Can I get some advise on dealing with Halberstadts?

[69th_Mobile_BBQ]

I'm currently enjoying the Sopwith Camel scripted campaign (excellent work, guys) but, the Halberstadt intercept/patrol mission is probably the most brutal that I've encountered so far.  The rear gunner has a very good firing arc and getting at low dead-6 is not an option with the AI being hyper-aware of the player at all times.  

I'm still getting used to "blipping" the motor of the Camel to prevent engine overspeed so dropping straight down on them seems to be not a good option.  Any advice from the more dedicated FC / RoF fans would be gratefully appreciated!

 

~S~

 

 

[JGr2/J5_Klugermann]

Attack from different angles pressing only when Halb banks showing its belly. Rely on the ahistorical weak wings to finish the job for you.

[69th_Mobile_BBQ]

If you've ever gone I-16 vs. He-111, Ju-88, or Bf-110 in quick mission builder, you find that AI "turns an burns" with planes that "should" be much more maneuverable.  It's no real difference with the FC planes.  But, I'll do what I can to get at the belly.  It's an almost impossible task when you come across a vic of 5 of them.  

[Zooropa_Fly]

My advice for 2 seaters is one top speed pass at a time.

You can come from high, shoot early, and try to stay high.

But with these gunners I think it's better to fly under and in front at full speed after your attack.

That way the gunner has to turn before he can line you up again, by which time you should be a reasonable distance away.

Just don't fly in front of the front gun !!

It would help of course if the gunners didn't have to be hit about 100x before they stop shooting back.

 

Camel would be my current last Entente pick for this job, but if you're in a campaign..

 

Good luck S!

[Feathered_IV]

It seems the quality of the gunners aim is undiminished when firing at more acute angles upwards and downwards.  However in reality the gunner would not be able to get their eye to the sights at all in such positions and would be firing out of rough instinct rather than measured aim.

[US103_Baer]

As others mention 

- high, fast, diagonal slashing attacks. 

- do not get slow and co-alt

- learn to hit them accurately from longer ranges. 270m down to 100m, then break and reset. Gunners are more lethal at close range.

 

What's most galling about the hyper accurate AI gunners, is that whenever you fly a 2 seater, you end up with a freaking moron. 

[istari6]

My best success has come when I can get the Halberstadts to turn.  Once they're turning in a circle, I dive down from above and cut inside the turn (90 degrees) and rake them as they fly through the gunsight, then out and away.  I've not flown the Sopwith Camel yet against them, this is what works with the S.E.5a.  Recognize the Camel might not have the speed advantage to do this consistently.  But force them into turns, get above them, then dive down with speed boost and cut across the circle with high angle-off pass.  It takes multiple runs, but I'm rarely more than nicked by return fire.