Question about spawning of air units.

[Panzerlang]

I use the Ctrl-F2 to check occasionally that things are working ok and have noticed that (apparently) the enemy a/c spawn around the beginning of a mission and then no more? So half way through a mission (say half an hour in) there is no more spawning? Also assuming that triggers don't make more planes spawn later into a mission either? I'm just wanting to confirm this is as I've been flying around after all the waypoints are hit sometimes, hoping something else will come along but checking Ctrl-F2 and it does seem that the enemy flights are either on their way home or landing back at base already and it's game over.

TIA for any input.

 

Edited June 9, 2021 by Hetzer-JG51

[PatrickAWlson]

No.  They spawn based on proximity to a player - 30 km for BoS and 20km for FC I think.  Every flight has its own flight path for their mission.  They are going about their business and are not waiting for you.  The check zone moves along their flight path, so the spawn point can be anywhere along that path - as soon as the check zone is within 30km of your plane. 

 

The flight path considers the starting airbase and the target area.  Target area is mostly within the mission box but may go outside.  A flight is created for every viable squadron that is flying on the map.  Only the configured number are kept based on likely encounter with the player.

 

Usually you will meet enemies as you get closer to the front, because that's where most of them are heading.  However, they can appear at any time.  If you start the mission close to an enemy formation then they will spawn at the beginning.  If you start further away they will spawn later.  Since everybody is crossing the front at some point, 10 km plus or minus is where you will get the most activity.

 

What is true is that there are a very finite number of flights in a mission.  Once they all spawn there are no more.  Limitation of the game.  PWCG is already putting much more in the air and on the ground than the game recommends.

 

I had a mission on a front line base where all hell broke loose as soon as I was in the air.  Other times I don't see anything until well into the mission.  Sometimes everybody seems to arrive at once and other times they are staggered.  Flying home in my 110 I thought I was clear.  No enemies spotted for awhile.  I was behind my own lines and headed home when suddenly tracers started flying across the wing and a round went through the cockpit.  

[Panzerlang]

Thank you Pat.