Coverage tactics

[AAC_Maj. Hubbabubba]

~S~All!

During our last mission (May 27-2007), it was put to my attention that P-51 escort was puzzled by our "tag team" interception tactics, finding our speed advantage (smilo and I were flying Me 262) to be decisive in "getting to the bomber".

If you remember, I was put - some time ago - in charge of a bomber formation (one bomber, five fighters in fact!) where we finally had the upper hand on the attacking Me 262.

It would be great to practice bomber-fighter cooperation so as to "level the field" when that situation comes. I know it is feasible.

[AAC_Maj_Bandit]

As a Bomber Pilot you hate seeing the dreaded Me262 coming at you, It's fast and DEADLY there is no easy way to fight of the 262...But can't wait to try again.....

[smilo]

~S~All,
I probably shouldn't admit this, but I am puzzled by the reference to our "Tag Team Tactics".
As I recall, we were flying CAPs at 20,000 feet up to 40 miles from Asch. Since we had a limited number, we flew a heading out and back that was the same as the runway. When I made initial contact with the Allied Group, I contacted Hubba and flew at full speed back to Asch to join with him, as opposed to attacking the formation single handed. When Hubba got close, I came about and we dove in on the main target, being the bomber, basically using Zoom and Boom.
I was disappointed in my performance, as I completely missed the target on the first pass. Way too fast!!
On the second pass, I was able to get 4 or 5 hits.
On the third, I believe I registered several hits and the target was close to toast when we collided. This was entirely my fault, as I was unable to break off in time. I would love to blame it on the high speed, but will instead apologize for my ineptitude!
As far as Tag Team Tactics, as I can recall, the plan was merely to attack the main target together in order to concentrate our fire. Hubba suggested that we go for the #1 engine, but to be honest, I was just trying to hit the Bomber!
After the collision, I respawned and CFOed to Asch and took off as Humbles was staffing DannyChen, who had landed because he had to go to dinner. Humbles has stated that he believes the strafing was unsportsmanlike like, but I completely disagree. The parked 262 was a viable target and should have been taken out.
I took off over the flaming 262 and we proceeded to tangle with the Allied escorts. Danny came back and miraculously, was able to take off. I wish I had a screen shot!!
All in all, I think it was a fun Mission and would like to fly the Me262 again. I would, however, like to see more bombers, if possible.
So that is my report, maybe we were performing tag team tactics and I wasn't aware of it. LOL

I just remembered that I had a connection problem at the beginning. My apologies for this. It was a setting in my router that had been inadvertently changed the night before. I was able to solve the problem, but it was well after the decision was made to go on with out me. I appreciate the group waiting on me, but feel bad that I caused the Mission to be delayed by 35 minutes.
I believe that this is an issue that should be addressed. I, for one, fully intend on testing my system well before each mission start time in an effort to make sure that I don't hold up the show. I highly recommend that each of us do the same, thus giving plenty of time to correct any problems.
This Pre Flight Inspection should include, Connection, Scenery and Aircraft Installation, Game Performance, Controls, IE, stick and keyboard functionality and assignments, and Communications, IE, TeamSpeak and hardware. I believe that a personal mission briefing would also be in order.
In my opinion, an hour of personal Pre Flight spent by each of us, to make sure that everything is functioning properly, will save the group time and we will be able to use our time together doing what we really want to do, which is fly.
Lordy, that was long winded, but I think you know what I was trying to say.