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The fighter sweep scam

Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 4:21 pm
by DavidDailey
This business of having fighters flying "fighter sweeps" over enemy territory to force defending fighters to react and leaving bombers to attack with impunity is a scam. Both Allies and Axis do it so it is an equal opportunity rip off for defending forces. Historically, both sides realized this and if possible would avoid fighters to go after bombers. The only solution I can see is to ban fighter sweeps and require players to use escort on their fighters if they want to protect bombers launching attacks. Thoughts? Rebuttals?

Re: The fighter sweep scam

Posted: Sat May 24, 2025 4:39 pm
by DavidDailey
Historical notes. The Germans tried luring the British out with fighter sweeps during the Battle of Britain. After a while they were ignored. After the battle ended the Brits tried fighter sweeps over France. Again, ignored by the Luftwaffe. Also, in the early stages of the bomber campaign against Germany the U.S. tried fighter sweeps to bring out the Luftwaffe. Again, ignored. The Luftwaffe wanted those bombers. In every case, the attacker was forced to fly fighters in escort to protect the bombers.