Air combat improvement help pls

[Zjahna]

Hi fellow flyers, I started with flight sims only 18 months ago with RoF and now Bos/BoM and enjoy it whenever I get a little spare time. I have got the essential basics under control including CEM and basic flight maneuvers, generally against AI although I do play normal servers from time to time. On expert I prefer to fly ground attack as I get shot down anyway, might as well take a few tanks/bridges out with me!

 

However, I have kind of reached a plateau in air-to-air. For example, in the 109F I can monster any of the AI planes so to step up the challenge I have taken to the LaGG. What tactic/technique/strengths can I use to defeat an AI 109. When I get out-turned or climbed I am dead meat. I saw the challenge against ace AI a few months ago, but where is a good place to start. Scissors? Turns? Where could I learn this to improve a little more. 

 

Thanks in advance for your help,

 

Cheers,

 

Zj

[Finkeren]

The LaGG against ace AI in a 109 is a bit problematic, because it really requires the opponent to make a mistake.

 

I'd advice you to start out with quick missions where you have a substantial energy advantage, and them try to hold on to that advantage and gain a good shooting position.

[SR-F_Winger]

Firstly welcome.

I am not a big red pilot but i got enough experience to tell you that there should not be left much to do when youre in a LAGG against a 109. The 109 is superior in all aspects but firepower if you equip the big gun in the LAGG.

You migh want to use the YAK-1 instead. Its an easymodeplane you cant really do anything wrong in.

[216th_Lucas_From_Hell]

This will be of interest: http://luthier.stormloader.com/SFTacticsI.htm

 

Check all four pages there, they're quite short but worth the read. They're from a Soviet Air Force fighter tactics manual from 1943. Although the text can be a little too optimistic in some cases (mostly with benign intentions, you want your fighter pilots to believe their aircraft are worth their salt rather than high-tail at the first sign of engagement) it covers a lot of principles to keep in mind when engaging using Soviet aircraft.

[SCG_Space_Ghost]

-snip-

 

You migh want to use the YAK-1 instead. Its an easymodeplane you cant really do anything wrong in.

 

OP, please disregard Winger's (unsurprisingly) pretentious post.

 

Finkeren is the guy you want to listen to... Gaining the upper hand might be hard to do against a 109 so perhaps focusing your training on having the upper hand and maintaining it is a place to start.

 

If you can really manage that E and learn to gain a favorable position with the strengths you do have there may come a time that you can turn the tides of battle in your favor when starting from a co-E or disadvantaged situation.

Edited December 23, 2015 by Space_Ghost

[Libel]

The LaGG has a surprisingly good roll speed, which can help you to avoid the 109 through reversals. Keep your speed up to deny the 109's maneuverability advantage from the slats, and fly with a wingman if you can. Two versus one is a much better matchup.

[TP_Jacko]

With your QMB practice in the LaGG start with an altitude advantage keep your speed up then maybe reduce your height with experience. But if a 109 gets above you he is faster and climbs better so don't let that happen. Take a look at IL2 Compare to get an idea of the typical performances of the aircraft.