Idea: Formation flying

[Fariz]

Problem with formation flying in AH is that in the game you can't control your position at the side of your leader by your peripheral vision. It makes formations like a classic finger 4 very hard to maintain, and even if you mannage to create this formation in flight, it is unstable, and takes too much attention to maintain. So in AH, formation flying turns into flying in "trains", where all the wingmans shall have leaders in their direct view.

My suggestions:

1) Add a formation "autopilot". Pilot has a ".leader" command. Pilot chose their leader, then hit "formation autopilot" button, which place him into the correct position at the side of leader, and this position is maintained by the autopilot till autopilot is switched off.

To prevent gamey use of this fuction is shall work only at short distances, for example .5k, and it shall break when leader makes battle moves (splits, breaks, hard turns etc), so it work only in pre-engagement situations, when this formation needed to cover each other 6th etc. In a battle it will not help.

It shall work as all other autopilots in AH. If pilots moves stick, autopilots is switched off. Only difference is that when autopilots is switched off due to leader move, his wingman shall be switched from "formation autopilot" to "level autopilot".

2) Add side screen icons which shows distance to the leader and direction to him (like in Rowans "Battle of Britain"). Also shall work only at close distances.


I think 1st way will be better.


Additionally it may be added a ".formation" command for leader, who can set distance between planes in formation, and (may be) even a type of formation himself (where to place his wingman, left or right).

It may be some way also to set formation not only for pair, but for a wing also. Apart from the apparent game advantages of such thing, it also will add to the visual and immersion side of a game. Imagine seing finger 4 fighter formation at the escort over the formation of bombers.

I understand, that for many AH players this feature is not needed, but people who flew scenarios will understand the need for such thing. Specially considering that AH2: TOD will be around some day.

Just ideas. Will apreciate your comments.

[MadBirdCZ]

Very nice idea! Supporting it fully...

[Batz]

I don't like 2 because I hate a cluttered screen.

1 sounds good and I think FA may have something similar. I also agree it should work as long as the unit flies a straight course (with the exception of climb).  Any course changes need to be handled by the pilots.

I agree that it should be short but below 1k. (800yrds is a good distance.)

Multiple formation sets may be too difficult because most would require someone be "in the lead". To simplify thing a simple line abreast formation would work best because the planes form on each other rather then on the "leader". Line abreast works best in online games do to lack of peripheral vision anyway. Or if multiple formation sets are desired then by highlighting the leaders icon (like padlock) would allow folks to lock on the leader then the leader could set formations.

Before the realism freaks jump in the one of the reasons for flying in formation is so the unit can better cover each other visually. Right now flying formation requires more concentration to stay together and allows for less time scanning the skies.

Good suggestion Fariz.

[DYGCaps]

Great idea Fariz, it'd be awesome to be able to fly close formation, as it is now, when you try to fly formation your too busy maintaining your position to even think about enemy airplanes...

[WldThing]

Stupid idea Fariz.  You suck.













lol j/k ,  Bloody brilliant idea!  Id love for HT to implement this.

[1Duke1]

Half the fun of flying for me is flying in formation.  Wouldn't want an autopilot doing it for me.

[DJ111]

Great idea Fariz

As long as Hawker gets to be in front, no more accidents

[loser]

Originally posted by 1Duke1
Half the fun of flying for me is flying in formation.  Wouldn't want an autopilot doing it for me.

I agree Duke.

It takes skill to stay in a formation that provides cover for a group of bombers. And why shouldnt it?

I have little trouble staying in my position in a bomber formation. As long as the lead buff form pilot doesnt have his throttle firewalled and calls out his intentions as to altitude and heading changes in advance, it is quite easy.

The purpose of having a qualified and competent lead buff pilot is to coordinate the whole group and keep them together, not have some AI feature do it for him.

I understand the motive for your idea Fariz; to make what you consider non-important aspects of buffing easier. I just dont agree with there being a need to make it easier.

[Fariz]

Originally posted by 1Duke1
Half the fun of flying for me is flying in formation.  Wouldn't want an autopilot doing it for me.

So do not use it. Autopilot is not something you must use, it is always your choice if to use it or not.

[Fariz]

Originally posted by loser
I agree Duke.

It takes skill to stay in a formation that provides cover for a group of bombers. And why shouldnt it?

Loser, I speak about fighters actually. With buffs you can use the external views, and this mostly solve the problem, but in fighters staying in a "historic" formation is more a burden, than a help due to limitations of computer view systems. Right now trying to fly in finger 4 you usually end using all your attention for just staying together, instead of using it to find the inbound bogies.

[Fariz]

Originally posted by DJ111
Great idea Fariz

As long as Hawker gets to be in front, no more accidents

Actually will be harder to shot down Trikky if such autopilot is developed, but he has the magic ability to jump in front of his friends guns, so I think we will not lose the pleasure of seeing him going down

[Fariz]

Originally posted by WldThing
Stupid idea Fariz.  You suck.

lol j/k ,  Bloody brilliant idea!  Id love for HT to implement this.

Wld, wanted a serious talk with you. I heard that you are spreading lies that you won a duel with mel? You know that I canceled my AH account, and using it, but this lie is outrageous and will not be tolerated!

Please stop doing it. I am member of a Green Peace now, and the whole bunch of crazy folks are ready to protect me!

[Cooley]

easy to fly formation here, just most not patient enough

please No   .formation commands

[Dead Man Flying]

Originally posted by Fariz
So do not use it. Autopilot is not something you must use, it is always your choice if to use it or not.

The problem with allowing this is that it grants those who use it a major tactical advantage through improved situational awareness.  Typically, automatic functions in the game (combat trim and fuel control) trade performance for ease of use; the game performs these functions automatically but less efficiently.  The engine management ability that Vulcan suggested in the AH2 forums fits this mold pretty well.

What you're proposing trades nothing.  There is no disincentive to using the formation autopilot, and in fact those who use it enjoy both easier functionality and better performance due to enhanced situational awareness.

-- Todd/Leviathn

[Fariz]

Originally posted by Cooley
easy to fly formation here, just most not patient enough

please No   .formation commands

Thanks for reply. I will apreciate if you will explain me how having such autopilot can spoil your personal fun. Probably something negative I do not see?