RAF Pilots Unite! Syndicate Server

[Redroach]

Heh, okay. I checked out the conditions for Blens on Syndicate lately - the official targets seem to be some ships near Boulogne. Given the fact that Blenheims will likely never be able to bomb with such precision, I'd rather go for LW airfields as well - in fact, that was my original intent
Flying as 'DeMolay', btw

P.S.: How long do bomb craters last on airfield runways?

[Blackdog_kt]

That's a good question...i've seen first hand the damage that results from taxing over one, but i don't know how long they last.

As for attacking ships it's not unheard of for Blenheim's to go skip-bombing, check this picture from the wikipedia article:




Generally speaking, the RAF was a bit more "free-form" in its bomber tactics than the usual level bombing in formation thing that the LW and USAF had going for the most part (probably due to their weaker defensive armament) so don't be afraid to use their slightly unconventional but still historical tactics.

I've read accounts of diving attacks by Hampdens in night raids, bombers navigating almost solo to the target, pilots having a choice on their take-off time (within a reasonable timeframe of course), etc...it all points to the fact that they were trying to spread the bombers out and make them harder to detect, then they would try to hit the target the best way they could and if a formation is not an issue, dive bombing is perfectly valid.

After all, it does have a ring-and-bead gunsight available. Proper detonator and bomb delay selection to avoid blowing yourself up is another matter though

[Redroach]

yes, you're right, skip-bombing may very well work. But I'm not much into that, I prefer level bombing.

As for the sight and fuzes, I'll have to extract more knowledge from the guys in the gameplay thread - see you there

[jojovtx]

I thought level bombing was broke? Can't even release bombs but from the pilots position. I would love to take a HE111 out for some med alt level bombing sorties. But I for the life of me can't get it sorted.

[Blackdog_kt]

Level bombing works if you have automatic bombsights like the He111 does. Check my sticky FAQ thread on the main page for a long-winded explanation

What doesn't work is manual bomb release via joystick/keyboard buttons if you are not sitting in the pilot's seat. You can still click on the switch in the bombardier's cockpit though and the bombs will drop, or switch back to the pilot's seat and press your stick button.

I prefer the first method, simply zoom out a bit with the FOV keys just before it's time to drop and click on the switch.

[klem]

We had a go at an organised event tonight around 9pm UK time but really we needed more time in advance to organise numbers, comms etc. which can be done on the forum if we make the effort.

I don't think our small group of four ever ran into SYN_Bliss's group but the server was quite busy (50+) and we had enough fun. We were stuck on TS as our guys don't have Vent yet (I'm working on that) but I think at least one other group was trying to work together. Its a bit different from our usual squad size of 10-12 but I hope that will change with the patch(es) and we'll get our numbers up again. Also hope to tie up with other guys in the future.

Thanks for the server and the opportunity Syndicate.

[Redroach]

also logged in for a short while, and took my blen over to france to bomb an airfield. I couldn't assess the damage done as I was quite busy with a me109 on my tail
I got shot up pretty badly (even lost the port engine and the rest of the wing was on fire...btw, how to use the fire extinguisher on the blenheim? ) and had to ditch in the channel - but my tail gunner got the 109 as well! yay!
'twas fun so far, though I could really use an escort ^-^

Btw: @SYN admins:You should make an exception and let the blenheims spawn on the runway plx. Taxiing with blens is a nightmare, engine-temperature-wise

[Blackdog_kt]

I have mapped a key to the fire extinguishers, but for multi-engined aircraft i think you need to select each engine individually and then press the extinguisher key (at least that's the way it was in IL2). That is, unless there's separate keybindings available (extinguisher 1,2,etc listed separately in the commands).

Generally speaking, that's how every "generic" command works with more than one engine (it's the same as the engine start, we select the engines first before pressing "I").

I also seem to remember there's a couple of handy buttons right on the starboard side of your instrument panel, press F10 to enable the mouse cursor (if it's not already on) and just click on it

That being said, i doubt that they would be of much use with a full wing on fire. I think they are contained in the engine nacelles for taking out the fire before it spreads, but if it reaches the wing fuel tanks there's not much left to do.

[JG52Krupi]

Yeah the only way to stop that kind of fire is to blow it out by diving.

I had two fires on my 109 last night both on the right wing but my elevator was hit and I had to try hard to force my aircraft into a dive and watched them get blown out fantastic stuff.

[Redroach]

Originally Posted by Blackdog_kt

I also seem to remember there's a couple of handy buttons right on the starboard side of your instrument panel, press F10 to enable the mouse cursor (if it's not already on) and just click on it

that's what I was referring to - but they don't seem to work out-of-the-box. I didn't expect the fire going out (as you say), but there's no confirmation whatsoever - no message, no "button depress animation" or such, so I doubt I got them to work.
From the looks of it, those buttons seem to be covered by some rubber cap. Maybe there's the trick somewhere.