Perhaps, the single-most underrated aircraft in Aces High is the A-20G Havoc.
Not only is it a terrific attack aircraft, it is a sterling dogfighter as well. As I have documented elsewhere on the BBS, no fighter can match the dive acceleration and zoom climb of the A-20G. Combine that with a huge wing and a rediculous high speed roll rate, it can beat the living snot out of most of the plane set in medium to low speed dogfight.
It is also one of the deadliest snap-shooters in the plane set. Six fifty caliber guns grouped in the nose are utterly devastating having no convergence issues.
A couple of days ago, a huge furball developed over a Rook field when a Knit carrier set up shop off of the coast. When I arrived in the tower, about 40 aircraft were dueling from the CV itself to right over the airfield. Added to the mess was a constant stream of land based fighters from a nearby Knit airfield. Naturally, somebody sank the CV ending the fun. But, while it lasted it was great fun.
I spawned an A-20G with 25% gas. Dumped the bombs on the runway and joined the mob.
I have included a montage of screen shots from that furball. Take note of the airspeed and climb/descent meter. The secret of the A-20G is keeping it in its happy zone, between 200 and 300 mph. Only once does my airspeed bleed below 200 mph (just barely), and that was after out-zooming a faster C.205, forcing him roll out of the climb. Like I said, no fighter can escape the A-20G by going vertical. Even though most have a better sustained climb rate, combat is about zoom climb and nothing zoom climbs like the A-20G, not even the P-47, F4U or P-38. Especially not the vaunted top climber, the 109G-10. In a Co-E zoom from 1k behind, the A-20 hauls it in so quickly you have to pull off power to avoid an overshoot.
Even badly damaged, the Havoc is not an easy foe.
Yesterday, I was cruising at 6k near A43 on the Baltic map, busy helping a newbie sort out some problems via private channel. Suddenly, My A-20 starts taking hits, and I grab the joystick, and yank the big Havoc out of the line of fire. Too late to avoid damage from a 190. Kicking rudder does nothing..it must be gone.
Checking the damage I find I'm missing an elevator, the rudder, an aileron and a flap. To top it off, my #2 engine (right side) has been hit in the oil system. I spiral down to about 1,000 feet above the water, giving my attackers (two 190s and a Niki) the worst possible shot while gathering my thoughts on how to deal with these guys. There's another Rook nearby, and the Niki seems more interested in him, but both 190s are intent on finishing the A-20. Well, I'm gonna make them work for it despite missing more than half of my control surfaces and an engine about to quit.
One after the other, the 190s dive in from my high six, each time I avoid them trying to preserve my speed while they degrade their own. Without the right side aileron, roll rate is really slow, and my method of using rudder to initiate a roll is negated by not having a rudder. Nonetheless, even missing an elevator, the A-20 can maneuver with the Dora, who I force into an overshoot. He turns hard left and I commit for a 90 degree deflection shot. I don't miss and the Dora explodes just 50 yards off my nose. Meanwhile, the other 190, a D-9, is boring in for a shot. I avoid his attack and spotting the Niki sneaking in (who apparently killed the other Rook), I pull full back on the elevators.. I need just a hair more angle for a snapshot. Just then the damaged engine quits. Not able to pull enough lead, all I can get is a few hits on the Niki's tailplane. But that was enough to give him religion and he breaks for the deck. I really wanted that Niki...
Single engine now, my speed is falling off rapidly. I have to unload to keep my speed above a stall. Now I'm an easy target for the second 190. My beat-up A-20 takes some hits and quits the game.
Only after did I realize that I fought that whole engagement with four 500 pound bombs in the bomb bay! Stupid me!!
My regards,
Widewing
