Gunnery Practice Suggestions:
• Set up flights of friendly bombers in the Quick
Mission Builder.
• The larger your target, the better. The B-17, B-
24, and B-29 bombers are great targets for
beginners, and the B-25 and G4M Betty are
ideal for the next step.
• Slow the game down with the [ key when
you’re ready to fire. This will help you learn to
aim and maneuver.
• Don’t worry if you’re firing at friendly planes. Because they are friendly, their defensive
gunners don’t fire back at you.
• Once you begin to hit your targets easily, set up the same large targets as hostile. Try
shooting them down as they take defensive action and fire back at you.
• Only after you’re sure you can destroy an enemy bomber, try to go against fighters. It takes a
great deal of skill, patience, and determination to shoot down an enemy fighter.
• The most common mistake young pilots make is firing from too far away. You have limited
ammunition in your plane, and there’s nothing worse than expending all your cannon
shells when you’re 500 yards away and then running out of ammo just as you are in a
perfect firing position. If you’re not sure you can hit your target, don’t press that trigger!
• Review the track of your flight afterwards. Analyze your performance, find mistakes, and
correct them in your next mission.
Summary:
• Know your enemy’s weak spots.
Learn the capabilities of all enemy planes: their blind spots, defensive fire arcs, and performance
relative to your aircraft. Only by setting your strengths against your enemy’s
weaknesses can you be effective in combat.
• When you think you’re too close – get closer!
Bullet dispersion and power loss mean that long-range shots are ineffective, unless you
are very lucky. Press the trigger only when you’re sure to hit your target with every bullet!
Since this is only possible from point-blank range, open fire when your target fills
your whole windscreen.
• Practice!
It would be nice if following these principles could guarantee you a kill every time you
press the trigger. Unfortunately, it isn’t so. Prepare to miss a lot. Only by dedication and
taking a steady, structured approach to training can you become a true ace.
Summary:
• Speed is life.
There is no more important principle in combat
than this one.
• Your first burst should be your only burst.
“Spray and pray” will only amuse your opponent.
Make every shot count!
• Stay alert!
Where there’s one enemy, there are always
more nearby! When you’re lining up on that perfect pass, look behind you and check for
your target’s wingman. |