Ehrler
10-20-2009, 09:07 PM
1.Try to secure the upper hand before attacking. If possible, keep the sun behind you:
'Advantages' for WWI aircraft included speed, altitude, surprise, performance and numerical superiority.
Speed - the pilot with the faster of two machines has control over the combat. He has the choice to break off combat and retire.
Altitude - From the advantage of flying above his opponent, a pilot has more control over how and where the fight takes place.
Surprise - getting the first shot before one's opponent is prepared to return fire is the 'safest' and preferred method for attack.
Performance- Knowing the strengths, weakness and capabilities of your own aircraft, and that of your foe, is also critical.
2.Always continue with an attack you have begun:
Rookie pilots would start a fight, but instinct (fear) would convince them to break it off and run. This inevitably presented the rookie's tail to his opponent's guns, making the rookie an easy victory for his enemy.
3.Only fire at close range, and then only when the opponent is properly in your sights
4.You should always try to keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses:
The first part, 'keeping your eye on your opponent,' sounds obvious enough, but it needed to be stated. In the hustle and bustle of an air fight it is easy to lose sight of your adversary.
5.In any type of attack, it is essential to assail your opponent from behind:
Firing at a machine flying across one's path requires 'leading' the shot -- aiming ahead of a moving target to compensate for its speed. While a few pilots are adept at the mental calculations necessary and good aerial marksmen, most are much less adept.
6.If your opponent dives on you, do not try to get around his attack, but fly to meet it:
This rule is relates to dictum #5 above.
7.When over the enemy's lines, never forget your own line of retreat:
If a pilot chose to flee a superior force, or is coming down with damaged machine, it is critical to spend what little time he might have going in the right direction.
8.Tip for Squadrons: In principle, it is better to attack in groups of four or six. Avoid two aircraft attacking the same opponent:
'Advantages' for WWI aircraft included speed, altitude, surprise, performance and numerical superiority.
Speed - the pilot with the faster of two machines has control over the combat. He has the choice to break off combat and retire.
Altitude - From the advantage of flying above his opponent, a pilot has more control over how and where the fight takes place.
Surprise - getting the first shot before one's opponent is prepared to return fire is the 'safest' and preferred method for attack.
Performance- Knowing the strengths, weakness and capabilities of your own aircraft, and that of your foe, is also critical.
2.Always continue with an attack you have begun:
Rookie pilots would start a fight, but instinct (fear) would convince them to break it off and run. This inevitably presented the rookie's tail to his opponent's guns, making the rookie an easy victory for his enemy.
3.Only fire at close range, and then only when the opponent is properly in your sights
4.You should always try to keep your eye on your opponent, and never let yourself be deceived by ruses:
The first part, 'keeping your eye on your opponent,' sounds obvious enough, but it needed to be stated. In the hustle and bustle of an air fight it is easy to lose sight of your adversary.
5.In any type of attack, it is essential to assail your opponent from behind:
Firing at a machine flying across one's path requires 'leading' the shot -- aiming ahead of a moving target to compensate for its speed. While a few pilots are adept at the mental calculations necessary and good aerial marksmen, most are much less adept.
6.If your opponent dives on you, do not try to get around his attack, but fly to meet it:
This rule is relates to dictum #5 above.
7.When over the enemy's lines, never forget your own line of retreat:
If a pilot chose to flee a superior force, or is coming down with damaged machine, it is critical to spend what little time he might have going in the right direction.
8.Tip for Squadrons: In principle, it is better to attack in groups of four or six. Avoid two aircraft attacking the same opponent: