Airpower

I looked in the sticky thread and only saw a topic asking for air groups.

I can't be the only one who has found both Civ II and Civ III's airpower systems less than invigorating.

I would like to see a system where any ranged weapon unit can fight against air units.

I would like to see a system where more than one air unit can defend or attack at a time. Perhaps even a system where distance from the battle determines how much influence your air defenses can have. IE, an unlimeted amount of defense.

Example: 3 Russian bombers headed for Babylon, 4 fighters in range fly up to intercept 3 bombers shot down. 2 fighters destroyed, 1 fighter damaged, 1 fighter unhurt

Russian tank move into tile in range of remaining fighters. Military advisor prompts:

Should we form a tactical strike?

1. immediately! (choose fighters in range)
2. No, Our army will crush them.
3. Our fighters need repairs, (And don't ask again.)

full health fighter is chosen, destroys tank, and returns to base slightly damaged

And the battle scene has to last just a little longer too!

i like this idea it more or less gives u fighter groups (ie air unit armies)

I agree, it would be great-not only because you incorporate the idea of air units only being damaged, instead of destroyed/whole-but also because it would be great if you could use air units for multiple tasks each turn-IF they are free!
I think the best way for turns to work, in this regard is:

1) Everyone has a movement phase.

2) Before a players next movement phase, all combats initiated from the last turn are resolved, by theatre, in the following order:

a) Air vs. Air.
b) Air vs. Ground/Sea
c) Sea vs Sea.
d) Sea vs land
e) Land vs. Land

So, to use your example, after step 2a) you might get the prompt before step 2b begins. The same prompt might appear prior to step 2d) and step 2e).
For example, your naval vessels have just one a stunning victory against an enemy fleet, and now some enemy land units are within range of your surviving vessels. Like you suggested, your military advisor will ask if you want to use any of the remaining naval vessels to strike the ground units in range.
Anyway, just an idea.

Yours,
Aussie_Lurker.