How many of you have studied actual fighter tactics and use them in game?
What are your favorite/most used maneuvers?
My intent is to start a discussion that will review many of the basic flying maneuvers that would then be available for newer players to use as a guide.
So... I'll start it off with a quick review of two basic vertical reversals.
In WWI Max Immelman, a German fighter pilot devised a way to attack planes that had flown by above him going in the opposite direction. This became the Immelman, a half loop followed by a half roll. This works well when you have a lot of energy. The downside to the maneuver is that it often leaves you chasing an enemy and being low on energy (speed). Just pull up until you have done a half loop and are upside down flying in the opposite direction. Then, do a half roll to fly right side up.
The opposite of the Immelman is the Split S. In my opinion, the Split S is much more useful than the Immelman, mainly because you exit it having much more energy. Plus the Split S is good for attacking or escaping, where as the Immelman is better for attacking only I think. To do a Split S, simply do a half roll. Then pull up so that you dive into a half loop. In addition to escaping or attempting to attack an enemy that is headed in the opposite direction, the Split S is good for reversing your direction at the end of a Boom and Zoom run. A vertical reversal, especially a downward one like the Split S builds up a lot of speed for the next Boom and Zoom run.
Well, I hope that starts some interesting discussions and I plan to be back to share some more of my favorite maneuvers.