Idea: Formation flying

[Batz]

Even though the issue is dead I will offer 1 more repy:

Yes we disagree.

Here's why

Let's say 5 guys launch from a field and turn to a heading. The group leader says "heading 270 climb @ 175 mph mp XX" The group turns to the heading and goes into auto climb and types .speed 175 and adjusts throttle.

From here on out mp / rpm adjustments are minimal. The only real "distraction" is the spacing adjustments. Not everyone in the group will be distracted by these adjustments at the same time so the SA of the group remains constant.

The only real benefit is for the individuals in reducing their workload by eliminating the spacing adjustments through out the cruise period.

Auto-formation won't perform turns and maneuvers just keep you at dXXX on your FE from the player you are linked to as long as he remains straight.

Pre-positioning isn't much of a factor if you are seen, which is usually the case. As soon as dots are visible most folks start to counter and prepare. Ultimately it comes down to the fighting skills of the group and individuals not "formation flying skillz".

The only real "tactical" benefit worth mentioning that I can see is in defensive maneuvering. From good spacing and positioning there are a host of counters to an attack. For the players who prefer to start from the defensive this advantage would be exploited. But these maneuvers require some practice and that the pilots fly together enough to know what to expect from the other. It still comes down to people.

When I say "workload" I am not saying that adjusting position is the equivalent to carrying a 300lb boulder up a hill. I mean the same type of workload that things like auto-climb/level/speed and things like simplified engine management eliminate now.

[Cobra412]

I think it'd be nice to have formations but I don't think I'd like to see it implemented in the way of a key stroke.  Also to get the right formation spreads then you'd have to be looking at each aircrafts capabilities.

I'd honestly prefer that folks have to learn what a good spread should be and not have someone else just do it for them.  I think this should be left for the squadrons that really wanna use tactics in here.  With tactics comes a major advantage and for some the hours of study and training are all for not because we wanna make things simple.

I'm devoting alot of time here to learn and try to teach such things as formations and there uses.  If anything have a website link devoted to such things so others may have a place to learn such techniques.  Granted with simply implementing formation hold routines it wouldn't affect the overall scheme that much due to the fact they still have to use proper tactics afterwards.  It just seems the easy way out is all.

[empty]

I think there is a misunderstanding of the use of formations.

Militarily, the formation is intended to get a group of folks from one point to another in an orderly manner.

In the real world of aircraft combat, you have to worry about collisions with your wing elements in addition to watching for the enemy.

That is the reason for different types of formations.

Since there are no friendly collisions, half the problem is eliminated.  We just need to get the herd to the same spot at the same time.

Spreading out a bit helps provide good visual coverage.  Since a group of people watching should be better than one, as this helps eliminate the blind spots of the individual; keeping an eye on your leader and wingmen shouldn't be much of an issue.

Autopilot functions already help maintain formations, throttle and rudder trim simplify it greatly.  My biggest problem when flying on someones wing, the leader doesn't understand that I can't maintain any position with him cruising at 100% throttle.  Something I remind my guys in the squad of often.  Flying formation and not looking silly still requires practice, as I rediscovered after a long break with the squad not practicing this.  The term "goat-rope" comes to mind.

The addition of this feature would be interesting, but I personally doubt it would be used often or make a significant difference in game play.

IMHO,

[Virage]

Formation flying takes skill and all of your attention.

It is fun learning how to do it online.

use padlock if u want.

Biggest problem with lack of formation flying in MA ...  flight leaders that take off first and go full throttle.  Leaders should throttle back a hair.

I would hate to see formation flying become another key press.

Communication and auto pilot usage can do what you ask .