4E Extended Range from Small Base

[Spidery]

It seems that 4E bombers based on bases that are 4+ but less than required size for full effectiveness can still fly at extended range. See manual sections 9.4 and 7.2.1.7.

For example, in the attached Downfall game, some B29 have been moved to Iwo-Jima (size 4) and launch a city attack against Nanchang at range 35 which is not in normal range. Similarly, there are some B-24 at Balikpapan (size 4) that attack Palembang at range 19.

I can't find anything in the update notes that suggests this has been changed and it seems quite critical in determining what bases Japan needs to protect against city attacks.

I ran this under the beta, 1123r, but first saw something suspicious under 1123t.

[LoBaron]

AFAIK the max range is not influenced by base size. It just means that for missions in normal range the extended range penalties apply (loadout/fatigue).

Edit: pls ignore, you might have a point. [:)]

[PaxMondo]

My understanding is the bases that are too small will impact the bombload (use extended bombload on normal range) and the number of planes that will launch. I don't beleive it keeps them from launching entirely. I beleive it also increases ops losses.

[Spidery]

PaxMondo, LoBaron,

Yes, that is what seems to happen but what the manual says is (in 7.2.1.7):

"Level bombers flying out of a small airfield cannot fly at extended
range, and will be treated as if they are flying at extended range
when bombing targets at normal range. Planes flying a Naval or
ASW Search Mission will carry an extended range bomb load."

"In order to avoid these penalties, the size of the airbase needs to be equal to:
4 + (Max load of aircraft / 6500), All fractions are rounded down."

So I'm not sure if the manual is wrong, the game has been deliberately changed under patch or beta, or there is an error. If there is an error, it may be so well established that it is best not to change things anyway.

[PaxMondo]

Hopefully Michael will drop in. Attach a save game for him to examine.

[michaelm75au]

ORIGINAL: Spidery

PaxMondo, LoBaron,

Yes, that is what seems to happen but what the manual says is (in 7.2.1.7):

"Level bombers flying out of a small airfield cannot fly at extended
range, and will be treated as if they are flying at extended range
when bombing targets at normal range. Planes flying a Naval or
ASW Search Mission will carry an extended range bomb load."

"In order to avoid these penalties, the size of the airbase needs to be equal to:
4 + (Max load of aircraft / 6500), All fractions are rounded down."

So I'm not sure if the manual is wrong, the game has been deliberately changed under patch or beta, or there is an error. If there is an error, it may be so well established that it is best not to change things anyway.

According to code the definition of small AF in this case for flying range is 1-3 (been that since release), so the starting minimum to get normal/extended ranges is 4 for non-light bombers (2 for light ones).

The range check is not used when setting the target by the looks of it.
The check is only applied when the group flies. This could could lead to strikes happening when not expected.
---
Have added a pre-beta 1123u - just unzip into game directory. I will update main installer on weekend.
[1123u]
Fixed LBA flying from small AFs
Changed Maxed out ship ops on refueling
Changed Add right-clock to 'Refuel ships in list' for ammo rather than fuel

[PaxMondo]

Thanks Michael for the diagnosis and quick fix!!!


[&o][&o][&o]

[Spidery]

Michael,

Thank-you for this.