Effective maneuvering - question for the experts

xDreadnoughtx

X
I'm currently putting my new FDL through a shakedown phase. Having done a fair amount of RES, nav and interdiction against NPCs in my python and asp, I'm trying to get a handle on mastering maneuvering properly.

I was initially disappointed by the FDL but now realise it is excellent only if its extra maneuvering performance is added to its firepower.

Question
Given 4 pips to engines, dead on middle of blue zone, pulling right back on the stick, no boost, which of the following is true?

1. Applying down thrusters whilst pulling back on the stick improves your ability to keep a bead on the enemy.
2. Applying the up thrusters whilst pulling back on the stick improves your ability to keep a bead on the enemy.
3. Neither 1 or 2. They make no difference in pitching.
4. Neither 1 or 2. They make pitching performance worse.
5. Some other effect.
6. I'm going slightly mad, and overly obsessive?

I keep getting the feeling that applying downward thrust in pitching forces distance between myself and the target to increase, and ultimately gets a better firing solution.

Is the answer 6?

Many thanks
 
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Mnemoch

M
I'm interested too! I find myself sometimes thrusting up and sometimes down, basically by feel as I watch the radar. But intellectually I would like to know the "best" way. Edit: you forgot forward and reverse thrust, I often find applying thrust one way or the other can bring the target in line faster, but it seems to change which thrust works for different targets.
 
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Brakespear

Brakespear
Just think about what you're doing.

Pitching up while thrusting down widens your arc; you're more likely to keep the enemy in your sights, but you'll also be increasing the distance between you, meaning that if you're trying to stay *behind* the target, you may give him the opportunity to face you.

Pitching up while thrusting up tightens your arc; you're more likely to lose sight of the enemy, but you'll stay much closer - you'll basically be traveling parallel to him, while you turn.

You should be mixing both of these techniques, moment to moment, to maintain the best distance and angle on your target.

Addendum: Cut FA, pitch up or down hard, and then hit your boosters. FA back on when you've turned enough. This will allow you to perform a 180 very quickly, but you'll have no control over distance to target. To prevent stalling (when you complete the 180, you'll grind to a halt as you fight your own momentum), thrust towards the outside of your arc as you complete your turn (if you pitched up, thrust down) - you can maintain speed this way, so you're not suddenly a sitting duck.
 
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Rux

Rux
Mnemoch said:
I'm interested too! I find myself sometimes thrusting up and sometimes down, basically by feel as I watch the radar. But intellectually I would like to know the "best" way. Edit: you forgot forward and reverse thrust, I often find applying thrust one way or the other can bring the target in line faster, but it seems to change which thrust works for different targets.
Click to expand...

I do this exact same thing, would be great if someone smarter than I could give a definite answer about up / down thrust. I've tried to work it out but just can't get my 2d head around the 3d physics of it. And good point about the forward vs reverse thrusting.
 

Brakespear

Brakespear
The idea of flying with FA off constantly is something of a macho myth, and stubbornly refusing to use FA will likely result in you spending most of your time flying in straight lines and struggling with your own momentum.

In terms of raw maneuverability, FA should be used like the handbrake in a racing game.
 

777Driver

777Driver
Brakespear said:
The idea of flying with FA off constantly is something of a macho myth, and stubbornly refusing to use FA will likely result in you spending most of your time flying in straight lines and struggling with your own momentum.

In terms of raw maneuverability, FA should be used like the handbrake in a racing game.
Click to expand...

I keep it off 99% of the time, nothing macho about it, just suits my flying style. I only enable it in short bursts for stabilization. Works well me, am sure it doesn't for many.

Cheers
 

Brakespear

Brakespear
777Driver said:
I keep it off 99% of the time, nothing macho about it, just suits my flying style. I only enable it in short bursts for stabilization. Works well me, am sure it doesn't for many.

Cheers
Click to expand...

Then you're not stubbornly refusing to use it, are you?

I've seen a lot of advice given to new players that might give them the impression that their flying is somehow inadequate so long as they're using FA. Clearly, as with you, the ideal scenario is to keep it hotkeyed, and toggle as needed.
 

Midian27

Midian27
I'm the opposite of driver, I use fa on most the time. But constantly switch fa off for tight maneuvers. I think it just comes down to play style and what works best for you.
 

Cmdr Moritz

Cmdr Moritz
Remember it comes down to maximize the enemy's angular velocity relative to you. Remember that and you will soon understand the best moves.
 

xDreadnoughtx

X
I have no issues with FA. I use that as the situation demands it.

This was more about the fundamentals.

New commanders can get on famously using FA on and the blue zone IMO.

Cheers
 

777Driver

777Driver
Brakespear said:
Then you're not stubbornly refusing to use it, are you?

I've seen a lot of advice given to new players that might give them the impression that their flying is somehow inadequate so long as they're using FA. Clearly, as with you, the ideal scenario is to keep it hotkeyed, and toggle as needed.
Click to expand...

Yeah definitely toggle when needed. For trading and cruising around I keep it off all the time, for combat I am switching back and forth between modes.
 
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