Approaching a new mission

[astrospud]

Just wanting to know if there is a way the more experienced pilots tackle new mission.

 

It seems to me that IRL jumping in the shark and moving into hostile airspace blind as a bat (tactically speaking) seems suicidal.

Almost every new mission I fly - MP or SP - 10 minutes or less into it I either wear AAA or missile between the eyes, not knowing where it came from.

 

Do you enter the combat space:

 

1. gingerly, 1 km at a time, bring the shark to a hover and doing Shkval sweep?
   
2. If wingman is present, send him into Recce? (probably a smarter way to do things in SP miz or Campaign)
   
3. charge in fast, NOE or treetop level, consequences be damned?
   
4. read the mission map, plotting probable SAM sites/AA emplacements, or ambush sites, plotting new WP's (don't think this is feasable, since MANPAD can be anywhere...)?
   

I know I'm a nub at this sim, but I need to pick the brains of the accomplished and skilled among us, if I'm to have any chance of doing the campaign...

 

Cheers.

[Panzertard]

Firstly I rely on intel;

- Mission brief, threat zones, threat types known.

- On replay I tend use my mind as "Intel" - however I "roleplay" that I dont know where the threats are, just what kinds/classes of threats there are around me and in which zones.

 

- In safe zones, I fly "casual". I still scan and do S/A, but less strict.

- When going "fence in", I tend to slow down considerably and scan (Eyeball Mk.II), scan, scan ... while flying at a speed I feel is working out how fast I'm able to maintain my S/A.

 

What I look for;

- Watch for missile launches or tracers.

- dots in the air (airthreats), other kind of suspicious not natural movement in the skies.

- dots on the ground, especially if it's moving. Static objects - very cautious about high density populated areas.

 

Eyeball Mk.II works for me - if I can move forward at my own pace.

 

SP: As for my wingman, yes, you can abuse that guy. Watch for launches at him - and engage those threats while your wingman evades.

Watch for tracers or launches.

MP: Wingmen again - lead/two stays a bit behind and watch for threats.

Watch for tracers or launches. Callout over TS "break" - and engage the threats.

 

EDIT: In MP you also have the benefit of;

- ABRIS, fellow pilots sharing channel 127.500 - good IFF indicator - and if they are threatened or not. (Share intel and status over TS/Ventrilo)

- ABRIS, pilots down - last known location (Roleplay; This is where SAR is going). Thats a threat-indication.

- MP-reports aka "Player Santa crashed" from the server about other flights going down. If you need to roleplay to abuse it, use this as a "Emergency channel report - pilot / down - location unknown".

Edited December 18, 2009 by Panzertard

[Tango]

There are some great MP missions out there now that have threats *AROUND* the target area, as well as in it.

 

In MP missions, when co-op flight is tricky (i.e. no TS), I tend to fly single ship but keep and eye out for others (ABRIS is great for this).

 

I will usually scream towards the target area, but a few km before I get there I go slow, and keep and eye out. I will get within range, survey the area, then go from there. I note where I was safe as I move forwards so I know I have somewhere to run to if I come under fire. This saved my tail several times.

 

If I do come under unexpected fire, I hit the deck if in a built-up area. Whilst AI can see and shoot though trees, they can't shoot through buildings. I then run, get out of range, turn around and engage whatever was shooting me.

 

There is no substitute for the eyeball. Shkval is too restrictive unless high and a good distance out where you can take your time to survey the place.

 

Best regards,

Tango.

[astrospud]

Much appreciated. Rep inbound.

 

My situation is that I fly on a 17inch notebook (not impossible, given the right equipment:)) and have astigmatism as well - I have a pair of prescription flight goggles . this makes it hard at times to spot threats. Probably the core of my problem.

 

I can honestly say that in one instance - co-op SvobodaV2p - two of us cleared the field of AA threats and most tanks. Only 3 Leopard II's remained. Could I spot the suckers in strafing range? No. :doh:

Pass after pass after pass. I could not mark them successfully.

 

I think I need to invest in a nice 24inch LCD and put into practice some of these ideas.:thumbup:

[sinelnic]

Another suggestion: whenever attacked my preferred maneuver is a deep dive while tossing flares, and ideally I dive to the side so I can change direction very quickly and run the hell out. In order for this to work, while entering enemy territory you should register what zones where safe, and also keep track of hills and/or mountains that could act as cover, so you don´t escape right into another SAM. As a last resort hiding behind a building can help also.