What does "Cranking" mean?

[fatgreta1066]

I sometimes see that my aircraft are "Cranking." What does this mean that they're doing?

Thanks,

Chris

[Raptorx7_slith]

During BVR (Beyond visual range) combat an aircraft will "crank" to slow its closing speed with its target as much as possible by slowing down. You'll notice that the firing aircraft also puts the target at the edge of its radar cone to further decrease closing speed.

You can actually change this behavior in the doctrine settings. Instead of having an aircraft crank you can have it fly straight in with its missile(s). Its generally a better idea for an aircraft that has extremely accurate long range missiles (Like a modern F-15) to crank so it doesn't get into a dog fight where it is more vulnerable.

[Cik]

you turn to your radar's gimbal limit such that you can continue to guide your missile while minimizing closure rate. you do this generally when you have a range advantage and want to prevent the fight from becoming a visual merge.

generally speaking, newer fighters have a range and SA advantage, but a much narrower advantage at close range where older fighters can still be quite deadly, especially if they outnumber you.

fighter A fires missile at his "max" range: fighter A PK 60% Fighter B PK: 0%
Fighter A cranks to diminish closure
Fighter A fires a second time after his first missile misses: Fighter A PK 80+% Fighter B PK 10%
Fighter A enters merge: fires third time: PK 90+% Fighter B PK 70%

you see how the odds worsen for you over time. you want to extend the time you have the advantage out for as long as possible. once it comes down to a visual merge most of the time you will be "stuck" in the fight, as any attempt to extend on your part will get you killed. whoever's backup shows up first is the side that wins the fight, which means that even if you are a better pilot and in a better plane you can still easily lose.

tl;dr
you want to maintain the largest advantage you can, for as long as you can, and then exit the fight before you are even at risk of losing the advantage for any reason.

[c3k]

It means your aircraft is turning left and right, such that it maintains its energy (speed and altitude) but reduces the overall closure rate. If it is using its radar to guide a missile, it will limit the angle of offset (how much it turns) so that the radar's mechanical gimbals can keep the target irradiated. If it has an electronically scanned radar, that allows faster turns and (usually) more of an angle.

[fatgreta1066]

Fascinating! Thanks for all the answers.