Overview[]
"Single air carrier" is a level in Naval Craft. It is the first mission in which players come against offensive air units. The enemy detachment consists of a Sōryū-class fleet carrier, escorted by a Mogami-class light cruiser. The player is allowed to sortie two ships.
Requirements[]
Weaponry: At least battlecruiser-grade weapons (28.3cm and larger). Turrets with more guns (especially the 36 and 38 cm quad turrets) are the best choice. AAA batteries are a good investment if you have the funds to spare.
Protection: Medium torpedo protection (side waterline armour) as well as good stability. Light or medium armour on deck and superstructure to help withstand divebombers, as well as the enemy Mogami's shells.
Mobility: At least 30 knot top speed. Closing the distance means you will be able to land shots more often on the carrier.
Tactics and strategy[]
Being the first mission in which aerial combat comes into play, the Single aircraft carrier mission may be intimidating and foreign to newer players. However, with the right actions and tactics, a player with a good enough ship can reliably win this fight.
The main threat to your forces will be the carrier's complement of 5 Nakajima B5N torpedo bombers.
Sōryū's (IG) Air wing:
4 A6M2 Type 0 Navy Fighter "Zeke/Zero"
4 D3A Type 99 Dive Bomber "Val"
5 B5N Type 97 Attack Bomber (Torpedo) "Kate"
Sōryū launches the planes above in order from top to bottom. By focusing fire on the carrier's aft section, you can destroy most of the B5Ns before they can even launch. Once Sōryū's planes have been all destroyed or launched, focus fire on the Mogami. If Sōryū's planes are coming in for landing, focus fire on Sōryū.
Unlike what one might expect, players do not need a heavy anti aircraft suite to win. As long as you can shell Sōryū's planes before they can all take off, it's effectively just a fight against a heavy cruiser (which you should be able to easily win given proper weapons and armour).
Another effective tactic is to acquire weapons that have a greater range the Mogami's and turn so you travel parallel to the two ships, which always begin heading towards the left of the player. Keeping the distance above about 10 km means that the Mogami will be unable to hit you, leaving you free to pound it to pieces with your only worry being the Sōryū's planes.