| Intercepting B17s in EAW
by Jerry Boucher |
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Another attack method is to target the bombers at the top of the formation. This can be done using the same method used to attack 'Coffin Corner', but you may have to spend more time climbing to their level. Also, you should turn away from the bomber formation after your attack, otherwise you will expose yourself to enemy fire as you drop away. POINTS TO REMEMBER 1) Attacks on bomber formations must be as co-ordinated as possible. This means that attacks by your Staffel are more likely to be successful if they are carried out as a group. If this is not possible, you should at least try to attack with the help of your wingman. Ordering your Staffel to disengage and regroup as you trail the enemy bombers helps to concentrate your offensive firepower and provide mutual defence. This takes time and relies on your continual awareness of what is going on around you. 2) It is much better to break up the bomber formation and to take advantage in the gaps this creates in their defensive fire. 3) Always call ground control for more support. If you can assess what direction this support will arrive and engage from, you can also time any attacks by you to coincide and take advantage of the chaos. 4) Learn how to use your guns - their range, striking power and the best combinations. Fire from as close as possible and learn to use controlled bursts. Whilst in combat over North Africa, the German ace Hans-Joachim Marseille once destroyed 4 enemy fighters (three P-40s and a Spitfire) in 20 minutes in his Bf-109. When he landed, his armourers found that he had used only 20 cannon rounds and 60 rounds from his machine guns! This shows what good marksmanship can accomplish. Admittedly, bombers are tougher opponents, but well-placed, controlled fire is very effective in disabling and then destroying them. Even though cannon fire can inflict explosive damage from a distance, it still requires that you aim correctly and apply enough lead to your target. |
 5) If possible, avoid encounters with enemy escort fighters. In 1943, the main form these take are the P-38H and the P-47C. The Bf-109G6 can successfully take on both of these and even hold its own against the P-38, which will not sustain many hits from your cannons. The P-47 is powerful and can take a lot of damage, so if you have to take on this aircraft, make sure that your wingman is with you. 6) Don't go chasing medals. There will always be plenty of bombers to take on. It is better to keep an eye out for your Staffel and make sure that they survive and become more successful in destroying enemy bombers. 7) Beware of target fixation. You may get over-zealous when making your attack, and get shot up by your target, or by other bombers, or by an escort fighter on your six. You may also put yourself into a position where collision is unavoidable. Closing Remarks I hope these tips help you to stem the tide of enemy bombers over Europe and to manage Staffel tactics! So far, in my present 5 month campaign, I've shot down 9 B-17s, 2 Mosquitoes, 2 P-38s and 2 P-47s, and 4/II/JG2 have brought down an average of 3 bombers per mission. At the moment, it seems, our small part of the war is under our control... References:
'Fighter Versus Fighter' by Norman Franks Join a discussion forum on this article by clicking HERE.
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