So, I got bored, and curious about how WG defines the speed of aircraft in this very arcade-like game. Speed and altitude is energy and energy is what wins fights and is therefore the most important aspect of any flying game no matter what. WG are not exactly clear on what is what and what exactly upgrades what. I conducted some tests using different speed and engine modifications individually in the training room on a stock BF109G to find out.
I used aerodynamics expert to increase the effect of the silver cost upgrade parts from 5% to 7% and made sure to do them individually as well as with a control test, an engine guru skill only test and a test with the top upgrade engine only (1475hp DB605 - 2000hp DB605ASC). I also tested the improved radiator silver upgrade part. I wont bore you with numbers unless you guys are really curious but I found some fundamental truths that are good to know.
- The only upgrades that improve coasting speed are Aircraft Polish upgrade and the research upgrade engines.
- Maximum level flight speed (achieved by using boost) is only improved by Aircraft Polish and the research upgrade engines.
- Aircraft Polish increases your coasting airspeed, the time required to reach your upgraded speed is the exact same as the time it takes to reach default coasting airspeed without it; meaning you essentially accelerate a bit more in the same amount of time.
- Engine tuning increases your acceleration to your coasting airspeed but does not increase your coasting airspeed or maximum speed
- Engine tuning seems to increase idle acceleration about twice as much as the description would suggest
- Both Engine tuning and Aircraft Polish buff the speed gain from boost by the exact same amount.
- research engine upgrades increase both maximum and coasting airspeed as well as acceleration.
- max dive speed can NOT be affected by anything but the researched airframe upgrades.
- the 'Engine guru' pilot skill works the same way as engine tuning and has an effect slightly greater than the description would suggest
- the Improved Radiator upgrade only takes effect when using the 'air brake' feature, if you never use air brake it will have absolutely no effect on gameplay.
TL;DR - Upgrade your engine for god sake. Yes you do use your guns, turn and take damage every match but you aren't doing that every single second, your engine IS working for you every second of the game, engine upgrades are almost constantly in effect. Improved radiator seems pretty bad unless you use airbrake a lot and need to regain energy a bit faster, it perhaps needs a buff to give 30% better cooling all the time.
Edited by YagabodooN, 13 February 2018 - 05:31 AM.