<S> Sirs!
Let's start planning the frame 3 missions.
Mission 1: Dinjan --> Kunming
A1) We can either fly all the supply planes at once (6x C-47's and 6x B-24D's). This would let us quickly finish the first mission but leaves us with only 13-15 Allied fighters for defence against 28-32 enemy fighters.
A2) We can also choose to fly only 6x B-24D's as a first wave, and once landed at Kunming, these pilots take 6x C-47's for a second wave of supply planes. This takes a bit longer time but gives us 19-21 defensive fighters, which would be better odds against the enemy.
Mission 2: Kunming --> Rangoon, and Kunming --> Chungking
B1) We either focus on flying the route from Kunming to Rangoon first, and once done we start with the Kungming to Chungking route. This lessens the area we must cover and escort, but if the enemy figures it out they also know where to focus all their searching, and they might be able to intercept all our supply planes at once.
B2) We fly two supply planes at a time to each target, so in total we have two going to Chungking, and two going to Rangoon. We'll have a larger are to cover and must spread out more. On the other hand it increases the chances that the enemy only intercepts one route while the other gets to safety. It might also force the enemy to spread out more.
Tactics
C1) Should we have our supply planes fly in a tight buff formation each mission? They don't have any defensive guns though. This would make it easier for the escorts, but might also mean that the enemy can kill all supply planes in one go if they find them.
C2) Should the supply planes spread out each mission, with each taking their own route to target in order to only let the enemy intercept a few supply planes at a time? This will make it a harder hide n seek game for the enemy, where several supply planes should be able to slip through, but will likely mean that the enemy will at least find a few victims here and there.
One thing to ponder is that the enemy must go deep into our territory while searching for supply planes. Our fast P-40B's should be able to sneak up on several of them during the night if they are spread out over the map. The RCAF's Hurricanes are great turn fighters, but don't have the speed or diving ability of the P-40B's. As such the Tomahawks are probably better for close escort, since they can catch the enemy in a dive. Maybe have the majority of Hurricanes and P-40B's as an aggressive CAP shield out around Kunming, while one P-40B squad fly tight escort for the supply planes in case any enemy slips through the shield.
Please feel free to give me your thoughts on how to best accomplish these two missions.
<S>
/Robert
