Amiga Collections: MegaDisc/MegaDisc 08 (1988)(MegaDisc Digital Publishing)(AU)[WB].zip/MegaDisc 08 (1988)(MegaDisc Digital Publishing)(AU)[WB].adf/GAMES_REVIEWS/F-18_School

Text File | 1988-05-28 | 4KB | 62 lines

                          INTERCEPTOR FLYING SCHOOL


  Those of you who are lucky enough to own 'Interceptor F18' will know
 that not only is this simulation engrossing and technically accurate but
 also that success in the realm of modern aerial warfare is difficult if
 all your brains are in your trigger finger. This combat tutorial is
 designed to acquaint the non-pilot with some of the finer aspects of
 aircraft control essential to victory in this simulation and to do
 justice to Bob Dinnerman's superb programming. Remember, your computer
 controlled opponents are experts in tactics and weaponry, they think with
 the single-mindedness of the automaton and are not subject to human
 weaknesses such as fear, indecision or sweaty palms.
  Rudder:- The Rudder induces "Yaw" or more simply sideways sliding in
 level flight. The effects of Rudder alone are not dramatic because it is
 designed to be used in conjuction with pitch and roll inputs. When a
 pilot wants to turn he first rolls the aircraft to the desired bank
 angle, centres the stick and pulls back to induce positive pitch or, "nose
 up" which tightens and controls the "rate of turn". A 90 degree bank will
 give the highest rate of turn without altitude loss although in the heat
 of battle it is almost impossible to quickly roll to exactly 90 degrees.
  This is where our old friend the rudder comes in, a touch of rudder
 brings the nose level with the horizon and we are now doing a nice
 "balanced" turn. Without rudder we would be unable to control our height
 in the turn (like a cake of soap sliding around the end of the bath)
 which is not good if 300 feet off the deck in a tight turn trying to
 escape a hungry Mig.
  Try it,attain level flight, roll to approx 90 degrees, then pull the
 stick back. Before long the nose starts to wander off the horizon, have
 your middle and index fingers of your left hand on the rudder keys, input
 rudder and the nose comes into line and keeps you at the correct
 altitude to come around on your enemy. If he is above or below you when
 you try to turn on him, rudder can be used to change altitude while
 turning tightly thus saving precious seconds. Dogfights are called
 dogfights because the combatants are constantly trying to out-turn each
 other and gain the advantage of position, Ivan in his Mig will be using
 his rudder and if you don't you can't out-turn him let alone stay on his
 tail.
  Rudder is very handy when sighting the cannon, point the aircraft so
 that the target is somewhere in the HUD now use the stick for pitch only
 and control sideways movement with the rudder keys. See how easy it is  to
 keep the filthy commie in your sights? It does'nt matter if you are
 inverted or in a 90 degree bank, everything will work the same.
 Destroying these freedom-haters with 50mm bullets is much more satisfying
 than lauching a missile and hoping for the best, and one day you will run
 out of missiles.
  A common scenario will be to see a bandit streaking overhead in the
 opposite direction. React quickly and do a vertical half-loop, you will
 arrive at the top of the loop inverted and on your enemy's tail, if he is
 on the right of your radar screen roll to the left until upright, which
 will bring him towards the centre, if he is to the left, vice-versa. Now
 use rudder to line him up and wax his tail! Rudder is also useful for
 making fine adjustments to your heading but make sure your wings are
 level or the aircraft will  roll slightly.  More tips to save you from
 becoming Mig-meat soon, until then Good Hunting!

 Available most Amiga dealers.

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