<S> Allies. This is my tactical analysis for the upcoming BBD series.
P-51B
Guns: 4x50 cals
Fuel: 145 min (81 + 64)
Analysis: Slightly faster than enemies at 20k-30k. You can outrun all enemies at the deck if you somehow get in that situation. Flies like a P-51D with a few exceptions. The cockpit view is awful, just awful. You can't look behind you, and lots of metal obstruct normal views. You must keep doing lazy scissors to spot cons. The guns are ok, but with 3/4 the lethality of the D-version. This means you'll need a longer burst than you're used to for killing cons. The P-51B is a bit lighter than the P-51D and thus has a better turn rate. Can turn equal with the bf109s, and easily outturns the Fw190s. I find the P-51B to be an equal match to the Axis planes for our mission type, but not in a fürball.
P-47D-22
Guns: 8x50 cals
Fuel: 101 min (64 + 37)
Analysis: Superior speed at 30k, keep it high and you'll be at an advantage. Can outrun the Bf109s at the deck, but not the Fw190A-4. The cockpit view is as terrible as the P-51B's. Use wingman tactics. The P-47D-22 has great guns, twice the firepower of the P-51B. Do not turn with the enemy, this is one of the worst turning planes in the game, and even the Fw190s outturn you. Keep fast and use wingmen and guns. Diving out is a valid last-resort defensive option. I find the P-47D-22 to be superior to the Axis planes at the alt we will operate, altough fuel time is a disadvantage compared to the P-51B.
My 5 conclusions
* Fly with good horisontal separation to your wingmen. You can weave back and forth in lazy scissors. A welded wing at d4 won't work. The razorback cockpit means you will be very much responsible for your wingmans life. He can't spot cons at 6 o'clock and will die if you fail to do it for him.
* You can sneak up on Bf109s low six, as their view there is impaired. However the Fw190s have excellent back-vision.
* Keep speed up once contact is made with cons. You can keep your six fairly "clear" by running at a speed the enemy have trouble to match.
* The Axis planes have very powerful guns. Fear them and focus harder than usual to avoid their fire.
* Be careful of chasing bandits down low, especially in a razorback cockpit. Keep your alt and make boom n zooming attacks to protect the buffs from cons.
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Good luck and good hunting all
/Robert
4th FG - CO 336th