S3 Series

Lets set our game plan from the start and talk strengths/weaknesses to help guide Frame CO's. Should probably sticky this for the series.

Need Sicily to be in the updater to get more precise intel as the map does not have field names/numbers/grid size reference (assuming ~20mi?)

Rule Highlights:







77 Would like to use its historical fields as the battle moves across Sicily. For the most part, this is the Trapani area. Strategy needs would over rule this, however.

Our strengths:
-More "Bombers"
-Space
-Wider radar net initially, pinpoint radar ID
-Depending on the final planeset, a slight edge in firepower per plane and average plane speed.

That's being optimistic.

Weaknesses:
-Space, eventually we will run out and our fuel range is more limited than theirs.
-Numbers, almost 2:1 odds fighter v fighter, having Knights in 190s helps this a bit.
-Pinpoint radar ID




Name of the game is points. Jabo hinted at ships being a boon, however the allies will know this as well. Either we get creative in attacks or simply don't bite that hook. In the real battle, the LW only tried defense, there was little offence to speak of. It was a fruitless endeavor and that will be the case in the scenario. Odds are high we could destroy their bomber force in one attack, however, whatever assets we commit to this will likely be obliterated with a Big Wing storm cloud hanging over the buffs.

I propose we stay offensive. Skirmish. Treat targets like a booty call. Get in, hit it quick, and get out. Make them play whack-a-mole and play our game. We will have to use Ju-88s one frame, but I think it would be more beneficial for the Knights to use the 190F's speed and guns for quick strikes. With everyone on the attack in a jabo/strafe role we can hit more areas faster and target size is certainly manageable for fighters to take on their own. Downside is ack will likely be highly dangerous for a straight fighter attack. Enemy fields should be avoided unless there is strong chance of success/reward.

They will have to commit some of there fighters to strike protection, if I we ignore them and go around the strike they will waste resources we can use to our advantage. Do it enough they may get bored and aggressive and that might open a window to hammer their bombers. Personality clashes aside that might alter their plans....

Waiting on points spread to determine target priorities.

5. Squad Aircraft - each pilot must fly the aircraft listed for their squad in the A/C table at least once. It is up to the squad to decide which a\c type they will fly more than once during the series. No new a\c will be deployed for this series with the possible exception of the P40F. If it is updated for play in WB this may be subsituted for the P40E if the player so chooses.

7. Frame 1 - this is the pre-invasion frame and all allied beachheads will start destroyed and unavailable. Axis control Sardinia, Pantelleria and Lampedusa and may use those airfields. AI shipping will be proceeding to Tunis and Malta from the west and east and should be a primary target of Axis strike aircraft.

8. Frame 2 - this is the invasion frame with allied beachheads in Sicily. Axis still control Sardinia but the Allies have taken over Pantelleria and Lampedusa. AI shipping will be proceeing to and from the invasion beachheads and the entire invasion area should be a primary target of Axis strike aircraft.

9. Frame 3 - the is the post-invasion frame and the allies will have captured a number of nearby locations that may be attacked by the Axis along with the invasion beachheads.

10. Frame 4 -5 - the allies continue to expand their hold on sicily and airfields are now available on the island to support their invasion.



6. Squad Basing - each squad must start at a designated airfield but then can replane at will at any airfield after that. Landing strips are unavailable at the start but can be used normally afterward. The initial deployment is based upon the following step allowances;
•LAF - 3 steps
•MAF - 3 steps
•SAF - 2 steps
•GAF - 1 step
•LS - 0 steps(can replane here during play)

Points

I like the approach here.. Let's hope we get some good conversions started.

This is a big map, 29 miles across grids representing a 1 to 1 real world to game world 345 miles.

Axis can get sneaky in the first frame by using Sardina and the two islands out in the Med. Good way to search for shipping or even hit Tunisia. In the invasion frames it would be best to hit the beachheads hard at the get go and then avoid the Allied CAPs that will be surely there. Malta is a fortress so stay away from it. Key is keeping the Axis strike assets alive as long as possible. Hit and run and repeat. Force the Allies to protect their assets and send in their bombers with lighter escort.

Axis can swap during the frame between G6\R6 so that may help knock down some of the bombers. Player bombers will be tough to knock down but their AI wingman not so much. Areas with flak defenses will light up the sky. Sicily has lots of good flak protection.

Hawk...
those 190Fs are the fastest planes out there...from 10k to the deck..and have a good bomb load and range. I'm available if you guys want to meet up for some 190F specific training.


Maybe use them for a quick strike at the supply depot south east of Tunis early in fr1
<S>

Jman

This sounds good but remember my guys are buff pilots and not jabo pilots. We risk not hitting our targets if we are in 190s. Just something to think about.

True..but you HAVE to fly them at least one frame..is that not correct?

If we can find a big juicy target for them to hit then accuracy may not be that necessary...if able/allowed I would fly 190Fs with you that frame.

You know I don't know if we do. If so, I'll take you up on training and see if I can get Swanee and his crew to join us. Let me know what time is good for you.

Thanks for the offer..

5. Squad Aircraft - each pilot must fly the aircraft listed for their squad in the A/C table at least once. It is up to the squad to decide which a\c type they will fly more than once during the series. No new a\c will be deployed for this series with the possible exception of the P40F. If it is updated for play in WB this may be subsituted for the P40E if the player so chooses.






Just note that the FW 190F is not available to the Knights' Fighter Wing.

It would be great if the Knights could be proficient in the 190 and here are a few reasons why.
- It's quite possibly our greatest ship killer on guns alone.
- Speed. It will be our lifeline.
- Bomb load, and correct me if I'm wrong, is almost a wash between the 88 and the 190. AI notwithstanding.

Will need to look at and test targets but it is quite possible that a good portion of points could be strafed down, so bombs may be unimportant.

Ju-88s have range and can carry one more heavy bomb than the 190, plus you get wingmen. Downside is speed in comparison to what the enemy will have available and we don't really have enough resources to give a proper escort into target, if found the bomb group and escorts could end in disaster.

190s at least give us better advantage to hit more targets quickly and when push comes to shove I know I would at least feel more comfortable sending you guys in alone in 190s over 88s.

Will look over targets and let us know what you think about them.