S3 Series

<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

My initial thoughts are:
Do the Axis know the transports have to climb to 10K?
Once transports reach 10k can we then descend to whatever altitude for the rest of the sortie?

The Axis have to launch from Hanoi the first sortie which means the Axis and our supply transports have almost the same distance to fly to get to Kunming. Take into consideration climbing by both sides and their respective speeds I think they won't be able to intercept too far West of Kunming unless some Axis come in low to try and catch some transports that are low by then. A bar cap set up properly should help tremendously or a forward fighter sweep to disrupt their intentions. I suggest first sortie is to take all the transports.

Second transport sortie(s) should not be decided until the first sortie unfolds. However, having the options planned ahead would be smart. The Chungking leg is the closest to enemy airfields so will probably be the hardest to complete.
It appears they know the order we have to follow first sortie so they will be waiting around Kunming for the second sorties to launch.

I've noticed that the Axis are not afraid of tooling around low, taking advantage of the terrain hiding them to some extent, which they may employ on the second sorties. Not sure if the second sorties should be noe or at alt with escort.

Thoughts are on an overfull stomach, take with a grain of salt!
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x

For historical accuracy, I wanted the transports flying over the hump in mission 1 to reach an alt of 10k. However once achieved you may dive to whatever altitude you want. Robert May be able to advise as to the best climb speed per transport and best altitude for cruising speed. Once over 10k and the hump, it’s all down hill

Mission 2 has no alt requirement

The axis only knows what is posted in the General section of this forum.

x

Take whatever route you like. Mine are just to visualize on a map the launch and destination.

Mission1 you may want direct and as fast as possible. You may be able to beat the JAAF there.

Take off at T+O will be critical!

x

Silly question,
Who is flying the B24’s?

The guys drawing the short stick.

I can't speak for any other 23rd at this point, but I'm pretty sure we could supply one, or maybe more pilot(s) first sortie to fly transport.

Just found out what it is like to take the B24D 100 fuel, 8x1600 pounders which is 800 pounds over the max cargo weight listed in this post. It appears you will have to grab some alt for 5 minutes or so before attempting to cross the hump. Also you need to practice a takeoff or two. It just can't climb like the C47 will, but you still have to be careful which way you go in the C47.

I can confirm oshix's timed flight to Kunming in a c47. And that is straight in with no problems.


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