"Squadron size" Topic

Just looking for some quick info on unit composition for fighter groups of Japan, Italy, Russia

Anyone have any idea how big fighter groups were for these nations in WW2?

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Of course you know that the answer to this one is going to be there is no easy answer? Below I have given details for the Japanese both Army Air Force and Naval Air Service. I will try to do the same for the Soviets and Italy later.

The Japanese Army operated in Shotai (Flights) of three. Unlike every other Air Force the Japanese, with one official exception, stayed with flights of three throughout the war. Three or four Shotai made up a Chutai (Squadron). The Sentai (Group) was made up of two to four Chutai and a Sentai Hombu (HQ) of two to four aircraft.
Two or more Sentai comprised a Hikōdan (Brigade) which also had a Shireibu Hikōdan (HQ Section) and Recce unit.
Up to Sentai the units were single purpose (Fighter; Bomber; Etc) although the Chutai could be equipped with different models of aircraft. Hikōdan could and often where of a mixed nature with bomber and fighter Sentai

The Japanese Navy, when based on land, operated the same system although the different names were used. Shotai remained the same but a Chutai was called a Hikotai and Kokutai was equivalent to a Group. Carrier Groups were adjusted to suit the ships capacity.

The exception to the three plane Shotai was 343 Kokutai an elite fighter unit known as "Genda's Blade".

Fatman

OK the Italians next. The basic unit was the Sezione three of which made a Squadriglia. At the start of the war fighter Sezione had three aircraft, not until the end of 1942 did they adopt flights of four. Bombers and transports flew in threes, officially recce types did as well but most only had two planes per Sezione. Three fighter or two other Squadriglia made a Gruppo. All aircraft in a Gruppo would have the same model of aircraft. The next level was the Stormo which had two or three Gruppo and a small support and transport flight of three to six aircraft. All aircraft in a Stormo would have the same role although the make and model of aircraft might vary from Gruppo to Gruppo.

All of this refers to The Regia Aeronautica. For operations after September 1943 I believe that the Fascist ANR followed a mix of the above and German organisation and the Allied CBAF adopted a system similar to the British one.

Fatman

Thanks Fatman

No problem, happy to help.

Finally, the Soviets. The base unit is the Zvenno of three aircraft. Fighter units started to change to fours mid 1942. Next step up was the Polk (Regiment) . In Fighter and Attack units four Eskadril made up a Polk, Bomber & Recce units had five Eskadril and Transport units could have between two and five. Polks operated in a specific role, Fighter, Attack/Assault etc. Models of aircraft were supposed to be the same but could, especially in fighter Polks, vary.
Polks were combined into Divisions then Armies but those are probably above the level you are looking at.

Of course I should mention that none of the above, or my previous posts, is gospel and that TO&E often goes to the wall in combat but should be a good basis to work from.

Fatman

Sorry I missed out the fact that there were four Zvennos in each Eskadril (Squadron), although some sources say five in Fighter and attack units.

Fatman