Sorry for the silly post name. ::grins::

I have been running Squadron Commander Campaign mode (I like the added difficulty/management) and have run across something both interesting and frustrating. I keep losing bombers on the return leg due to loss of engines even when not under attack and/or previously damaged. I do keep close eye on engine management, assuring items like engine oil temps don't exceed max levels, and have been baffled as to why I've been losing them.

Today I think I've figured out the "why".

They're running out of fuel.

I lost 2 bombers today due to running out of fuel. The distance to the target was around 950 miles, and the bomb load was 6,000 pounds. Average flight altitude was 15,000 - 20,000 feet.

I would have lost another bomber except I transferred fuel between tanks to even out the remaining quantity. And the remaining 3 had less than 50 pounds per tank when they finally landed. One was less than 25 pounds per tank.

Now that I've figured out the "why", does anyone have any tips as to "what"? As in, what to do? I have read of ways of balancing prop pitch, manifold pressure and engine rpms to maximize fuel efficiency, but is that actually a necessity? I can't see how I can do deep penetration attacks without running dry on the way home.

Is there a "best altitude" for fuel efficiency? Best bomb weight/distance traveled?

Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

In the game options, what is your game difficulty set to?

Medium; So I get full modeling and full AI, but no damage (I run "High" when doing Bomber Commander Campaign).

There used to be a complex engine management tutorial that claimed you should target 2300rpm on the engines for best fuel efficiency. I'll try to see if I can find and share the tutorial.

I don't recall ever running out of fuel back when I used to play this. I think I usually cruised around 25000 feet so I could take increase or decrease height by a couple thousand feet when taking evasive action.

This isn't a solution to your problem, but it is useful fuel efficiency information that may be of use:

Fuel Mixture Setting

Auto Lean = Best fuel economy
Auto Rich = Worse fuel economy
Emergency Rich = Worst fuel economy (fuel consumption is excessive)

Fuel Boosters

Fuel Boosters should be on for engine start, take-off, landing, flight below 1,000 feet and flight above 10,000 feet. If fuel pressure is above 10 then there is a fuel usage penalty.