Plane Type Analysis

Light FightersLight fighters are the premier fighter. They have the highest speed and agility meaning they will take less damage and deal more damage for their ic cost than any other plane.You should use light fighters to gain air superiority through sheer numbers in smaller air zones in which you can get good coverage in. For light fighters you should prioritize increasing the speed and reliability. This is because they will be your most plentiful type of fighter making attrition more painful.Heavy FightersThe only real advantage the heavy has over the light fighter is its armour and range. The range of a heavy allows it to escort bombers and cover air regions better. Heavies are also the best way to shoot down bombers as the increased HP and damage are able to shine against the low agility bomber. Other than these two roles the light is far more ubiquitous in it role in general use, however the increased range can be decisive in asia where you will constantly lack for large air port within range of your theatre of operations. Hence you should weigh those carefully as Japan.Close Air SupportThese are your equipment killers. Cas are extremely cheap (for a plane) and cost effective at their job. Cas also have a decent agility and speed giving them a fighting chance against most fighters. Use Cas always AND ESPECIALLY when you're fighting against high ic cost divisions (tanks) or when attacking into difficult terrain.Strategic BombersThese should be used sparingly by a Japan player as there are few targets worthy of strategic bombing. The most notable are singapore and the Dakka line in the Bengal region of The British Raj. The primary use of strategic bombers for japan is to destroy forts and infrastructure of regions you wish to attack. All of the other places you would want to attack are either lightly industrialized or places you wish to seize.Tactical BombersJack of all trades but a master of none. The tactical bomber can perform all the abilities of close air support and strategic bomber. It however has less range than a strategic bomber, does less strategic bombing damage, and is less cost effective than a close air support. It's only advantage is an increased range over the close air support making it better in large air zones and sea zones. but by god they are life saver for Japan. They can be used without range maluses to cover the entirely of china, Burma, and the rest of south east Asia without a hitch. They can be used as cas in china initially, and then be used as strategic bombers in order to take the Dakka line and Singapore with ease. Even though they do both roles to a reduced amount the decreased research time and lower production and resource costs are a boon for the multiple roles you require your air force to perform.