Learning to Fight

[Malefic Rage]

Hello folks,

 

While you'd think a person would be satisfied with a 650 page manual, I have to admit that I'm really disappointed by the complete lack of some critically important content.

 

Where are the instructions (or in-game tutorials for that matter) on actual combat in the A-10C? I've gone through the bulk of the manual and have been enjoying myself learning how to 'fly' the A-10C and deploy weapons but now many important questions are circling my mind.

 

How do I learn to fight? To manoeuvre? What is a barrel roll? How do I perform one and when do I use it? How do I avoid SAMs and evade launches? What weapons do I use to attack a moving column of tanks? What altitude do I attack from? How do I coordinate with other aircraft?

 

I realise that compiling such a set of documentation is not trivial but there is an enormous component of the simulation that a novice to military simulation as myself is left completely without direction.

[WynnTTr]

Unfortunately you'll have to do your own research about this. ED just provides the tools and the manual on how to use it properly. Everything else is up to the pilot.

 

All the questions you've asked are basic flight questions that all modern flight sims assume that you already know.

The best way to learn is to get into an online squadron that's willing to teach you or just youtube what you want to know.

[OPPSpectre]

I also had to pretty much learn all of these things myself, mostly from trial and error. You'll learn that you can't just head straight in to the engagement zone; you'll need to orbit wide around the SAM envelope (usually ~12 miles or so). When you first approach the area, try to keep your altitude above 20,000 to make sure you're clear of any SAMs (SA-19 I think), from there, use your TGP to find and execute any SAM. From there, start looking for ZSU or Shilka. Once you've got those you can start engaging everything else from ~6,000ft (Most vehicles will engage you with machine gun fire below that).

 

To evade SAM launches, first identify (using your Countermeasures panels) what direction the missile is; instantly begin to dump either Chaff or Flare (or both) and try to get the incoming missile to either your 3 or 9 o'clock. If you can SEE the missile, and you're quick enough, wait until it is about 7-8 seconds before impact and turn hard into the missile.

 

I'm sure others on here can help you out and give you much better information, but that's what I'll contribute. Hope it's right and makes sense.

[Malefic Rage]

Unfortunately you'll have to do your own research about this. ED just provides the tools and the manual on how to use it properly. Everything else is up to the pilot.

 

All the questions you've asked are basic flight questions that all modern flight sims assume that you already know.

The best way to learn is to get into an online squadron that's willing to teach you or just youtube what you want to know.

That was my same experience when I played around with Falcon 4 AF, although there was a bit more tactical info in the manual, it basically left responsibility for learning the practical applications of the aircraft up to the user. My question is why this assumption is made? My guess is the large amount of effort required to compile a suitable set of documents and training lessons, but I can't believe it to be so complicated that at least some basic documentation can't be included.

[Zenra]

I suggest you go to the sticky Manuals & Documents thread. It contains links to a variety of real world documents about the A-10, not just how to fly it but real world procedures for planning and executing missions.

 

Although not specific to the A-10, there is some excellent material available at the CNATRA site. Documents like P1208 and P1209 are actual flight training instructions for US Navy pilots learning instrument flight and navigation procedures and weapons employment.

 

With this sim, the real world manuals and dcoduments are the manuals you need.