Wish 1:
I wish for all planes not currently modeled at the 2048 Standard to be updated to the 2048 Standard before a next tier model (higher than 2048) is added.
Wish 2:
I wish for an AI Gunner option in the Hanger that would allow you to take an AI Gunner(s) up with you. This option would only be available on the follow planes with a few probables:
Available:
Both 110's
Ju-87
SBD
B5N
D3A
TBM
Il-2
A-20
Probables:
B-25C Strafer/Glass Nose (No Formations)
Boston Mk III (No Formations)
Ju-88 (No Formations)
B-25H
Lancaster (No Formations)
Maybe some of you guys don't get the problem while gunning for others, but I would guess that more than a few do. The problem being is that ANY slight maneuver the pilot pulls, causes a big jump on your screen while gunning for them. Then there is the issue of actually GETTING a someone to gun for you in the first place (which may be tied into the problem I mentioned above).
It would be a check box option in the hanger, similar to formations, in which you would be allowed to crew your plane with an AI Gunner(s). The AI Gunner(s) will fire on any plane that comes within its Field of Fire, and is the closest. Using the TBM as example: 3 planes are coming in, one high 6 and two low 6. Both gunners would be firing on each plane. The two lower planes are a Spit 400 out and 51 500 out. The Ventral gunner will fire on the Spit. If the Spit slowed down to 500 out and the 51 sped up to 400 out, the Ventral gunner will switch to the 51. The AI Gunner(s) will not switch instantly between two planes (as we see with the Auto Acks on the fields), meaning it will be restricted by traversal speed of the gun. Using the B-25C as example: 2 planes are starting their attack, the 1st one comes in from 3 high. Your gunner will start firing at this one first. He, for whatever reason breaks off and slowly extends away then plane 2 makes it's attack from 9 high now. As soon as he becomes the closest, your gunner switches targets to the 9 high plane. This would not be instant as it will take it a second or two to bring the turret to bear. The AI Gunner(s) will stop firing on a con if a friendly plane crosses in front or in line of fire behind the con it's shooting at. The AI Gunner(s) will not fire on buildings but may fire on GV's (not too sure on this). The AI Gunner(s) will only call out an enemy plane if it's within his Field of View. Using the SBD flying level as example: Your AI Gunner will not call out a con that is 12 low, or directly below you, but will call out one that is 3 high. The AI Gunner(s) will not be Laser Accurate, but will provide a solid defense against all but the most patient of pilots. Example is; if you come in high 6 on a single, AI crewed Lancaster, you will very likely die. But if you set up and slash at high speeds from the sides or come in from below, you will very likely survive.
Scoring and Perks:
You will not get full perks for your AI Gunner(s) shooting down a plane. It would be a quarter to half (I'm leaning towards half) of what you would get if you downed it yourself. Kills made by your AI Gunner(s) would count.
AI Gunner Communication Options:
I was thinking of 3* options you would have in how much information your AI Gunner(s) will give while in flight and are selectable at anytime. These messages will be sent to you via "PM", meaning it will look something like the following (using the Ju-88 as example):
Countrymen1: Alert AXX
VOXCh: Lets get something together
Right Dorsal Gunner: Running low on ammo!
Ventral Gunner: Gun damaged!
Left Dorsal Gunner: 190 9 O'clock High, coming in!
Countrymen2: Alert VX
RangeCh: Watch the 190
Option 1:
Your gunner will only tell you 4 things; 1) Running low on ammo! (When down to 25% of ammo); 2) Out of ammo!; 3) Gun damaged!; 4) I'm hit! (wounded/dead)
Option 2:
Added: 1) Bandit <Directly Above/Directly Below/X O'clock>/<High/Level/Low>.; 2) Bandit <Directly Above/Directly Below/X O'clock>/<High/Level/Low>, coming in!
Option 3* (Only on certain aircraft (?) IE: SBD, TBM, Ju-87, etc.):
Added: 1) Break <Right/Left>!
AI Gunner(s) Firing Options:
An Advanced Tab would allow you to do the following: You can set your AI Gunner(s) to start firing when a plane is XXX away. Default could be 500 and could be set as far as 600 to as close as 400, in 25 increments. You may also select whether or not you wish for your AI Gunner(s) to fire on GV's. I do not know if gunners were allowed to fire on ground targets or not during the war. Likely it was something the pilot/gunner did based on situation, but again, I am not sure. If so, this option could be allowed. Then another option could be; You can set at anytime, if you want your AI Gunner(s) to shoot at GV's or not.
AI Gunner(s) Final Mention:
If any of the probables that have formations are accepted for an AI Gunner option, if you check the AI Gunner tab then check the formations tab, the AI Gunner box will deselect and gray out. If you take an AI Gunner(s) with you, you will not be able to gun for yourself(?) BUT, you can jump into the gun to watch your gunner at work and/or to maneuver your plane (if this is your preferred method of turning your plane, "Gunner Turn" I call it). You will have no control over the gun, even if he's wounded/dead. You will not get full perks for your AI Gunner(s) shooting down a plane, but instead will receive quarter-to-half perks (I still lean towards half). You will not be able to "remove" your AI Gunner or change the range at which it starts firing after you take off unless you bail, ditch, crash, land, disco or are shot down. You will not be able to have someone join you and be a gunner. They would only be an observer.
I will probably get some support for the 1st Wish, but fried for the 2nd Wish. The 1st Wish is pretty self explanatory. The 2nd Wish could prove useful in FSO/Snapshots and Scenarios though. It's use in the MA will vary, of course. You can just fly your plane and not worry about gunning, if you wish (an immersion factor). The B-25H is one that is "in the air" as it has 4 gun positions (all others have 3 or less), which could make for a hairy target. If just 5 guys upped her with AI Gunners on board, it could prove to be challenging to get near them. Tack on the usual horde of 20-30, with half those 25H's, yeah... This is why it's "in the air". If a perk ords option becomes available, then having to pay perks to take AI Gunners with you on the 25H could make having AI Gunners on her more feasible. I'm probably missing a few things, if so, I may have an answer for it if pointed out.
It's an idea I wanted to toss out there. Maybe it will get some support, maybe not, but it doesn't hurt to wish, right?
