Fighter aircraft can be deployed to a valid hex within their Movement range from a friendly air base. After it is deployed, the aircraft will begin flying an orbiting pattern around its effective intercept range (currently 1 hex radius). This should make it more clear to both the attacker and defender the status of the Fighters in the Patrol state.
The Patrol state is continuing, somewhat like the 'Fortify' unit operation. Once an aircraft has been set to Patrol it will do so until it is ordered otherwise or it is destroyed. While Patrolling, the aircraft will continue to intercept and defend against multiple attackers.
At any time during the player's turn, Fighter aircraft can 'Return to Base' (station at a friendly air base) in order to heal. Aircraft stationed at an air base do not intercept attacking aircraft. Aircraft can heal at the end of the game turn when stationed on a City Center, Aerodrome, Airstrip, or Aircraft Carrier only if they have not been involved in combat. Healing is 'fastest' on an Aerodrome district, and less so on Airstrips and Carriers. These values can be increased through promotions and/or Policies.
Patrols
Fighter aircraft can be deployed to a valid hex within their Movement range from a friendly air base. After it is deployed, the aircraft will begin flying an orbiting pattern around its effective intercept range (currently 1 hex radius). This should make it more clear to both the attacker and defender the status of the Fighters in the Patrol state.
The Patrol state is continuing, somewhat like the 'Fortify' unit operation. Once an aircraft has been set to Patrol it will do so until it is ordered otherwise or it is destroyed. While Patrolling, the aircraft will continue to intercept and defend against multiple attackers.
At any time during the player's turn, Fighter aircraft can 'Return to Base' (station at a friendly air base) in order to heal. Aircraft stationed at an air base do not intercept attacking aircraft. Aircraft can heal at the end of the game turn when stationed on a City Center, Aerodrome, Airstrip, or Aircraft Carrier only if they have not been involved in combat. Healing is 'fastest' on an Aerodrome district, and less so on Airstrips and Carriers. These values can be increased through promotions and/or Policies.