Just after the Ar234 came out (before it got the optional rear guns), I had dropped my bombs when I spotted an enemy 234 at co-alt. I flew in close formation with him for quite awhile as he lined up his target and dropped. It was eskimo, and he was very amused.
******
But after the 234s got armed, my tactics changed. Kinda like in WW1 when pilots began the war waving at each other. Until they started carrying guns.
In one case, while rtb'ing in a 234 I saw an enemy P-51D going home the other way. I passed him, dove in behind and pulled up hard 50 yds in front of him, firing. He spun out of control, smoking and missing a wing, firing crazily as he went down.
Lately, I've flown a few 234 missions against city targets near coastlines approachable entirely over water. I just climb to 2 or 3k and then dive gently to 30 feet to pick up speed. At that altitude and speed (always take 100% fuel and go at 100% power), the only approach any plane is ever likely to get is chasing me from my six, level. Right where my guns are aimed. I mean, you can't just dive down at any angle at top speed on a plane that low.
When I get near the city, I pop up to a few thousand feet, but I keep my speed above 300. I level out, select the bombs (3 x 500 kg) and begin a very shallow dive for speed. Near the city, I pull up at a 45 degree angle, drop the bombs with a delay of about 0.4. By this time the city flak is firing at me, so I do a twisty dive to the deck, heading back out to the ocean.
It's actually not that hard to hit a target the size of a city using this method. I hit consistantly with all three bombs. Obviously, it works far better on undamaged cities.
If the enemy is in the area, just keep going, do an Immelmann 10 miles or so away and come back. They'll probably be gone by then.
MRPLUTO VMF-323 ~Death Rattlers~ MAG-33
