bombers height not there's. Escorts set above the raid height can possible bounce the CAP but as they are not at the same height are unlikely to arrive at the same time as the bombers, hence cannot protect them. 1oK above is a hugh difference in height.

Second sweeps do not coordinate with bombing missions. They can accompany them in so much as having the same target but range, speed, height, weather and other stuff can prevent the sweep arriving before the raid (this affects excorts at different heights too). Range to target plays a huge part here. If the unit on sweep is further away then ath escort/bombing units then the chances are remote.

In combat a higher fighter unit can bounce but mainly it is maneurverability at which the combat takes place. In your case 10-15k

[dcpollay]

My sense here is, the OP's real question is:

Will a fighter set to Sweep perform in combat better, worse, or the same as the same fighter set to Escort?

Gratch, feel free to correct me or elaborate further.

For what it's worth, my answer is, I suspect the Sweeping fighter will do better in combat.

[PaxMondo]

My sense here is, the OP's real question is:

Will a fighter set to Sweep perform in combat better, worse, or the same as the same fighter set to Escort?

Gratch, feel free to correct me or elaborate further.

For what it's worth, my answer is, I suspect the Sweeping fighter will do better in combat.

I'm going to interpret some of your wording here a bit, if I get it wrong, my apologies.

Sweeping fighters gain a bonus in the initial air combat as they are generally the initiators AND the CAP fighters have to launch and assemble. So, generally, you will see your best outcomes sweeping as fighters. There are exceptions, and players who have mastered the Air Combat Guide can really punish players who haven't. So remember, your best outcome may not mean you win or even do well, just your best outcome.

Escorts are constrained as they have something to protect. This limits some of their actions, and causes them not to have initiative in the opening moments of air combat. Again, mastery of the Air Combat Guide can lead you to minimize the negatives and accentuate the positives here.

CAP is constrained in that no more than 1/3 of dedicated aircraft are in the air, 1/3 are ready 5, and the balance are 15 - 30 minutes behind them. Again, mastery of the Air Combat Guide can lead you to minimize the negatives and accentuate the positives here. The phrase "CAP Trap" is frequently read in many AAR's; the ability to create and use effectively can decimate attacking enemy AC.

I hope this helps. For details, please read any of dozens of AAR's by legendary PBEM players like Lowpe, John 3rd, Nemo, Greyjoy, 1275psi, rader, Castor Troy, QBall, obvert .... oh and so many more ...

[Gratch1111]

Re: Dpollay, you are correct, that is the question and thanks all, it was as I suspected. You mention a guide, anyone have a link?

[Chris21wen]

What the the other said but I think you might be missing the point when it comes to a comparison. They do different jobs, one is defensive the other offensive. It matters not if the sweep performs better if in sending the sweep you leave the bomber unprotected.

[PaxMondo]

What the the other said but I think you might be missing the point when it comes to a comparison. They do different jobs, one is defensive the other offensive. It matters not if the sweep performs better if in sending the sweep you leave the bomber unprotected.

Precisely, or your sweeping group is too small for the CAP, or the sweeping group is not well matched against the CAP aircraft, or ..... there are a lot of variables involved in each operation. The Air Guide walks you through them so you can recognize the tactics being used against you and choose the best tactic to counter them.