I am noob, I know nothing about ACM except for pulling the stick as hard as I can.
The only trick I used was extending the flaps. Start the fight at about 11000 feet. This works 100% for me.
The energy retention is so good that the F-16 keeps accelerating even with maximum pull. I have to raise altitude to avoid over-speeding.
Soon the AI got its energy drained out. It can't keep up with the speedy viper.
I already froze my fuel to 100%, unlike the AI which gains more maneuverability as the fuel burns over time.
I know the ace AI also has those magical aerodynamics to give it extra boost in agility.
But... It is so easy.
This is me fighting an ace JF-17.