Time for serious game play talk. While there is anxiety among certain players regarding the affects of the upcoming changes in v1.10, those changes are coming nonetheless. I foresee quite a bit of testing to be done once v1.10 comes out, in order to see exactly what effects these bombing changes will have, especially coupled with the new, multi-zone strat system. For instance, someone will have to test out the size and shape of the dispersal pattern for each size of bomb, and different altitudes, and various speeds. For a given altitude and target type (city, refinery, factory), what size bombs for a given bomb load will insure the maximum radius of destruction? I can envision having a clipboard hanging next to my monitor with graphs and tables on it. The calibration routine is intriguing too. Will the calibration point have to be at the same elevation as the target area? Will the bombsite account for wind? Will it be better to come in downwind, upwind, or crosswind? What is the “magic” altitude and speed where you will be able to bomb visually just using the exterior view while looking down and forward from above your aircraft? How many B-17’s/Lanc’s/B-26’s will it take to completely wipe out a vehicle or airfield? What formation and with what release delay will maximize the pattern? When attacking the various types of bases, what attack direction relative to the orientation of the runways or structures will yield the greatest damage? All these questions will take time and a lot of experimentation to figure out.
I personally see a renaissance of bomber squads in AH coming with v1.10. It will take practice and teamwork to get the most out of these new tools, but once a squadron gets proficient, it will be a force to be reckoned with. The lone wolf bomber pilot on the other hand will be, I think, less effective in v1.10. These two major changes (new strat model and bomber enhancements) truly make it a whole new game! I hope there are some enterprising folks out there with the time and inclination to delve into the above questions. It will certainly be appreciated by those of us who don’t.
