24.03.2008, 09:18
The Japanese forces will be getting about a 40% reduction in flight time by starting at Buka vs Rabaul 
One possibility for an IJN campaign early would be airstarts, with normal landings at Bougainville. That would at least force some care with leaks, etc, to be able to RTB.
I agree with T, though, the most likely time frame to be used is likely the 1943 period since it offeres the shortest commute, and there can be offensive/defensive action for both sides. The early period will be what it was. Offensive action vs Guadalcanal by the IJN from far away, with almost no defensive missions except CAP over shipping in the Slot (there might be some CAP missions vs small formations of B-17s staging out of Guadalcanal). Allied offensive (air) operations will consist of CAS vs japanese positions on Guadalcanal, and attacks vs shipping up the Slot. USAAF bombers were flying farther afield on bombing missions, but mostly without escort because we simply had no planes capable of escorting them.
One possibility for an IJN campaign early would be airstarts, with normal landings at Bougainville. That would at least force some care with leaks, etc, to be able to RTB.
I agree with T, though, the most likely time frame to be used is likely the 1943 period since it offeres the shortest commute, and there can be offensive/defensive action for both sides. The early period will be what it was. Offensive action vs Guadalcanal by the IJN from far away, with almost no defensive missions except CAP over shipping in the Slot (there might be some CAP missions vs small formations of B-17s staging out of Guadalcanal). Allied offensive (air) operations will consist of CAS vs japanese positions on Guadalcanal, and attacks vs shipping up the Slot. USAAF bombers were flying farther afield on bombing missions, but mostly without escort because we simply had no planes capable of escorting them.