A few things about dogfighting???

[Sokol1]

Gman13

Padlock - from cockpit view - in CloD work similar to "old" Il-2.
Hit F-4 and the near enemy is "locked".
Only the triangle (target cone) around the object is not show (I test now and dont see...)
To "unlock" hit F-4 again.

For "padlock" ground objects hit F5.

And U and Y key change for the next, previous object "locked".

If you dont change anything in "REALISM" settings, this PADLOCK feature is enable, since for default the game is set in "arcade" mode.
In any case, check if "No padlock" is unchecked, under REALISM settings.

BTW - Look for a command (under VIEW section of CONTROLS) "PADLOCK VIEW - FORWARD" and assign a convenient key or button to this, that allow you momentary look straight forward without need to "unlock" the target. Ie, when you overshoot the "padlocked" object.

Sokol1