How to Air to Air

[GrifterMan]

I know this is going to be a rather lengthy answer and if there is already a how to for Air to Air and someone can send me a link I’d appreciate it. But heres my question and problem.

 

Ive been doing the on the other side mission where you go over the mountain and have gotten killed 5 times in a row now. (its really driving me nuts) whats getting me is the hinds.

 

The first few times ive tried this mission I got the message that I was under attack and that there were bandits but never did see them so just went pop and didn’t have a clue where the shots came from. On the 4th try i turned on the tags so I can see them which help. When I spot them coming I set AA and AA/HO and start trying to get them in the Shkval box which I just wasn’t able to do while moving so by the time they got close enough to just go gun sight it was too late and got ripped up.

 

The last time I parked and tried to lock then with the Shkval I did manage to get one locked up and as soon as he got in range popped off a vickhrs, saw the missle hit and a nice little fire ball flash and like a little kids nightmare he just flew right on threw and kept on coming. So popped off a second vickhrs which took him down finally. But by then his buddy was on me and I was dead again uggg.

 

Ok so that’s what ive been doing also been trying to use my wingman to take them out. First couple of time ive sent them to engage bandits the hinds shot all 3 of them down and then took me out. Ugggg

 

On the 4th try I set them to cover me which caused them to scatter all over the place and they all got killed again. The last time I just left them on my sides and after I got killed they where nice enough to shoot down the remaining hind.

 

So with all that being said my question is how do you spot/target/kill these guys? I could switch over to the game mode and it would be easy but whats the fun in that?

Edited September 4, 2009 by GrifterMan

[andyfoot]

I find it's best to just avoid them altogether. The Ka50 isn't really designed for air to air, and as you've found out it is difficult. You can have success, but you need to be good with the Schval targetting. Don't forget you also have to set to Air to Air mode, and also set Head On aspect if relevant. I find if I can spot them early enough, and they are flying towards me/away from me (ie not across my nose) the Vikhr's are more successful. If they get too close I resort to flying WW2 style fighters using my Gun in bore sight mode and getting up close and personnal. The Ka50 is fast and manoeuvrable, so dogfighting is possible against other helo's, but again it is difficult and I would advise trying to avoid combat with other helo's (armed ones anyway). Another option is to try and lure them towards a friendly SAM site.

[element1108]

I actually got lucky in that mission I randomly turned my my left and saw the two hinds flying by (I was low). I managed to stay behind them and I gunned them WWII style (good old deflection shots). I would have left them alone but I didn't want to chance them spotting me on their way back down the valley.

 

If I hear hinds are in the area I get down REALLY low by some buildings and really keep an eye out. They have a huge advantage with their rotating turret and dedicated gunner.

 

Speaking of WWII keep your head on a constant swivel when you hear enemy air support is present. Your wingman will most likely spot them before you do.

 

Anyway probably didn't help much as I got pretty lucky, but good luck with it! Hopefully 6th 7th time's the charm :)

[EagleEye]

Good question GrifterMan, I also suck at targeting air vehicles with Shkval. Like the two others, the most time I shot at enemy helos in WWII style.

[Zembla]

I usually lock 'm up via the HMS, or get close enough. Once I track them, it's easy to refine the lock, i.e. get it right on target, because the brackets slew at their speed by then.

 

The Shkval has trouble keeping them locked though. I usually use guns (slaved to the Shkval), or if the aspect and the range is right, I may use a Vikhr. It's not the easiest thing to do, but after a while you get more used to it, and get quicker and better at it.

 

-Z

[GrifterMan]

So looks like the concession is to hide and let them go by and you have to go boresite and dogfight them.

 

anyone know the detection range for hinds or other aircraft? at what point will they engage?

 

also is there communication between the different AI units? if I shooting at a sa-6 will they call there buddies in the hinds? or are they all independent with no communication between the AI units?

[ruprecht]

1. ensure you have AA or AA-HOA selected, laser on

2. use HMS on a wide angle Shkval and appropriate cage size to get your coarse picture. hold uncage as you position the HMS reticle over the target, then release and quickly designate

3. slew for fine correction and lock

4. Pedals to keep nose on target

5. Vikhr over 800m or HE gun below 800m

[26-J39]

I find the trick with air to air is to identify the target at long range (use zoom if have to). Once you see him you can take your time to lock him with shkval (laser off at this point or he'll know you got him locked). Move in within range for a vikhr shot.. I sometimes slowly approach until the target sees me and turns head on to take a shot..Now pump two vikhrs( making sure you have AA "key V" & AAHOA "key ALT-S"on).....Vikhrs can be very effective in A2A but mainly head on shots. Pump flares and side slip of you see he has fired so you can maintain your lock....:D Can get hairy :joystick: but thats the fun.. :thumbup: