Quote:
Originally Posted by RPS69
The VIC formation from the british when attacking bombers applied the same tactics. Particularly with the Hurricanes.
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There are many improvements which could be made to AI, particularly when it comes to flight, section, and squadron tactics.
The most fundamental change, seemingly simple, but probably a lot of work to implement, is to give the mission builder (in FMB) or player (in QMB and formation commands) the ability to designate whether the "base unit" for formations is 1, 2 or 3 planes.
If the base unit is one plane, each plane maneuvers on its own. If the base unit is 2 planes, they use "rotte" or "loose deuce" tactics, and sections maneuver using "finger four" or "schwarme" tactics. If the base unit is 3 planes, they maneuver in "vics" or "line abreast" using bomber or early war fighter tactics.
Realistically, planes without radios are limited to single plane base formations, and player commands don't work unless the planes within the player's formation are within 100 m or so of the lead plane and have visual on him.
Other commands for AI, which would be easier to implement, would be "Attack with guns/rockets/bombs/torpedoes/guided bombs." and "Attack on my command". For unguided bombs, there would be an additional command: "Attack type dive bomb/glide bomb/level bomb/skip bomb." These commands could be linked to "Attack X" target, to make AI planes in the player's formation attack a particular target using a particular type of weapon, and "hold fire" until commanded to attack.
Example, for medium bombers with strafing capacity. "Attack Ground" > "Attack with bombs" > "Level bombing" > "Attack on my command" gets the entire formation to drop bombs from level bombing formation on the target of the lead plane's choice, as soon as the lead plane drops its bombs.
Or, for fighters flying in "vic" formation of 3, "Attack my target (air)" > "Attack with guns" > "Attack on my command" gets all the planes in the player's formation to start shooting as soon as he does.