Pipper-less engagement

[Merlin-27]

You can stay with the Dora in EVERY maneuver, don't be fooled. The trick is to begin the chase with at least the same energy state and keep your movements smooth. No need for WEP fighting the AI. Taking pot shots here and there will not get a good kill. Close to a comfortable range and wait for the right moment... then send a storm of lead his way. Also, multiple concentrated hits on the cockpit, engine or wings will finish him much quicker than hits from dead astern into the tail.

[HotTom]

Actually, in both the sim and real life, the Mustang is a bit slower than the Dora at lower altitudes and can outclimb it (The P-51 was not a great climber). Look it up. Whatever I say, Merlin says the opposite. I wonder why I kill that Dora so regularly I rarely bother anymore. Maybe I know what I'm doing. ;)

Edited April 10, 2014 by HotTom

[gavagai]

You can stay with the Dora in EVERY maneuver,

 

I sure as heck cannot follow the AI 190 when it climbs at a 45 degree angle doing 120mph. Until the AI has to worry about overheats we should be a little more circumspect. When humans have the 190 we'll have to change our tune again because of the 190's excellent roll rate.

[Merlin-27]

I sure as heck cannot follow the AI 190 when it climbs at a 45 degree angle doing 120mph. Until the AI has to worry about overheats we should be a little more circumspect. When humans have the 190 we'll have to change our tune again because of the 190's excellent roll rate.

 

Gav, I respect your flying ability. We have flown together many times in the past. But, are you saying with preparation and energy you can't climb with the AI 190? I find that hard to believe.

 

EDIT:

Yes at low speeds, the 190 can pull away quickly. But the answer to that is to try to stay well above 120mph. As my friend HotTom said, keep it above 250 when you can. The Merlin hates to be that slow with combat settings.(there is really no need to fly slow against the AI as they never get stuck in slow evasive turns like most humans) And if that is the end of your climb and he is extending then it was not set up correctly and you can just find another target.

 

In the beginning we all had trouble with the AI. But, I am being perfectly honest, over time and with lots of practice I have no problem reaching the top of the climb against the AI Dora and sometimes even exceeding his climb. And many do it better than I. I'm just stating results. I'm not speculating.

 

To clarify my position, I'm only saying it is not impossible or even very difficult to shoot down the DCS AI FW190. I think it is a disservice to tell people you can not out perform them with practice. If you want to argue that the SFM is not accurate and that we should never be able to shoot them down then go for it. But the fact is that DCS AI 190s are shot down by the dozen every day by human pilots flying the P-51D ...and from what I've seen it is mostly during a climb.

Edited April 10, 2014 by Merlin-27

[NineLine]

Try to discuss the topic without personal attacks. Thanks guys.

[gavagai]

Yes Merlin, but you said "stay with the 190 through any maneuver." You simply can't follow it in a low speed climb because the P-51's engine will overheat. The AI's engine never overheats because it uses a simplified FM. A steep, low speed climb is a kind of maneuver.

:thumbup:

[HellToupee]

Less of a problem than its simplified DM, 100s of hits on the thing with all sorts of smoke pooring out of it and it keeps flying like new :)

[HotTom]

I agree, HT (great initials!). I once put more than 360 hits in the Dora before it came down. 200+ isn't unusual.

[Yob]

I agree, HT (great initials!). I once put more than 360 hits in the Dora before it came down. 200+ isn't unusual.

 

It's where you hit, although it can be very hard to kill. I have once shot only 80 shots into it and it fell out of the sky with one wing.