"Circular Error Probability" of WWII bombs?

bronk7 · Dec 16, 2014

Carronade said:

In the 1942 battles, US carriers operated individually, each surrounded by a ring of up to ten escorts. Two-carrier groups like TF16 at Midway comprised two of these formations operating a few miles apart, out of each other's way (and gun range) but close enough to observe each other's operations and communicate by visual signal or TBS radio. Each carrier - presumably the enemy's main target - was free to maneuver, and the rest of its formation conformed to its movements - or stayed out of the way As I understand it, the carrier would still usually hold a steady course as long as possible to get the maximum effect of AA fire, where the Japanese would start weaving and circling as American aircraft approached.

By 1943 we had enough carriers that they had to operate in task groups of 3-5, several of which would form a task force. This made it more dangerous for the carriers to maneuver, especially if more than one appeared to be under attack. Also by then our AA gunnery was more powerful and efficient, plus fewer of the enemy were getting through our CAP to be engaged by guns. So holding course became the primary tactic .
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yes, TF 58 must've been a sight to see!! 3 or 4 carriers per GROUP!! I remember well, [ almost 40 years ago ! ] reading S E Morison's books and the TF 58 diagrams...so, we have the CAP, AA, and efficiency of the Japanese pilots to consider....much thanks...this is all for another topic.. sorry I got off topic

bronk7 · Dec 16, 2014

Carronade said:

In the 1942 battles, US carriers operated individually, each surrounded by a ring of up to ten escorts. Two-carrier groups like TF16 at Midway comprised two of these formations operating a few miles apart, out of each other's way (and gun range) but close enough to observe each other's operations and communicate by visual signal or TBS radio. Each carrier - presumably the enemy's main target - was free to maneuver, and the rest of its formation conformed to its movements - or stayed out of the way As I understand it, the carrier would still usually hold a steady course as long as possible to get the maximum effect of AA fire, where the Japanese would start weaving and circling as American aircraft approached.

By 1943 we had enough carriers that they had to operate in task groups of 3-5, several of which would form a task force. This made it more dangerous for the carriers to maneuver, especially if more than one appeared to be under attack. Also by then our AA gunnery was more powerful and efficient, plus fewer of the enemy were getting through our CAP to be engaged by guns. So holding course became the primary tact
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that sounds logical..

Carronade · Dec 16, 2014

lwd said:

I haven't seen any official word on it but my impression is that they also tried to make sure at least one of those escorts was an Atlanta class CL.

Verry good summary Carronade, more informative and better worded than mine.
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Thanks!

I've seen the same thing about the Atlantas, for example there was one in each carrier TG at Philippine Sea. They're sometimes referred to as screen flagships, though without any reference to a flag officer or DesRon commander, maybe someone has some more info on that.

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"Circular Error Probability" of WWII bombs?

bronk7 Well-Known Member

bronk7 Well-Known Member

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