S3 Series

http://www.squadselectseries.com

New map up for Frame 3.

IJAAF entered the fray in Frame 2 with their Ki43s putting a maximum effort over Port Moresby. The Oscar proved an unpleasant surprise for the defending fighters at Port Moresby which were overwhelmed by superior numbers and quality of aircraft. The IJNs attacking Vals and Kates were not so lucky suffering 39 losses to the defending fighters at Moresby and along the Kododa Trail. The higher flying G4M1s proved too fast and escaped interception. Their bombs were damaging though closing 92 and 93 at Port Morseby and 76 to the north. Allied B25s were out in force to retaliate closing 67 and heavily damaging 83 late in the frame escaping a hornets nest of angry IJAAF with the help of timely P40 reception escort. During the night daring P39s snuck into the Kokoda Trail and plastered 77/78 with hundreds of 37mm shells strafing and bombing their way up and down the steep valley. But in the end the mastery of the Ki43 proved decisive forcing the Allies inferior P40s and P39s to either die, run away or stay grounded in Australia.

For Frame 3 there are four closed fields; 67, 76, 92 and 93. Which will remain closed for Frame 3 and open in Frame 4.
IJN based upon their success at Port Moresby will try and invade Milne Bay with a large invasion fleet of DDs and FRs steaming past Goodenough Island to 103-106 area. This needs to be protected all the way until T+160 when it will unload. The IJ will need to CAP it with rotating cover as well as keep the three main Allied airfields suppressed in the area. There may even be a few foolhardy Allied DDs in the area attempting to delay the invasion fleet. The Allies need to attack the fleet with all possible aircraft. Moving ships are a very good source of points.

Will update the summary when the S6 posts.

Notes
- arena AAA was not very effective at Port Moresby, it could be either the total amount of AAA in the terrain or the traditionally low settings use for S3s. Ki43s should not be able to loiter low in the area without serious fireworks. Arena settings will be adjusted up slightly to make low approaches to locations more difficult. This is a global setting and will effect attacks by either side on terrain locations.
- AI otto on the Kate and Vals seemed to be weak enough to encourage attacks on them. Vals reported to be particularily hard to down but no complaints on their otto. G4M1 otto is still out for debate as their were not many organized attacks on them. B25s late in the frame were attack with 1 out of 8 player and AI bombers being shotdown, otto effectiveness was not observed by the CM in this case.

Good Luck in Frame 3