ABA is a feature that is enabled ONLY when FA is played online. This game is played against a single opponent or in teams, with multiple revives and multiple aircraft types. The goal is to destroy 100 % of Mission Objectives at opponents base(s) before your base is destroyed. The Host sets rules, including plane type, and weapons allowed. Air to Air weapons are usually allowed unless the host states otherwise.
The basic tactic is to make a high speed run to your target, drop bombs, then eject and revive in another fully loaded aircraft. Fire on an opponents plane during the hi-speed pass, but do not maneuver to engage unless your airbase is in danger of being destroyed, only then should you worry about defending your base.
Here are the screens you will see and the some tips on using them:
1. The Host will select ABA as a game instead of "Single Mission" or "Quick Mission" by using the "A" keystroke.
2. Players will select RED or BLUE team based on the Hosts decision -- common teams are by squads, by Left vs. Right (l v r), or by whatever the Host states.
3. Select Airbase screen. On this screen the host will select the map and game settings, and all players will choose which of the four airbases they want to defend. Note what level of AAA and Sams the host sets. At this stage the host might clarify the rules by saying the type of planes and type of weapons allowed.
4. Select planes screen. "Default" planes means that everyone will accept and use the random planes presented by FA. If a default planes game is to be played, all players should immediately click OK on this screen so that there is no doubt that anyone has chosen other planes. Other common rules are "Irons no Heavies", meaning only unguided gravity bombs and only light attack/bombers. The F-111 is a good choice for first plane because of it's big payload, good speed, and durability. Other common choices are f-15, Su-35, or whatever goes fast and carries lots of bombs. Most people take one super fast plane that can carry a few cluster bombs for "cleanup" of the last few targets. Always take at least one plane for only air to air base defense.
5. Map screen. See where your opponent(s) are and plan your strategy. Use LFTSHIFT/ ~ to chat with only your team mates. Know what direction you will fly when the game starts. See what plane your opponent is flying, and plan accordingly. If you are in an F-111 and your opponent is in an f-22, then you can be sure they will engage air to air right away. You can't change planes, but you can surprise them by doing a split load for your F-111 and firing air to air!
6. Targets screen. See the list of Targets and decide what ordnance to load. Load one plane with air to air only for base defense, Here are some suggestions for loadouts:
F-111 6 CBU-97, 4 7pkMk82.
F-15E 11 CBU-97, 4 AA-11B.
F-22N 4 CBU-97, 3 or 4 IR missiles.
7. Select weapons screen. Each of the six planes is loaded separately--the plane to be loaded is changed with the "bracket" key ( [ or ] ). "Irons" refers to unguided gravity bombs. Base your choice of bomb on the type of targets from the previous screen. Hard targets such as Ships, Super Hardened C&C, and Missile Silos will require bombs like the MK82, MK82-3pk, MK82-6pk, MK82-7pk, and MK84. Soft targets such as Tanks, structures, planes on the ground, towers, bunkers, etc., are best destroyed with cluster bombs like the CBU-97 or the CBU-87. Different planes accept different loadouts, but always try for the heaviest load possible. Air to Air is all you preference, and most planes have at least one hardpoint reserved for a2a. When you click OK you will launch. Until the host launches, any player can use the ESC key to come back to the weapons screen.
8. Flying! Activate jammers and immediately fly to the desired heading on full throttle -- seconds count in this game. Engage air to air only when passing, and do not maneuver except to jink missles. A very shallow dive helps increase airspeed. SHFT/M will display the map, but be careful to not crash while looking at the map! Use Radar (R) and Ground Radar (SHFT/R) as needed. When nearing the target base, gain enough altitude to avoid Sams and AAA. The best way to approach the target is vertically, or at greater than a 45 degree angle -- this is based on the way the game scores hits. Get over the target at good altitude, the cut throttle, engage flaps/brakes, then invert and pull down onto target. Place the bombsight over target and maneuver for close to Zero G, then release your weapon. Eject immediately and press the appropriate keys (SHFT / F1 --> F6) to revive in another aircraft. SHFT/I shows the current reserve of aircraft and the corresponding keys. You should have already decided which of the six you want to revive with based on what targets are destroyed, what ordnance the remaining aircraft carry, and the speed of those aircraft. If you have air to air ordnance leftover after a run you may consider loitering around your opponents base, and waiting for him to revive. If you do this, be sure to engage in a fair fight -- TARCAP is good, but Runway Rape is a sensitive topic.
