Originally posted by 28sweep
I have read a couple of posts about the gang-banging going on
in the MA. I still like the MA a lot and prefer to fly there but every
night I’m on the wrong end of the gang-bang like two or three times. I have been flying the La-7 in order to avoid being a victim so often. However, I find that if I get a bit low I still can’t run from diving Fw’s and P51’s etc. So my question is: should I just avoid engaging when outnumber like 2 to 1 or something….I mean when u see a lot of con’s just run and fight somewhere else? Are there any general rules for running and avoiding a gang-bang ? I mean like loitering around at a safe distance and evaluating the situation first before running/engaging. I mean I try and evaluate the radar situation and all but that dosen't always work and oh ya-I find the radar to be wrong a lot? Is that just me or does it fail a lot? Any tips would be great.
Hammer covered the basics of what you need to know, within his limited time window. I will discuss some of the details.
Flying alone is inherently dangerous. This is simply because of the numbers involved and the simple problem of not being able to monitor the location of every enemy. That is why one must plan carefully. As a general rule, if you can get above the enemy, do so. Altitude is important for several reasons.
1) To get to you, the enemy will deplete his energy.
2) You can convert altitude to speed.
3) Your presence often distracts the enemy, which can only help teammates already in the fight.
4) You have the option to pick your fight and the general circumstances of engagement.
5) Most gangbangs occur when you fly alone or get separated from friendly aircraft. Think of altitude as an invisible wingman. Remember, that group you are flying with may be a squad with different goals than you, and may be using a squad frequency to talk to each other. Therefore, you may find yourself in a fight alone as that group is heading somewhere else. Talk to those around you and find out if they are willing to work with you, before you commit to a fight.
Here's some rules regarding situations where you have the advantage of altitude.
1) Never surrender your advantage unless the potential rewards more than offset the risks.
2) Be aware that your advantage may evaporate at any time with the arrival of an enemy who is higher than you (assume that there is ALWAYS someone higher than you, and that they will eventually show up).
3) Plan your attack route and an egress route. You never want to exit a fight by flying away from teammates and towards the enemy or his base (or CV). Sometimes circumstances will dictate otherwise, but if you have the option, always exit towards friendly aircraft or bases.
4) Do not select a target so low that your best zoom climb still leaves you below the enemy horde.
5) There is no shame in being cautious.
6) Do not hurry your attack.
7) Control your speed as you dive. It is pointless to dive towards and enemy only to find that you're carrying too much speed to maneuver into firing position. Excessive speed can lead to collisions with the ground (or hills and mountains) or objects such as hangers or trees.
8) Avoid maneuvering so hard that you find yourself blacking out. It is very important not to lose sight of your opponent. If you are blacked-out, you may not be able to reacquire the enemy until you have lost any advantage, or worse, finding that your opponent has reversed the circumstances altogether.
9) Just because you are above everyone, this does not guaranty that someone can't climb up unseen and attack you from below. Frequently roll 90 degrees and observe below your aircraft.
10) Be especially careful if the sky is overcast. Enemy aircraft will often hide in the clouds.
11) Use caution when breaking out of an overcast. You may find yourself with unwanted company.
12) Just because you're at 20K, it doesn't mean that you can ignore flak. I have seen people killed at 22K by 5" naval guns.
My regards,
Widewing
