For those who don't want to read this, look for the bold type at the bottom. If that interests you, read on!
Some tips for anyone one who enjoys bombing from high altitude, and some random observations.
This takes patience. So if you like taking off and having it all over and done with in 10 mins, quit reading now.
Minuses to this method: consumes an hour or two.
Pluses: you can hit many targets on an enemy's front line, its a blast, "immersion" in the experienced is enhanced, you usually wind up surviving and landing kills. (N.B.: It is good to note where the enemy's 163's base is though as to avoid it if possible.)
Operative Principle: Airspeed is your friend.
0) Graphics: slide everything to the left. Max out the sliders and detail unless your computer won't let you. You'll see your targets MUCH easier.
0a) Clock: Place a clock with a second hand on your desk that you can see easily.
0c) Plan your take off from your tallest base.
1) Plan your route. Allow 2 sectors after leveling off (20K to 30K) to get to full airspeed.
1a) Plan the bases you'll hit and a point of exit. Bases will set up that a semi-circular route will allow you hit base after base on a front line, and get you headed for home in nice order.
2) Get the gas right. If you just want to give this a couple tests and don't mind going bingo fuel, grab 75% in a 17, 50% in a 24, and 25% in a Lancaster.
3) Get the payload right: 500 lbers salvo 2 is sweet for strat targets, the 14 1,000 lbers in a lanc can't be beat, and 1,000 lbers in 17's and 24's.
4) Don't forget the Ki and Ju. Can be lots of fun especially the Ki when you're cruising at 330+ TAS. Try 50% gas and make adjustments from there. Consult plane altitude speed charts. Put her at an alt where she flies the fastest.
5) Get the salvo right. Salvo 1 can work, but the bombs spread a bit. Salvo 2 (1 more bomb than is mathematically needed to nail a target for example) helps negate the spread.
6) Let autoclimb do its think. The less you depoly control surfaces (piddle with the stick) the better. Less friction, you get higher faster.
7) Get fast and stay fast. Level out and hit F6 to go into the bombsite. Hit escape to pull up your map. Tuck it in the upper right or lower right of the bombsite adjusting it's size and zoom to your needs. Do all your steering from the bombsite. You won't lose airspeed. If you hit F3 or steer from the pilot's position, all is lost. You've lost speed and it takes a good deal of time and distance to regain it.
8) See with your eyes. Use the 8 key on your KEYPAD, not the top row of numbers on your keyboard, to look forward out of your bombers nose. Use Pageup/Pagedown and the F10 key to save a good head position, so the bombsite dosen't block your view while looking out of the plexiglass.
8a) No you can use your map and your eyes.
8b) If you want to check your 6, use F5 and F8 but don't touch your stick. Hit F6 to go back to the bombsite. Yes there's other ways to do it too. This is just one. You'll figure out the others. The key is not to "pilot" the bomber from any position than the bombsite. And yes, there's other ways to do it, but this method offers a HIGH degree of immersion.
9) Open your doors upon leveling off. Yes, there's other ways. This is simplest.
10) After 2 sectors of level flight heading to your target, calibrate. Use your clock's second hand. 30 seconds is fine. You can get away with less. 30 seconds will work peachy though. You can verify your that your E6b shows no increase in airspeed. You're bombsite will keep that # stored so you can double/triple verify when you're getting really close. 1 mph doesn't matter. 2 mph variance does.
11) Now the fun begins. Make your run, and from the bombsite steer to your next target. In a 17 you'll be flying at about 265 mph, in a 24 about 285, I've fogotten the Lanc's speed, and in a Ki at about 330'ish. You'll have 3 to 5 min (max) to get calibrated for your next target. These minutes fly by! Steering from bombsite doesn't happen quickly. 180 degree turns take a good deal of time. Turns less than 90 degrees are preferred. The bases line up that way generally too. Use zoom to see your targets. Know where stuff is on the airfield. Use your airfield maps. Or, for the VH e.g., look for the big pad on med and large airfields, etc. Learning is part of the fun.
11b) Recalibrate. You've lost some weight. Also, you're losing weight due to gas comsumption.
11c) Keep repeating the method until you're bingo ordinance.
12) Bad Guys: they will expect you to reverse and return. When you don't, they usually will not give chase. If you've taken plenty of gas, you'll be over the enemy front for 1/2 an hour or better hitting target after target. Now, you'll be setting bases flashing along their front. Sooner or later, they will seek to destroy you. They can run you down. They will if they don't go bingo gas and keep at it. But it takes some doing. Something most fighter pilots are not prepared to do. If you have stayed fast, 9 times out of 10, you'll get a low 6 attack. The exception being 163's, and the guy who knows what's up and climbs 5k taller than you and levels well prior to seeking you. Very rare. It does happen.
Have Fun!
In one sentence, steer from the bombsite. You won't lose airspeed on the turns. You'll gain airspeed due to reduced weight since you've lost bombs and gas. You're flying with a map and a bombsite and looking out your bomber's nose. VERY realistic as far as out game goes.
A word about Lancasters. Takes a long time to get to 25 or 30K. She wants to poop out at about 20 to 22K. She will climb higher if you don't piddle with the stick. Yes, there are tricks about this one, but I'm keeping it simple. But, with the right gas, and 14 1,000 lb bombs you can stay aloft over the front line for 1/2 hour to 45 mins. This is fun and cool, because you can participate in any offensives, "Need the VH down," etc sort of stuff.
