the way i understand it is as follows:
1. you send a contact report
2. BdU replies with their usual garbage
3. SH3 takes into consideration the following
a. are you near a friendly base?
b. if the answer is no... no air support is dispatched
c. if the answer is yes... SH3 then takes the following considerations
1a: Sh3 considers what aircraft are based at the airfield
1b. Sh3 then calculates (so to speak) the combat radius of the aircraft based at the fields.
1c. if the combat radius is within range of the contact reporter (you) then Sh3 decides randomly whether or not to dispatch aircraft to assist based on a percentage chance.
basically...
you must not only be near a friendly air field, but the air field must be comprised of aircraft with a combat range that will allow them to reach you and return to base... also the weather must be better than a certain factor.
however, meeting these requirements does not guarantee an encounter with the luftwaffe.
IMHO the best chances of meeting the luftwaffe come during the norway campaign, in the north sea. also in the med in most places near italy
hope this helps
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