Matrix Games Forums

Q 1 As the US player how do you get LST and LCI tpye craft. I do not see them coming up in the OOB.
Q 2 In CV ops (air combat) what do planes do when the option "react to enemy" is selected? In reverse what do they do when the " do not react to enemy" option is on. I have noticed that sometimes it seems as if the carriers are so near to a sighted group of ememy ships yet never launch. Must I use some of the carrier's planes to do some souting? Will that help in locating ship enemy ships and more importantly launching attacks.
I like the game alot but seem to be a little bit let down in the carrier ops tactics but I am new to this !!!!!!!

ORIGINAL: john martino

Q 1 As the US player how do you get LST and LCI tpye craft. I do not see them coming up in the OOB.
Q 2 In CV ops (air combat) what do planes do when the option "react to enemy" is selected? In reverse what do they do when the " do not react to enemy" option is on. I have noticed that sometimes it seems as if the carriers are so near to a sighted group of ememy ships yet never launch. Must I use some of the carrier's planes to do some souting? Will that help in locating ship enemy ships and more importantly launching attacks.
I like the game alot but seem to be a little bit let down in the carrier ops tactics but I am new to this !!!!!!!

1. LST and LCI's will become available in 1943 (about Jan or Feb)

2. If you have them set to React to enemy then they have a habit of going charging off towards enemy CV groups, which is something to avoid if you can help it [;)], the best setting for them is "Do Not react to enemy" and "Do not retire" that will give you the best control over them in selecting what battles to have and which to avoid.
As for them not attacking some groups that could be down to a lot of things, such as weather, crew experience and morale. So, do no be surprised if they do seem to ignore some more obvious targets.

Will launching CV based scouts help me in any way not only to locate but to launch strikes.

WHen is the best use for "react to enemy"?

ORIGINAL: john martino

WHen is the best use for "react to enemy"?

I never use it for my CV groups, and I normally have the VS squadron set to about 20% Naval search and the VB squadron set at 0%, though I have known it to increase the chances of an attack, maybe that's just me though [:)]

Do not react and react commands have no effect on plane operations. That is, the planes function the same way under either command. The react command allows your carrier commander to shift towards a major threat. It will in effect allow your carriers to make a high speed run toward other carriers reported in the area giving you a greater range, but with much more less predictable results. That is, your carriers depending on the commander, might just put themselves in a very difficult situation-such as attacking a superior force or running into the range of massive LBA.

Most of the time, you should set your carriers to the "do not react" setting. Remember, the default setting for any carrier TF is "react" so you must change it every time you form a new TF. Forgetting to do this has caused many a broken heart. That does not mean that you should never use the "react' command. There are places for it as well.

Here is a slick trick for you to file away. If you have a superior carrier force and want to catch an inferior carrier force, set your carriers on react and assign a very aggressive commander to your force. Your carriers will slingshot accross the ocean at warp speed and will run down the opposing carriers which can only retire at crusing speed. It is kind of gamey and comes as a shock when it is first pulled on you but it works. This has been corrected in WITP as the retiring Tf can now be set to run at full speed, and reactions have been toned down.

ORIGINAL: john martino

Will launching CV based scouts help me in any way not only to locate but to launch strikes.

Yes by all means, the more searching and spotting, the more accurate your information and the greater the likelyhood of you getting surprise and larger, coordinated attacks. I usually set my SBDs (does not matter which squadron VB or VS) on 10-20% search. This should be enough if you have crusiers with scout planes in the TF as well.

ORIGINAL: crsutton

ORIGINAL: john martino

Will launching CV based scouts help me in any way not only to locate but to launch strikes.

Yes by all means, the more searching and spotting, the more accurate your information and the greater the likelyhood of you getting surprise and larger, coordinated attacks. I usually set my SBDs (does not matter which squadron VB or VS) on 10-20% search. This should be enough if you have crusiers with scout planes in the TF as well.

I concur as if you don't see them you are less likely to hit them accurately.
Always have your PBY'S and heavy bombers searching the seas to spot the
convoys and especially the carrier groups.
As the allied player earlier in the war you don't want to be actively looking
for a carrier battle as you are at a dissadvantage in numbers and skill levels of pilots.
F4F'S at 24 planes instead of 36 and skill levels of 55 to 60% instead of 70 - 80 %
against IJN 80+ skill level will get you in trouble fast.
that is why the IJN player hangs his carriers out there for the aggressive allied rookie
to get sunk. ( We have all done it and learned the hard way)
Always know were the IJN carriers are and choose your battles carefully.
attack some bases and lesser convoys with your carrier planes to train them up
in the early months and attack IJN carriers after they have been in combat and most likely fatiuged. ( with your pilots well rested )
Also be carefull with overly aggressive commanders like Mitchner as I have had them overide THE DO NOT REACT setting and charge off with half the carrier battle group
only to get sunk piecemeal.
When you want a carrier battle by all means use the aggressive commanders for best results.