Recce-The most difficult job in to fly in SF2WOV

[Carter28 92]

I've flown all kinds of recce missions in SF1. In everything from from RF-84s to RF-104Gs. 

Been shot down a lot too. But nothing compares to the sheer difficulty of flying photo birds in SF2WOV.  Going in low, relying on pretty much nothing but speed to keep you alive in the firestorms of flak is like nothing else out there. So far in DiD since i've converted to SF2 i've flown two pure recce campaigns and lasted three missions each. Both times being shot down in the target area. Going for it again, naturally. First few missions is "on the rails" flying the given waypoints. Virtually suicidal of course, as was noted in a long ago post here in Combatace. But you know how it is for new guys. Always have to do things by the book. The way i'm looking at things now (just to make it sporting) is five missions on the rails, then doing your own thing. Though you'll always have to be straight and level at the moment of truth anyways. That's the absolute best chance for them to bag you.  Back in WW2 they called the low level jobs "dicing". So let's see if it's still worth it to roll 'em again. 

[+1977Frenchie 1,037]

I made a lot of campaigns on my side in SF2 and on various type of birds. Recon missions are indeed be fast, low, cross your fingers and if all goes well you will made it :)

I made the linebacker II campaign with a huey, That was a challenge that lasted 8 missions (but that was fun).

[macelena 1,070]

You know, I just kind of proved it in a dumb way:

Linebacker I, flying a Crusader. Right into the area, flight of, I think, A-4s underneath. A ton of Frescos swarm toward the Skyhawks, followed by some MiG-21PFMs. Burner on, fly on top of the MiG-17s, dive in a split-S to get on their tails. Predictably, i oveshoot, but manage to tear one's wing off snapping a burst of 20mm.

Get back around, an epic furball...ask control for a vector to the flight I was supposed to be escorting.

Became confused as hell when no option appears to ask for a vector to target, and keep flying straight, dumbfounded for a couple of seconds.

Remember the mission was recon all along the same moment I catch a 37mm shell with my helmet.

Edited August 14, 2021 by macelena
Me no speak English good

[Carter28 92]

Certain areas are so infested with guns that flying low over them is akin to facing a firing squad.  These are the altitudes i use for recce birds... RF-101-5000ft, RF-8-5500ft, and RA-5-6000ft.  Normal routine after takeoff is to head out and go to altitude. At feet dry or breaking out over the hills you want to be at mission altitude and speed, which is full military power.  Then it's just a matter of rolling the dice. Burners are to get out fast after the run on the primary. Only once have used it on an actual pass in an 101. Though due to it's size and historical use, i use minimum burners in the RA-5 while up in RP 5 and 6.

Edited August 17, 2021 by Carter28

[Carter28 92]