PC Dogfighting Hints - Maintaining visual?

[ESzczesniak]

I've been a long time user of combat flight simulators, but have always struggled in a BFM dogfight. My struggle boils down to maintaining visual. I do ok with tactics if I can maintain visual long enough to develop the fight. I've become more of an air-to-mud guy as a result, but want to use all sides of the Hornet.

 

I was hoping to get some tips from you all on the board here. I have a great setup including a 55" 4k TV, TrackIR, and Oculus Rift VR.

 

1. The 4k TV makes a huge difference spotting air and ground targets, as well as seeing more than just a couple pixels to judge aspect/ID/etc.

 

2. Panning with a Hat switch just doesn't move fast enough at times (i.e. the merge) and is easy to get lost as to where exactly you're looking.

 

3. VR is fantastic for SA, but the current resolutions are too low to reliably tally a target and then judge aspect/maneuvering of the bogey. I love it for the carrier pattern and tanking, but am not finding them of great use in combat yet.

 

4. TrackIR is the best I've gotten so far. I probably need to work on perfecting my profile. My struggle right now is to get a good balance of a "stable head" when near center for working with the cockpit displays/instruments and flying through the HUD, combined with a full 180 degree motion around the bird without have to look out of the side of my head with my eyes (i.e. having to turn my head too far to look directly at the screen).

 

I know practice is a big part, and I'm flying a lot of instant action BFM missions. I'm always struggling at the merge when the aspect changes so quickly.

 

Does anyone have tips on managing the visual? I remember Janes used to have a padlock view that would keep you eyes on. A little bit of a cheat, but it's also a limited engine compared to reality. I sure miss that one.

Edited June 3, 2018 by ESzczesniak

[colin519]

Got my first DCS Hornet A-A kills tonight.

 

1. My setup is in sig. Ultrawide 35" panel kicks ass with Track IR. I find it very easy to judge aspect etc. Try Smooth setting in TrackIR software. It's in the little drop down menu that says Default.

 

2. What are you panning on a hat switch? What range are you talking about? I think one of the biggest things is to make sure you are using the radar properly. The NWS button also cancel the STT mode and returns to RWS. It's important to be able to switch to your 9Ms and guns because that will adjust your radar according. I believe there may be a gun acquisition mode which will work best in a dogfight to keep a target locked.

 

I would suggest making sure that you are well aware of the position you are in when you are merging. Who has more speed? Vc in the HUD is the close rate, make note of their speed and alt when you are merging so you know exactly what is going to happen in the merge. And don't be afraid to fire a missile to make someone turn away from you. Don't be afraid to run or crank hard to make them turn. Much easier engaging with a wingman also.