In a scenario exist the blue airbase Aa (human player) and the red airbase Za (AI). From the red airbase Za shall takeoff air groups to attack the blue airbase Aa from south, east, west and north and this automatic repeatable every four hours.

 

Now the simple question: How is this scenario to generate with the scenario editor? It seems in the scenario editor are only direct bearing attacks possible.

Yup, you have no way of accomplishing exactly what you want in this case. You can fake it by placing airfields in mid-ocean or using aircraft carriers.

Yup, you have no way of accomplishing exactly what you want in this case. You can fake it by placing airfields in mid-ocean or using aircraft carriers.

If patrols are sent out towards the desired initial points, what is the likely hood of the AI using the patrolling aircraft to launch an attack? (any?) Does AI launch attacks on already known objects, ie bases, only on specific "launch/attack" commands from the scenario? Will it initiate attacks of its own accord when it detects aircraft/ ships/ mobile land units? I can never really understand how this works.

Don Thomas

If patrols are sent out towards the desired initial points, what is the likely hood of the AI using the patrolling aircraft to launch an attack? (any?) Does AI launch attacks on already known objects, ie bases, only on specific "launch/attack" commands from the scenario? Will it initiate attacks of its own accord when it detects aircraft/ ships/ mobile land units? I can never really understand how this works.

Don Thomas

 

Correct, aircraft sent on LR Patrol missions will not attack an airbase, port, etc. They would attack a ship or sub group, and should attack a mobile land unit group. I don't know if there might be some combination of MLUs and fixed bases that would at least make it appear a multi-axis attack was underway. True scenario craftsmanship required there I bet.

If patrols are sent out towards the desired initial points, what is the likely hood of the AI using the patrolling aircraft to launch an attack? (any?) Does AI launch attacks on already known objects, ie bases, only on specific "launch/attack" commands from the scenario? Will it initiate attacks of its own accord when it detects aircraft/ ships/ mobile land units? I can never really understand how this works.

Don Thomas

 

Correct, aircraft sent on LR Patrol missions will not attack an airbase, port, etc. They would attack a ship or sub group, and should attack a mobile land unit group. I don't know if there might be some combination of MLUs and fixed bases that would at least make it appear a multi-axis attack was underway. True scenario craftsmanship required there I bet.

 

How 'bout, ring the base with SAM launchers within the same group?

Geography and geometry will dictate (currently, at least) whether you can pull off a multi-axis attack on a fixed target.

 

It is easier to accomplish when attacking ship groups, but here you have to be concerned with the timing of the target's detection.

 

The ability to have an air group launch an attack on a fixed target after reaching its patrol point is certainly a wish list item. It would essentially be waypoint control.

If patrols are sent out towards the desired initial points, what is the likely hood of the AI using the patrolling aircraft to launch an attack? (any?) Does AI launch attacks on already known objects, ie bases, only on specific "launch/attack" commands from the scenario? Will it initiate attacks of its own accord when it detects aircraft/ ships/ mobile land units? I can never really understand how this works.

Don Thomas

 

Correct, aircraft sent on LR Patrol missions will not attack an airbase, port, etc. They would attack a ship or sub group, and should attack a mobile land unit group. I don't know if there might be some combination of MLUs and fixed bases that would at least make it appear a multi-axis attack was underway. True scenario craftsmanship required there I bet.

 

How 'bout, ring the base with SAM launchers within the same group?

I tried a few combinations of different targets within the formation of a land base, and sent out patrols and direct attacks. The patrols will fly right over head and not attack any of the targets so long as they stay in the formation of the land base. If you 'split' any of the targets then the patrols will attack.

You can have a base and a MLU group coexist at the exact same location. The MLU group can have its units spread out in its formation. If patroling enemy units detect the MLU group (and are suitably armed) they will likely attack the MLU group, but still won't attack the actual base. So as Tony says you can make it look like a multi directional attack (and you'll have to defend against it) but you will still need a long distance straight line attack of the base as well. I can't work out how the air defences (SAMs & the like) are picking their targets though, so you might need some aircraft defending the base so you can target some of the attackers directly.

If you don't mind the restriction, instead of a land base, you can use a FARP (its listed as a ship under 'INTL MISC FARP') and attached other units like buildings, radar and SAM. You'll only have VTOL and helos though. Patrols will go after such a group once detected. One thing to watch is that the AI might change its aircraft load outs and directly attack once the target group has been identified.

Don

Three cheers for Don! He's got a scenario editor and isn't afraid to use it to try the theories

If patrols are sent out towards the desired initial points, what is the likely hood of the AI using the patrolling aircraft to launch an attack? (any?) Does AI launch attacks on already known objects, ie bases, only on specific "launch/attack" commands from the scenario? Will it initiate attacks of its own accord when it detects aircraft/ ships/ mobile land units? I can never really understand how this works.

Don Thomas

 

Correct, aircraft sent on LR Patrol missions will not attack an airbase, port, etc. They would attack a ship or sub group, and should attack a mobile land unit group. I don't know if there might be some combination of MLUs and fixed bases that would at least make it appear a multi-axis attack was underway. True scenario craftsmanship required there I bet.

 

How 'bout, ring the base with SAM launchers within the same group?

I tried a few combinations of different targets within the formation of a land base, and sent out patrols and direct attacks. The patrols will fly right over head and not attack any of the targets so long as they stay in the formation of the land base. If you 'split' any of the targets then the patrols will attack.

You can have a base and a MLU group coexist at the exact same location. The MLU group can have its units spread out in its formation. If patroling enemy units detect the MLU group (and are suitably armed) they will likely attack the MLU group, but still won't attack the actual base. So as Tony says you can make it look like a multi directional attack (and you'll have to defend against it) but you will still need a long distance straight line attack of the base as well. I can't work out how the air defences (SAMs & the like) are picking their targets though, so you might need some aircraft defending the base so you can target some of the attackers directly.

If you don't mind the restriction, instead of a land base, you can use a FARP (its listed as a ship under 'INTL MISC FARP') and attached other units like buildings, radar and SAM. You'll only have VTOL and helos though. Patrols will go after such a group once detected. One thing to watch is that the AI might change its aircraft load outs and directly attack once the target group has been identified.

Don

 

For the runway. the Mitchel floating base could work but then you need to add carrier capable planes

For the runway. the Mitchel floating base could work but then you need to add carrier capable planes

 

Errrrm ... wasn't the point of the floating base that it DID NOT need carrier capable aircraft? I'm pretty sure I remember seeing one with Eagles and Hercs ...

Errrrm ... wasn't the point of the floating base that it DID NOT need carrier capable aircraft? I'm pretty sure I remember seeing one with Eagles and Hercs ...

 

In real life, yes. In HCE and this particular beast, no ... as the code requires that the 'carrier capable' flag be set.