ARTICLE
combat or during cruise. These methods are more
a second pass or to reassess the situation below.
preferable to horizontal turns in changing directions as
Always make sure you have sufficient airspeed
as you exit near the top, and make a mental
note of the minimum airspeed required for each
the energy loss is less compared to horizontal turns.
First up, we have the Immelmann turn, which is
airplane to enter the Immelmann turn.
used to change direction or even reverse it with a
The Split-S is very much like the Immelmann
gain in altitude. First, you pull up on the elevators,
turn, but in the reverse order. First, flip the plane
drawing a vertical semicircle. As you near the top of
belly-up, then nose down, drawing a vertical semi
your semicircle with a lower speed, roll around and
circle. As you reach the bottom of the semicircle at
adjust accordingly and head off in the new direction.
a higher speed, head off in the new direction.
This move allows the pilot to gain speed very quickly
This allows the pilot to make a change in direction losing
as the downward flip is aided by gravity, and can
substantially less energy compared to a horizontal
be a way to escape a pursuing fighter by suddenly
turn, and can be used after a Boom and Zoom attack
reversing back under it, especially if it has a huge
during the ‘Zoom’ Phase to reposition the plane for
speed advantage, such as when you are being attacked
“THIS ALLOWS THE
PILOT TO MAKE A
CHANGE IN DIRECTION
LOSING SUBSTANTIALLY
LESS ENERGY”
36 // War Thunder Community Magazine
by a Boom and Zoom attack. This way, it needs to
make a much bigger turn (and waste more energy and
time) while you fly out of harm’s way. Do note that the
higher your airspeed, the larger the turn radius, so be
careful when performing this close to the ground. ■
By Chock Wee Boon
The GameOn Magazine