Suggestions for AI Improvements in Future Updates

[major.kudo]

Originally Posted by majorfailure

Part of the problem may be too good gunnery by the AI, but greater part is IMHO the fight to the death attitude - AI usually doesn't retrat - real life pilots in a faster plane wouldn't wait till all of their wing is wiped by superior opposition.

retrat = retreat?
I think about retreat.
http://gachopin.no-ip.info/kudo/retreat1.jpg
and
http://gachopin.no-ip.info/kudo/retreat2.jpg
I want to transmit my idea to you well.
Is this unclear?

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by major.kudo

retrat = retreat?
I think about retreat.

This is a good idea, but could be taken further.

Leaders of formations which have gotten badly scattered might well retreat, even if the planes in their formation aren't actually damaged or destroyed.

Squadron and flight leaders who are outnumbered by enemy aircraft - even if they haven't engaged - are also likely to retreat or avoid contact unless they have a clear advantage. Even then, they are likely to make a single "hit and run" attack in such as way that they can disengage before the enemy can respond.

The exception would be that badly outnumbered fighters will still aggressively take on large bomber or attack plane formations and won't be intimidated by them.

Single pilots will also be very cautious about attacking anything other than another single plane unless they have a clear advantage.

Rookies and average pilots will usually avoid contact unless they have an overwhelming advantage. Veterans and Aces might attack two or more planes when they have less of an advantage, but are more likely to try to maneuver to gain an overwhelming advantage, using sun and clouds to their advantage. Even then, they're likely to make just a single hit and run attack rather than staying around to fight.

For example, an ace pilot sees a pair of hostile fighters at 12 o'clock level and about 5 km out. Rather than flying straight in as Ace AI often does, he might try to duck into a cloud at avoid being seen. Then, he'll gain altitude and maneuver based on the sun's location and the anticipated course of his opponents, so that he's above and behind his targets and can dive out of the sun to attack them.

He will then make one fast attack to cripple or kill the trailing aircraft then disengage and analyze the situation before choosing to run away or attack the surviving enemy.