ORIGINAL: witpqs
There is a refueling bug or 'short-coming' in the current released code that you might want to look for in testing AE. It works like this.
Suppose you want to put together a fast TF to move some planes or LCU's a long distance. So, you pick a fast AK or AP, and pair it with a DD that has a long range. You load them up and send them on their way.
What then happens is that the DD refuels from the AK/AP each and every day. In other words, the DD 'tops up its tanks' daily, which has the effect of greatly reducing the TF's speed because refueling uses up so many ops points (as it should). This happens every day until the remaining range of the AK/AP has been greatly reduced. Setting the TF to 'Do Not Refuel' does not have any effect.
The AK/AP starts out having a much greater range than the DD. It seems like the refueling algorithm compares the range remaining in each ship and tries to equal them out if they are vastly different. BTW, I gave an example with two ships but the problem happens for any size group. I think the key is the great difference in range for the AK/AP and the DD.
Suggest that the escorts should not try to 'top up' unless they are below 75% to 80% of their own fuel capacity.
I'll take a look at it.
The problem is this only one circumstance. If the TF includes an oiler, or is meeting a replenishment TF, or includes a big fat ship with lots of fuel, it is better to top off. Also, there is no way for the refueling routine to know what is going to happen next turn. That needed oiler might be just over the horizon, or maybe an enemy TF is there.
The old rule of keeping ones escorts well fueled is always worth remembering.
And, once the DD gets below 80%, it would tend to refuel frequently anyway. The ships with extra fuel will be reluctant to give it up. If they had lots, the DD would refuel more completely and therefore less often.
Anyway, I'll look.