Often, and particularly in the History Channel's 'Dogfights', I hear pilots describe seeing a friend in a tight spot and, as a desperation measure, he'll loose a long burst knowing that he's out of range, or that the angle isn't right. But the enemy pilot will hear the shots, or see the tracer, and break off.
Lately I've been adding a full compliment of wingmen [for me and the enemy] just because it makes such a lovely furball. On several occasions I've tried to shoo a plane off a squadron mate's tail. Usually out around 400-500 yards. Too long for a personal shot. Sometimes it works, but just as often it doesn't. Can the AI pilot be aware of me, or is it random chance that he broke off?
ps: Range is in yards/meters isn't it?