rofl you post a film of you running then turning back when guy breaks off
We don't get to see what Steve might have done if the Corsair didn't break off so early (1.5k is an extension... not a run), and we do see Steve take on the Corsair in a fairly aggressive knife fight (something the Corsair really has the advantage in, IMO) before killing him.
That Corsair could have taken steps that might have let it win (or at least survive longer) at several points, and didn't:
Start of the Engagement:He had all the things he needed to win. Position, alt, closure, and an ability better than any other plane in the game to reduce that rate of closure to something manageable.
Corsair completely failed to utilize any of these advantages.
Middle of Engagement:Fight goes into rolling scissors. Steve starts out well in this, but it starts to go the Corsair's way... Steve is not stupid, and actually does a great job of timing his break out... Steve extends for the reset... Corsair, apparently not having noticed that this pony is there to fight, decides to bug off quickly. Steve reverses (please note, entire extension was less than what you're even allowed in KoTH...)
First true "Fair" MergeCorsair goes for HO, so obviously sees exactly what Steve's doing (avoiding HO and going UP!), and then for some reason Corsair decides best bet is to make pretty much a flat turn reversal. Hey, if you've already given up position with the HO, might as well give up your E too, right?
In fairness, the Corsair doesn't follow rope... Which could have really gone either way... That thing can zoom and with those cannons, well, might not have been great for Steve, but that's all conjecture now)...
Anyway, right now would have been a good time for the Corsair to extend a little as well. Instead he turned right into where Steve wanted him.
End GameSteve, with position, dives down on Corsair. Corsair has less E, but enough to apply a simple barrel roll guns defense and possibly acquire a snapshot, which, since the Hog's a -C, he has an excellent chance to kill Steve with. Steve also has enough excess energy that should this tactic be used against him, he'll have to do one of a number of things (simplified - go up, or overshoot), none of which are going to keep him on the Corsair's tail (at least for now).
However, Corsair neglects to do this, instead opting to try and jink and pray until, hopefully, Steve just flies by him.
Jink & Pray effectively gives Steve a very long firing solution comparative to what a barrel roll guns defense (or even just a break turn for that matter) would have, and Steve wins.
Steve got the most out of his plane, the Corsair guy didn't.
Once again, thanks for sharing, Steve.
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Guys arguing this or complaining about it... Dunno if the Corsair's a squaddie/friend/whatever... But take this opportunity to learn a thing or two. No one's going to remember next week, anyway.