Fire in the Philippines: Leyte 1944

[Krusty]

Not really a critique on the plane list, but isn't the N1k2 supposed to be under the IJAAF category? It was land based, no?

[Saxman]

Land-based, but a Naval bird.

[Krusty]

Okay, I just assumed IJN meant available on carriers, never mind

This one's going to be tough on the allies, and maybe just as tough on the axis. This will be interesting to see the outcome.

[angelsandair]

FM-2s will do their part and OWN! (I sure hope my squad isn't picked for Axis after I say this)

[Jester]

Not according to any sources I saw on the internet, and this is what Widewing told me when I asked him.

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P-38s and USAAF Bombers were striking Leyte before the Navy arrived but do to Map limitations, they will have to be used in another FSO. The Airfields that they used are not on the Luzon Terrain and they might have been based on Mindanao, but not until December (after Midnanao was invaded). I considered using Airspawns to have USAAF aircraft but because of flight distances I decided against it.

The 49th FG started operating P-38's out of Tacloban Airfield on Leyte in late October 1944. The staged out of Morotai, New Guinea (?) on the 22nd to the new base.

 

[Nefarious]

The 49th FG started operating P-38's out of Tacloban Airfield on Leyte in late October 1944. The staged out of Morotai, New Guinea (?) on the 22nd to the new base.

 

Yes, they staged out of Morotai on the 22nd of October for the 700 mile flight to Tacloban but did not depart until the 27th of October. They were lead by CO Lt Col George Walker, V's Fighter Command's Col Bob Morrisey and Majs Gerald Johnson and Dick Bong. They arrived at at Tacloban around Noon on the 27th.

The 27th would be the day after the the Battles of Leyte Gulf ended.

[Saxman]

Hm...

Does the setting of the campaign this mean we'll see this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taffy_3

[Delirium]

Nefarious,

I hope my post didn't come across as an attack towards you, the aircraft set up didn't make sense to me (in regards to history) at the time.

Hope the FSO runs perfectly and everyone has a blast!

[Nefarious]

Nefarious,

I hope my post didn't come across as an attack towards you, the aircraft set up didn't make sense to me (in regards to history) at the time.

Hope the FSO runs perfectly and everyone has a blast!

Oh, Never.  Everyone has to realize that FSO doesn't always convey the entire Theater's Plane Set just because the Map might. I know the USAAF played a pivotal role in the Invasion and support of the ground forces on Leyte but I will leave that FSO for GD, Stoney or the FSO teams newest suc.. member, Squire . This FSO we're going to be focusing on the Air/Sea Engagements between the USN and the IJN and IJAAF during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

And Yes, Saxman, the Battle off Samar will be one of the "Objectives" this FSO.

[Krusty]

I like the setup, but after some thought I can't help but think that the axis have the upper hand with the planeset, what with Ki84s and N1k2s vs F6Fs and FM2s. Sure the A6M5s counter that out a bit, but seems the allies are a bit out-classed, maybe?

[APDrone]

We'll find out in about 10 days.

'course.. if everybody flying Nikis and KI84s have my skills, a handfull of P40Bs would take them out.

[Krusty]

You haven't seen my track record for the past... oh say MILLION FSOs... hehehe

if I'm axis I think allies have nothing to fear.

[Saxman]

Krusty I disagree. The Ki-84s and N1K2s aren't going to be present in anywhere near the numbers to make a real impact (max 24 each). The FM-2 is arguably the toughest fighter in the matchup, and if the Ki-84 and N1K try to fight her close-quarters they're in for some real trouble. Her only shortcomings are in speed and firepower, but effective use of altitude and dive speed will negate the former, and the FM-2's ability to latch on to almost any opponent and not be shaken off all but ensures a good solid tracking shot against any matchup other than the A6M.

The Ki-84 is more competitive against the F6F, but really needs to get the F6F slow as the Hellcat handles far better at high speeds. Additionally, The Cat should handle the N1K on even ground as the George's only real clear-cut advantage is her guns. She has pretty much all the same advantages over the N1K2 that the F4U would: She's faster, tougher and handles better at high speeds. The F6F is heavier so has the advantage in the zoom, and superior diving ability.

[Krusty]

Just going by the stats, the N1k2 is faster than the F6F below 10k, accelerates a hair faster, turns noticably tighter (more so with full flaps) and climbs significantly faster than the F6F. At speed F6F has an edge for sure, but the N1K2 is one of the few Japanese planes that doesn't fall apart at high speeds in this game, so if anybody can give the F6F a chase it'll be this plane.

I think in this setup the allies are going to be more effective with the F6F than with the FM2. FM2 might be manuverable, but it's also slow, underpowered, and under-armed. Being 50mph slower than the other planes means it can't get away, it can't chase, can't zoom as well, etc. I think the F6F will be the real killer for the allies (just thinking of past FSOs with Hellcat, it's quite effective)

[4XTCH]

I like the match-up in this FSO.
Again, it's not about plane vs plane it's pilot in plane vs pilot in plane..
 The Army of Muppets along with their skills in an "inferior" plane will match up against a newer squad in a "dominant" fighter.
JMHO

4XTCH