S3 Series

I would like to hear from anyone who has an opinion on how best they can serve for the finale.

As of this writing, the results of Fr. 4 are not yet available and there is only one AAR to read. But from what I witnessed, I think we discovered how to be a devastating force.

PRIOR to Frame 4, I was leaning toward an at altitude bombing run in the rear fields on GC and Russels. A northern blast down on them as the Allies do in a 'Bombers into Germany' event. POST Fr. 4, I am considering another massive blast to the CVs.

Open forum.

I like the blast on the CV again. I am not sure they would expect a repeat of the same thing. We learned to communicate better and wait for the escorts to do their job before the Knights get there to sink both CV this time.

Frame 4 results up now and we did not fare well in points, we sank 2 carriers for 12 points, but they sank many static and AI shipping and closed 37.

I would like to have 127 Wing launch from 21 (or 22), we could try to run straight down the AI 7 route of the American shipping, and if we miss them, we can continue to 5.1.5 and hit those static ships once again. We would be able to rebase and look for those AI again, that route is off NME DAR and coast Watchers.

I always encourage Frame COs to look over where the points were scored in previous frames by both sides. You have to do some digging but its there. Thats why its always harder to do the first 1 or 2 frames, nothing to look at or compare with.

Taking out the now Allied static shipping in the northern sector will score you 18 points if you sink all 7 ships while taking out two CVs will score you 12.

Having that massive cover going from one static shipping target to another will wrack up points big time. Planning which ones to hit and when is the tough part. Moving the heavy zero cover from defensive to offensive missions is also tough. I would plan on hitting at least three main static ship targets during the night with the Knights and covering them all the way in and away. Much harder for the allies to predict when and where you are going to hit. They know you are going to hit their CVs so they will defend them heavily just like in frames 3 and 4.
The final frame is a perfect time to do this because most of the big static shipping concentrations are now Allied. In frame 4 they scored many points at anchored shipping at 25 and I know there are a good number at 18. Offline recce of major ship concentrations is a must to determine the best ones to hit for the biggest payoff with the least amount of risk.

You know the enemy is coming straight for you at Bougainville so I would leave at least one defending squad with a harrassment mission. Look for the foolish strike squadron that doesnt use cover or get them to abort or waste gas circle etc. Only after the offensive missions are finish would I move my main zero force into attacking their strikes into Japanese airfields.

Just my two cents.

Jabo did you save some pennies, since we intelligent folk in Canada got rid of the penny you need to update your saying to "Just my nickel"

But your points are valid

Beaver - I think that is the way to go this frame - a full on attack on as many ships as we can find.

I will most likely ask that each squad have a flight push ahead to scout lanes and report locations and headings to the country and then HOLD station above until support can come in. The Knights will be held out for an attack on the Allied Carrier.

Prelims out tomorrow night...Finals out on Saturday.

Per the general forum (jlord's post)


Not only is the point value of a Capital Ship (CV) very underrated vs merchant shipping, unless you take both down virtually simultaneously, there is no effect on enemy air activity. Static shipping attacks look like the only way to make significant gains in points because even if we launch an all out raid on ground targets, it's not going to be enough.

just my 2 Yen

Some places have more static shipping than others. With the short DAR it would be easy to send a long mission to a remote shipping target but the thing is you need to hit several so that may not work. Close targets under a massive fighter CAP may work. You know the enemy is coming to Bougainville so that could work in a defensive posture as well. The IJ CV could have just the scout zekes onboard that could be used for defence if they attack it.
Zeros are starting to more than hold their own, so any US strikes will need heavy escort.

Doesn't matter. This isn't a valid excuse to teleport and the penalty should stand.

Ohhhh, I agree hawk! But if they are going to be allowed to use the 2nd deck, then what's the point unless we can take BOTH down together. And then, get a lousy 12 points