Optimum CAG?

[molesworth]

Just wondering what kind of mix people like to deploy on their aircraft carriers. As a newcomer to Civ III I have only used CVs in the Pacific War scenario in C3C. In this scenario CVs can only carry 3 units. I have not researched far enough in other games to know if this is usually the case or not (I know I should check the Civilopedia!). Suffice to say 3 units is a bit of a dissappointment after the 8 allowed in Civ II. That being the case I wonder what people's views are on the optimum Carrier Air Group (CAG) in C3C. Personally I like 2 fighters and 1 bomber. 1 fighter for recon, 1 for air superiority, and the bomber to do the damage. Obviously CVs are more effective when 2 or more with this mix are deployed together as they can "cover each others backs" and increase their mutual survivability.

I guess one answer to my query could be to tailor CAGs to specific mission requirements. Anyway would be interested to read ideas on Carrier warfare. Thanks.

 

[psweetman1590]

In normal Civ, carriers can carry four. Many like 1:1 ratios, but I don't.

Typically, If I'm building a fleet, it's gonna be a big one, and that means I use lots of carriers (five at least) Typically I'll have 1 carrier set up entirely for fighters on Superiority, another with four fighters for recon. The rest need nothing but bombers. Stack the carriers with a lot of other ships and the AA values add up and take some of the heat off of the fighters as well.

 

[molesworth]

Yeah, makes sense.

 

[thetrooper]

I go 1:1 but that's probably too many fighters.

 

[sabo]

I usually only build two or three carriers so I go with 3 bombers and 1 fighter for air defence.

 

[WacktheMedic]

In normal Civ, carriers can carry four. Many like 1:1 ratios, but I don't.

Typically, If I'm building a fleet, it's gonna be a big one, and that means I use lots of carriers (five at least) Typically I'll have 1 carrier set up entirely for fighters on Superiority, another with four fighters for recon. The rest need nothing but bombers. Stack the carriers with a lot of other ships and the AA values add up and take some of the heat off of the fighters as well.

I'm with Sweetman on that. I typically assign carrier groups, rather than individual carriers. Each carrier holds a specific type. They are guarded by AA ships, so generally they are bomber heavy, while being fighter light.