SP campaign with SBD's.......?

SEE · #1 09-01-2010, 12:52 AM

Having real problems dealing with the Zero's when flying the SBD-3. Some of the missions there are just two SBD's and during the mission several Zero's pounce. The AI rear gunner is pretty useless and if I swap to rear gunner view I am well and truly stuffed by the Zero's. I have tried hitting the deck so that they cannot slip under my tail but they soon make mince meat of the other SBD and all of them focus on me. I have given up on the rear gunner view and jinx my way back to base (if I am lucky). Any tips gratefully recieved.....

Here's a great interview with an SBD Pilot who beats of three Zero's (using footage from which flight SIm I wonder?)..........I guess I will have to try his technique. It's in two parts but well worth a watch..........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEnDj...layer_embedded

AndyJWest · #2 09-01-2010, 01:41 AM

I've not watched the video, but it seems to me that expecting SBDs to be able to fight off Zeros is unrealistic anyway. In such contexts, the fighter always has the advantage - better armed, more manoeuvrable, and able to pick the timing and direction of attack. About all the SBDs can do is try to hold a tight formation, at least initially.

It was apparent to all participants in WWII from very early on that unescorted daylight bombers were vulnerable, though tragically, most air forces seem to have had to learn this lesson for themselves.

SEE · #3 09-01-2010, 02:23 AM

I cannot complete the missions is the damned problem. When in formation its not too bad and I can survive. The problem is with the missions in which there are just two SBD's. My leader is yelling at me to stay on course at 11000ft (and die like him - a sitting duck - stuff that!) I hit the deck and jinx my way home but the Zero's (cunning liitle blighters) attack from different directions (after they have wiped out my leader - serves him bloody right!) Of course, this all happens in enemy territory so you cannot ditch or you end up captured and have to refly....

The vid does give me some ideas so will try turning into the Zero's and hope they screw up!

AndyJWest · #4 09-01-2010, 02:29 AM

Yes, that is the Dynamic Campaign Generator showing it's limitations. Some bomber missions are basically suicidal. If you really want to fly SBDs in a more realistic environment, you'll probably have to find a squad that does online coops. Even then, if your escort isn't good, you are in trouble. Just like the real thing...

Friendly_flyer · #5 09-01-2010, 11:54 AM

I saw the video. The game won't replicate what the SBD pilot managed because:

1) AI does not black out
2) AI can't do deflection shooting, thus they aren't fooled by skidding
3) AI fly strictly leader - wingman, no taking turns

The American pilot who flew that SBD was a very experience pilot. Had he been a fighter pilot he would undoubtedly been one of the good aces. This story was a one off, I would not expect any other such encounters to end with the SBD alive.

SEE · #6 09-01-2010, 02:17 PM

If you watch part 2 of the account, the SBD pilot was transferred to 'Fighters' and flew F4's, he then racked up the highest number of kills in a single mission. Unfortunately, the other SBD pilots did not 'break' when he instructed them too and paid the ultimate price. Thanks for the heads up on the mechanics of the game and how the AI behave. I might just give up on the SBD missions and transfer across to F4's too............

There is an account of a lone B17 flying a recce mission and surving a sustained attack from 15 Zero's on that page. Thats well worth watching too - considering that the crew were considered a 'dirty dozen' and lacked discipline.

BTW, which flight sim did they use to portray these encounters?