Campaign Low Level Raids

[carbolicus]

Just got BOB2 WOV updated with 2.13 and campaign now looks really good with the improvements. I just have one question if anyone knows the answer please:

How can you set up a low-level raid such as the one by the 9/Kg76 Dorniers on Kenley on 18th August 1940? They went in all the way at 50 feet or so, but the minimum height BOB2 allows you to specify a raid is 2000 feet.

I seem to recall that there is an Instant Action scenario which covers the Kenley raid and the bombers do go in low (I can't check this as my low-spec laptop runs the campaign just fine but won't run the flight sim now!) So how was this Instant Action mission created?

It would also be good to be able to get a specialist unit like Eprobungsgruppe 210 to attack airfields at very low level, as is historically accurate.

Many thanks in advance!

[two27]

Someone who knows the history!

The game will only permit raids as low as 2,000ft.

[carbolicus]

Thanks for the reply! What a shame - I'm surprised this hasn't been addressed - maybe in the next patch? Still a great sim though!

[stickman]

two27 wrote,

The game will only permit raids as low as 2,000ft.

I must specifically say that the Campaign play will only permit raids as low as 2,000ft.

carbolicus replied,

Thanks for the reply! What a shame - I'm surprised this hasn't been addressed - maybe in the next patch? Still a great sim though!

Well, two27, how low can we code to go low level?
Do we need to go any lower than 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) ?

In the BoBII Campaign, if I use the Options>Sim>Views = Metric Option, then the lowest LW level attack altitude allowed is 1000 meters (3,281 feet).
In the BoBII Campaign, if I use the Options>Sim>Views = Imperial Option, then the lowest LW level attack altitude allowed is 2000 feet (609.6 meters).
There is distance disconnect here?

I understand that BoBII is coded using the metric system. For everything.
Wisely, I believe, as a USA mechanic that does not need or want, two sets of tools!.
Maybe someday the USA and England can join with the rest of the ungodly world, and go metric?

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carbolicus,

You will find that doing low level attacks at 2000 feet, will put you you just under the BoBII heavy cumulus cloud cover.
That will allow your pilots and bombardiers to view the Target so as not to be obscured by clouds.
Although in BoBII AI pilots can see thru clouds. Sorry. We cannot fix that.
As a LW Campaign player, during POOR weather over needed Targets to destroy, I never send Raids, except at low level.
BoBII will allow my bombardiers to see thru clouds, but, as a serious war gamer, I do not want to cheat reality.

The weather in England sucks. Lots of POOR weather. Especially during early July, 1940.
My LW resources not yet full strength, but I make a lot a LOT of low level Raids.
Only attacking with my fighter men at least with at least Very Good Fatigue/Morale.
POOR weather? Low Fatigue/Morale? Stand down and rest, but try not to waste any time, otherwise the RAF will reinforce & resupply Material & their Fatigue/Morale.

Attack the Material supply of the RAF. Always cut the enemy's supply lines!

No real need to fly Nap Of The Earth, like helicopters nowadays do so.
Just get low under the POOR weather cumulus clouds, and lay bombs close in!

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I have been a long time BoBII LW Campaigner. Flying only with level bombers. (Hey! they are the ones that rain heavy DEATH & DESTRUCTION! upon the enemy Targets)

Took many notes on BoBII level bomber behavior in 3D play.
Many notes on the Stuka and Me110C dive bombing behavior in 3D play, too. (Here be some problems) The "I Cannot See The Target!" BUG, after Target is considered destroyed.

I have not yet published my "BoBII Bombers Manual".
But.. let it be known:
1. Not all level bomber types, He111, Ju88, and Do17, behave the same way in 3D play.
2. These level bombers behave (form different formations upon Initial Way Point) differently as to bomber type in 3D when making low level attacks.
3. These formations are NEVER totally predictable. 20% of the time one Staffel will lay back, out of formation, to the rear, and not follow STRICT orders.
OK. The AI is just like human beings. We got good humans and bad humans. Some don't behave very well according to biblical law.
4. The Bomb In Trail order is not working for all level bombers.
The Ju88 bombers will follow Bomb In Trail order, tho. At all altitudes, high and low.
If I want Bomb In Trail a Target, I assign a Ju88 Gruppe (maybe 2) to do so. Ju88s love to Bomb In Trail.
Of course you have to manually assign the Initial Way Point properly as to direction to Target, to get an effective rapier thrust!

2 Gruppen of Ju88s rapier Bomb In Trail on Bristol Aero Engine factory. Low Level:



Some bomb overshoot onto Filton Airfield. OK.



Of course.. I made this Bristol Aero Engine factory from historical German documents, old photos, and help from a local Filton Boy that knows this place,
so I know what direction I have to attack it from.
Still.. in game.. it took me two different Raids until I lined it up good & righteously.

Two Gruppen of Ju88s at low level 2000 feet. Bomb In Trail.
Well escorted by fighter escort. I don't try to take too many gambling chances, and try to take care of my men.