how to counter AI head-on-passes

[Jorge_S]

I don't know if the AI has been updated in the last few months, but after coming back to IL-2, I am having a lot of trouble shooting "average" AI; typically I would try to turn or climb (depending on the plane), then try to engage him; he will always be waiting with guns on, and he will do a head-on-pass; and many times will hit from relatively long ranges or difficult angles

 

how can I counter it?

 

thanks

[Barnacles]

Put him at your 1 or 11, then just before gun range put him on the opposite side of your velocity vector with a quick, aggressive turn.

[busdriver]

@71st_AH_Barnacles offered a good technique.

 

Using the idea of putting the bandit close to your nose, you can point your nose as if to pass underneath (on the bellyside of) the bandit. Then at some distance before or the moment you see the bandit open fire, make a rolling pull (think barrel roll). Depending on the AI level, this may only require 90 degrees of roll. Or you could "bunt" (forward stick) in order to pass underneath which forces the bandit to apply negative g to get his pipper in front of you. The AI does funky things like occasionally flying inverted for a minute or so, but it doesn't do a good job of negative g gunnery (nor do humans).

[Jorge_S]

Hi, yes

if I am in a good turning aircraft; I was able to get him after turning hard before he got into gun range; only problem is that the pilot keeps passing out or close to blackout, 

while the AI doesn't seem to be affected and keep doing hard maneuvers

 

I will try the roll in energy fighters; I think I can do OK now against most airplanes; but I am having serious problems fighting I-16s with BOM german planes; even at novice levels; I just can't shake him off; he is either at my tail, or on a head-on shooting at me