Carriers in DW 2.0

[Ruckdog]

Hey all! Sorry I haven't been around much the last week or so; moving has kept me pretty busy. I'm back with a new blog post discussing the validity of carrier builds in DW 2.0:

http://www.manbattlestations.com/blog/2014/07/13/carriers-in-dw-2-0/

[Landlubber]

Very interesting exercise.

So in thinking about running a carrier fleet in a normal battle, you could also use the SASs to eradicate the opposition's medium and large models as opposed to going after the massives first.  Dive and torpedo bombers could wreak havoc on cruisers, battlecruisers, gunships, and escort carriers.  This could potentially free up your own medium and large ships to concentrate on the enemy dread or carrier.

[Ruckdog]

True enough. That becomes a matter of doctrine; in general, a 5-strong SAS might be a bit over-kill for your average medium surface model, but you are correct in that it would preserve a carrier's screen for engaging your opponent. Another thing to keep in mind that I did not cover in my basic example is air defense of the carriers; with enemy SAS about, a player may well be compelled to keep at least one of his carrier SAS back as fighters in a CAP role.

[Creon]

A fighter cap wing is kind of important.  Though five might be too high for CAP. I'm thinking 3 fighters is enough for CAP purposes. 

[Landlubber]

On a related note...SASs move FAST in 2.0.  Not having to worry about fuel anymore really opens things up.  And it really makes you realize how much faster fighters are than everything else.   

[Creon]

SAWs indeed are fast, especially with improved engines.  Also a heck of a lot simpler to use, and strangely more survivable.

[Ruckdog]

On a related note...SASs move FAST in 2.0.  Not having to worry about fuel anymore really opens things up.  And it really makes you realize how much faster fighters are than everything else.   

Indeed! I think this is a key ingredient to their improved effectiveness.

A fighter cap wing is kind of important.  Though five might be too high for CAP. I'm thinking 3 fighters is enough for CAP purposes.

I think that is reasonable. One idea I've been toying with is using the local support to furnish CAP fighters, since you can divide it more thoroughly than the carrier's air wing.

[DarkKnight]

I think something worth discussing is with improved SAWs are escorts now worth there points. What would of been the impact on your scenario had there been an escort?

[Ruckdog]

Interesting thought! Honestly, I'm not sure. I will have to go "back to the drawing board" on that one . I'll probably update this with another blog post when I done with the analysis.