SYN-Luftwaffles' Crunktastic, and Definitely Not Crappily Done in GIMP, Quick ID Guide for Not Shooting Your Own Team

[SYN_Luftwaffles]

This guide is in response to people posting their troubles ID'ing planes from far away in relationship to how easy it is in Rise of Flight. 

This is by no means exhaustive, and I'm not trying to make it that way; I'm simply showing a handful of very basic and quick tips to help make a snap judgement on whether or not the plane you are following/approaching/spending energy to get to is a German or Russian plane, and avoid friendly fire. 

Behold the top-view of the Bf-109 versus the Yak: 



Yes that image is huge. 

Now, notice how the 109's wings are at an almost 90 degree angle from the fuselage? Notice the same with the elevator at the rear.

Now compare that to the more "round" angles of the Yak's (and Soviet planes in general) wings in relation to the fuselage: 



Now, compare that to the more "squared" angle of the wings on the Fw-190 (similar to the aforementioned 109). Also notice the round, bulbous front end. 

Now, I know what you're saying, "But Dr. Crunkenstein, what about ID'ing these planes from the side?" 

Well, the main thing you want to ID is the radiator on the Russian planes. They look pregnant. Also, the rudder is a lot rounder, and the tail of the fuselage is a lot thicker in relationship to the German 109 or 190. 

See the 109. Notice how thin and pencil-like the rear section is right before the rudder: 

 

Now compare that to the Yak with it's bulging, ate-too-much-at-the-Golden-Corral belly:


And from the back: 



Well, maybe it's more like a man bag, or fanny pack. 

But it's manly. 

Now, the biggest identifying features of the 109 from behind is the radiators. Behold their squareness in all their automated glory: 




Now, from the front, also notice the intake: 

Edited February 25, 2016 by SYN_Luftwaffles

[SYN_Luftwaffles]

Now for the 110 and the Pe-2, it's a bit muckier. But for the most part, the Pe-2 looks a bit more bulgy in the front than the 110. Also, notice where the canopy abruptly ends as opposed to the extended canopy of the 110. Furthermore, check out the unique window in the fuselage in the back: 



Now the 110 from the side. Notice how straight and thin the rear is compared to the Pe-2:



Now for angled approach: 

The Pe-2: 


Also, notice the elevator/rudder section. See how it dips in the middle? 

Now the 110: 



Now the rear of the 110. Notice how flat, square, and wide the wings are? 



And finally the Pe-2 from the rear. Notice the angular wings: 


 

[LLv24_Zami]

Nice guide!

[Bando]

Thanks for doing this.

[SYN_Luftwaffles]

Nice guide!

 

Thanks for doing this.

You guys are welcome. I might try to add some more later, but I just wanted to give a few tips to get people started and maybe eliminate a bit of friendly fire. 

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

I guess some people never were in the military and had a chance to view silhouette cards. why don't you try making those? or better yet use the games environment as you have but little less space or smaller pics?

Edited February 26, 2016 by 71st_Mastiff

[Dakpilot]

I guess some people never were in the military and had a chance to view silhouette cards. why don't you try making those? or better yet use the games environment as you have but little less space or smaller pics?

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/20968-wip-finkerens-easy-id-guide/?p=332352

 

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[SYN_Luftwaffles]

I guess some people never were in the military and had a chance to view silhouette cards. why don't you try making those? or better yet use the games environment as you have but little less space or smaller pics?

I was trying to show what they would actually see in game when they spotted a plane at an iffy distance. It's mainly an "are they on my team or not" helper for new players. 

[SharpeXB]

Be mindful of whether you are over friendly or enemy territory and pay attention to who the AA is shooting at.

Listen to the radio too.

[Luger1969]

Hi Syn. Great stuff. Any chance of converting this into a small downloadable manual?