Apache, Cobra etc.
Posted: 2010-01-19 19:16
Does anyone have any tips for "Gunning" in Attack Helos like the Apache and Cobra type Helos? I know the basics already 
I'm assuming for this you are talking about an armored target being lased that you don't need to use you hydras on. Why dive though when you can hit the target(depending on the map) from level full throttle flight between 300-600 alt.Drunkenup wrote:Boss around with your pilot. And if theres a laze, Tell your pilot to dive
Finally someone else who doesn't think flying high in the air is a good idea.Spuz36 wrote:Check out Youtube for some helpful gameplay videos. See how others gun/fly and get some ideas. Try searching for 'bolt from the blue"ok, thats mine, but Youtube can help you in many ways.
Grab a friend to become your chopper buddy. Knowing somebody who is occupying the other seat is an immediate benifit because you both know how each other react. I've known my pilot 5+ years outside of PR, but it all comes together when we close the canopy.
As said before, know your priorities. AA first, CAS next.
Creep the map, do not expose yourself too much. There are about a zillion ways to die in a chopper, and you can blink your eye and be a smoldering wreck of facepalm.
Have a spotter. As a gunner you can't catch every little detail. Having a second pair of eyes looking for you helps, plus, they can see in color to decipher uniforms better, you either get black and white or green.
Use your peripheral vision. Do not focus on one spot. This is useful for spotting moving vehicles like APCs in Muttrah Streets or tan tanks on Kashan.
Get used to Hellfire speed. This way it is easy to lead a target and reduce the risk of you bumping something and screwing up your mouse aim. By shooting ahead you can keep your hand at rest.
Before making a gun run, check your map to know where friendlies are. Make a mental note where the people change from Friend to Foe.
If you have a fairly experienced pilot, take it to the streets. Low level flying is the way to go on Muttrah to avoid AA and give the opposition a surprise when you crane around that corner filling them with high explosive. DO be sure to stay within a few degrees of where the chopper is pointed. Missiles do not go straight to the target if you are 10m off the ground, they launch and have to travel straight before changing course. This is good to know before the missile hits friendlies near that enemy APC about to go up in flames.
Another useful tactic I have found is to order the pilot to fly in a straight path at a good clip, then peg the target as you fly over. If the pilot can maintain speed, it is really accurate. Will have to add a video to illustrate what I mean. (not the best at describing) (chrisweb hinted at this at the beginning)
EDIT: found the clips,
Hope these help, feel free to catch me on Xfire: elitesuz