Firing Solutions

[earl1937]

  When approaching a flight of 3 bombers, flying on a constant heading and constant altitude, which is the best angle to approach to get the most accurate firing solutions, in a fighter?
Where should I aim to obtain maximum damage with the least amount of ammo expended?

[Blooz]

Shoot'em in the face.

Come at them head on and unload into the driver's eyeball.

[Arlo]

http://www.1jg51.net/jg51/LwTactics.html

[Zacherof]

Fom 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock are really good. Diving directly over the bombers gives you a great angle

[Ack-Ack]

When approaching a flight of 3 bombers, flying on a constant heading and constant altitude, which is the best angle to approach to get the most accurate firing solutions, in a fighter?
Where should I aim to obtain maximum damage with the least amount of ammo expended?

The USN advocated either the 'over head' or 'beam' attack when engaging bombers, with the over head attack being the preferred method.  This was adopted by USAAF fighter units flying in the PTO and was quite effective in engaging Japanese bombers.

When I engage bombers, I use the 'over head' attack, which I've found to be the most effective way of engaging bombers while minimizing the dangers as much as possible.  Which bomber I'm engaging determines where I'm aiming.  

When I engage B-24s, I am for the engines because of the ease in catching the engines on fire.  Against Lancasters and B-17s, I aim for the wing root since a solid burst is enough to remove the wing.  B-26s I find to be a little tough, the wings don't come off easily if you hit the wing root and the engines can take a surprisingly large amounts of damage before they catch fire.  Also, their speed is enough to throw off the over head pass if you're not aware of the B-26s energy state.  So against the Marauder, I dive in at a high angle and speed and aim for the cockpit area.  The B-26 is usually the only bomber where I need to make 4 or maybe even 5 passes to kill the formation.  For the German bombers, well, you really just need to hit them anywhere with a solid burst and don't need to aim at any specific critical areas.  For Japanese bombers, wing root and engine areas or anywhere on the wing if its the Betty.

ack-ack

[titanic3]

I like to fly parallel with the bombers. One I get a little bit ahead with enough speed (1K away and at least 350mph), turn into them, and aim the nose right where they'll fly into. Bombers don't move so it's nearly impossible to miss. With a cannon armed fighter, you can easily get all three in one long burst. They literally fly into your bullet stream, and you rake the entire bomber formation from nose to tail. Plus, most bombers don't have side guns, and the ones that do can only train 3 pairs of MGs at you if you come in completely level with them. Works best with cannon armed fighters of course, but definitely not recommended if you have only MGs since they can't pull off the same amount of damage.

[stealth]

If you know exactly where the aim such as the fuel tanks or the cockpit for example you could take out a bomber with a really short burst. Also remember the angles which the type of bomber your attacking can't get you, or angles that are difficult for the gunner. Combine that with speed and you should be able to take them down with practice.

[ScottyK]

For Lancasters attackin from below works well since they have no ball turret, if u have enough E u can roll over at the top and come in from above.

I try to aim for the engines or cockpit on all bombers.

[Zacherof]

I like to fly parallel with the bombers. One I get a little bit ahead with enough speed (1K away and at least 350mph), turn into them, and aim the nose right where they'll fly into. Bombers don't move so it's nearly impossible to miss. With a cannon armed fighter, you can easily get all three in one long burst. They literally fly into your bullet stream, and you rake the entire bomber formation from nose to tail. Plus, most bombers don't have side guns, and the ones that do can only train 3 pairs of MGs at you if you come in completely level with them. Works best with cannon armed fighters of course, but definitely not recommended if you have only MGs since they can't pull off the same amount of damage.

favorite way to engage with a 262

[rpm]

(Image removed from quote.)

http://www.1jg51.net/jg51/LwTactics.html

HO tards.

[Saxman]

I prefer a vertical drop from above. Tougher for the bomber to get a solution against you, and exposes a lot of juicy targets to aim at. Especially the wing root.

[Volron]

I like to fly parallel with the bombers. One I get a little bit ahead with enough speed (1K away and at least 350mph), turn into them, and aim the nose right where they'll fly into. Bombers don't move so it's nearly impossible to miss. With a cannon armed fighter, you can easily get all three in one long burst. They literally fly into your bullet stream, and you rake the entire bomber formation from nose to tail. Plus, most bombers don't have side guns, and the ones that do can only train 3 pairs of MGs at you if you come in completely level with them. Works best with cannon armed fighters of course, but definitely not recommended if you have only MGs since they can't pull off the same amount of damage.

Hmm...  Well, if you wish to continue with this method, then by all means.  I'll thank you in advance for the easy kill though.

favorite way to engage with a 262

Last 262 I ran into tried to make a similar attack.  Let's just say that 262 was a very taste-y treat.

I prefer a vertical drop from above. Tougher for the bomber to get a solution against you, and exposes a lot of juicy targets to aim at. Especially the wing root.

I find the vertical drop from above and slightly in front to be a solid method.  While a bit tougher to get into position, when there is alt to play with, it's works nicely.

[titanic3]

Hmm...  Well, if you wish to continue with this method, then by all means.  I'll thank you in advance for the easy kill though.

Last 262 I ran into tried to make a similar attack.  Let's just say that 262 was a very taste-y treat.


I find the vertical drop from above and slightly in front to be a solid method.  While a bit tougher to get into position, when there is alt to play with, it's works nicely.

Been playing for almost 2 years (well a bit longer than that actually), since then I've either used this method or just slashing attacks from high 2 and 10 oclock positions. Haven't failed me since. 

[Volron]

Been playing for almost 2 years (well a bit longer than that actually), since then I've either used this method or just slashing attacks from high 2 and 10 oclock positions. Haven't failed me since. 

I'm going to admit that I will use this move depending on bomber and whether or not the gunner I'm dealing is has any experience.  1st attack will generally tell me this.  But it is a solid tactic.     I myself find it fairly easy to knock down an attacker using your method is all.

[jeffdn]

I come in from high and above, never coming closer than 1.0 or 1.5 out unless I'm making a pass or extending out of one. Always between a 45 and 90 degree angle both in front and above. I generally try to fire down the spine, coming nearly straight down, then roll and extend forward. If I have enough energy, I make repeated passes without stopping in this fashion until it's expended, then climb back up to do it over again. Pretty successful... I'm 29:0 against Lancasters this tour.