Hey all!

I just picked up LOMAC the other day (and promptly patched up to v1.02). Having a blast so far learning the SU-27... I have been playing around with 1v1 and 2v2 (against F-15s and F-16s) and even the SU-27 Escort Bombers mission. Since I made full use of Ironhand's excellent training videos, I am holding my own (for a newbie at least), especially in the 1v1 fights. The issue is that in the larger engagements, I feel handicapped by my wingman's performance (or apparent lack thereof). When I designate a target (for instance one F-15 out of a two-ship formation) he usually will launch an R-27ER at max range and then get popped in pretty short order.

I guess my questions boil down to the following:

1. Any general opinions on wingman performance in the BVR arena (particularly with regards to R27-ER employment against F-15s and F-16s armed with the AIM-7 and AIM-120)?

2. Any tried-and-true wingman tactics or management tricks that a newbie like me would be overlooking?

3. Have I missed the mark completely and are my rookie piloting skills simply at fault?

Thanks in advance!

Long before you are within firing distance have your wingman pincer to one side (left or right) and you go the other direction. The idea is to get the 2 bandits seperated, one will go after your wingman, lets call him Bandit One. The other will come after you. Don't lock anyone up, merely keep your radar on both of them so you can see the situation developing.

After a time you turn back into the fight. Ideally you should now be on the beam of Bandit One who is heading for your wingman. Lock him up, order your wingman to "engage your target". This command will get your wingman to turn back into the fight himself. Kick in the afterburners and race after Bandit One yourself. Ideally HIS wingman (Bandit Two) will be miles behind the fight and temporarily out of it.

You now have a short period of a 2 to 1 advantage over Bandit One. It might be you or your wingie who gets in the killing shot, but having two missiles to dodge coming from different directions pretty much spells Bandit One's doom. Once you have killed him, then take on Bandit Two - again with a 2 to 1 advantage.

It might take you a bit of practice to get this right, but keep at it. If it isn't working, it is usually because you are not doing your split with your wingman early enough.

Thanks so much! Tried it out the other night and worked like a charm.

Wingie seems to perform much better against other Russian planes, and obviously capable aircraft like the Mirage 2000 and F4, even without the pincer tactic. Blew through the other SU-27 missions with nary a scratch.