need a new plane, any advice?

[gatt]

Look, Hans classification can be red also in this way:
Group 1 = 1944
Group 2 = 1943 (hmmmm, the N1K2)
Group 3 = 1941-42
Then you can split again those groups into turn-fighters and hit&run fighters. WOW! dogfight theory is fun!  

[CRASH]

Well, i think the best combination of speed, acceleration, climb and turn fer my money is the macchi 205.  It's definately the plane I score the most kills with and more importantly, can extend away fast enough to survive the inevitable onslaught by my victims countrymen   Guns are a little weak though, ya gotta get in close  

CRASH

[Dead Man Flying]

I actually discovered last night that the P-51 turns very respectably.  Sure, it's no Spit, but with the patched up flaps it's quite a versatile little beast.  The key for me seemed to be full flaps... it turns reasonably well on full flaps without unexpected wing dipping like that damn Tiffy.  Using flaps, Jase reports that he's been able to loop the 51 at speeds as slow as 120ias, and I've experienced similar handling characteristics.  About the best I'm able to loop in a Spit IX is 150 to 160. Plus if the turnfight gets hairy and there's enough alt to spare, one reels flaps back in and dives for safety.

My best estimate would put its turn performance somewhere in with the 38 or 205.  Both probably beat it at the margins.  Where the 38 kicks its behind is acceleration, and that could be a deciding factor.

Not very scientific, but my observations.  

-- Todd/DMF

[Fenrik]

Well, thanks for the advice all. It looks like I'l be trying alot of new planes out. I suppose the only way to find the plane for me is to try em all.

Fenrik

[Soda]

I find it best to remember that you need to fly your plane, whatever you pick, in the style it was intended.  There are two ways to do this:

1)pick a plane and fly to it's strengths or
2)pick a style and then fly a plane that complements it.

Figure out what type of player you are and pick a plane to match.  If you find you always deteriorate into a low turning fight, don't go pick an F4U, you just won't know when to run away and will stay around too long.  If you like to zoom down on people, don't pick something with bad high speed handling, you'll bleed off your E for little return.

I think most of the planes are pretty good when flown with the correct style, it's just getting that style down-pat.  If you look at most of the top scorers, they stick with the same planes, generally, and have a style set for that aircraft.  Don't just switch planes looking for the magic cure, get in one and fly it and learn how to use it to it's best abilities.  

When you know your plane and have a style to match it, you can really make any plane dance in the air.  Then again, I'm just another target for some of the people who fly here.


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Soda
The Wrecking Crew

[This message has been edited by Soda (edited 04-13-2000).]

[Ripsnort]

Soda and the  rest above bring up  good points.

My post is to tell you to never get too discouraged.  There are  alot of good sticks in AH, and they will flaunt your weaknesses, so stay with it, don't give up, don't get too greedy, and try to hook up with a squadron, I think you'll find the most satisfaction out of the squadron enviroment.  In squads, it's not  the scores that count, its the mission, the commaraderie(sp), and above all, the fun you can have with others in your squad!

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Ripsnort(-rip1-)
I/JG2~Richthofen~
JG2 Communications Officer
Aces High Training Corps
JG2 "Richthofen"
   
Turning Spitfires into Bud Lite cans since 1992

[This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 04-13-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 04-13-2000).]

[bloom25]

If you like the spit, try the 205.  It has equal guns (more ammo though), turns well, is a little faster, and it doesn't have bulls-eyes painted on it.    You might also try the 109g10.  It doesn't turn too well, but you can climb away from anything.  Ammo count is very low though.



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bloom25
THUNDERBIRDS