Air RB · Field manual
Early Jets
Protect the speed you cannot quickly replace. Many early jets recover poorly after prolonged maneuvering. Entering fast helps only if you preserve enough speed to leave. The Me 262 is one example where weak acceleration makes a slow recovery particularly costly.
Accelerate before demanding a climb
After takeoff, build speed before settling into a sustained climb suited to the aircraft. Pulling steeply upward immediately can leave you slow without gaining useful altitude. Watch the intercept developing ahead; arrive with usable speed and room to maneuver.
Match the attack to your handling
Check how the aircraft responds at combat speed. A fast approach is wasted if stiff controls prevent the correction needed for a shot. Align early, limit last-second inputs and allow room to recover. Against a slower propeller aircraft, avoid following its first defensive turn automatically; it may be inviting the low-speed fight where your advantage disappears.
Extend toward somewhere useful
After a missed pass, create separation without crossing another enemy's nose. Look behind during the extension. Begin climbing when separation allows, rather than pulling vertically while the opponent remains within firing distance.
Treat a dogfight as a commitment
Compare acceleration, sustained maneuvering and nearby threats before staying in a turn. A brief correction for a credible shot can be worthwhile. Several circles spent chasing while speed falls usually require a different decision. Know whether your aircraft can recover the energy before anyone else intervenes.
Make the gun pass count
Short firing windows reward early alignment. Learn the ammunition velocity and how much lead crossing targets require. Avoid using airbrake solely to prolong a doubtful shot if it leaves you unable to separate afterward. Check closure before deciding to stay behind a slower opponent.
Leave the damaged target when necessary
Chasing a damaged aircraft through repeated turns can make you an easy target for its teammates. Damage does not establish that it is harmless. Break off when finishing it would remove your ability to defend, then reassess from separation.