I've been trying to fly the p47d25 this tour, and so far it's been an interesting experience. From about a month's worth of flying it, here's what I'd say would be good tips:
1. Stay fast at ALL times. The p47 is by far the worst turning aircraft at low speeds. The solution is to stay fast (>300 mph if possible)
2. Avoid prolonged fights with fighters in an area with many enemy planes. I find that often when I'm killed it's because I get shot at the top of a zoom. If you are fighting in a multi-enemy environment, try to use hit and climb tactics. Extend for altitude if you get lower than most of the other fighters in the area.
3. You have TONS of ammo in the p47, don't be afraid to use it. The 8 .50s, though lacking the punch of cannons, can actually kill planes quite quickly if you target the right spots. (I find the tail to be extremely vulnerable.) Use short 1/2 second bursts until your shots find the target. Also, don't fire until you are within 500 yds at the farthest. I find that firing farther away burns ammo quickly, and allows the enemy to turn or split-s away before you do leathal damage.
4. Try setting convergences to different ranges. For example have the inner pair at 350. Then try 375, 400, 450 for the rest of the gun pairs. This will make it easier to hit, and keeps at least a pair of guns in convergence for a longer period of time when making a high speed pass on a target. It also makes ground strafing acks easier. (This makes a larger area of bullet impact on the ground.)
5. Know which planes to avoid, and which planes to target in a fight. Here are my recommendations: 109s are easier than most fighters when below you. Their slow roll rate does not allow them to scissor very well either. If they are above you they are trouble though. You can beat them using your superior roll rate and manuverablility in the dive. Avoid climbing fights at all costs. 190s are a very close match for the p47. You can generally outrun them, but they can out accelerate and out climb you until about 20k. Firepower is nearly equal. Roll rate generally favors the 190, but the p47 improves at high speeds. Turning ability is nearly equal. (Possible slight advantage to the p47 with flaps down at very low speed.) The p51 is superior to the p47 in all but firepower and roll rate to lower speeds. They can also run away at will. You can fight them on equal terms if they are out of WEP and you are not. In this case you can climb with them. The spitfire I find is not unlike the 109. Their low roll rate makes it hard for them to scissor well, so you can actually beat them if you stay fast. Do not attempt to turn with them. If they are above you, you have advantages in the dive in both roll and top dive speed. If all else fails you can run away given enough room to accelerate up to speed. N1k is a very dangerous match for the p47. I'd say it's best to avoid them unless they are below you. Hit and climb tactics are all you have against them. For some reason they seem to be able to catch you in a dive as well, so make sure you keep rolling and changing direction if you are forced to dive away. You have a top speed advantage and roll rate advantage versus them. They can easily out gun you with 4 20mm. The typhoon is a tough match for the p47 if flown correctly. It can easily out gun you, out run you low, and conserves E very well. You can outroll it, and out climb it most of the time. Turn is about equal, though I'd say the Typhoon holds E better in the turn. The la5 is very dangerous down low. Above 15k though they aren't much better than the p47 though. Their strong points are acceleration and roll rate. They also can turn and climb VERY well down low (<8k). Their guns are all but worthless in a snapshot, so just keep them from getting a clean shot and you will be OK. The Yak is about the same as the la5. The difference is the yak is very good and very fast at higher altitudes. It's two main weak points are range and firepower. The F4u is a good match for the p47 IMO. It can beat you in the turn though, so be careful. It is also fast down low. The 1c has cannons to be feared with dangerous snapshot potential, so avoid the front end of these beasts like the plague. Other than that they aren't too bad. The zero is an easy kill if you stay fast and never turn with it. Eventually you will catch it and land the 2 pings neccesary to down it.
Hopefully these tips will help you. The p47 is a fun ride if flown correctly. Just keep it fast and high and you will do OK in it.
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bloom25
THUNDERBIRDS
