Be the best - Day one

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PC gaming's not just about taking part; it's about winning

Be the best… War hero

Game: Combat flight sims
Dogfight with grace

1) One way to string together boom and zoom attacks (see 4, below) is to use Immelmann Turns. These start out like a standard loop with the stick being pulled back and the plane climbing to the vertical. When the top of the loop is reached a roll rights the plane, leaving it level and flying back towards the target.

2) Got a bandit closing on you rapidly from behind? Don’t climb or turn, invert your plane with a quick roll and pull back steadily on the stick, easing off the throttle as you loop downwards. In a few moments you should find yourself the right way up and heading in the opposite direction to your bewildered pursuer.

4) When the enemy is more maneuverable than you, try to avoid tangled duels by booming and zooming. Before engaging, gain as much altitude as possible, and then dive on your foe, passing just once, before climbing swiftly away to prepare another attack.

3) When pursuing a faster opponent in level flight, a long shallow dive (to pick up speed) followed by a steep climb can sometimes get you close enough for a shot. A similar trick can be used to gain an advantage in a turning pursuit. By cutting across the circle flown by the target, delicately diving and climbing as you go, you may be able to drag an elusive quarry into your crosshairs.

4) When the enemy is more maneuverable than you, try to avoid tangled duels by booming and zooming. Before engaging, gain as much altitude as possible, and then dive on your foe, passing just once, before climbing swiftly away to prepare another attack.