Ground AA

phungus · 2013-01-11, 09:30 AM

Anyone else who flys ESFs/libs alot noticing AA MAXes are ruling the skys now? I have an A2A mossy and I don't even worry about ground targets, (other then to pick off lone wolf tanks with the rotary on occasion, and spotting runs). I haven't really been able to get in any air engagements outside of the reaver canyons (which protect you from invisible AA MAXes). Everywhere else it's just a constant barage of flak, and my A2A mossy keeps on getting insta popped by random invisible AA MAX groups, couldn't even get out of the warp gate today.

Do I just suck, or is anyone else noticing this as well? It's been a trend over the past week, but feels like it hit critical mass in the last couple of days. This is on Connery server, on Helios my rocket pod using sythe is still doing fine (hell still feels OP really), but that's more because the population is so low there aren't enough enemies to field large AA MAX groups.

Sledgecrushr · 2013-01-11, 09:36 AM

Feel priviliged that at least six guys dedicated themselves into just killing you.

JesNC · 2013-01-11, 10:03 AM

Yes, AA MAXes are powerful, if you learn how to use them.

Most people just sit on top of a tower and spam flak at targets 500m + away and then complain about AA being underpowered.

Just like sniping, position is key when using AA MAXes.

As for piloting, once I get hit by AA I try to pinpoint their location and just stay away from it.

phungus · 2013-01-11, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by JesNC

As for piloting, once I get hit by AA I try to pinpoint their location and just stay away from it.

The issue is, on Connery as TR at least, there is no where useful to go that isn't air space completely controlled by enemy AA MAX groups.

Originally Posted by Sledgecrushr

Feel priviliged that at least six guys dedicated themselves into just killing you.

If an A2A mossy could really get 6 players to dedicate themselves to defend against them, then you may have a point. But that's obviously not true.

What has happened is air was overly effective, it had mobility and the highest offensive potential with liberators and rocket pods. So people got fed up, and AA got buffed. Also people have adapted and learned how to utilize the AA MAX specifically. Now, at least on populated servers, there is simply so much AA that air has become useless, at least in any meaningful engagement. I mean you can still go to Amerish and ghost cap with a mossy, but that's not really what I'm talking about here.

What's more effective at removing enemy air from an area, an A2A ESF, or a Dual bursting MAX?

Canaris · 2013-01-11, 10:22 AM

only bad pilots get killed by ground based AA as everyone knows it's only a deterrent

phungus · 2013-01-11, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by Canaris

only bad pilots get killed by ground based AA as everyone knows it's only a deterrent

Well I rarely get shot down by other pilots, so I'm not sure I buy that line. But I do get shot down by invisible AA MAX groups consistently now. Often times instantly, especially when returning to rearm repair - this has become far and away my most likely cause of death when flying. Keep in mind this is in a dedicated A2A fighter, not while attacking ground targets.

ShadetheDruid · 2013-01-11, 10:35 AM

Well, depending on how the patch goes, you might have to put up with decent base turrets and Skyguards soon too. The upside is, they're doing something with the visibility of MAXes too so maybe there will be less random invisible flak incidents.

The Jamhead · 2013-01-11, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by ShadetheDruid

Well, depending on how the patch goes, you might have to put up with decent base turrets and Skyguards soon too.

That would be nice - both of these are woefully underpowered compared to the devastation ESFs and Libs can cause

JesNC · 2013-01-11, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by phungus

Well I rarely get shot down by other pilots, so I'm not sure I buy that line. But I do get shot down by invisible AA MAX groups consistently now. Often times instantly, especially when returning to rearm repair - this has become far and away my most likely cause of death when flying. Keep in mind this is in a dedicated A2A fighter, not while attacking ground targets.

I'm not trying to insult you, I realize this sucks for you, but welcome to the life of a PS2 grunt. There's death at every corner.

Try to adapt! Fly higher when looking for targets, and get your ammo resupply far away from the front, even if that means flying back to the warpgate.

RobUK · 2013-01-11, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by phungus

What has happened is air was overly effective, it had mobility and the highest offensive potential with liberators and rocket pods. So people got fed up, and AA got buffed.

The only flak damage "buff" was a 5% uplift which was completely negated by an identical buff to composite armour. That was weeks ago too.

You've managed to talk yourself into thinking that the AA MAX has been buffed beyond that point and now you're imagining things because of it.

Stop flying around solo maybe?

LoliLoveFart · 2013-01-11, 05:38 PM

If you fly with the zerg and are still getting shot down by AA maxes? What are you doing? Sounds like you are over extending and retreating too late. If you know AA is in the area wait for the zerg to move their first. Those woefully balanced skillpodders will clear the AA out for you real nice.

Graywolves · 2013-01-11, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by Canaris

only bad pilots get killed by ground based AA as everyone knows it's only a deterrent

I'm not even a good pilot and I usually only die if I'm reckless. Last time AA really killed me was when I was flying somewhere and an outfit had 4+ Flak Cannon MAXes up on a hill. Instead of bugging out I flew really low and tried to get a kill before flying away because I thought there was only 1 at first, then the rest chewed me up as I was on top of them.

Still don't have composite armor either. To avoid Flak at most ranges you only need to slightly change direction or speed a little and break line of sight.

With a Liberator I'll still chill there for a few seconds to see if my bomber will light up the source.

Did runs on a Sunderer too successfully without getting downed while a nearby AA turret shot at me.

So to OP I would say to be as cautious as you can and learn your surroundings before extending anywhere. Hover and slow down as little as possible until you know the area is fairly clear or how much AA they have, then do your sorties on them. If there is AA you just can't fly at them directly or linger in the air space for long.

NewSith · 2013-01-11, 07:29 PM

@OP - blame the libs that just happen to be the main reason AI and AV MAX weaponry is redundant.