readied combat air units may be dispatched against any target in range, even if no information beyond "ships are present" is known. at the start of a battle, the opponent's true force is revealed; however, the attacker may not elect to bring reinforcements or flee with his current force. game mechanics encourage historic tactics such as fighter cover and multiple-direction assaults. units may sustain six levels of damage before destruction; however, damage can occur at rates beyond one level of damage per attack.