Spotting ground targets in the Il-2

[RedKestrel]

Just got around to trying this plane out in the QMB and find that with the metal paneling on the side of the cockpit I have a very limited view of the ground. Makes it very difficult to set up my attacks or even find the enemy in the first place. I don't remember having this much trouble in Il-2 1946

Any tips? Like, is there a better head position to see better? Or do I Just have to get used to the limited vis?
 

[pilotpierre]

Open the canopy.

[SharpeXB]

Open the canopy occasionally to look around. 

[RedKestrel]

OK, thanks! Don't know why I didn't think to try that. I'm still used to 1946 where most of the canopies don't open.

[-TBC-AeroAce]

Tbh even with the canopy open it is hard to spot targets because of the low wing. 

 

One thing that I find helps is to fly well to the side of where you suspect the target to be. That way you can dip you wing and fly an s like course that will alow you to scan the area with out anything getting lost below you.

 

Lol in the IL2 I can spot something and lose it 5 seconds later trying to turn on to it. NOT EASY! 

[Eclipse4349]

On 5/21/2018 at 12:44 PM, AeroAce said:

One thing that I find helps is to fly well to the side of where you suspect the target to be. 

This helps no matter what you are flying. If fly directly to what you're looking for, it may very well end up under your nose where you can't see it! Flying so that the target is 45 degrees or so off your nose, ~5 km away when you are at lower altitudes, will put it where you should be able to see it relatively easily. If you are higher altitude, you may need to pass at a greater distance away - 5km distance might put the target under your fuselage. 

[-TBC-AeroAce]

2 hours ago, Eclipse4349 said:

This helps no matter what you are flying. If fly directly to what you're looking for, it may very well end up under your nose where you can't see it! Flying so that the target is 45 degrees or so off your nose, ~5 km away when you are at lower altitudes, will put it where you should be able to see it relatively easily. If you are higher altitude, you may need to pass at a greater distance away - 5km distance might put the target under your fuselage. 

 

In my first mock cross country check ride in real life I navigated so well that I lost a 1km runway under my nose.

 

I said to instructor "I don't know what's wrong, it should be here". He replied "well you can keep flying until we see it or if you rock the wings a little you may have a suprise". 

 

Leas on learnt lol.

[Yogiflight]

If you fly the 'Flying Store Window' (Hs129), you won't have this problem. You can see things on the ground almost until you are above them.

[RedeyeStorm]

Another trick is to remember the geography and your targets position in relation to it. Like remembering the shape of the forrest where the artillary is in front of.