The official JET thread.

[Smooth Longsack]

Audio is off (not my footage)

Lol its mine.

[Skeve613]

I like to fly the Hydra as well as the Lazer, but with the Hydra it's more rewarding to win a dogfight because I actually have to consider factor like airspeed and altitude. As such, I will win Hydra-Hydra fights more than Lazer-Lazer fight because they require more actual dogfighting principles... well, that and there is always a steady supply of idiots who sit in place in VTOL mode and try to launch missiles after you to no avail.

[DrSweatySphincter]

 

Audio is off (not my footage)

 

Lol its mine.

 

wow that was fast lol

[Mattoropael]

I like to fly the Hydra as well as the Lazer, but with the Hydra it's more rewarding to win a dogfight because I actually have to consider factor like airspeed and altitude. As such, I will win Hydra-Hydra fights more than Lazer-Lazer fight because they require more actual dogfighting principles... well, that and there is always a steady supply of idiots who sit in place in VTOL mode and try to launch missiles after you to no avail.

 

I'll agree. While both are very arcade-dish, the Hydra leans more toward realistic physics and energy management while the Lazer is all Ace Combat spaceship controls.

 

Of course the more agile spaceship is more effective, but it is more interesting to fight in Hydras.

[Smooth Longsack]

Messing around with the editor. Little besra love in the beginning.

 

[Hunter]

 

 

 

It's around 500 ft. You'd have to use Pythagoras to figure out the actual distance from the hl though as the ground pounders cant aim straight up. I'd imagine the lock on range is roughly 600ft based on Pythagoras. That would be an easy one to test. Instead of using math and jets we could just drive a car away and measure where the lockon fails.

 

I know the Valkyrie gun is effective to around 700ft and that's a good 100ft more than the HL lock-on, usefully...

 

 

 

Is that on current gen? Could've sworn the Valkyrie's gun didn't reach very far on 360. Maybe I'm wrong though, or maybe it's different on the new consoles/PC. Also, do you know if there's a difference between how far it can reach vertically, and how far it can reach horizontally?

Edited October 11, 2015 by Icantthinkofonew

[Smooth Longsack]

I could have sworn the valkyrie gun has a distance gauge and it maxes out at 400ft. I'll have to check on my xb1.

[Aether]

This is for the pilots/dogfighters that know JohnStelfox81...

 

 

You're welcome.

 

Edited October 12, 2015 by zVI Jackal IVz

[LightningLord]

Anyone got tips for Hydra dogfighting? I'm so used to flying the Lazer. Flying the Hydra doesn't feel right now. It feels faster descending, but not having air brakes stinks.

[xTrendSs]

 

 

Anyone got tips for Hydra dogfighting? I'm so used to flying the Lazer. Flying the Hydra doesn't feel right now. It feels faster descending, but not having air brakes stinks.

 

 

 

 

The Hydra has a better top speed than the lazer but it has low acceleration keep that on mind, Pressing L1 or R1 makes you go from side to side better than the lazer, you can use that in your advantage sometimes, but the best thing that you can do while dogfighting its to learn how to go in "Helicopter, or VTOL mode" , that way you can surprise the lazer by killing it whit your cannons, Check oAngryBird on youtube and watch him fight whit the hydra.

 

 

Pro tip: Never go straight up in a hydra while fighting a lazer, you will lose a lot of speed while he wont, killing you

 

easily.

 

 

 

Edited October 12, 2015 by xTrendSs

[_Lp_]

After flying the Hydra for so long the agility of a Lazer feels like a breath of fresh air.

Why let a missing stabilizer ruin the fun?



I think these next two speak for themselves.

[SharoFFenstein]

After flying the Hydra for so long the agility of a Lazer feels like a breath of fresh air.

 

Why let a missing stabilizer ruin the fun?

 

 

I think these next two speak for themselves.

 

 

Is that with the editor you are able to take these shots?

 

In any case, they are awesome! Sir...

 

 

[_Lp_]

 

After flying the Hydra for so long the agility of a Lazer feels like a breath of fresh air.

 

Why let a missing stabilizer ruin the fun?

 

I think these next two speak for themselves.

Is that with the editor you are able to take these shots?

 

In any case, they are awesome! Sir...

 

Yep those were taken through use of the editor, either in free roam or during contact missions.

[SharoFFenstein]

Hi guys =) I'm new to this thing and perhaps the wholly pvp aspect of the game too, And I would like to get better ^^ My kdr stinks, as of now ^^ And I'm not getting any close to become better with the weapons before I have found the right sensivity settings (maybe just a bad excuse for beeing bad at it, I dunno) But I really like the jet aspect of the game, and as it is a tool given by the game, why not get good at it. At least I believe I have a chance at it here ^^ (never been FPS gamer on the consoles anyways, so it's a steep learning curve) (more excuses ^^ lol )

however I have found a lot of these posts in here useful! And learned a lot allready! Please keep up with the tips and tricks! That's an awesome job! Maybe if someone would like to get better too with flying, or just share some tips and tricks, maybe you would like to be my wingman? ^^
would love to learn from the best! =)

Im on PS4 and have a mic. Just send me a pm if you are game ^^

 

Or perhaps we could even make a PS4 community, for those on PS4, that way, you can always find players/wingmen who are up for a battle.

Edit _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I Actually made one now, unfortunately Sony have shot themselves in the foot by not implementing a search function for the communities...That's just wierd...
But you can add me as friend on PS4 and I will invite you.

I called it Aviation Alliance Squadron:

(Dont mind the ugly logo, its just temporary)

Edited October 13, 2015 by SharoFFenstein

[DrSweatySphincter]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dec-aU9oCSE

[Aether]

To that PS4 pilot, do you dogfight at all on your console?

[Smooth Longsack]

This video is a piece of crap lol.

 

[Smooth Longsack]

This one starts near a jet. Also kind of crappy bit i spent a good hour and change editing this.

 

[Smooth Longsack]

[Aether]

Here you go guys... had some spare time.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRxzXM4rFUI&feature=youtu.be

[DrSweatySphincter]

 

 

[Smooth Longsack]

Edited October 19, 2015 by Smooth Longsack

[Valtiel150]

Here you go guys... had some spare time.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRxzXM4rFUI&feature=youtu.be

Ooft, that literally makes me dizzy. Just started to pick up the jet more seriously, but maybe the dogfighting wont be for me lol.

[Aether]

 

Here you go guys... had some spare time.

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRxzXM4rFUI&feature=youtu.be

Ooft, that literally makes me dizzy. Just started to pick up the jet more seriously, but maybe the dogfighting wont be for me lol.

 

 

It takes about a month and a half to get good at it. It is worth it though, you can fly in free-roams with confidence that nobody will be able to get near you.

 

 

Its also good for money/rep if you do it enough.

[Valtiel150]

 

It takes about a month and a half to get good at it. It is worth it though, you can fly in free-roams with confidence that nobody will be able to get near you.

 

 

Its also good for money/rep if you do it enough.

 

I feel like I've always had the instinct for it.. the flying in general I mean. I've been well ahead of the curve of my friends and such just in doing missions with them and flight school and the hydra I picked up in a heartbeat first time doing Humane. I'm utterly comfortable piloting it.. haven't had as much experience with the Lazer yet because it just hasn't interested me. I think like many others I've spent the last 2 years on the ground doing other things, that finally picking up and mastering the jet is the last thing I have left. So right now I'm just trying to hone whatever natural 'talent' I already seem to have with them, picking off ground targets and such. Spent 5 hours yesterday just flying under bridges, getting lower and lower.

 

Never know, maybe the dogfighting will follow.

 

I will say a lot of it is just having the balls it seems. With my bridge flying yesterday I started out scared of hitting them and it just didn't serve me well. Once I went 'eff it' and just went for it, I was clearing tricky ones in no time.

 

Long way to go, but i'm enjoying it so far. Reading this thread has been full of helpful tips.

[Smooth Longsack]

Some kills with my favorite jets. Music by benny benassi.

 

[Skeve613]

For anyone using the Hydra to dogfight other Hydras, as with real dogfighting speed and altitude are key. Whenever you are moving to engage someone, try to make sure you are moving at full speed and have an altitude advantage over them. If they are coming for you, use the time to gain altitude or pick up speed. Having an advantage in these areas lets dictate the terms of the engagement

 

In air combat, there are basically two ways of engaging. In "boom and zoom", you use a superior altitude advantage to dive at high speed on the other aircraft as you make your attack, then use this airspeed to either climb back to altitude or to speed away, keeping you out of harm's way if your attack did not succeed or there are other threats. This works great when you have the advantage in speed or altitude, and is the basic mode of attack used against targets on the ground, or in helicopters.

 

Against other jets diving attacks are devastating when combined with Off the Radar, because lots of people rely on the minimap and don't do proper visual scanning even when they are notified that someone is off the radar. If you can spot them before they spot you in this scenario, don't use missiles (the lock-on alert tone will tell them someone is attacking), but instead make a fast attack with the guns to try to kill him before he even realizes you are there. If you mess up or he otherwise evades, you can either transition into a dogfight or regain altitude and make another dive attack before you go back on the radar. If you see someone go off the radar and suspect or know a jet is airborne, you should try to gain altitude and airspeed while visually scanning around you for other jets. You can also wait a short while and use Off the Radar yourself to basically cancel the other guy's advantage and ensure he can't find you until you are both visible on the map.

 

In "turn and burn", you engage in a classic dogfight wherein both planes are trying to outmaneuver each other as they attempt to bring their guns to bear. Missiles are typically less relevant here, as they can't turn as tightly as a jet, so it's almost always about bringing the nose of your jet in line with the other guy before he does the same. As a general rule, the slower you are going the more tightly you can turn, but if you brake too much you can cut the engine and stall out. Usually, I've found it sufficient to simply let off the throttle while turning without touching the airbrakes. Lots of players don't realize this and will keep holding full throttle, so if you see a constant purple afterburner plume while turning with the other jet you've basically won the fight already.

 

Using VTOL and pulling back on the stick to stop suddenly can be a game changer if you are losing a dogfight (i.e. the other guy is getting inside your turn), as it can often force your opponent to overshoot and give you an opportunity to line up a shot with the cannon. Done wrong though, it will leave you very, very vulnerable because you will be nearly stationary, and if the other guy is too far behind you it will give them a free shot at you.

 

If you see the other guy go into VTOl, break off and go into a dive away from him. Unlike a helicopter, the Hydra can't tilt upwards downwards much in hover mode, so you can stay out of his fire arc while getting distance and building speed in the dive. If he follows, you should have enough of a speed advantage to outclimb or outrun him and put yourself in a better position. If you were already diving on him, go into a climb instead, converting the airspeed you built in the dive into altitude. Because he just slowed down to a stop, he won't be able to follow you without stalling or moving slow enough to be an easy target.

 

If you are going out of VTOL mode, tilt the nose down as you enter flight mode and go into a dive to pick up speed much more quickly than you would using the engine alone. Once you are at full speed you can both climb and mostly maintain speed at once. This is especially important if you are taking off while other jets are in the area, as you are most acutely vulnerable while lifting off.

 

When dealing with Lazers, you will need to rely on the Hydra's better rudders and lower stall speed to win, as the Lazer's much better acceleration will let it climb much better than the Hydra and allows it to catch Hydras that aren't already at full speed. These next items also apply to hydra-Hydra fights, but are especially crucial in Hydra-Lazer fights:

 

While turning, rather than making a full 90 degree pylon turn, instead use the appropriate rudder while making a turn at a shallower angle to cut inside the other jet's turn. If he is holding his turn, you will quickly find yourself about to cross his line of movement, which is the ideal time to start firing with the gun. Make sure to aim ahead of the other jet, to account for both any lag in the lobby and the slightly delayed explosion that follows up a successful hit with the cannon.

 

One consequence of the above tactic, if it doesn't quickly kill the other guy, is that the fight will often tend to move to steadily lower altitudes, because using the rudder in this fashion will move you in a shallow downward spiral. This helps the Hydra keep its airspeed up, whereas the Lazer benefits much less, and will eventually bring the fight closer to the ground and it associated dangers. If you are in the Lazer rather than the Hydra, consider disengaging and using your superior acceleration to quickly climb away, which will let you dive on the Hydra while he is trying to rebuild his airspeed. If you are in the Hydra, use the environment for cover. In either jet, at low altitude it usually comes down to whoever crashes into the ground or other obstacle first, so practice precision flying before dogfighting at low altitude.

[Smooth Longsack]

 

 

 

For anyone using the Hydra to dogfight other Hydras, as with real dogfighting speed and altitude are key. Whenever you are moving to engage someone, try to make sure you are moving at full speed and have an altitude advantage over them. If they are coming for you, use the time to gain altitude or pick up speed. Having an advantage in these areas lets dictate the terms of the engagement

 

In air combat, there are basically two ways of engaging. In "boom and zoom", you use a superior altitude advantage to dive at high speed on the other aircraft as you make your attack, then use this airspeed to either climb back to altitude or to speed away, keeping you out of harm's way if your attack did not succeed or there are other threats. This works great when you have the advantage in speed or altitude, and is the basic mode of attack used against targets on the ground, or in helicopters.

 

Against other jets diving attacks are devastating when combined with Off the Radar, because lots of people rely on the minimap and don't do proper visual scanning even when they are notified that someone is off the radar. If you can spot them before they spot you in this scenario, don't use missiles (the lock-on alert tone will tell them someone is attacking), but instead make a fast attack with the guns to try to kill him before he even realizes you are there. If you mess up or he otherwise evades, you can either transition into a dogfight or regain altitude and make another dive attack before you go back on the radar. If you see someone go off the radar and suspect or know a jet is airborne, you should try to gain altitude and airspeed while visually scanning around you for other jets. You can also wait a short while and use Off the Radar yourself to basically cancel the other guy's advantage and ensure he can't find you until you are both visible on the map.

 

In "turn and burn", you engage in a classic dogfight wherein both planes are trying to outmaneuver each other as they attempt to bring their guns to bear. Missiles are typically less relevant here, as they can't turn as tightly as a jet, so it's almost always about bringing the nose of your jet in line with the other guy before he does the same. As a general rule, the slower you are going the more tightly you can turn, but if you brake too much you can cut the engine and stall out. Usually, I've found it sufficient to simply let off the throttle while turning without touching the airbrakes. Lots of players don't realize this and will keep holding full throttle, so if you see a constant purple afterburner plume while turning with the other jet you've basically won the fight already.

 

Using VTOL and pulling back on the stick to stop suddenly can be a game changer if you are losing a dogfight (i.e. the other guy is getting inside your turn), as it can often force your opponent to overshoot and give you an opportunity to line up a shot with the cannon. Done wrong though, it will leave you very, very vulnerable because you will be nearly stationary, and if the other guy is too far behind you it will give them a free shot at you.

 

If you see the other guy go into VTOl, break off and go into a dive away from him. Unlike a helicopter, the Hydra can't tilt upwards downwards much in hover mode, so you can stay out of his fire arc while getting distance and building speed in the dive. If he follows, you should have enough of a speed advantage to outclimb or outrun him and put yourself in a better position. If you were already diving on him, go into a climb instead, converting the airspeed you built in the dive into altitude. Because he just slowed down to a stop, he won't be able to follow you without stalling or moving slow enough to be an easy target.

 

If you are going out of VTOL mode, tilt the nose down as you enter flight mode and go into a dive to pick up speed much more quickly than you would using the engine alone. Once you are at full speed you can both climb and mostly maintain speed at once. This is especially important if you are taking off while other jets are in the area, as you are most acutely vulnerable while lifting off.

 

When dealing with Lazers, you will need to rely on the Hydra's better rudders and lower stall speed to win, as the Lazer's much better acceleration will let it climb much better than the Hydra and allows it to catch Hydras that aren't already at full speed. These next items also apply to hydra-Hydra fights, but are especially crucial in Hydra-Lazer fights:

 

While turning, rather than making a full 90 degree pylon turn, instead use the appropriate rudder while making a turn at a shallower angle to cut inside the other jet's turn. If he is holding his turn, you will quickly find yourself about to cross his line of movement, which is the ideal time to start firing with the gun. Make sure to aim ahead of the other jet, to account for both any lag in the lobby and the slightly delayed explosion that follows up a successful hit with the cannon.

 

One consequence of the above tactic, if it doesn't quickly kill the other guy, is that the fight will often tend to move to steadily lower altitudes, because using the rudder in this fashion will move you in a shallow downward spiral. This helps the Hydra keep its airspeed up, whereas the Lazer benefits much less, and will eventually bring the fight closer to the ground and it associated dangers. If you are in the Lazer rather than the Hydra, consider disengaging and using your superior acceleration to quickly climb away, which will let you dive on the Hydra while he is trying to rebuild his airspeed. If you are in the Hydra, use the environment for cover. In either jet, at low altitude it usually comes down to whoever crashes into the ground or other obstacle first, so practice precision flying before dogfighting at low altitude.

 

Very insightful and well written. I use the hydra often enough to concur with everything you said except going into vtol while in air combat. I never had much success with that sort of manuver. If you can pull it off, it's clip worthy material.

 

 

Eta- jackal, you should upload that dogfight where you reverse killed the other guy. Omg my nipples got hard watching that. :|

Edited October 27, 2015 by Smooth Longsack

[Aether]

For anyone using the Hydra to dogfight other Hydras, as with real dogfighting speed and altitude are key. Whenever you are moving to engage someone, try to make sure you are moving at full speed and have an altitude advantage over them. If they are coming for you, use the time to gain altitude or pick up speed. Having an advantage in these areas lets dictate the terms of the engagement

 

In air combat, there are basically two ways of engaging. In "boom and zoom", you use a superior altitude advantage to dive at high speed on the other aircraft as you make your attack, then use this airspeed to either climb back to altitude or to speed away, keeping you out of harm's way if your attack did not succeed or there are other threats. This works great when you have the advantage in speed or altitude, and is the basic mode of attack used against targets on the ground, or in helicopters.

 

Against other jets diving attacks are devastating when combined with Off the Radar, because lots of people rely on the minimap and don't do proper visual scanning even when they are notified that someone is off the radar. If you can spot them before they spot you in this scenario, don't use missiles (the lock-on alert tone will tell them someone is attacking), but instead make a fast attack with the guns to try to kill him before he even realizes you are there. If you mess up or he otherwise evades, you can either transition into a dogfight or regain altitude and make another dive attack before you go back on the radar. If you see someone go off the radar and suspect or know a jet is airborne, you should try to gain altitude and airspeed while visually scanning around you for other jets. You can also wait a short while and use Off the Radar yourself to basically cancel the other guy's advantage and ensure he can't find you until you are both visible on the map.

 

In "turn and burn", you engage in a classic dogfight wherein both planes are trying to outmaneuver each other as they attempt to bring their guns to bear. Missiles are typically less relevant here, as they can't turn as tightly as a jet, so it's almost always about bringing the nose of your jet in line with the other guy before he does the same. As a general rule, the slower you are going the more tightly you can turn, but if you brake too much you can cut the engine and stall out. Usually, I've found it sufficient to simply let off the throttle while turning without touching the airbrakes. Lots of players don't realize this and will keep holding full throttle, so if you see a constant purple afterburner plume while turning with the other jet you've basically won the fight already.

 

Using VTOL and pulling back on the stick to stop suddenly can be a game changer if you are losing a dogfight (i.e. the other guy is getting inside your turn), as it can often force your opponent to overshoot and give you an opportunity to line up a shot with the cannon. Done wrong though, it will leave you very, very vulnerable because you will be nearly stationary, and if the other guy is too far behind you it will give them a free shot at you.

 

If you see the other guy go into VTOl, break off and go into a dive away from him. Unlike a helicopter, the Hydra can't tilt upwards downwards much in hover mode, so you can stay out of his fire arc while getting distance and building speed in the dive. If he follows, you should have enough of a speed advantage to outclimb or outrun him and put yourself in a better position. If you were already diving on him, go into a climb instead, converting the airspeed you built in the dive into altitude. Because he just slowed down to a stop, he won't be able to follow you without stalling or moving slow enough to be an easy target.

 

If you are going out of VTOL mode, tilt the nose down as you enter flight mode and go into a dive to pick up speed much more quickly than you would using the engine alone. Once you are at full speed you can both climb and mostly maintain speed at once. This is especially important if you are taking off while other jets are in the area, as you are most acutely vulnerable while lifting off.

 

When dealing with Lazers, you will need to rely on the Hydra's better rudders and lower stall speed to win, as the Lazer's much better acceleration will let it climb much better than the Hydra and allows it to catch Hydras that aren't already at full speed. These next items also apply to hydra-Hydra fights, but are especially crucial in Hydra-Lazer fights:

 

While turning, rather than making a full 90 degree pylon turn, instead use the appropriate rudder while making a turn at a shallower angle to cut inside the other jet's turn. If he is holding his turn, you will quickly find yourself about to cross his line of movement, which is the ideal time to start firing with the gun. Make sure to aim ahead of the other jet, to account for both any lag in the lobby and the slightly delayed explosion that follows up a successful hit with the cannon.

 

One consequence of the above tactic, if it doesn't quickly kill the other guy, is that the fight will often tend to move to steadily lower altitudes, because using the rudder in this fashion will move you in a shallow downward spiral. This helps the Hydra keep its airspeed up, whereas the Lazer benefits much less, and will eventually bring the fight closer to the ground and it associated dangers. If you are in the Lazer rather than the Hydra, consider disengaging and using your superior acceleration to quickly climb away, which will let you dive on the Hydra while he is trying to rebuild his airspeed. If you are in the Hydra, use the environment for cover. In either jet, at low altitude it usually comes down to whoever crashes into the ground or other obstacle first, so practice precision flying before dogfighting at low altitude

 

 

Most of what you said was accurate but it should be mentioned which plane(horizontal or vertical) you and the bandit are on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For anyone using the Hydra to dogfight other Hydras, as with real dogfighting speed and altitude are key. Whenever you are moving to engage someone, try to make sure you are moving at full speed and have an altitude advantage over them. If they are coming for you, use the time to gain altitude or pick up speed. Having an advantage in these areas lets dictate the terms of the engagement

 

In air combat, there are basically two ways of engaging. In "boom and zoom", you use a superior altitude advantage to dive at high speed on the other aircraft as you make your attack, then use this airspeed to either climb back to altitude or to speed away, keeping you out of harm's way if your attack did not succeed or there are other threats. This works great when you have the advantage in speed or altitude, and is the basic mode of attack used against targets on the ground, or in helicopters.

 

Against other jets diving attacks are devastating when combined with Off the Radar, because lots of people rely on the minimap and don't do proper visual scanning even when they are notified that someone is off the radar. If you can spot them before they spot you in this scenario, don't use missiles (the lock-on alert tone will tell them someone is attacking), but instead make a fast attack with the guns to try to kill him before he even realizes you are there. If you mess up or he otherwise evades, you can either transition into a dogfight or regain altitude and make another dive attack before you go back on the radar. If you see someone go off the radar and suspect or know a jet is airborne, you should try to gain altitude and airspeed while visually scanning around you for other jets. You can also wait a short while and use Off the Radar yourself to basically cancel the other guy's advantage and ensure he can't find you until you are both visible on the map.

 

In "turn and burn", you engage in a classic dogfight wherein both planes are trying to outmaneuver each other as they attempt to bring their guns to bear. Missiles are typically less relevant here, as they can't turn as tightly as a jet, so it's almost always about bringing the nose of your jet in line with the other guy before he does the same. As a general rule, the slower you are going the more tightly you can turn, but if you brake too much you can cut the engine and stall out. Usually, I've found it sufficient to simply let off the throttle while turning without touching the airbrakes. Lots of players don't realize this and will keep holding full throttle, so if you see a constant purple afterburner plume while turning with the other jet you've basically won the fight already.

 

Using VTOL and pulling back on the stick to stop suddenly can be a game changer if you are losing a dogfight (i.e. the other guy is getting inside your turn), as it can often force your opponent to overshoot and give you an opportunity to line up a shot with the cannon. Done wrong though, it will leave you very, very vulnerable because you will be nearly stationary, and if the other guy is too far behind you it will give them a free shot at you.

 

If you see the other guy go into VTOl, break off and go into a dive away from him. Unlike a helicopter, the Hydra can't tilt upwards downwards much in hover mode, so you can stay out of his fire arc while getting distance and building speed in the dive. If he follows, you should have enough of a speed advantage to outclimb or outrun him and put yourself in a better position. If you were already diving on him, go into a climb instead, converting the airspeed you built in the dive into altitude. Because he just slowed down to a stop, he won't be able to follow you without stalling or moving slow enough to be an easy target.

 

If you are going out of VTOL mode, tilt the nose down as you enter flight mode and go into a dive to pick up speed much more quickly than you would using the engine alone. Once you are at full speed you can both climb and mostly maintain speed at once. This is especially important if you are taking off while other jets are in the area, as you are most acutely vulnerable while lifting off.

 

When dealing with Lazers, you will need to rely on the Hydra's better rudders and lower stall speed to win, as the Lazer's much better acceleration will let it climb much better than the Hydra and allows it to catch Hydras that aren't already at full speed. These next items also apply to hydra-Hydra fights, but are especially crucial in Hydra-Lazer fights:

 

While turning, rather than making a full 90 degree pylon turn, instead use the appropriate rudder while making a turn at a shallower angle to cut inside the other jet's turn. If he is holding his turn, you will quickly find yourself about to cross his line of movement, which is the ideal time to start firing with the gun. Make sure to aim ahead of the other jet, to account for both any lag in the lobby and the slightly delayed explosion that follows up a successful hit with the cannon.

 

One consequence of the above tactic, if it doesn't quickly kill the other guy, is that the fight will often tend to move to steadily lower altitudes, because using the rudder in this fashion will move you in a shallow downward spiral. This helps the Hydra keep its airspeed up, whereas the Lazer benefits much less, and will eventually bring the fight closer to the ground and it associated dangers. If you are in the Lazer rather than the Hydra, consider disengaging and using your superior acceleration to quickly climb away, which will let you dive on the Hydra while he is trying to rebuild his airspeed. If you are in the Hydra, use the environment for cover. In either jet, at low altitude it usually comes down to whoever crashes into the ground or other obstacle first, so practice precision flying before dogfighting at low altitude.

 

Very insightful and well written. I use the hydra often enough to concur with everything you said except going into vtol while in air combat. I never had much success with that sort of manuver. If you can pull it off, it's clip worthy material.

 

 

Eta- jackal, you should upload that dogfight where you reverse killed the other guy. Omg my nipples got hard watching that. :|

 

 

I will if I can find it.

[Retroview1955]

Jets are not that hard to take down as they are relatively big targets. I recommend the RPG and/or Heavy Sniper because they won't expect it, as opposed to the homing launcher which they can easily avoid. It takes 5 shots with the heavy sniper for it to start smoking rendering it useless. Once you kill them, they don't want to mess up their k/d, so they will either leave you alone or exit the session. You can almost never expect them to fight you without the jets and right after you shoot them down, they will go passive and pick up another Hydra.

Here's a few clips of me enforcing a no flyzone.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hValvcS3vh8

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_BHPfW2wts

Edited October 27, 2015 by Retroview1955