buffing, altitude and scoring

[leonid]

Isn't it historical that B-17s never flew above a certain altitude, because their exposed crew would suffer from exposure at such heights?  If this is so, what would you say to penalizing buffers from bombing above such a height ... ?

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129 IAP VVS RKKA

[-kier-]

I think there would be numerous reasons buffs wouldn't operate that high... the cold, difficulty of reaching and maintaining that altitude at combat weight, instability of flight (rendering accurate bombing more difficult), etc. I agree that historical buffing usually occurred much lower than the 35K we routinely see in AH.

The Lancaster only had a ceiling of 22-24K. Can you imagine what that is going to be like when we see it?  

B-29's (after air superiority was gained) firebombed Japan from low-medium alt.

Most of the medium bombers of the war had ceilings lower than 25K.

It would mean a shift in tactics (those buffs will need an escort!) but historically you would be entirely correct.

Of course most of the warring sides (U.S. aside) sent their heavies at night... night fighting?  

[Fishu]

Got to remember also that B-17s had freezing problems with engines through the war, though, G model was best protected against cold, but still it did have freezing problems very high.
E and F models had even more, it is same with P38J / P38L, J engines might freeze, but L have already covered better.