Japan: 28 Aircraft OOB
- 4 Strategic Bombers
- 10 Tactical Bombers
- 14 Fighters
Japan: 21 Aircraft Alpha 2
- 2 Strategic Bombers
- 8 Tactical Bomber
- 11 Fighters
Difference: -7 Aircraft (-25 Attacking Punch)
- -2 Strategic Bombers
- -2 Tactical Bombers
- -3 Fighters
USA: 12 Aircraft OOB
- 4 Strategic Bombers
- 3 Tactical Bombers
- 5 Fighters
USA: 8 Aircraft Alpha 2
- 1 Strategic Bomber
- 1 Tactical Bomber
- 6 Fighters
Difference: -4 Aircraft (-17 Attacking Punch)
- -3 Strategic Bombers
- -2 Tactical BOmbers
- +1 Fighter
It’s a relatively HUGE swing in the balance of power in the Pacific. Just going with the OOB set up and the Alpha 2 rules may, actually, make Japan too strong, or it may balance things out. What it won’t do is make the allies stronger.
Also, it does not give the Allies any more aircraft, it removes Allied aircraft. It does give Japan significantly more aircraft, particularly in long range bombers which is probably a very needed boost in power.
Note: I counted ALL America planes regardless of which board they were on, since it is relatively easy to move them to either board you want early.