http://www.squadselectseries.com - new map and summary up
Frame 4 saw both sides CAP and scout for the first 45 minutes then launch a full strike whether or not a precise location of the enemy carriers was found.
It was land-based bombers from both sides that reached the opposing task force around the launch mark. Several B25s and G4M1s were shotdown by the CAP getting through the screens to spot enemy carriers. It was one scout B25 group that drew first blood sinking a Kaga soon after spotting it. Two other carriers were damaged by American scouts. Meanwhile over the American task force the CAP was working furiously to repel numerous G4M1 attacks. A total of 10 Japanese bombers were shot down before the main IJN attack arrived. Again a masterful coordinated attack with high Vals coming in at the same time as a low Kate torpedo assault. One after another the American carriers we hit with dive bombs and torpedos. Three were claimed by Val bombs and one by the Kate torpedoes. The US SBD strike came in high and circled over the remaining three Kagas, strikes were reported on the two damaged carriers slowing them down. Heavy attrition to the remaining IJN CAP meant that a returning B25s and SBDs resulted in many attacks on the evading Japanese flattops. Finally near the end of the night another Japanese carrier went down with another still burning but afloat. Returning Japanese strike aircraft were involved with escorting Wildcats but finally managed to land on the one undamaged carriers. There American opponents were not so lucky and had to ditch or land near their seaplane outpost on Hula Hula.
Japanese aircraft losses again remain high with 40 claimed by the USN. American aircraft losses were much lighter with only 17 lost to the Japanese. But it was the carrier success that the Japanese fought hard for, sinking all four US carriers and loosing two of their own, with another damaged. Frame is pretty much a deadheat in points, just waiting on the S6 for pilot losses.
Good Luck in the Final Frame.
Final Frame is in the Solomons with start boxes changed.
T+0 - all scouts and CAP may launch
T+45 - all aircraft may launch
NOTES
1. Some flickering of CVs noted by higher planes. As you get lower this decreases.
2. Ship flak is whack. Lots of puffs but little damage even to AI. Max accuracy settings on ships. Please use it as just an e/a indicator.
3. Some pilots have the CA working very well and can conduct repeated attacks by jumping between aircraft. It pays to figure out the quirks of the system to get the most out of it.
jabo
