That Time When I Was Suddenly Reincarnated in a Fleet Battle

Chapter 41 - Aerial Trap

"There were two formations of 30 to 40 planes, and two more of the same size trailing behind. From their movements, it is highly probable that all of them are fighters. At this time, the enemy is about at the same altitude as the first attack group, and is approaching at a higher altitude."

The D4Y recon plane belonging to the Kaga, which was assigned to the early warning mission, brought in information one after another. However, Lieutenant Commander Itaya, the commander of the first attack group and also the leader of the Akagi fighter squadron, was not particularly surprised by this information. Following the results of last night's battle, Midway base has been neutralized. Consequently, the Midway base air force has been devastated, significantly reducing the number of enemy air forces in this theater of war, if not halving them. In light of this, Itaya had been informed in advance that there was a high possibility the American carrier task force might adopt the tactics of the 1st Air Fleet during the Battle of Midway that occurred in June.

Full-scale defense by all carrier aircraft.

According to the information that Itaya had gathered, the Yorktown-class carriers, which constitute the majority of the American carriers, are equipped with 36 fighters, 36 dive bombers, and a dozen or so torpedo bombers each. If that is the case, the formation of 30 to 40 planes in four groups implied that the enemy carrier task force has deployed all available fighters at full strength. The American carrier task force consists of two groups, each centered around two carriers, making a total of four carriers. The enemy formation has two groups in the front and two groups in the rear, likely for such reasons.

"First, we will attack the two enemy groups in the front. Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Sōryū, and Hiryū squadrons, target the left formation. Akagi, Kaga, Ryūjō, and Zuihō squadrons, aim for the right formation. After delivering a blow to the enemy from above, immediately head towards the enemy's rear formation. Do not pursue too far; our main target is the enemy's rear formation. We will now climb. All aircraft, proceed!"

Shouting out orders, Itaya raised his plane while glancing briefly at the rear. Behind him were not only the Akagi fighter squadron under his direct command but also 35 planes from the Kaga, Zuihō, and Ryūjō squadrons. Meanwhile, the Shōkaku, Zuikaku, Sōryū, and Hiryū squadrons, slightly tilted their noses to the left, also began their climb.

Yesterday afternoon, the Third Fleet deployed more than 20 D4Ys and B5Ns to search for the American carrier task force, successfully locating it. After sunset, the 8th Cruiser Division's Tone and Chikuma launched multiple seaplanes to maintain contact with the task force. Before sunrise, a first attack group, consisting of 72 Zero fighters and two D4Ys for forward vigilance and guidance, was dispatched. Itaya, the commander of the first attack group, spotted specks rising in the front airspace. Since the altitude was not significantly different from theirs, the enemy was likely also ascending.

"However!"

Itaya pushed the throttle, urging his radial engine and lifting the nose. Despite lower horsepower, the Zero's climbing performance surpassed that of the F4F due to its lighter fuselage. Well, he had forgotten to equip various essential items for that reason.

Itaya and his wingmen's 35 Zeros, having secured an advantageous altitude before engaging, opened fire on the group of roughly the same number of F4Fs, covering them like a blanket. Realizing the disadvantage, the F4Fs, drawing from previous combat experience, immediately dove to escape. The descent capability of the light and fragile Zero couldn't match that of the F4F. From the F4F perspective, this was the quickest way to escape the clutches of the Zero's magic hands.

However, this was a trap set by Itaya. In this era, even nimble fighters, once they lose altitude, require a considerable amount of time to regain it. Not a single Zero pursued the descending F4Fs. Each Zero, having converted the speed energy gained from the descent into climbing energy, executed maneuvers and closed in on another enemy formation coming from behind. Having grasped the intention of the Zero squadron, the initially confronted F4F group panicked and reversed, trying to gain altitude. However, considering the altitude difference, catching up with the Zero in a short time was challenging. With a proper reaction time secured, the 36 Zeros attacked the incoming F4F group. With nearly equal numbers, there was no need to worry about falling behind.