The role of reverse in combat (Lavian Brandy handed out)

HeimdallofHavn

H
Hello guys,

I came back to Elite now a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it massively as a bounty hunter.

However, I do play in solo and NPC's as of 1.2 are no problem to handle in an A graded viper. At RES sites you can even easily solo Anacondas without "police" help.

But, it seems like more advanced players use reverse quite a bit.

Can some of you space aces explain the role of reverse in combat?

On my hotas setup I have my throttle set up for only forward thrust, but I could change it I think to where the middle point is neutral.

I will buy Lavian brandy for anyone helping out explaining this.

btw. bonus points if people include areas where flight assist off is needed?

Cheers,

Heim
 
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Arry

Arry
I use keyboard only, so of not much use to you.

Don't try to think about it, use direction thrusters. As you would normally.

Not too fast, unless creating a range gap.

Try to hold the speed, stable.

Again. Don't think about it.

Never killed an Anaconda yet; soon, as soon as I can find the blind spot and work out where it's weapons are.

Arry.
 

PavelKCZ

PavelKCZ
HeimdallofHavn said:
Hello guys,

I came back to Elite now a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it massively as a bounty hunter.

However, I do play in solo and NPC's as of 1.2 are no problem to handle in an A graded viper. At RES sites you can even easily solo Anacondas without "police" help.

But, it seems like more advanced players use reverse quite a bit.

Can some of you space aces explain the role of reverse in combat?

On my hotas setup I have my throttle set up for only forward thrust, but I could change it I think to where the middle point is neutral.

I will buy Lavian brandy for anyone helping out explaining this.

btw. bonus points if people include areas where flight assist off is needed?

Cheers,

Heim
Click to expand...

I am not any space ace, I just a beginner, but the reverse thrust is a wonderfull thing.

I have Saitek X52 Pro, but I suppose the it will be the same for your joystick. Go to the Options/Control and find a section called FLIGHT THROTTLE. Under this section, there is Throttle axis range - set this to "forward only". Under this, there is Forward only throttle reverse - here select some button on your left hand stick. Preferable something you can push with your thumb. Under this, there is Button mode - here you can select Toggle (one press will change the thrust direction) or Hold (the direction is changed only when you hold the button). Set this on mode which you prefere more. I prefere Toggle, but it is individual.

Now, when you are in combat, you have full scale of thruster stick for forward direction. As soon as you press the Reverse button, the thrust is reversed and your thrusters start to work like a brake. You will start slow down really FAST and if you have the reverse thrust running for some time, you start to fly backward. It is really cool, when you have an AI oponent on your six. You brake, he will overshot and suddenly you are at his six. Just try it around Nav point, where is generally a lot of free space and only one wanted NPC.

If you are a fan of sci-fi movies and TV series, you can see this style of flying in the TV serie "2047 Space Above and Beyond". The Hammerhead ships had the retro thrusters with exactly the same flying dynamic. Or, I think that in the famous TV serie Babylon 5, those Babylon 5 small ships (named Starfury ??) also used retro thrusters.
 

#43734

4
Flying backwards in combat is a common tactic to keep an enemy at 'arms lenght'. Often used by heavier ships to counter-attack attempts of faster and more agile foes to get in the six o´clock position. Combined with the lateral and/or vertical thrusters, it provides advanced flying techniques like turning faster or keeping an enemy out of the own turning radius while aimin/firing constantly on him.
 

RosaMaus

RosaMaus
Easiest scenario to try it in is a turning battle, throttle to reverse and a bit of up/down thruster as appropriate, (or FA off if you're feeling keen), and the target will drop straight into your sights.
 

DrakeAurum

DrakeAurum
I sometimes use reverse in my Python when interdicted by more agile NPC pirates like Cobras, just so that I can keep them nicely centred long enough to complete a full KWS scan. Quick bursts of reverse thrust are also useful at keeping Anacondas at arm's length during dogfights.
 

HeimdallofHavn

H
I guess as with most things. It is best to try it out for yourself.

I will set my throttle "stick" to 50/ 50.

I am using Saitek and there doesn't seem to be any indication when you are there so I guess you have to use your feeling..

Use the force Luke.
 

CMDR Nick

Banned
C
I found that the distance to stop, with zero throttle or with reverse thrust, seems to be pretty much the same. Try it using a nav beacon as a marker. Are folks sure they're not imagining these improved decelerations??
 

Alex Brentnall

Alex Brentnall
It is very useful. I use the X-52 hotas with forward only but I have WSAD and shift/ctrl mapped to directional thrusters.

I can lock my throttle in the blue area and use directionals to override them. Sure its not 100% immersive but it works darn well.

Also try using reverse throttle and flight assist off. You can slow down so much more quickly than normal.
 

Eloy

Eloy
CMDR Nick said:
Sorry, I was over-technical. I mean 'slowing down more quicker'
Click to expand...
over-technical? lol
However, I think you´re right, so it´s imagination/wishes.

EDIT: some CMDRs have different experiences? Must test again ...
But I have a question: Is slowing down with 4 pips in engines faster than with less pips? (deceleration :D )
 
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