This page will be devoted to exploring the option of torpedo-bombing in the AirWarrior 3 arenas. The use of torpedo-bombing in AirWarrior is rarely (if ever) practiced. Perhaps it's due to it's relative recent application to the game. Maybe it's considered ineffective when compared to either the level or dive-bombing alternatives. Never-the-less I shall explore torpedo-bombing as a viable option.
The only official AirWarrior reference I've manged to find so far comes from page 92 of the AirWarrior 3 manual (supplied with the boxed AW3 set) : "The TBF Avenger, B-25 Mitchell ,Betty and Kate can carry a single torpedo. Any place where you can set the bomb load there will be a check box for torpedo. Delivery- just like a bomb- Escape-a to arm , b to drop. The torpedo must be gently placed into the water. For best results you must be low and slow. You must also be level, no dive or toss bombing. Altitude- Best results below 200'. From 200' to 400' there is an increasing chance of failure. Above 400' it will always fail. It will also fail if you have ditched. Speed- Best results below 150 kts. From 150 kts to 300 kts there is an increasing chance of failure. Above 300 kts it will always fail. Range- The torpedo will run up to 2000 yards at a speed of roughly 10 kts (???). It must run at least 350 yards to be properly armed. It will not explode if dropped directly on the target."
Points to remember:
1) Flak is accurate and deadly and will begin to fire shortly before you reach the range to drop. If it is at all possible to send in a dive bomber to take out the flak prior to your run, do so - if not, perform as erratic a set of evasives as you can without augering your craft after dropping torp (remember to wait for the "whistle" after drop before going evasive).
2) Range and heading to target can be determined by typing " /*f " (this will give you the range and heading to the closest facility, friend or foe, and it's type). This may help you guage as to when to make your drop (remember that you will have to update this data regularly). I generally make my drop at a range of 1700 yds to make sure that I've got range to hit the flattop.
3) Aim at the superstructure of the carrier. Hits must end up at that location to have an effect (it takes FOUR torps to take out a carrier at the time of this writing.
4) If it becomes apparent that the enemy is going to have significant air cover at the target, hold off or abort until fighter escort becomes available ( you would be wasting your time more often than not - even with gunners - and there's no sense in simply giving the enemy side some easy kills).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ArloG~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~