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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: humble on December 23, 2004, 01:35:22 PM

Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: humble on December 23, 2004, 01:35:22 PM
Been mulling over this question for awhile...

To clarify I'm talking "good" in the AH sense not "real" life where range and speed are all important. I also recognize that "good" has variable meaning based on how you fly.

Speaking for myself I'm amazed how much I enjoy the Ki-61...a plane I never flew till I joined AK's and flew it in TOD 3 months back or so...Truely a sweet little bird that can fight anything in the plane set (least till the rubberband winds down:)). Also love the F6F,F4U-1,FM-2,109G-2,205,P47-40.

The reason I ask is the invariable threads on "performance" and why this or that plane should be perked changed etc...personally I could care less what the other guy is in....as the old saying goes..."planes dont kill people, pilots do"...

That being said certain planes "fit" certain styles...going back to me and the Ki (61) I think it "fits me" since it isnt really any good (like me:)) at any one thing so it lets me fly however I need to. Since I never fly "flat" (till the ground gets in the way at least) it's an energizer bunny with relatively docile handling that is comfortable to yank around the sky...although I often find myself grumbing at the bird to move along as it wobbles thru its paces:)...

Just curious how others feel about there favorite bird....
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: streetstang on December 23, 2004, 01:42:18 PM
IMHO the P38 is one of the best if not the best plane in the game.

It can out turn what it can't out run, and can out run what it can't out turn.

It is, IMO, one of the sweetest handling planes at extreem low speeds. And with the use of trim, is one of the sweetest rides at high speeds. The more it shakes and rattles the more fun. But nothing beats the stall fighting in it.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: JB88 on December 23, 2004, 01:43:37 PM
tried everything.

the 190 just fit.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Kweassa on December 23, 2004, 01:45:11 PM
A good plane is a plane that takes less effort to survive in.

 And the old sayings are wrong. Look at my sig.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: humble on December 23, 2004, 01:53:29 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kweassa
A good plane is a plane that takes less effort to survive in.

 And the old sayings are wrong. Look at my sig.


Couldn't disagree with you more....but to each there own.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: killnu on December 23, 2004, 02:03:45 PM
ive always loved the 38, for various reasons, morph hit most...but...i find myself in 47-D40 alot lately, with a smidge of spit5 in there.  just loving  both of those planes, a blast to fly.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Sikboy on December 23, 2004, 02:06:36 PM
I was destined to like the Yak.

On a personal note, I was a Russian Linguist in the Navy, and consequently, learned more about the Soviet Military, and VVS than I otherwise would have.

But more than that, the Yak-9U has decent Speed at Sea Level, as well as "good enough" maneuverability, across the speed band.

I think it matches up fairly well against most La-7s out there (though an experienced La-7 pilot will eat my lunch more often than not).

Plus, the weak guns on the 9U really help keep the population down. The converse of this, is the Yak-9T, which is simply a joy to fly. 1 Ping kills, ESPECIALLY when there's a second delay between the hit and the explosion, are one of my favorite things to see in game. I think the P-38 is the only Fighter I've seen survive an NS-37 hit. If you like the Ki-61, the Yak-9T has some similar traits. It's a bobsled (holds E well downhill, but climbs for ****), it handles well with a little speed, and it doesn't get away from you.

-Sik
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Schaden on December 23, 2004, 02:24:56 PM
Fast, big guns, good range.....
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Shane on December 23, 2004, 02:27:17 PM
there are 2 kinds of good planes...

1)  the one i'm in
2) the one I just shot down


:aok
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: humble on December 23, 2004, 03:24:14 PM
Yak is one of my original loves along with the la-5....leaving the ammo load aside is probably one of the best planes in the game...again a plane that does everything well but isnt the best at anything....certainly a better overall performer than the Ki...the Ki has the benifit of being a wolf in sheeps clothing....yak gets some respect:)
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: FiLtH on December 23, 2004, 03:29:50 PM
To me its roll rate, good handling low speed, durability, lethality, and a high gunsight for better lead.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Vudak on December 23, 2004, 03:42:22 PM
It all depends on what sort of sortie you going out on really...

If I'm going fighter, 109-Moo-G2, F6F, and the um... Spit V are great, although the 109 can really get away from you at low speeds if you don't manage your rudder well.

If I'm going in against very bad odds but would like to live through it, I'll take a D-9.  More often then not I end up saying "screw it" and just fly all dumb and die anyway.  But it's a blast while it lasts.

If I'm really ticked off about being gangbanged and ho'd repeatedly on top of it, I'll take out a typhoon or tempest and cherry pick away.  Nothing beats those four hizookas for longer-range deathblows.

If I'm going for "field suppression" I find that the FW190F-8 may be the most underrated plane in the game.  You can fly right through an ack storm, taking pings that would incapacitate most other fighters, pop off the acks with a short burst of 20's, bomb a few GV's and/or the VH, and have more than enough ammo to suppress away.

And then, of course, there's always the good ol' Spit I or C.202 for when you just feel like making someone look stupid :D
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Zaphod on December 23, 2004, 03:43:24 PM
51B

relatively fast, turns better than most expect, makes me pay attention to my aim lol.

Zaphod
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Vad on December 23, 2004, 04:00:34 PM
La-7.

Sometimes I can kill somebody. So far it is enough to be completely satisfied.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Howitzer on December 23, 2004, 04:00:51 PM
I am getting away from the spit if I can, my hit % with the 2 hispanos is the suck.  I think the f4f is an awesome ride with the 6 50's.  I don't fly anything with 4 50's and nothing to compliment them...  Just takes forever to get kills.  I think my order is as follows =)

p47-D11  (always makes me smile when I see 3400 rounds when I take off)
F6F5 (good turner, not bad at slashing attacks)
190-A5 (the scissor machine)
F4F (like an RC plane with guns... just fun to fly)
Blue Zeke (A6M5b or whatever)
La5-FN (although I find gunnery tough)


Really its just what you are going for.  Personally I'm not big on the 109s, and the 38 doesn't really float my boat either.  I have to have variety in my plane selection though.  
:aok
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: StarOfAfrica2 on December 23, 2004, 04:15:07 PM
Depends on several things, most especially what I want to accomplish.  If its carrier ops, I want an F4U-1 or an F4U-1D (for the rockets and bombs).  Going hunting in an area I already know is overpopulated with La-7's and P-51's?  I'll up a Ki-84.  Close base defense?  Bf 109F-4.  General hunting, always the Ki-61.  Jabo missions it has to be a P-47D40 loaded for bear.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Guppy35 on December 23, 2004, 04:23:13 PM
It's the plane that fits for you.  Being a history nut, with a long time passion for Spits, just hopping in a Spit ties me into what I've read or learned.

I haven't been a 38 nut as long, but it's my second favorite and I'm only flying that now.  And again it has everything to do with connecting to the history interest.

Nothing seems quite as nice as hooking up with another 38 driver.  Looking out and seeing another bird of the same type off my wing, also adds to the immersion.

Can't wait for that 38G for the same reason.

Dan/Slack
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Sikboy on December 23, 2004, 04:36:24 PM
Quote
Originally posted by humble
certainly a better overall performer than the Ki


No no, the other Yak The "T"

-Sik
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: indy007 on December 23, 2004, 04:54:34 PM
190A-5 when I'm hunting bombers or feel like BnZ. I love the firepower. Just takes awhile to get to a useful alt.

For generic, low alt furball, LA7. It just has so much going for it. Great vis, great power, great handling, good gun packages.

When I feel like flying something more difficult, I up a 109G10. The limited 30mm rounds makes me pay more attention to my gunnery... ended up giving me a few % accuracy boost after awhile... the compression isn't even bad as long as you trim your way out of a dive. Still haven't ripped the wings off one.

For JABO, I always run a -51D. It's just so well rounded, and *feels* good to fly. Now if I could just get a cannon armed version...

For the sheer joy of it, the ME262. Power to the speed junkies! Now if I could just get that variant with the 50mm MK14 in it...


...I just re-read this & realized how addicted to cannons I am..
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Kweassa on December 23, 2004, 05:23:46 PM
Quote
Couldn't disagree with you more....but to each there own.


 It's true.

 Like for instance, I see Shane's operating in the sector with a mid-war plane.

 Being the slobberdonkey I am, if I'm in a Lgay7 I would just ram the throttle and run away full speed. And then, when I see him being engaged by six friendlies since he's not a slobberdonkey, I can merrily join them and take a poke at him.. even shoot him down if lucky.

 When the odds go bad and Shane kills all other six friends, I can then just run away again.

 A dweeb and a slobberdonkey and a suckey pilot I am, but Shane's not gonna be shooting me down, at least not until he decides to grab a plane of same calibre.

 Man, what kind of plane would ever be better than that?
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: vorticon on December 23, 2004, 05:43:47 PM
"Man, what kind of plane would ever be better than that?"

ah yes, but if you wernt in the plane to run away, it would promptly fly into the nearest mountain...and if you didnt run away, a good pilot would beat you, or if you were a better pilot you would beat them...


then theres always bombers, which are utterly reliant on decent gunners...


as far as im concerned, and this is what makes this game great, is that with practice all planes are good, no starting off with a rusty dagger that you cant use and ending with a machine gun that you dont really need, quite the opposite rather, starting off with a machine gun and you still have a helluva time killing the vet with a rusty dagger...
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Redd on December 23, 2004, 06:34:57 PM
the blue ones are good , pretty much all of them
Title: WHAT MAKES a GOOD PLANE ?
Post by: aSTAR on December 23, 2004, 07:11:26 PM
A GOOD PILOT !!!!!
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: KurtVW on December 23, 2004, 07:25:49 PM
I like wicked guns.. I'm not good at deflection shooting so I need those few bullets I hit you with to really stick... For this reason I like the German birds.

I mostly fly in order of preference...
Spit9
109F-4
190A (5 or 8)
Ki84
Hellcat

But for specific missions I will switch up.. For instance, if I am upping to defend from the ground I often take an LA7... If I'm defending from the base next-door, I'll show up in a Spit5, or KI84..

But I don't know squat... I'm mostly a bomber pilot and we all know it.

Most importantly, I need to die with honor... You just need to die quickly.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Halo on December 23, 2004, 07:36:16 PM
A good plane is the perfect companion for the pilot.  Like getting married.  All about compatibility, trust, instinct, capability, and reliability.  

A good plane and a good pilot best realize their potential with each other.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Mak333 on December 23, 2004, 07:41:48 PM
Zero <------- Very good plane
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: AKFokerFoder+ on December 23, 2004, 07:46:49 PM
Quote
A good plane is the perfect companion for the pilot. Like getting married. All about compatibility, trust, instinct, capability, and reliability.

A good plane and a good pilot best realize their potential with each other.


Wow, I couldn't have put it better! :)

Each pilot has strengths, and weaknesses, and quirks.  Just like the planes.

So what is your flying style?  BNZ?, knife fighter? TNB?

And what plane fits your style?  Cannons for buffs?  50 cals for eaze of lead?  30mm?  JABO?

When you flind your bird it is trully a great thing.  Kinda like finding the girl of your dreams.

For me she'll be fast, pretty, long legs, packs a punch, handles well at speed, hottern' a two dollar pistol, and razor-totem mean when she needs to be.  You know, the kind of girl you want to take downtown, not the kind you want to take home to mother ;)

For me that is the FW-190A8. :aok

For you it may be something else :)
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Karnak on December 23, 2004, 07:47:33 PM
I liked the Mossie in AH1.  Haven't really had a chance to get to know an AH2 aircraft really well.

Sikboy,

I took an NS-37 hit while flying a Spitfire Mk XIV once.  Tore one of my radiators off though, barely made it home.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Blooz on December 23, 2004, 08:24:24 PM
What makes a good plane is having at least one characteristic that is better than all the rest then be able to exploit that characteristic to your advantage.

Climb, roll, dive, turn or speed demon doesn't matter. If you can do one of these things better than everyone else and can use it to advantage, you will consistently come out on top.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: guttboy on December 23, 2004, 09:32:51 PM
C-47!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Stang on December 23, 2004, 09:37:27 PM
I am very disturbed that the p40 hasn't been mentioned yet.  Noobs  :D
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: mechanic on December 23, 2004, 10:39:38 PM
P47-D40   75% gas optional DT. heavy gun package x8 50cals

its just so damn good looking!

The best skins in the game are the Jugs IMO.

huge, strong, leathal guns, great stall characteristics, excelent range, absolute joy to fly.


along with this beast, the Spitfire mkVb is the Don.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: Tilt on December 24, 2004, 04:09:07 AM
Its a game so its the one you have the most fun in....... and satisfaction from.

I seem to be drawn to big enemy darbars so the La7 suits me fine.

But other ac offer different challenges that bring different rewards.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: bozon on December 24, 2004, 04:41:21 AM
hmm, lets see:

It has to be big
It has to be heavy
it has to be ugly
it has to drink a lot of fuel and pollute
it has to make people wanna fight you instead of run away

take a Jug!!

Bozon
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: victor on December 24, 2004, 08:34:46 AM
Started flying the 109F in IL2 and have discovered it's vertical ability can do  a dbl immel at below 100 with 2 knotches of flaps and hammerheads  great also discovered you can go below 100mph  wiyhout those  friggen slats opening,where as before when my speed would drop so would I.Anyway I figure that the more you fly a particular plane the more you discover its ability. ACK-ACK can make a 38 do some wild crap,LEVI's the same in a SPIT,WINGZERO in that dam niki gets me everytime,and so on.I remember the best time I had flying was a g-10 vs. 205 in a stall fight  in ah1 lasted awhile cause everytime we got a chance to shoot we'd stall and have to fight to recovered before the ground claimed us.Its always more fun to fly on the edge of the planes ability to fly,you get that adrenaline rush and limp away from the crash thinking wow how the hell did I do all that ,then you call the enemy back for another round to see if you can repeat it .THATS what makes all this fun to me anyway.:)


Vic
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: nopoop on December 24, 2004, 12:41:27 PM
Quote
Originally posted by mechanic
The best skins in the game are the Jugs IMO


Thanks mechanic !!

Send me your address so I know where to send the check..

:D

My fav is the spitty V. I just love the plane. But I need to lock myself in a Jug for a couple of tours. Not fly anything else.

Maybe the new year. But I always jones for the spitty.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: humble on December 24, 2004, 05:50:20 PM
Amazing array of answers...

Seems to vary from.......

The "best" plane performance wise...

Historical "fasination/immersion...

"Tool" for the job at hand...

What I can "survive" with...

What I can kill best with...

Edge I can exploit....

I think Halo hit the nail on the head....hmmmm

Eeeek....I'm married to an underpowered sluggish moltey looking thing with a big red prettythang....:D
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: GRUNHERZ on December 24, 2004, 06:16:45 PM
La7 with an R2800 for high alt performance would be ideal - this is basically a Bearcat but I would prefer one with 4 nose mounted cannon instead of wing mounted.
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: ghi on December 24, 2004, 07:00:32 PM
LA7 ---in AH1
109G10--- in AH2, the best bomber killer  (too many bombers now in MA)
Title: What makes a "good" plane....?
Post by: AKFokerFoder+ on December 24, 2004, 08:28:06 PM
Quote
Eeeek....I'm married to an underpowered sluggish moltey looking thing with a big red prettythang....


ROTFLMAO! :rofl :rofl