Recent level bombing experiences

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

I like to level bomb. I have been doing it since the game came out. I don't always do it but at times it is a nice change. I usually fly a Pe-2 when doing it so this is written from that perspective. I use Ultra setting and 4X Terrain detail.

 

On the map there are many little villages, made up of many little buildings. These can be seen at good distances. IF however there is a large industrial facility next to it, made up of large industrial buildings with chimneys, hangars and a variety of larger buildings, these cannot be seen from altitude (4-5km) at the same distances. This means the actual target location is guesswork based on the map icon location. This, of course, is another issue as the map is not available to the bombardier, although all other crew members can access it. So one has to jump back and forth to the cockpit to check things. Meanwhile, at times, you are trying to deal with a 10-15ms wind. So you keep waiting as precious seconds tick by for the target to resolve, decreasing the bombsite view.  Not until the bombsite angle is at about 45-50 degrees or basically within seconds of the drop the target finally resolves. This gives very little time for alignment on target. To add insult to injury, if you get “lined” up and switch to Manual mode, the view jumps left or right due to wind, requiring additional turn adjustments. Of course the turns can effect speed and wind angle so that has to be rechecked. All of this needs to be done in a matter of a few seconds, say 3 to 4.

 

What should happen is this. Once on approach, the bombardier can check the map (O key) from his location to check landmarks. When on track, in the bombsite the larger facility is spotted BEFORE the little village that it may be next to as its buildings are much larger.  After making trim adjustments and tracking the target in View mode you switch to Manual mode for the drop. There is no last second jump of the cross-hairs left or right which may not leave time to correct.

 

As it sits level bombing is currently a convoluted mix of view jumps, guess work and luck.  If you wonder why more people don't do it, this may be an answer.  Until there are fixes to these issues, I think I'm going to postpone further level bombing.

[Bando]

I do not have a solution, but, for what it's worth, I share your feelings. It's annoying to not be able to have the map at the ready.

I know with settings one can change to mapview quite fast, but it remains annoying as the bomb view seems to go to some sort of default as your back as pilot on the map.

What I also noted was that in view mode I can be perfectly aligned with the target as we move along, but as soon as I switch to drop mode, I have to correct like crazy to get it aligned and mostly I'm not dropping then.

 

All in all, I hope the devs will give it some love..

[Y-29.Silky]

I wish a 2nd player could take over as bombardier. It's way too much work for the pilot to do it all.

[Sokol1]

View the map from bombardier position is not a issue if used a macro in HAT, joy button to alternate between the two.

 

"Hardcore" players need create hardcore solutions. 

Edited January 27, 2016 by Sokol1

[-TBC-AeroAce]

Op has it spot on really. Work does need to be done here as its very annoying at times.

 

 

@ Sokol1 that's a good idea

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

View the map from bombardier position is not a issue if used a macro in HAT, joy button to alternate between the two.

 

"Hardcore" players need create hardcore solutions. 

 

Thanks Sokol1.  I assigned keys and it's OK as a work around.  The thing is, that isn't the most important issue to the level bombing problems.  I think only the devs can solve those.

[-TBC-AeroAce]

The thing is, that isn't the most important issue to the level bombing problems. I think only the devs can solve those.

+ 100

[Antiguo]

You're not the only one         , it is impossible to  level bombing  

[[APAF]VR_Spartan85]

Has anyone seen the new updates coming up in bombing changes for original IL-2?

[F/JG300_Gruber]

The wind correction in the view mode is already in the devs to do list. 

But yeah, for now, level bombing can only be done accurately in the He111. 

[Fidelity]

I agree, level bombing (in a PE-2) is a joke in its current state. Target rendering distances are absolutely atrocious.

[F/JG300_Gruber]

Target rendering distances are absolutely atrocious.

 

Manageable up to 4000m. Above that, yeah forget about level bombing.

[Sokol1]

The problem will be how show these pictures in MP, the briefing file - the obvious place - is only text.

 

In SP is easy with a multimedia presentation (vide Veteran66 missions) prior the mission start or even at given waypoint.

 

Anyway see a picture of the target previously dont help much if you dont see the target from 5000 meters, that is the point.