The aberration of the defenseless transport

This rule is part of the Axis & Allies Global 1940 2E, House Rules Expansion.

The Escort unit is a sea unit, that has multiple tasks. The primary task is to protect Transports as part of a Convoy.

G40 Escorts, Transports & Convoy Protection.pdf

Probably because its based on a time frame. If you have inf with these landings then they have established a landing. Maybe both sides suck at hitting.
I like where attacking art and tanks get no 1st round attacks and attacking ships bombardment hit art and or a motorized unit first. If non then a inf.
Also when there is a landing most Inf won’t be on the beachhead. They’ll be dug in further back.

I like the idea of Transports as units that are A0 D0 M2 C7 units that haul ground units from one shore to another. I also like the idea of groups of transports, that’s 2 or more transports, have a single collective defense roll of 1 on a d6. The transports would be taken as casualties last but so long as there’s 2 or more, they continue to take potshots @ 1 at their tormentors.

And here I thought I was being unique for having thought that up myself, before I read this thread. Parallel Evolution, I guess.

-Midnight_Reaper

@SubmersedElk:

In a “search roll” scenario both players should independently roll to see if they detect the other. It should be possible for both sides to detect the other, not just the winner of a contested roll. One has to assume that both sides are using seaplane recon.

I agree. Also the soze of the airforce should be taken into account. Many BBs (and alot of smaller ships too) in WW2 had a few seaplanes They could fly around trying to find their enemy. Carriers however, would have a Much larger and more efficient unit/force of search planes. While landbased planes where much more limited by fuel and proximity to the coast.

I would rank it like this:
hunit, searchroll
DD: 2
Cr,BB, CV w/o planes, landbased ftr : 3
Landbased tac /Bomber : 4
Carrier with planes : 5

The best unit you have will determine your searchvalue.

As usual knp great minds think alike. I allow 1 capacity for airborne assault and 2 capacity for ncm.

I just skimmed over this topic so I haven’t super analyzed costs. But fwiw, I’m not for limiting special units when I set out my HRs generally I just adjust for cost or abilities.  So let’s say someone wants to attempt a massive airborne assault they’re going to need money.

Thanks to everyone for all the replies. Lots of great ideas. I am implementing the idea of having to take off from AB but do not like the idea of having to land back at one (too restictive). A lot of the ideas discussed IMO are to restrictive. Here’s what my group will use moving forward.
Heavy transport $10, move 6 no attack or defend value (last unit removed - NEW) (must take off from AB-NEW) (limit 3 per major power) (can transport 3 Inf or 3 Special forces)
Special forces (paratroops) $5 Att3 Def1 (limit 5 per major power but can be replaced when destroyed).

Transports move very slowly. They are prey to subs and planes. They don’t escape unless the enemy runs out of bullets.

I think you don’t like them as fodder in combat, but its insane to bring them in combat only to lose them deliberately and keep your warships perfectly undamaged.

This is a big change that i have always welcomed and wanted for years before.

notably American fleet carriers Yorktown and Wasp

and i thought it was the Japanese planes from the Hiryu that did her in.

The only capital ships that went down solely by subs were Wasp and Shinano.

If Japan sunk the Yorktown by subs ( i am quite sure she didn’t), that’s after the battle, while it was sitting and listing.

IN any case by AA standards subs dont interact with warships in WW2. It does not meet the threshold in terms of ability and hard numbers.