ThunderHQ / Nuclear Escalation
Managing Multiple Threats
The SAM ahead and the fighter behind you don’t wait for each other. Leave yourself room to deal with both.
Deal with the most immediate threat
If a missile is coming, stop trying to finish the bomb run. If a fighter is closing and the distant radar isn’t engaging you, deal with the fighter. Keep adjusting as the threats move.
If you can’t work out what’s happening quickly, come out of the camera and use the escape route you picked. Staying exposed while you study the display gives the enemy more time to shoot.
Back to contents ↑Keep looking between the target and the fight
Look outside
Check nearby aircraft and the directions another fighter could approach from.
Check warnings
Notice new radar warnings and look for missile launches.
Check the route
Find the target and look for defenses you’ll pass on the way in or out.
Check the aircraft
Watch speed, fuel, damage, countermeasures and how close you are to the ground.
Watch where a defensive turn takes you
A turn that helps against one radar can point you toward another launcher. Diving away from a fighter can leave you slow and close to guns. Look beyond the first maneuver and keep somewhere to go afterward.
If a fighter is pushing you toward enemy SAMs, turn toward friendly support while you still have the room. Don’t follow the chase wherever it takes you.
Back to contents ↑Break off before you run out of options
Leave the attack, regain speed and find the threats again. You may need an escort or someone to deal with a SAM site before another run.
Tell teammates what’s happening and where: a fighter on the western approach, an active radar by the depot, or your aircraft breaking south. Say whether you need cover or are heading home.
Back to contents ↑