FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

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HamburgerMeat
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FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by HamburgerMeat »

Just found this out against my game with pjg100. So if you put a unit transport inside a port, enemy strategic bombers cannot hit the port until that unit transport is destroyed. This limits the flexibility of the UK navy as allied players will require to pour the majority of their naval resources into the Mediterranean, rather than trying to split the navy into two. If the allies have enough of a concentration of navy they can still control the Med, but allied players will have to devote many more resources to deny port access against a determined axis player.

So you cannot solely rely on a strategic bomber to keep the Tripoli port under 5 supply. I was feeling pretty decent in my game against pjg until now [:(]


pjg100
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by pjg100 »

Funny, I was worried that your strat bomber would hit the transport so I checked the manual last night. Per the manual, a strat bomber is supposed to hit the resource, with a small chance that it will also hit any unit in the same hex (p. 124). So either this isn't working as per the manual, or your strat bomber lacked sufficient strength to damage the port after interception (I believe you didn't have an escort) but did make the 10-20% shot to damage the unit.

Anyway, I think you're still going pretty well - I was thinking I was likely to lose, now it's more of a jump ball. Interesting how this is shaping up similarly to RL, with the Allies knocking on El Agheila in late 1940 and the Afrika Korps coming in through Tripoli.
HamburgerMeat
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by HamburgerMeat »

The first strike was escorted, but not the second. I'll test it out in single player when I get home just to confirm
HamburgerMeat
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by HamburgerMeat »

Testing on the 1943 Allies Turn the Tide campaign (unable to post pictures as file is too large), even a 10 strength level 2 strategic bomber is unable to damage a port when there is a transport ship inside the port. I see the following damage predicted results:

0:1


Compare this to when attempting to strike a naval vessel in port.


1:3(0)(30%)


Is this intended?
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Hubert Cater
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by Hubert Cater »

From memory I believe this is intentional as otherwise transports would be less vulnerable in ports. I believe it was a partial exploit where players would park transports in ports and they were then not as easily attacked. This of course not only applies to Strategic Bombers but also attacking Naval units that normally strike a port first etc.
pjg100
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by pjg100 »

So you can block damage to a port from a strat bomber by parking a naval unit in it?
HamburgerMeat
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by HamburgerMeat »

Only a troop transport (probably an amphib transport as well, havent tested). I think it is a game changer for the Mediterranean. Buy some cheap 10 strength unit like cavalry, then surround the port you want to defend with layers of ships. Carriers can still snipe the transport, but that leaves carriers very exposed.
pjg100
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by pjg100 »

Definitely a problem. I think the rule for strat bombers should be as in the manual, I.e., the bomber attacks the resource primarily with some chance of damage to a unit occupying the hex. Should probably be greater than 10% chance per level of strat bomber tech for transports and ships sitting in a port.
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by Hubert Cater »

ORIGINAL: pjg100

So you can block damage to a port from a strat bomber by parking a naval unit in it?

Only a transport (to ensure their vulnerability if left in port), not a regular naval unit.
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RE: FYI: Strategic bombers cannot hit the port when a unit transport is inside the port

Post by Hubert Cater »

ORIGINAL: pjg100
Definitely a problem. I think the rule for strat bombers should be as in the manual, I.e., the bomber attacks the resource primarily with some chance of damage to a unit occupying the hex. Should probably be greater than 10% chance per level of strat bomber tech for transports and ships sitting in a port.

As just mentioned, this is the case, the only current exception are transports.

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