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I'm still somewhat new to PBEM and don't have this problem nearly as much I guess with the "AI" games.

As Japan, I sweep at the beginning of the game, max alt, with A6M2 and Oscar 1(variant) and get crushed, never better than 1-1 k/l ratio.

As allied, I sweep, max altitude and get destroyed. I counter sweeps and get destroyed.

I know I am generalizing, but what is the proper tactic for sweeping? I was previously told max altitude so you can bounce but that doesn't seem to be the case.

darbygray wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:29 am I'm still somewhat new to PBEM and don't have this problem nearly as much I guess with the "AI" games.

As Japan, I sweep at the beginning of the game, max alt, with A6M2 and Oscar 1(variant) and get crushed, never better than 1-1 k/l ratio.

As allied, I sweep, max altitude and get destroyed. I counter sweeps and get destroyed.

I know I am generalizing, but what is the proper tactic for sweeping? I was previously told max altitude so you can bounce but that doesn't seem to be the case.

First of all, you have to ask the question, why should I sweep? If you want to clear the air for the bombers, then sweep except that the sweeps may come after the bombers and not before. If it is just to destroy the enemy air force, remember that the Allies get radar much sooner than the Japanese so the radar helps the fighters get position. Also, the higher the altitude, the sooner that the enemy's radar can see you.

You need your best fighters and best pilots. If you can bomb at night, then do so since that can cause problems for the enemy fighters.

darbygray wrote: Mon Aug 04, 2025 1:29 am I'm still somewhat new to PBEM and don't have this problem nearly as much I guess with the "AI" games.

As Japan, I sweep at the beginning of the game, max alt, with A6M2 and Oscar 1(variant) and get crushed, never better than 1-1 k/l ratio.

As allied, I sweep, max altitude and get destroyed. I counter sweeps and get destroyed.

I know I am generalizing, but what is the proper tactic for sweeping? I was previously told max altitude so you can bounce but that doesn't seem to be the case.

My feeling is pilot proficiency means more than altitude. Train your fighter pilots 100 % at "sweep". Also, which airplane types you are flying: "maneuverability", "armament" and "armor".

The AI may well play with much higher pilot proficiency than you have.

Fred

Oscars are lousy fighters due to weak armament, they are best used as bomber escorts to draw away enemy fighters (i.e. "ablative armor" for the bombers). Sweep with Zeros and try to concentrate a maximum number. I think best mnvr band is more important than height advantage, Zero and Oscar are not good divers but have good climb rate. Try 15k. Leaders with high air skill and high aggression help.

the game's attempt to represent the air to air struggle in the Pacific is problematic at best. But you can't have everything! Many players use a house rule of no sweeps above 2 altitude band of best maneuver band to help compensate. Against the AI; not possible. The game gives many a/c extraordinary performance at high altitude that was simply not possible, case in point, the P-39, with no supercharger could hardly get above 10K. The Japs, early on have altitude and range, use them. Also as noted, training is vital, again, early on the Japs have the advantage, try to preserve that as long as possible. Don't waste pilots just to sweep, make sure you have overwhelming numbers of trained pilots before commitment....