Changing Aircraft-icon on map?

[frank3]

Is it possible to change/alter the little aircraft-icon which shows your location on the clipboard map?

If so, how and where?

Thanks!

[stran]

i was just thinking that too.

i would use a dot instead so i would stop looking at the rotating icon and use my compass. it's like a crutch, i fly around with my clipboard open a lot.

[PFactorDave]

I would photoshop a big arrow...  Sometimes when I take off and there are a lot of friendlies in the area chattering, it is tough to tell my basic direction of flight by looking at the map...

[frank3]

Actually I'd like to model a long line in front of the little aircraft, so I could line-up better while on a bomb-run

[uptown]

Just keep in mind that the fields are not always laid out like the maps shows.

[frank3]

Really? I've been doing some extensive offline practise in what I believe is the NDIsles map. So far all cities, strats and airfields are exactly where I line-up on the map.
Not sure about the other maps though.

[SKJohn]

I think that Uptown is refering to the fact that the runways do not always run in the directions indicated by the icons on the map.  As far as basic location and lining up for bombing runs. etc., the location is correct, but the actual physical layout differs from the icon.

[Lab Rat 3947]

Howabout interchangeable icons?
I would use a P-38 icon, since that is the plane I prefer.

[uptown]

I think that Uptown is refering to the fact that the runways do not always run in the directions indicated by the icons on the map.  As far as basic location and lining up for bombing runs. etc., the location is correct, but the actual physical layout differs from the icon.

yes that's what I meant. Some maps the runways are like they show on the map, but other maps are not like that.

[DamnedRen]

You know you can zoom the map, right?

Zoom in = insert key
Zoom out = delete key

Ren

[frank3]

You know you can zoom the map, right?

Zoom in = insert key
Zoom out = delete key

Ren

Yep, but this doesn't guarantee a perfect line-up on your 'target', especially when you're far away.
Currently, I use a piece of paper to line-up my aircraft icon on the target. Abit laborous, but works perfectly.
Still, it would be better to have some sort of navigational aid on the map

[Ghosth]

Combination of clipboard maps, a bit of trial and error, and a little experience.

You don't "need" a way to change the map works. You need to change the way you work.

First off pull up a clipboard map, have a straightedge handy, now look at your target, and think about which possible lines will give you the best results.  A bit of trial and error offline for each base type will quickly put the finishing touches on your map work. Also figure out which line is best if you turn and hit it again. Note compass headings, landmarks.

Then its just a matter of implementing it.

Line up your attack, use your compass, its more accurate than the map. When the target is in long visual range jump either to external view or the front gun. Line up your bombers so they will overfly the target correctly. If you did the prep work right, this will give you a near perfect run. Once aligned, calibrate, zoom and drop.

If your smart, you'll take notes. Its not hard to be a very good bomber pilot, just takes a little attention to detail.

[OOZ662]

As a note (most useful in precise naval bombardment), the field icon is centered at the field's tower while the yellow dot is centered on the map room. Always. No matter what.

As for the map icon, it seems to be buried in one of their proprietary .res files.

[Belial]

Practice by bombing cv's from 12k without flying level for a whole sector, it's kinda tough if they turning it well.

[frank3]

Combination of clipboard maps, a bit of trial and error, and a little experience.

You don't "need" a way to change the map works. You need to change the way you work.

First off pull up a clipboard map, have a straightedge handy, now look at your target, and think about which possible lines will give you the best results.  A bit of trial and error offline for each base type will quickly put the finishing touches on your map work. Also figure out which line is best if you turn and hit it again. Note compass headings, landmarks.

Then its just a matter of implementing it.

Line up your attack, use your compass, its more accurate than the map. When the target is in long visual range jump either to external view or the front gun. Line up your bombers so they will overfly the target correctly. If you did the prep work right, this will give you a near perfect run. Once aligned, calibrate, zoom and drop.

If your smart, you'll take notes. Its not hard to be a very good bomber pilot, just takes a little attention to detail.

That's good advise, thanks!
But it would make life so much easier with abit of in-game navigation-tools