Earning Your Wings: A Comprehensive Guide to War Thunder Air Battles
Probing into the high-octane universe of War Thunder air battles can feel akin to embarking on an epic quest of valor and scheme. With the roar of engines and the crackle of gunfire high above the ground, players engage in a dance of death that only the most skilled and savvy emerge from unscathed. Whether you’re a fresh-faced recruit or a grizzled aviator looking to refine your tactics, this comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge to dominate the skies.
Understanding Plane Types
War Thunder’s aerial arena is inhabited by a diverse array of aircraft, each tailored for a specific role in the theatre of skyward conflict. Deciphering the strengths and weaknesses of these various types is the cornerstone of becoming an ace pilot.
Fighters
These agile aerial predators are built for dogfighting. Split into lighter, more maneuverable single-engine fighters and their heavier, twin-engine counterparts, fighters excel in taking down other aircraft. Success in a fighter demands mastery over the art of outmaneuvering opponents, knowing when to strike and when to retreat for another pass.
Bombers
Heavily laden with ordnance destined for ground targets, bombers are the linchpins of strategic warfare. While lumbering and less agile than their fighter counterparts, they pack a punch capable of altering the course of battle. Effective bomber pilots must exhibit patience, strategic foresight, and an intimate understanding of their payload and target vulnerabilities.
Attack Aircraft
Bridging the gap between the destructive capability of bombers and the agility of fighters, attack aircraft (or ground attack) are tailor-made for surgical strikes against ground targets. These aircraft vary wildly in armament and protection but require a pilot adept at strafing runs and quick escapes from retaliatory fire.
Submerging into the fray with the most suitable aircraft for your style of combat and the mission objective is paramount. Adjusting your role based on the evolving needs of the battlefield will make you an invaluable asset to your team.
Aerial Combat Tactics
Gaining supremacy in the aerial theatre is not merely about having the fastest plane or the most guns; it’s about who can out-think and outmaneuver their opponent. Here, we examine essential tactics to become the apex predator of the skies.
Situational Awareness
The chaotic blend of air battles requires pilots to process a deluge of information rapidly. Keeping a mental map of friendlies, enemies, anti-aircraft fire, and terrain is pivotal. Those who lose awareness often find themselves outflanked or caught by surprise by an enemy they never saw coming.
Energy Management
Energy (speed and altitude) is your lifeblood in aerial combat. Pilots must constantly balance the use of kinetic energy (speed) and potential energy (altitude) to maintain an advantage. Energy management allows you to dictate the terms of engagement, engage at will, and disengage from unfavorable confrontations.
Bombing and Ground Attack Strategies
Dominating the skies also means mastering the art of delivering deadly payloads onto ground targets. Whether carpet bombing strategic locations or conducting precision strikes, understanding the nuances of ground attack is crucial.
High Altitude Bombing
From the sanctuary of the heavens, bombers can unleash destruction on unsuspecting targets below. This technique requires understanding bomb ballistics, predicting target movement, and compensating for flight speed and altitude. The key is to remain vigilant for enemy fighters and AA fire, as the higher you fly, the fewer the escape routes.
Low Altitude Strike Runs
Roaring in at tree-top level, attack aircraft can catch enemy defenses off-guard. This method demands lightning reflexes and a cavernous understanding of your aircraft’s durability and armament. The trade-off for the element of surprise is the increased risk from ground fire and the demanding flight path corrections needed to ensure ordnance meets target.
Energy Fighting vs Turn Fighting
At the heart of aerial dogfighting philosophy lie two principles: energy fighting and turn fighting. Choosing which doctrine to adhere to can be as important as choosing the right aircraft.
Energy Fighting
The domain of the patient, calculating pilot, energy fighting revolves around using your aircraft’s speed and altitude (energy) to outmaneuver and outposition your opponent. Strikes are made in high-speed passes, with the pilot retreating to safety to reassess and attack again. This tactic is effective at preserving your aircraft and minimizing risk.
Turn Fighting
The thrill-seekers and daredevils gravitate towards turn fighting. This tactic relies on out-turning your opponent in close-quarters engagements, staying within their turn radius, and maintaining an angle that allows you to keep firing while avoiding their guns. While exhilarating, this method is risky and can leave you vulnerable to third-party attackers.
Dealing with Multiple Opponents
Even the most skilled pilot can find themselves outnumbered. Engaging multiple adversaries requires a blend of cunning, bravery, and improvisation.
Hit and Run
When outnumbered, the key is to avoid becoming entangled in prolonged fights. Strike at stragglers or isolated enemies, then use your speed to escape before their allies can react. This tactic relies heavily on situational awareness and knowing the limits of your aircraft’s speed and maneuverability.
Using the Environment
Terrain and weather can be powerful allies. Ducking into clouds or plunging towards the earth can break enemy line of sight and radar locks, allowing you to reposition or escape. Skilled pilots can turn the tables on pursuers by leading them into dangerous terrain or tricking them into stalling or crashing.