Hello guys, I play on the EU server but decided to write here since EU forum seems to be less active, and definitely more cluttered into unnecessary subsections. I was trying to come up with optimal crew skill, equipment and consumable choices for all types of aircraft. Btw, Magus thread and his video linked there was a great inspiration for me:
http://forum.worldof...-gunner-skills/
I would appreciate your opinions about whether or not they are truly optimal. Thanks for your time
Slow Turn and Burn Fighters (Japaneese fighters up to T5, Russians up to T4 [e.g. I-16, I-17]):
my reasoning behind skills & equipment choice: max out their survivability & DPM & maneuverability (engine power is so weak and speed so low that it's not worth investing in their increase)
Skills (in order of their priority):
3 points Evasive target (+25% damage reduction when actively maneuvering)
3 points Adrenaline Rush (kill a plane -> 25% reduction of weapon overheating & +10% firing accuracy for 10s)
2 points Aerobatics Expert (+2% maneuverability in all axes)
Equipment:
Lightweight Airframe (+3% boost to pitch, roll and yaw)
Control Surface Adjustm. (+3% boost to pitch)
Improved Optical Sight (+10% better aim)
Consumables:
Pneumatic Restarter, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Dressing Package
Fast Turn and Burn Fighters (Yaks & Lavochkins & Spitfires & Japaneese fighters T6+):
my reasoning behind skills & equipment choice: max out speed & survivability & maneuverability
Skills:
3 points Evasive target (+25% damage reduction when actively maneuvering)
2 points Aerodynamics Expert (+40% bonus to Engine Tuning & Aircraft Polish boost)
2 points Aerobatics Expert (+2% maneuverability in all axes)
Equipment:
Engine Tuning (+5% thrust)
Aircraft Polish (+5% top speed)
Improved Optical Sight (+10% better aim)
Consumables:
Pneumatic Restarter, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Dressing Package
Boom and Zoom Fighters (all German fighters, all US fighters, Russian MiG line):
my reasoning behind skills & equipment choice: speed is absolutely crucial here, so focus on boosting it by any means
Skills:
2 points Aerodynamics Expert (40% bonus to Engine Tuning & Aircraft Polish boost)
2 points Engine Guru 1 (+3% engine thrust)
3 points Engine Guru 2 (+2% engine thrust & +2% top speed)
2 points Cruise flight (+20% view range & +3% engine thrust & +3% top speed after 20s of not receiving or causing damage)
Equipment:
Engine Tuning (+5% thrust)
Aircraft Polish (+5% top speed)
Improved Optical Sight (+10% better aim) / or Improved Radiator (30% faster engine cooling while idle)
Consumables:
Pneumatic Restarter, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Dressing Package
Heavy Fighters (all nations):
- same as in Boom and Zoom Fighters but with these consumables:
Pneumatic Restarter, Fire Extinguisher, Engine Ventilation (restores 40% of boost duration)
Option #1 - alternative equipment - perhaps sacrificing accuracy in exchange for +15% of aircraft hit points is not a bad idea:
Reinforced Airframe equipment instead of Improved Optical Sight (+15% HP, -10% chance of critical damage to engine, crew, wings and tail)
Option #2 - alternative skill:
Raptor Strike (3 points) instead of Engine Guru 2 (3 points) (+50% critical damage when pitch angle is greater than 45% degrees and aircraft speed is at least 60% of its maximum dive speed)
But i think this skill is beneficial mostly for killing Attack Aircraft which usually happens only when the game has already been decided anyway.
Rear gunner in Heavy Fighters:
I think the choice of skills here is pretty straightforward:
3 points Defensive Fire (30% damage reduction)
3 points Precision Gunner (critical damage boost)
2 points Quick reflexes (50% reduction of aiming time)
1 points Vigilance (+20% view range)
Attack Aircraft:
I don't fly these but here are some suggestions for the sake of completeness:
2 points Demolition Expert (+15% increase of damage and splash radius for rockets and bombs)
2 points Protection Expert (40% bonus to Reinforced Airframe, Improved Covering, Additional Armor Plates, Concelaing Livery)
2 points Marksman 1 (-5% weapon spread)
3 points Marksman 2 (-5% weapon spread, -10% weapon spread when shooting on moving targets)
Equipment:
Improved Optical Sight (+10% better aim)
Reinforced Airframe / or better aiming for bombs
Rear gun stabilization
Consumables:
Pneumatic Restarter, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Dressing Package