Drone shooting

[Lovin_Lightning]

I've been spending considerable time working on my gunmanship by shooting drones.
After a bit of this, I can almost always shoot down the drone when I just fly up on it from behind (99/100) times
I'm having a little trouble when I try to dive down on or climb up on a plane, trying to hit the big broad target instead of the tiny little profile in the back, however I always wind up behind them again... any tips?
Also what other types of shots should I practice taking? I've heard the word "deflection shots" tossed around alot, could someone explain this in a little detail.
Finally, is there a way to change the plane settings so that your bullets converge farther out or farther in.
Right now, I don't have a subscription so I don't know if that disallows me access to the training arena, if that influences any of your replies.

Thanks!

[Muzzy]

Deflection shots are essentially shots taken at an angle that require some kind of lead, i.e. aiming at where the target will be as opposed to where it is. They are exceptionally difficult shots to master.  The best way I know of to practice them is to go to the Training Area and activate the lead computing gunsight (ctrl + tab I believe).  You can then use the tab key to lock on to others and a cross will appear showing where to aim. If you have mixed guns you'll see 2 crosses, and more often than not they won't line up.  I expect the kind of shots you've been practicing are deflection shots.  Even within 200 of your target you still have to account for lead in lots of cases.

Once you have the lead sight on, ask around if anyone will be your target for you.

For convergence, in the hangar there is a button on the upper right hand side that says "set convergence". It will take you to a different screen where you can set it up.  For information on convergence theory, read the following thread.

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,291419.15.html

[Blooz]

Gun convergence is changed in Hanger. Theres a button up at the top right of the clipboard there. The guns will be color coded for pimary and secondary. Drag the range numbers to wherever you need them out to 650 yards.

For deflection shooting practice, fly through the circle of planes catching one coming from the left then one from the right as you pass through at a good speed. get used to leading your target for the shot. They are moving a little slow (200mph IIRC) but it will help you. As the planes travel in a circle it won't be a perfect 90* shot but close enough. You may also want to fly against the flow of planes (clockwise) and get used to them coming at you too. This is how most engagements will begin. Get used to maneuvering under their nose and getting turned around quickly as they'll be doing the same.

Without a subscription that's all you get. You may want to practice dropping some bombs too. If your name and avatar give a clue, nosing down with a ton of bricks will get you in trouble quick if you're not used to it.

Best of luck. Hope to see you soon in the mains!

[uptown]

One thing you should keep in mind. Offline the drones don't shoot back. So you may want to think about approaching buffs low and from behind. The best and fastest way I've found to score a kill is to get about 2k directly above them and dive damned near straight down, aiming just in front of the cockpit and walking the rounds in. Climb up and away at a angle that makes it hard for him to track you with his guns. Loop back over and do again. Patience in key when attacking bombers, especially if they shoot back.

[bbosen]

Hey Lovin' Lightning:

Welcome! You're on a good track to build your skills. Asking your questions here is proof of that.

Until you are ready to subscribe, the next step I can recommend is to take a look at the offline missions that are available free. Here is some guidance on that subject that I hope you will find helpful:

http://techvideoreview.com/FlightSimMovies/AcesHigh/Ah2Missions/Ah2OfflineMissionsFullPage.htm

This can be a rich, rewarding, cost-free way to prepare for the subscription arenas!


Regards,



-Peabody-

[morfiend]

 While playing offline,goto options,arena setup,enviroment,arena settings,then scroll down look for flightmodeflags.

 Once you've found that click on change and a window will open,in there you can select the lead computing gunsight.

 You can also select manual mode bombing and or the dive bomb sight.


  Try the LCG with Bbosen's missions if you want more of a challenge than just the drones,to activate press ctrl and tab to enable friendly lock then press tab when the target is in view and a set of crosshairs will show you the aim point to hit the target A/C.

  Hope this helps you out.