Essential plane set for SWPA (wish list)

[Widewing]

For future events involving combat in the SWPA (Southwest Pacific Area), several additions to the planes set would be required for historical accuracy. Naturally, I understand the major effort involved in modeling individual aircraft, much less a whole group. So, I don't expect to see all of these before I begin collecting Social Security. I am not listing aircraft that currently exist or those expected in V1.09, some of which will be applicable to the SWPA.

Therefore, this is merely an exercise in wishful thinking, but here goes anyway.


First: The Allies

USN-

F4F Wildcat: Could be the F4F-3 or-4. Selecting the FM-2 would be an excellent choice as it mimics the F4F-3 and was extensively used on escort carriers through the conclusion of the war and saw service in the Atlantic with anti-sub hunter/killer groups. Likewise, it would be useful representing the FAA carrier units in the Med. Remember the Martlet?

SBD Dauntless: Either the -3, -4 or -5 would be fine.

SB2C Helldiver: Replaced most SBDs for late war operations.

Standard USN markings for their respective periods.
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Allied land based fighters-

P-40/Tomahawk: Extensive use in North Africa, Burma, China, Australia and in New Guinea. Used by CAF, USAAF, RAF SAAF, RAAF and RCAF. Here, the P-40E (Kittyhawk II) would best represent all models, from P-40B (Tomahawk IIA) through the P-40N. For Flying Tiger scenarios, no bombs or external fuel tanks should be enabled for their Tomahawks (okay for the P-40Es they received in the Spring of 1942), as they were not fitted with shackles or the required plumbing. Give it RAAF markings, so that Oz gets some representation.

P-39: Probably the best model would be the P-39D. Again, the P-39 Airacobra was widely used by the USAAF, Soviets (VVS) and a host of others, such as Italy (after the surrender) and IIRC, the Free French. This plane is essential for the SWPA, East Front, and North Africa. Give it Soviet markings for our VVS fans.

P-38G: Useful not only for the SWPA, but for North Africa as well. Lower power Allisons, 110 gallons less internal fuel, and no aileron boost. It was also a bit lighter, so performance suffers only slightly. Old style intercoolers were not efficient, and overheating and detonation was common with prolonged use of Military power (full throttle, with or without WEP). Great choice for 1943 scenarios. Markings, I'd like to see the standard olive drab over grey, but use Rex Barber's colors when he flew with the 339th FS of the 347th FG. It was Barber who actually shot down and killed Yamamoto, not Tom Lanphier as most histories report.

Honorable mention-

Brewster F2A: I'd go with an F2A-2, rather than the -3. Why? Because it is closer to the export model 339 and still has a tailhook for carrier work. Give it Finnish AF markings.
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Medium Bombers/medium attack-

B-25 Mitchell: This should have been done a long time ago. I suggest the B-25J in the colors of the famous 1st Air Commando Group. Specifically, R.T. Smith's "Barbie" would be nice (although this was actually a B-25H).

A-20 Havoc/Boston: Essential for the SWPA and North Africa. Used and well liked by the Soviets too. Go with the A-20J (Boston IV) in RAF colors.

Bristol Beaufighter: Used everywhere in virtually every role. I'll suggest the Beaufighter TF. Mk.X in Coastal Command colors.

Not applicable to the SWPA, but essential to the overall plane set-

Petlyakov Pe-2
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Heavy Bombers:

B-24: Extensively used throughout the world, and the most effective heavy bomber in the SWPA. The B-24H would be a good representative, in natural metal, pick any squadron markings. While the B-29 did not serve in the SWPA, it would make a nice addition to the plane set, but should be heavily perked for use in the main arena, or that's all we'll ever see.

Flying Boats, amphibians, maritime patrol and recon-

PBY Catalina: If only one of the above types is ever modeled, it has to be the Catalina. make it the PBY-5A, and give it the British markings of a Catalina Mk.IVA to compensate our British friends who would prefer the Short Sunderland.
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Second: Imperial Japanese Forces:

IJN-

Aichi D3A (Val): Absolutely required for carrier scenarios.

Nakajima B5N2 (Kate): As above.

Mitsubishi A6M2: Again, needed for 1942 Scenarios.
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Land based fighters (JAAF and IJN)-

Nakajima Ki-27a: Used extensively in China and a main antagonist of the Flying Tigers and British in Burma.

Nakajima Ki-43-Ib: Fits most SWPA and China scenarios.

Nakajima Ki-44-IIb: As above. I believe that this model best represents all models to see service.

Nakajima Ki-84-Ia: Becoming more common by late 1944 and operated from the PI. May require being perked in the main arena.

Honorable mention-

Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden: Generally confined to homeland defense, the Raiden does not fit into SWPA scenarios. However, it should still find a place in the plane set some day.

Kawasaki Ki-100: As above.
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Medium bombers/medium attack:

Mitsubishi G4M: Perhaps the most adaptable of all Japanese bombers, the G4M fought everywhere in virtually every role one could imagine, including torpedo bomber. Essential for most Pacific war scenarios.

Mitsubishi Ki-21-IIa: Essential for early war scenarios.
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Flying Boats, amphibians, maritime patrol and recon-

Kawanishi H8K2: Possibly the best flying boat to see service during the war. Capable of maritime attack and light bombing. Well armed and amrored, the Emily was no easy mark and could surprise any fighter pilot who did not respect its defensive armament.
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My best,

Widewing

[ra]

Lots of people say they want the Catalina, but for the life of me I can't see what use it would serve, even in a scenario.  It's advantages as a patrol plane were that it had long range and it didn't need a runway.  But in a scenario there will always be runways available, so you may as well use a buff as a patrol plane.  And no one is going to fly a patrol mission long enough to take advantage of the long range.  It would make a nice big slow target for fighters though.

An A-20 would be a nice all around addition.

ra

[Widewing]

Originally posted by ra
Lots of people say they want the Catalina, but for the life of me I can't see what use it would serve, even in a scenario.  It's advantages as a patrol plane were that it had long range and it didn't need a runway.  But in a scenario there will always be runways available, so you may as well use a buff as a patrol plane.  And no one is going to fly a patrol mission long enough to take advantage of the long range.  It would make a nice big slow target for fighters though.

A Cat could carry up to 4,000 pounds of bombs, depth charges, or two torpedos.

That, combined with excellent endurance and the ability to land on sea or shore, would make it useful against all typs of surface vessels and submarines, should they ever be modeled. Moreover, if battle groups need to be found before being attacked, the CAT will be of great use in that regard. Remember, the USN did not have Buffs.

My regards,

Widewing

[K West]

Wonderfull list with a lot of depth in the planes Widewing.  I'll toss two pennies in the fountain and maybe they'll be here before we know it

 Westy

[-ammo-]

The F4F-4 is an absolute must IMO. I just picked up a used book (AIR WARFARE AND AIR BASE AIR DEFENSE, by John F Kreis) that describes in detail what operational numbers of AC and Air base defenses were on hand by each side of most major battle's during WW2.  During the solomans and New Guninea Campaign, (1942-1944), Gaudacanals entire Air Defense units were equiped with F4F-4's, with the exception of one AAF unit 67th FW which used P-39's and P-40's. through 43 the marines used the wildcat extensively.  


I hope that HTC includes the wildcat as a "surprise" in 1.09

[Jester]

As viewed from the NAVY point of view the following planes are what is needed:

F4F-4 WILDCAT: Would give a new twist to any early war scenarios or in the CT. Would most like be a hangar queen in the MA with the Kitty & Corsair around.

SBD-5 DAUNTLESS: Real need for this. No dive bombers of any kind available from the CV's.

SB2C HELLDIVER: Same as above.

JAPANESE CARRIER PLANES: I agree with Wildwings choices for the early war set. The Val is a good plane but has weak bomb load. Kate is a death trap IMO as we fly in the MA.
D4Y "JUDY" Dive Bomber & B6N "JILL" Torpedo plane would most likely be more surviveable in the MA.

The CV Strike planes should be should be HTC highest priority for the next release IMO. The CV fleet is really limited in it's strikeing power with no Dive Bombers and only the Avenger to tote the heavy stuff.

(Waves to Ammo! 56thFG!)

[-=Silo=-]

Excellent list Widewing.
South Pac is definitely where its at

[M.C.202]

Widewing said:

Allied land based fighters-

P-40/Tomahawk: Extensive use in North Africa, Burma, China, Australia and in New Guinea. Used by CAF, USAAF, RAF SAAF, RAAF and RCAF. Here, the P-40E (Kittyhawk II) would best represent all models, from P-40B (Tomahawk IIA) through the P-40N. For Flying Tiger scenarios, no bombs or external fuel tanks should be enabled for their Tomahawks (okay for the P-40Es they received in the Spring of 1942), as they were not fitted with shackles or the required plumbing. Give it RAAF markings, so that Oz gets some representation.

Hum, I would like to see the A.V.G. Hawk done right, lighter and with more power than the P-40B. The  P-40Bs and C's were not the same bird at all. The later marks were even more of a change in flight "feel" and numbers.
If the A.V.G. P-40 had four .50's instead of the two .50's in the nose and four .30's in the wings, it would have been the best P-40 untill the N.

So I'd go for an A.V.G. P-40 and a later one, say a F or N.

The later P-40 would look good in R.A.A.F. markings, but the A.V.G. needs to be there too

[-tronski-]

Good list, well thought out..
I, like Ra, can't fathom the need for a flying boat and could not see the payoff in using resources to produce one when the excellent other examples you've provided would make for a better game.

I would personaly change the P-40E/N to a RNZAF example, and add an Australian Beaufighter Mk21.

 Tronsky

[brady]

I would like to see the  Grace and the Jill modeled for the IJN as apposed to the early war IJN carier aircraft do to the fact that they would be much more usefull in the MA.I would also like to see the Ki 102 Randy modeled as a ground atack aircraft for Japan.

 Insomuch as a flying boat is concerened i would prefer a Coranado, or an Emily do to their MA usefullness, both caried usefull bomb loads and both are well defended.

 A would love to see a beaufighter, but since we have the mossie a varient would be more likely to apper in the near futuer than a beaufighter. Also a bufalow or a a Bommerange would be fun.

 The only other aircraft i would remove forom you excelent list would be the B 24 (redundent,since we have a B 17, at least for now), and the helldiver, the heldive was a a big pos, i would rather see some IJN planes done way before we get one of theam or maby a Fulmar.

[Jester]

The "JILL" would be the best candidate for the Axis "Tordonut" carrier. The "Grace" - a good plane of the same class as the Avenger never did operate from the CV's. Going to end up with a situation like the NIKI which didn't operate from them either.

While the Helldiver did have it's problems - at least it is a DIVE BOMBER. A class of A/C missing entirely from the AH scene. You can dive to some extent with the JU-88 & a Mossie but it just is not the same as plumiting straight down from 20,000 feet into the teeth of the flak coming up from the fleet! WoooHoo! PUCKER FACTOR! Just sends shivers down my back thinking about it! LOL!

For that matter I would like to see the ME-109T & JU-87C available from the CV's also!