17.06.2009, 10:38
Without a doubt, install CERT_AI mod (current 3.0). I'm almost exclusively flying off-online and with years experience in Il-2, this is the best AI yet in 1946. More realistic, more varied manuevers. The enemy pilots actually can trick you and outturn you (or win a scissors), rather than climb at constant 110% power setting.
As for my advice (I fly w/out HUD) - try to fight at around 100% engine setting, and almost never go to 110%, unless you're chased an have no other option. Keep radiators open during cruise, watch your RPM and keep the engine cool. Always trim, and work gently with the controls, even (or especially) during combat. I hated trimming, but once you've mastered it, it can't be stressed just how importaint a right trim is.
When in combat, open slightly the radiator during a dive so the engine can take a "breath of freash air", and if you're fighting against a slower opponent, don't hesitate to open it a bit (20-to-40%). You may need to close it later if another threat appers and have a cool engine to run/fight.
Also, note that different a/c have different climbing performance. The Bf 109 climbs amazingly, even at very high angles, best at around 280-300km/h. The FW-190 in my experience climbs at a gentler slope (constant climb) and can't "hang on it's prop". Also, keep your nose straight both in a dive and a climb (watch the ball under the artificial horizon).
That's the best I can give you, for offline flying.
One mistake I did for a long time was to use the default joystick settings and to sharply pull/push during combat. This greatly reduced my airspeed and I had to rely on turning. Now, I fly with high sensitivity settings for the stick and I try to gently push towards the direction I'm turning, and to constantly trim. Works like a charm.
As for my advice (I fly w/out HUD) - try to fight at around 100% engine setting, and almost never go to 110%, unless you're chased an have no other option. Keep radiators open during cruise, watch your RPM and keep the engine cool. Always trim, and work gently with the controls, even (or especially) during combat. I hated trimming, but once you've mastered it, it can't be stressed just how importaint a right trim is.
When in combat, open slightly the radiator during a dive so the engine can take a "breath of freash air", and if you're fighting against a slower opponent, don't hesitate to open it a bit (20-to-40%). You may need to close it later if another threat appers and have a cool engine to run/fight.
Also, note that different a/c have different climbing performance. The Bf 109 climbs amazingly, even at very high angles, best at around 280-300km/h. The FW-190 in my experience climbs at a gentler slope (constant climb) and can't "hang on it's prop". Also, keep your nose straight both in a dive and a climb (watch the ball under the artificial horizon).
That's the best I can give you, for offline flying.
One mistake I did for a long time was to use the default joystick settings and to sharply pull/push during combat. This greatly reduced my airspeed and I had to rely on turning. Now, I fly with high sensitivity settings for the stick and I try to gently push towards the direction I'm turning, and to constantly trim. Works like a charm.