WW2 DOGFIGHTS
WW2 DOGFIGHTS
In a dogfight a pilot is tested to the highest degree on how well he can maneuver his plane away from his opponent and position himself in a position that allows himself to destroy his opponent. By the definition of a dogfight it is any fight between warring fighter planes, which means it is not always a one on one situation that you will encounter. Any little advantage that you can obtain over your opponent is immensely crucial but some deciding factors are typically air speed, experience and engine strength. When maneuvering your plane around enemies trying to kill you no matter what sacrifices they might have to make you have to be fearless, you cannot second guess your decision making because as soon as you do you are giving up precious time so that he can put you in his cross hairs.
Among the many complex parts of piloting a plane, identifying your opponent is one of the most useful abilities, knowing your opponent’s plane as well as you know your own allows you to be more confident when doing complex maneuvers such as stall turns and unloaded extensions. What most pilots carried around were spotter cards which you can see are on the border of the poster, they offer a side, top and front view so you can identify your opponent/ally from a long distance.
Airspeed: Airspeed is a crucial factor in dogfights, for instance when heading into a sharp turn or even a complete circle the plane with less air speed will be able to cut a shorter turn radius therefore executing the turn in a much more effective fashion. But in other situations such as when chasing having more air speed is ideal as it will allow you to either escape or pursue your opponent to allow for the easiest shot.
Experience: Having more experience as a pilot means you have a better feel on what your plane is capable of, you know the limits where as a rookie would have to take a lucky gamble instead.
Engine Strength: Having a stronger engine allows for greater top speed, acceleration
In a dogfight a pilot is tested to the highest degree on how well he can maneuver his plane away from his opponent and position himself in a position that allows himself to destroy his opponent. By the definition of a dogfight it is any fight between warring fighter planes, which means it is not always a one on one situation that you will encounter. Any little advantage that you can obtain over your opponent is immensely crucial but some deciding factors are typically air speed, experience and engine strength. When maneuvering your plane around enemies trying to kill you no matter what sacrifices they might have to make you have to be fearless, you cannot second guess your decision making because as soon as you do you are giving up precious time so that he can put you in his cross hairs.
Among the many complex parts of piloting a plane, identifying your opponent is one of the most useful abilities, knowing your opponent’s plane as well as you know your own allows you to be more confident when doing complex maneuvers such as stall turns and unloaded extensions. What most pilots carried around were spotter cards which you can see are on the border of the poster, they offer a side, top and front view so you can identify your opponent/ally from a long distance.
Airspeed: Airspeed is a crucial factor in dogfights, for instance when heading into a sharp turn or even a complete circle the plane with less air speed will be able to cut a shorter turn radius therefore executing the turn in a much more effective fashion. But in other situations such as when chasing having more air speed is ideal as it will allow you to either escape or pursue your opponent to allow for the easiest shot.
Experience: Having more experience as a pilot means you have a better feel on what your plane is capable of, you know the limits where as a rookie would have to take a lucky gamble instead.
Engine Strength: Having a stronger engine allows for greater top speed, acceleration