Bomber Question - help please

[jeffk3510]

Howdy folks.

I need another set of eyes to tell my why my bombers refuse to fly ground attack or af attack missions.

Using latest beta.

Thanks.

[jmalter]

hi jeffk,

I would get this rather frequently for British air-groups on Naval Attack missions, they just stayed home. I don't think extended range is the prob, as my guys were generally at normal range.

My best guess is it's an effect of the 'Calculate Air Superiority' routine. The bomber groups figure they'll get creamed over the target by enemy fighters. So I wouldn't expect them to fly until you get enough fighters of your own into the area, to counter the enemy's weight.

[rsallen64]

I think the above answer is spot on. I experienced the same problem with attacking ports and naval units, until I realized the targets were adequately protected by CAPs and my bombers weren't suicidal. This is a realistic routine built into the engine, I think, because I wouldn't want to fly it in real life either.

[LoBaron]

Agree with jmalter. Air sup is the most plausable explanation, enhanced by ext range.

[Feltan]

In early '42, I keep most of the British bombers on night bombing raids. It is not as effective, but it does minor damage and more importantly builds skills that come in handy once you start getting scads of fighters to provided cover later on.

Regards,
Feltan

[jeffk3510]

ORIGINAL: jmalter

hi jeffk,

I would get this rather frequently for British air-groups on Naval Attack missions, they just stayed home. I don't think extended range is the prob, as my guys were generally at normal range.

My best guess is it's an effect of the 'Calculate Air Superiority' routine. The bomber groups figure they'll get creamed over the target by enemy fighters. So I wouldn't expect them to fly until you get enough fighters of your own into the area, to counter the enemy's weight.

Even if I have shutdown the airfield, and there isn't an enemy base in range to LRCAP it? Sole reason I am bombing it is because there are planes there, and I want
to destroy them on the ground.

[jeffk3510]

Thanks for all of the advice.

Much appreciated.

[LoBaron]

Even if I have shutdown the airfield, and there isn't an enemy base in range to LRCAP it? Sole reason I am bombing it is because there are planes there, and I want
to destroy them on the ground.

To my best knowledge base damage does not factor into the AS value.

[jeffk3510]

ORIGINAL: LoBaron

Even if I have shutdown the airfield, and there isn't an enemy base in range to LRCAP it? Sole reason I am bombing it is because there are planes there, and I want
to destroy them on the ground.

To my best knowledge base damage does not factor into the AS value.

Ok, sounds good.

I guess I like the system looking out for me, so that I don't send in bombers that deem the situation suicidal.

[Xargun]

ORIGINAL: jeffk3510

Ok, sounds good.

I guess I like the system looking out for me, so that I don't send in bombers that deem the situation suicidal.

Yeah only Heavy Bombers will fly unescorted all the time. Other times its a crap shoot whether medium or light bombers will fly unescorted against heavy enemy fighters - I get this a lot as Japan when I try to bomb ahead of my advances without adequate fighter coverage. if bombers fail for several turns in a row (weather can be a cause to) I normally check fighter coverage and usually need to do some sweep or escort missions to get the target hit.

[jeffk3510]

ORIGINAL: Xargun

ORIGINAL: jeffk3510

Ok, sounds good.

I guess I like the system looking out for me, so that I don't send in bombers that deem the situation suicidal.

Yeah only Heavy Bombers will fly unescorted all the time. Other times its a crap shoot whether medium or light bombers will fly unescorted against heavy enemy fighters - I get this a lot as Japan when I try to bomb ahead of my advances without adequate fighter coverage. if bombers fail for several turns in a row (weather can be a cause to) I normally check fighter coverage and usually need to do some sweep or escort missions to get the target hit.

Very interesting.

Thanks everyone for the help.