109 k-4

[Die Hard]

Let me put it this way: If both pilots are novices I'd put my money on the F4U. However, if both pilots are experts I'd bet on the K-4.

[moot]

There's enough room for the F4U to get a killshot before the K4 works (climbs) its way to a dominant position that I wouldn't bet on either of em if experienced pilots are driving em.

[Die Hard]

It's been a while since I got some stick time in a K-4 but here's what I'd do against an F4U (or any other turner). I start by making B&Z passes, but I don't actually intend to get a gun solution. A high energy turner is far too difficult to hit. I only B&Z him to make him expend energy in evading, and I make sure I break off in time to be out of guns range when he turns back into me. I will repeat these fake attacks until he's on the deck, slow and helpless before making the kill pass.

Of course, after a while it becomes extremely boring, which is why it's been a while since I got some stick time in a K-4. It's über, but boring in the long run.

[Big Rat]

I agree on the the 1hog having to kill the k4 quickly.  The longer the fight the more the K4's advantage, it's hard to get E back in a hog but comes in spades to a K4.  Now a 4 hog on the other hand is a different fight all together, it can get E back a lot quicker then a 1.

 
BigRat  

[jdbecks]

I agree Diehard,

I find in the K4, you have to be patient, and work your prey untill, an easy shot presents itself, unless..your a bit of a sniper with the 30mm. I use my MGs for deflection shops.

[Die Hard]

The Hog-4 is probably the best prop fighter in the game, bar none. It's usually a big part of my monthly perk bar-tab.

[Bronk]

It's been a while since I got some stick time in a K-4 but here's what I'd do against an F4U (or any other turner). I start by making B&Z passes, but I don't actually intend to get a gun solution. A high energy turner is far too difficult to hit. I only B&Z him to make him expend energy in evading, and I make sure I break off in time to be out of guns range when he turns back into me. I will repeat these fake attacks until he's on the deck, slow and helpless before making the kill pass.

Of course, after a while it becomes extremely boring, which is why it's been a while since I got some stick time in a K-4. It's über, but boring in the long run.

That is fine working from an advantage. What about co alt, co E? Kind of hard to set up a BnZ. Especially if the hog doesn't do the burn all e on the merge.

[Scotch]

The original question presented, paraphrased, is "how does a hog pilot beat a k4 head to head if he can out climb me?"

Saying that the k4 is the better plane and wins every time (through B&Z) does not answer the question posed.

 To be honest, I can count the number of other k4 pilots that are equal or better than me on one hand. The other hand is for counting the hog pilots that can potentially beat me in this match up. I know the position that I don't want to end up in during a duel against those hog drivers. And that is the answer to his match up question.

[jdbecks]

I only shot one down last tour in K4, it was the only one that I came accross, we were climbing and turning to the left with quite a bit of E, I shot a 30mm at 600yards and took his wing off, the luckiest and best shot of the last tour  

[Scotch]

Just curious Scotch, do you lighten your nose a tad in the f4 vs k4?

If you mean by dumping ammo...
I find that in any match up, the small amount of weight lost is really insignificant compared to the angles you and your opponent choose.

[Die Hard]

That is fine working from an advantage. What about co alt, co E? Kind of hard to set up a BnZ. Especially if the hog doesn't do the burn all e on the merge.

Co-alt, co-E the K-4 still has the advantage since it can build E much more quickly than the Hog-1. After the merge the 109 slowly pulls up into a zoom climb and starts building E on the Hog. There is little or nothing the Hog can do to prevent the 109 from gaining the advantage. The 109 is faster, climbs better and accelerates faster; it is really not a fair match at all.

[Messiah]

109k4 - easy to fly, hard to master.

[Die Hard]

Sucker the k4 into turning with you. If he doesn't hit on a snapshot in the first couple of "threads" on the rolling scissor he's in a tough position.

This is the post I first replied to. The problem with "suckering" the 109 to turn with you is that the 109 will then be on your six. If the Hog slams on the brakes trying to force an overshoot the 109 can pull up and loop around. Once the 109 driver realizes his mistake he has two options to extend and reset/escape. Number 1 is to break out of the circle or opposite of the scissors and run. The 109 accelerates so quickly that he stands a good chance getting out of guns range, but if the Hog pilot is good and reacts quickly he will get a departing shot at the 109's bellybutton end; however being such a small target the 109 stands a good chance of surviving. The second and better option is to start spiral climbing above the Hog. Now, remember that the 109 starts out on the Hog's tail, and the Hog needs to circle around to even begin to follow the 109. The 109 should match the Hog's turn or scissors while climbing, keeping the Hog close but below. If the Hog breaks out of the circle in an attempt to extend and reverse the 109 can simply drop back down on the Hog's six for a free shot opportunity and reset.

I guess my point is that even after making the mistake of turning with the Hog,if the 109 pilot makes no further mistakes and knows what to do it's still very much a one sided fight.

[Oldman731]

109k4 - easy to fly, hard to master.

I think that's true of the Corsair, as well.  There really isn't any adequate way to factor out relative pilot capabilities in this match, it's very close.

- oldman

[BnZs]

Keep in mind that although the F4U can sustain a smaller radius, the 109 K4 can sustain a faster rate of turn than the non-4 hog.. The Kurt does not have to entirely "b&z" the hog.