Tips for better sorties

01

Bombers before escorts

During a defense, a fighter can occupy you while its bomber reaches the base. Intercept the formation nearest to completing its attack, then return toward the protected objective. Do not chase a kill across the map while the next wave is already arriving.

02

Fire when the shot can connect

If two missiles miss in the same way, change your angle before sending two more. A crossing or sharply turning target is a worse shot than one settled ahead of you. Combine guns and missiles during clean passes; do not empty your special weapon to force a poor engagement.

03

Rearm before losing your options

Mission 07 uses a return line; Mission 28 lets you land at the air base. These are different procedures. Check ammunition before changing sectors or starting the next phase, and rearm during a lull with allies safe. Waiting until a threat is on top of the objective forces you away at the worst moment.

04

Electronic support with a purpose

The EA-6B Prowler brings ECM and can unlock ESM; the EA-18G Growler starts with ESM. Assign a squadron slot to support when attacks keep failing or you need a safer opening. Wingmen’s special ammunition is limited: allow its use when needed and check for ESM ACTIVE before relying on it.

05

Upgrade the limitation you actually face

Arriving late to bombers calls for speed or a better route. Arriving in time but missing calls for a better firing angle or upgrades to the weapon you use. Running dry calls for ammunition discipline or rearming. Change one thing at a time to see whether a part helps; filled slots cannot fix the wrong route.