Is the strategic support feature of U-Boat Missions historically accurate or just something you invented?
The actual concept of a submarine commander giving direct orders to aircraft or surface warships is admittedly a little stretched from reality, but not by much.
In a grand scale war there's always information flowing to and from submarines, and commanders often reposition their battle groups or divert resources based on feedback from the units in the field.
Submarines benefit greatly from sighting reports from scout planes (one needs only to read the memoirs of Grand Admiral Doenitz to see how many times he requested scout planes for support) and it makes perfect sense for a form of collaboration similar to what we've modeled here to take shape.
Are the strategic support elements available only for the new German campaign?
As of now the strategic support features are available only for the new German campaign in U-Boat Missions. However, there is nothing stopping enterprising modders from adding it to the U.S. campaign.
What are the tactical steps for a successful mission utilizing the new strategic support features?
The same steps one takes in hunting as a lone submarine apply here. Find the target, position for attack and then deliver a crushing blow. With scout planes, finding a target is obviously easier since their speed and detection range is much greater than yours.
Positioning your cruiser groups is an exercise in the art of interception. The final part, the actual battle, is simply a matter of bringing enough resources to overcome the enemy. Don't take chances and you won't be surprised by the results.
