Originally posted by xXx
Do you mean you couldn't cordinate your position with the time hacks and way point grid references provided on the bomber route map?
Did the bombers communicate to you on the published bomber radio channel when you querried them thier position?
I'm simply trying to determine the breakdown for future reference in planning.
Thank You,
Fighters assigned escort duty should be very familiar with the planned bomber route prior to takeoff. Any failure to locate the assigned bomber group rests with the leadership of the fighter squadron that got lost IF the bombers are flying the PLANNED route.
If the bombers deviate from the planned route and do not clearly communicate this to the fighters, then the bombers bear the blame.
Effective escort requires escort groups that can do more than takeoff with the bombers and maintain close visual contact. This close escort style is extremely inneffective.
Effective escort requires a layered approach with three layers of defense. The first layer is sweeping the route ahead of the bombers 3 to 10 minutes ahead, breaking up any enemy formations. This requires a level of skill most online squadrons do not possess. It requires experienced leadership capable of some serious headwork in flight.
The second layer are squadrons posted just beyond visual range of the bombers front and rear. This is an easier task although the skill level involved is significantly higher because the bombers are BVR much of the time. This layer breaks up attacks but more importantly, those in the rear of the bombers prevent an additional pass.
The most common (because it is easiest) is close escort within sight of the bombers. These are the fighter that attack the enemy in the bomber formation itself. Normally arrayed front back left and right. This is the least effective style of escort, especially if the other layers are missing.
Of course, all of this pre-supposes a detailed bomber plan for the escort to use. Deviation from the plan results in chaos for the escort. It also requires squadron capable of executing properly. A smart online commander will not try assigning anything except close escort unless he knows the squadron is up to the mission.
There are major factors in the success of an escorted bomber mission.
Number one is bomber formation quality and integrity. Sloppy formations mean poor defensive fire from the bombers themselves and a wider area for the escort to protect. Trail formations are easy pickings for attackers, allowing for multiple shots on a single pass.
Number 2 is escort discipline. A hard deck below the bombers must be established and NO escort may dive below that deck unless it is specified in the mission orders. The number one problem with escort is kill fever resulting in all the escort getting stripped by a few enemy fighters. if the enemy is smart he knows this and sends in a few fighters to strip the escort before sending in his main force. Works great in online games because we don't care if the bombers live or die....we only want the kill.
Frame 2 was planned in detail. Whether the bombers followed that plan or the fighters just couldn't find their way out of a closet I cannot answer. I wasn't there.
But I saw the plan and the problem was not the plan. The only fault is that xXx incorrectly assumed that the assigned fighter squadrons could fly to a map location at a given time and effect a rendezvous. Apparently, this most basic of military aviation tasks is beyond the scope of many squadron's capabilities.
