Target location for strikes

[dontmajorchem]

When selecting a location for a strike, is it best to estimate where the enemy will be at the time the strike arives or simple select the scouting report as the target?

It seems like if you target the scouting report, the strike will go exactly there rather than attempt to intercept the enemy based on the report.

Also, what determines where the strike will search if it has failed to make contact?

Apologies if a similar post has been made. Seems like a question someone would have already asked but I can't find a post.

Cheers

[jwsmith26]

I've had better luck setting a target location by estimating where the enemy ship will be when my strike arrives rather than by selecting from the target list.

If your strike does not immediately locate the enemy it will begin to execute a search pattern. The squadron will start at the target location and then fly out in a random direction for a certain distance. If it finds no targets it will fly back to the target location and then fly out again in a different random direction. It will continue this search pattern until it finds a target to attack or it runs low on fuel, which will cause it to return to base. If the strike squadron misses the target, you should expect the squadron to linger over the target area for quite some time while it expends its excess fuel, a rather frustrating behavior.

[dontmajorchem]

May 1, 2024 8:01:27 GMT -6 jwsmith26 said:

I've had better luck setting a target location by estimating where the enemy ship will be when my strike arrives rather than by selecting from the target list.

If your strike does not immediately locate the enemy it will begin to execute a search pattern. The squadron will start at the target location and then fly out in a random direction for a certain distance. If it finds no targets it will fly back to the target location and then fly out again in a different random direction. It will continue this search pattern until it finds a target to attack or it runs low on fuel, which will cause it to return to base. If the strike squadron misses the target, you should expect the squadron to linger over the target area for quite some time while it expends its excess fuel, a rather frustrating behavior.

Yeah, that's the way to go I reckon. I've been missing a lot of strikes but I think I'm just a bit rusty and a bit lazy. I'm getting better luck spending a couple of minutes to calculate a proper estimate of the location rather than randomly plop down the strike location in place that looks "good enough".

I do find it a bit frustrating when my longer range aircraft, usualy TPs, stick around a lot longer that my DBs and I have to wait a lot longer before sending out a full second strike. A good incentive to get it right the first time!

[brygun]

Where this will be at time of arrival is preferred.

How much that is needed will depend on range.

The first scouting report is one data point. The direction estimate is prone to error as the ships might be in a turn especially if its a carrier group.

Hopefully the scout will pop up a few more letting you make an average. Over time you will get a few data points that may also give you an overall direction.

Predicting carrier movements is very difficult given they may need be both is support of a combat force and making assorted turns launch and landing aircraft.

>>>

Some techniques:

Make a few small raid groups of 4-6 attack planes and 2-4 fighters. Drop 3 or 4 in a diamond pattern around your best guess.

While those are flying prepare your large strike.

When you do get a group attacking the enemy click on the dark blue message. This tip will take you to the actual location. Optionally use the icons on the top to put a map marker down. Either way open up the plane organization tab and set the strike to this spot even if you don't have planes to launch. When the strike is ready launch them and they go to your last set position.