Just so everyone knows. Here's how I do it. (For some reason I want to see more people trying it).
On a tailshot, you need to be co-alt co-speed. You really want to settle in. Get the bombers (or fighters) in the bottom of you sight. Use salvo 1 and fire at exactly 1k.
You will need to adjust if target happens to be pulling away from you and fire at 800 or so. This is great when a fast plane tries to extend away from you...they'll not want to turn and lose speed.
Many people know the above.
Now for HO shots. Again salvo 1. You want to count down the distance as they approach. Get the rythm of .5k dropping down....
4k.....3.5.......3.0......2.5 ...... you want to fire an INSTANT before it thumps (rythm) 2k.
Salvo 1 and fire 4 at first (thie spread will acount for differences in speed between plane types; etc).
You need to recognize when the target is "locked on" to the HO. If they don't swerve they're dead.
If they won't "lock on" to the HO.....they seem to be drifting.....etc. You wnat to fire your spread downwards....cuz 9/10 times they're gonna dive at the last second.
And if you miss......give them a facefull of cannon :-)