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General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Randy1 on January 08, 2013, 07:49:32 AM

Title: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 08, 2013, 07:49:32 AM
What is the current thinking on the best Fighter-Attack plane in the Attack mode?
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Dragon on January 08, 2013, 07:52:06 AM
P-47
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Rebel on January 08, 2013, 07:53:41 AM
F6f, f4u, P47, and the B-38.  Tank plinking remains as the Havoc's bread and butter.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 08, 2013, 07:58:00 AM
P47-D40 or the P47N?

Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Debrody on January 08, 2013, 08:26:44 AM
Total ords to be carryed: p47 D40 and N      D is better on military power, N is on WEP     
Best climb rate (and a much better turn rate) with 2*1000 pounders: P38. The rocket rack causes some drag though.
Best maneuverability, also the best low level performance with 2*1000ponders: F4u1D (not counting the 4hog, jack of all trades)   It clearly outperforms the F6F.
The fastest with the named ordenance, but also the worst maneuverability: P51D

They are both pretty good, the question is, what is inportant for you, more ords, more speed, more turn rate, more climb rate?
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Reaper90 on January 08, 2013, 08:40:46 AM
Real men fly the Stuka for ground attack.  :old:
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 08, 2013, 08:46:20 AM
. . .
They are both pretty good, the question is, what is important for you, more ords, more speed, more turn rate, more climb rate?


The speed of climb and ords carried is right near the top of the list but first I think in my mind is the fighter mode after the attack and second is ground fire durability.  This is of course is an opinion with only a couple of months of AH under my belt so is subject to be wrong in a big way.  :)

Stuka!  Now that is one I have not tried.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Changeup on January 08, 2013, 09:51:21 AM
47 class, A5,A8
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: manurin on January 08, 2013, 09:52:05 AM
190A8
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Stampf on January 08, 2013, 09:57:04 AM

Any 190.  They all fill the role nicely.  Even the Dora as long as you protect your rad.  After deliverance of ords you are left with a very capable fighter.

On the opposite side...I find the Jugs do a bang up job as well.



Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: tunnelrat on January 08, 2013, 09:58:51 AM
For assaulting a base/town: 110G-2

For attacking GVs and then scuffling: 38G

=/

Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Karnak on January 08, 2013, 09:59:22 AM
P-38s handle their ordnance much better than any single engined fighter.

P-47s are easy kills unless the P-47 driver really knows his stuff.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Wiley on January 08, 2013, 10:20:18 AM
I like the P47D-40 for attack, but the P38L is very capable as well.  It climbs much better than the jug with a full load of ord, which is a very good thing.  The only problem with the 38 is it's a ginormous target, and IMO like the jug it requires you to know the plane well to dogfight in it.

Wiley.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: SlapShot on January 08, 2013, 11:03:42 AM
F6-F ... hands down.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Stampf on January 08, 2013, 11:12:03 AM
F6-F ... hands down.

F6-F does bring the pain.

Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: uptown on January 08, 2013, 11:12:57 AM
P-51D
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Torquila on January 08, 2013, 11:14:07 AM
Nothing de-acks a base+town better, faster and safer then a 410.

I killed a panzer with the 50mm a short time ago, I wonder if thats re-producable?

(also great for ostwinds/whirbles/m16s/etc)
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: cobia38 on January 08, 2013, 11:17:33 AM
  A-20,no other bird can carry 4,000 LB worth of eggs and mix it up with "fighters"  :ahand
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: --)SF---- on January 08, 2013, 11:20:34 AM
La7.   There is no other.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: uptown on January 08, 2013, 12:21:38 PM
La7.   There is no other.
:lol that crap you fly don't even carry 1 rocket ya nooblet!  :rolleyes: :lol
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: HighTone on January 08, 2013, 12:24:08 PM
I'd say the N1K2-J  :rock
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Ack-Ack on January 08, 2013, 12:29:15 PM
 
Best climb rate (and a much better turn rate) with 2*1000 pounders: P38. The rocket rack causes some drag though.


The rocket tubes on the G and J cause drag, enough to effect performance.  The L, due to the Christmas tree rocket launchers, doesn't suffer a drag penalty like the G and the J do.

ack-ack
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Daddkev on January 08, 2013, 12:56:46 PM
 :aok :aok :aok :aok D-40 with the Tarhell Hal skin!  :x :x :banana: :banana: :old: :old: :banana: :banana: :x :x
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: waystin2 on January 08, 2013, 01:18:44 PM
What is the current thinking on the best Fighter-Attack plane in the Attack mode?

For doing what?  I use several different "role" fighters when in attack mode.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: VuduVee on January 08, 2013, 01:23:50 PM
 :O damit dad everytime i see you in a thread i can barely concentrate. any way i like Jugs DD-40, they bounce and bounce and bounce, boing boing boing...dam you dad!! :bhead  they are big, and keep me safe after i attack, good for milk runs too. so is the jug40....i cant do this, frkn dadkev....riffin rackin rigo rafu, boobs bouncin everywhere, frickin frackin...  :banana:
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Chalenge on January 08, 2013, 01:26:10 PM
For doing what?  I use several different "role" fighters when in attack mode.

I was going to say! What are you attacking? Going it alone or in numbers? What can attack a couple of ord bunkers and a dar might not survive against four bunkers and a dar, and so on.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: katanaso on January 08, 2013, 01:28:45 PM
Just attacking buildings, I like the 190 F8.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: smoe on January 08, 2013, 01:32:43 PM
P51D - It can outrun a N1K2 even when loaded with 1000lb and rockets.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Mister Fork on January 08, 2013, 01:50:36 PM
Depends...

If you want a low alt fast-in fast-out attack plane...the Tiffiy is a great choice.  Excellent gun platform.

If you want a long-range strategic strike and hang around for a fight, the P-51D is a good choice. Rockets + iron and 100% fuel will get you there.

If you want a town destroyer - the Bf-110G2 with heavy guns package of course.  Me-410 is also decent but you're a sitting duck if someone ups from the airfield.

If you want a hanger dropper and short range - P-38L and the P-47D40.

If you want a hangar dropper and stick around for a good fight - the F6F with iron and rockets..hands down...as Slapshot suggested.

Then again, your combat preference can also depend on your choice. B&Z + iron I would go with a Fw-190F8 like Katanaso recommended.

Know your plane and what they can do - then pick the plane for the role.  For example, taking a La-7 with its weak iron package on a long trip is not going to help you take down anything.

And taking a P-38L fully armed then sticking around for a turn fight with enemy Zekes Zeros and Spits will get you killed really quick.  But a Ki-84 with Iron is a monster attacker - you're not going after anything however other than a town building, fuel, or a bunker.

If I was to think of which plane does everything ok - good turner, good B&Z, can turn, good fuel range, on the faster side, lots of ground attack options...it would have to the the Dog. The 51D does a lot of things ok, nothing really great - which made it a good all-around multi-purpose military aircraft.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Ack-Ack on January 08, 2013, 02:47:52 PM

If you want a hanger dropper and short range - P-38L and the P-47D40.

And taking a P-38L fully armed then sticking around for a turn fight with enemy Zekes Zeros and Spits will get you killed really quick.  But a Ki-84 with Iron is a monster attacker - you're not going after anything however other than a town building, fuel, or a bunker.

P-38L is not a short range airplane, has more than enough fuel at 100% to take you where you want to go and back.

Quote
And taking a P-38L fully armed then sticking around for a turn fight with enemy Zekes Zeros and Spits will get you killed really quick.

Depends on who's flying the P-38L.  YMMV.

ack-ack

Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Karnak on January 08, 2013, 02:57:16 PM
P51D - It can outrun a N1K2 even when loaded with 1000lb and rockets.
That isn't saying very much.

P-51D is average as a strike aircraft as its single engine doesn't provide enough thrust and its smaller wing area doesn't have as much square footage to distribute the additional weight.  The P-51's real strength is how fast it is after it drops its ordnance.

If carrying ordnance on the P-51D it handles decently up to about 10,000ft, but it drops off fast above that altitude.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Brakechk on January 08, 2013, 03:07:40 PM
I'm becoming a fan of the 110 for about all these attack roles.  It doesn't carry that much in the way of bombs but you're good for a couple hangers with guns, it de-acks nicely and can really take alot of town down.  After you're light it's not that bad of a fighter to get you out. 

The only time I really like something else is if I know I'll be involved in alot of dogfighting afterwords...then it's a D40 or F4U-D.  If it's a short ride I like the 38L just because you can get to 8k or so much faster in it.  However if we are doing squad ops I'm almost always on backup or given town targets since I miss like a boss with bombs regularly.

Yes I practice....yes I still suck at fighter bombing.   :o
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: muzik on January 08, 2013, 03:26:22 PM
Depends...

If you want a low alt fast-in fast-out attack plane...the Tiffiy is a great choice.  Excellent gun platform.

If you want a long-range strategic strike and hang around for a fight, the P-51D is a good choice. Rockets + iron and 100% fuel will get you there.

If you want a town destroyer - the Bf-110G2 with heavy guns package of course.  Me-410 is also decent but you're a sitting duck if someone ups from the airfield.

If you want a hanger dropper and short range - P-38L and the P-47D40.

If you want a hangar dropper and stick around for a good fight - the F6F with iron and rockets..hands down...as Slapshot suggested.

Then again, your combat preference can also depend on your choice. B&Z + iron I would go with a Fw-190F8 like Katanaso recommended.

Know your plane and what they can do - then pick the plane for the role.  For example, taking a La-7 with its weak iron package on a long trip is not going to help you take down anything.

And taking a P-38L fully armed then sticking around for a turn fight with enemy Zekes Zeros and Spits will get you killed really quick.  But a Ki-84 with Iron is a monster attacker - you're not going after anything however other than a town building, fuel, or a bunker.

If I was to think of which plane does everything ok - good turner, good B&Z, can turn, good fuel range, on the faster side, lots of ground attack options...it would have to the the Dog. The 51D does a lot of things ok, nothing really great - which made it a good all-around multi-purpose military aircraft.

Good eval. I was thinking the same, the OP should be more specific about what kind of fighter flying he wants to do.

The 38 does fine turning with turny birds. Just not many take the time to learn to use a 38 that way.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 08, 2013, 05:13:38 PM
Interesting opinions.  Solid information on a lot of different planes.  It gives a whole list of planes to try to see which one fits what I want it to do.  The P38L and P47 have been my go to bomber and rocket planes but I wanted to venture beyond those two.

Interesting how the P38 is near the top on so many replies. The F6F and the A20 I see a lot in the MA and both were mentioned in the replies.

What I have is a good list to try. 

After I give the list of planes a go I should be able to be  more specific as was pointed out as a weakness in the original post.

Good stuff.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Ninthmessiah on January 08, 2013, 05:19:08 PM
p38 still climbs great when it's loaded down with ords, but I always lose parts in the base ack cuz it's so damn big. 
I take the p47.  It's rugged, carries an extra 500lb egg, and has lots of bullets left over for cleaning up.  But I ALWAYS climb with wep.  I think Lancs outclimb a loaded jug.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Saxman on January 08, 2013, 05:28:47 PM
Quote
If you want a hangar dropper and stick around for a good fight - the F6F with iron and rockets..hands down...as Slapshot suggested.

Frankly, have to give the F4U-1D a slight edge here. Same load of rockets and bombs, but has that little bit of an edge in air-to-air once the iron is away.

Now if only HTC could be convinced to give the D-Hog its 2000lber on the center rack...
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Tank-Ace on January 08, 2013, 06:41:06 PM
110 if you don't expect heavy resistance. And for 17,000 lbs of aircraft, she can be a real handful. That and any snapshot is almost a guaranteed kill.


If you're looking to hit a CV, then scoot, the 190F8 with rockets is hard to beat.


If fighting is more of a priority, I always just took a bomb on my A5. Of course that's just me. I would also be inclined to do the same thing with a G2. I'm a left guy, so for me those made the best attackers, because they were what I knew.


Point is that there is no 'best' unless its also best for you. If you do best in a P40, then take a P-40, performance be damned.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Karnak on January 08, 2013, 08:30:33 PM
Here is where I am at on my fighter-bomber performance testing (Note: the Hurricane data is from before the update):
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg)
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Changeup on January 08, 2013, 08:35:29 PM
Here is where I am at on my fighter-bomber performance testing (Note: the Hurricane data is from before the update):
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg)

Nice...I will be using this data.  Thanks!

 :salute
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Karnak on January 08, 2013, 08:40:13 PM
Nice...I will be using this data.  Thanks!

 :salute
Once I have it more reasonably complete I plan on sharing the Excel file itself.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: BaldEagl on January 08, 2013, 09:48:29 PM
I've always used the F6F-5. 

Enough ord to drop a hanger in one pass and a hell of a figher once the ords gone.  In fact it's such a good fighter I've fought and won with all my ord attached and if I feel it's hampering me I'll drop the eggs and keep fighting with the rockets in place.  After all, if you're on an attack mission you won't do much damage if you drop your ord before you make target so you may as well try to fight to the target with as much of the ord attached as possible.

And that's why I choose the F6F-5.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: bozon on January 09, 2013, 02:48:57 AM
Forget about dry numbers and statistics and go with style: Mosquito VI!

SBD is loads of slow fun as well. Interesting new loadout option for it with the AP bomb. After the drop the fun just begins when you get to dogfight with it. 99% of the players have no idea what they are up against :)

Here is where I am at on my fighter-bomber performance testing (Note: the Hurricane data is from before the update):
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg)
Really?! the 8*60lb rockets do more damage than the 2*500 lb bombs? If so that is a valuable piece of information. I love those rockets. Did you test the speed cost of the rails after the rockets have been fired?
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 09, 2013, 07:08:17 AM
Here is where I am at on my fighter-bomber performance testing (Note: the Hurricane data is from before the update):
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/9925/fighterbomberperf.jpg)

That is good information.

Last night my first go in a A20 ended when a La7 turned on my six and started to close from a low position.  What was doggone impressive was with this fully loaded plane I was able to roll over and pull the A20 back into a head-on with the La7.  I figured a head-on was my only hope even though I try to avoid them.  If I hadn't missed the shot, I would have flown away from that one.

The next try was the F6F.  This plane was slow when compared with the others I tried and has poor rear view.  Other than that it was a good ride.

The P38L was next flying with my wing man in a P51D fully loaded as well.  We dropped our bombs on the hangers then made a high speed pass from 5000 feet on the town to unload the rockets.  Interesting, we both pulled out climbing north   with full WEP but I pulled up 8 spits and the P51 none.  As always the P38L is a magnet for spits.  Every time I choose a 38 it seems to attack a lot of attention.  People love to shot a 38 I guess because it is so big and easy to hit.  I did turn back into the hoard on my six and took one of the spits out  nad I am sure bloody some noses before they drug me down.  I really like the P38L the best but the attention it generates makes it a hard plane to survive in for me.  In my humble opinion the 38 is the best attack plane in the MA I have tried so far going in but not coming out. The P47D40 carries more E coming out of an attach than the 38 which to me gives it an edge on survival.

The Typhoon is next then probably the F4U.  I am not fond of the P47N even with 25% fuel it is slow to climb so that will not make the try list.  Of course the P47D40 with its ability to handle a high speed dive and the load it carries is a very good choice from my past runs.

From the thread I still have several more planes to try.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: waystin2 on January 09, 2013, 09:13:29 AM
I've always used the F6F-5. 

Enough ord to drop a hanger in one pass and a hell of a figher once the ords gone.  In fact it's such a good fighter I've fought and won with all my ord attached and if I feel it's hampering me I'll drop the eggs and keep fighting with the rockets in place.  After all, if you're on an attack mission you won't do much damage if you drop your ord before you make target so you may as well try to fight to the target with as much of the ord attached as possible.

And that's why I choose the F6F-5.

I have to say that the Hellcat is probably the smoothest JABO platform in the game.  Very stable in a  dive, not a lot of wiggle.  Love that Hell-kitty!
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: --)SF---- on January 09, 2013, 12:32:25 PM
:lol that crap you fly don't even carry 1 rocket ya nooblet!  :rolleyes: :lol

One plane to rule them all,
one plane to find them,
one plane to bring them all,
in aces high, and destroy them.

 :banana:
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 09, 2013, 04:42:56 PM
 The F4U is much like the Mustang but seems to handle the weight better in the model.  After the bomb drop the F4U gave me a good engagement with a zero.   I blew the flap extension and stalled it at the worse time.  If not I might have won that one.  A good choice if the target is hot with red guys.  The F4U is the best turn plane to me of the 1000 pound bomb planes albeit I need to work on the P38 from all that I have read.  The lack of rear view on the F6F keeps this out of the best fighter after the bomb drop.

I tried the Typhoon and I must say it is the escape artist of all the planes that can carry 1000 pound bombs.  Zoom out after the dive then up and over far enough out to come back into the fight at speed.  The only downside I can see is the inability to carry both bombs and rockets.

I am starting to see the strength of Mr. Forks reply.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Babalonian on January 09, 2013, 05:51:36 PM
What is the current thinking on the best Fighter-Attack plane in the Attack mode?

I switch between two, the P47D-40 (ordnance mule, and it's 8x50s with plenty of ammo are very capable at any light weight cleanup) or 190A-8 (gun boat with a centerline 500/1000lb bomb, not the best for cracking the biggest and heavy targets, but an absolute meat grinder for medium to light targets).
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Babalonian on January 09, 2013, 05:54:13 PM
47 class, A5,A8

Maybe in MW the A5 is a practical choice, but in LW the A8 has more armor/durability and superior firepower.

I really hope the 190F series gets expanded someday soon.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Randy1 on January 10, 2013, 05:57:26 AM
I have learned a big lesson on the Typhoon.  If the radar circle of the enemy base you are going to doesn't touch or at least close to your home base radar circle, leave the Typhoon home.  The Typhoon is a fuel hog for sure.  The drop tanks seem to really slow it down as well as limit the number of rockets.

Now for a night using the F4U.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: save on January 10, 2013, 06:37:11 AM
I would say F8,
Fast, F8 can dive to 600mph , can take a beating and deliver some ordnance.
if you want to kill tanks i would prefer the F8, to kill a town bombers to the work better anyways.
For me survivability is more important than just drop and die, like some squads seem do in here.


Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: Slade on January 10, 2013, 07:12:32 AM
Quote
Real men fly the Stuka for ground attack. 

+1

I still love using ords in 47's etc. but man that 1800 MOAB is a BLAST!
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: R 105 on January 10, 2013, 07:20:34 AM
 For me it is the P-51D hands down. It has a great bomb load speed and range. I can pork the ords at a large field with just two 500 pound bombs plus the 50 cals and fly home. It is hard to compless unlike the P-38 and you can fly the 51 like you stole it and it stays together. There is a reason the P-51 stayed in service into the 80s with some countries.
Title: Re: Best Fighter-Attack Plane in the Attack Mode?
Post by: bozon on January 10, 2013, 12:27:16 PM
I have learned a big lesson on the Typhoon.  If the radar circle of the enemy base you are going to doesn't touch or at least close to your home base radar circle, leave the Typhoon home.  The Typhoon is a fuel hog for sure.  The drop tanks seem to really slow it down as well as limit the number of rockets.
Throttle back and reduce RPM, it will make you go much much longer for a moderate loss of speed. Especially on the way back when you are not in a hurry. Save the full+WEP to the ingress and egress phases only and you can get a reasonable reach out of it.