Aerial combat in Battlefield 1 has revived the thrill of dogfights, ditching the lock-on mechanics of previous entries for pure skill-based engagements. One loadout in particular, the Bomber Killer configuration for fighter planes, has proven to be an absolute game-changer. With this loadout, skilled pilots can decimate enemy bombers in seconds and maintain aerial superiority. In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of aerial combat, dissect the effectiveness of this loadout, and provide key strategies to dominate the skies.

The Evolution of Battlefield’s Aerial Combat

Flying in Battlefield 1 is a completely different experience compared to its predecessors. Battlefield 3 and 4 often felt like a “lock-on central,” where guided missiles and countermeasures dictated the flow of air combat. In contrast, Battlefield 1 returns to raw dogfighting mechanics, where positioning, maneuvering, and aim dictate the victor. The lack of lock-on weaponry means players have to rely on pure skill to win dogfights, making aerial combat feel more rewarding than ever.

One of the standout features of Battlefield 1’s air combat is the sound design. DICE has outdone themselves in crafting immersive audio that makes each dogfight feel cinematic. The roar of engines, the whistle of bullets slicing through the air, and the thunderous impact of rockets create an experience unlike any other in the franchise.

The Bomber Killer Loadout: A Breakdown

The Bomber Killer loadout for fighter planes is designed to excel at eliminating enemy bombers with ruthless efficiency. Here’s what makes it so deadly:

• Six Dumbfire Rockets – The primary weapon of this loadout, these rockets are mounted on the wings and can inflict devastating damage on enemy aircraft.
• Splash Damage Capability – While these rockets are primarily intended for taking down bombers, they can also deal damage to infantry. A well-placed volley can eliminate ground targets if necessary.
• Incredible Burst Damage – This loadout allows pilots to take out fully-loaded bombers in a single pass if enough rockets hit, making it an invaluable tool in securing air superiority.

How to Use the Bomber Killer Effectively

Mastering this loadout requires precision and timing. Here are some key strategies to maximize its effectiveness:

1. Get Close Before Firing – The dumbfire rockets are most effective when fired from close range. The closer you are, the higher the likelihood of landing all six rockets on target, ensuring maximum damage.
2. Prioritize Bombers Over Fighters – While you can use this loadout to take down other fighter planes, its real strength lies in eliminating bombers. Focus on these high-value targets for maximum impact.
3. Aim for Critical Hits – Targeting specific sections of a bomber, such as the cockpit or engines, can result in faster takedowns. Experiment with your aim to optimize damage output.
4. Use Quick Repairs Wisely – Aircraft in Battlefield 1 have a quick repair function, allowing you to recover health while staying in the fight. Timing your repairs correctly can mean the difference between survival and a fiery demise.
5. Stay Mobile – Bombers often have gunners that can return fire. Approach from angles where their guns have limited coverage, and never fly in a straight line after an attack.

Impact on the Battlefield

With the Bomber Killer loadout, pilots can heavily influence the flow of battle. Bombers that might have dominated ground troops can be swiftly removed from the fight, ensuring friendly forces remain unchallenged from above. Despite its effectiveness, some might argue that the loadout is overpowered, as it allows skilled pilots to dismantle bombers before they have a chance to respond.

Interestingly, bombers themselves feel somewhat underpowered in Battlefield 1. Unlike Battlefield 3 or 4, where air superiority could directly impact ground battles, aerial combat in Battlefield 1 often feels separate from the chaos below. Most of the time, engagements are limited to dogfights, with only occasional interactions with ground forces.

Scoring & Efficiency in Combat

Battlefield 1 rewards aerial combat differently than its predecessors. While eliminating infantry with strafing runs can yield minor points, taking down enemy aircraft—especially fully-loaded bombers—offers significantly higher rewards. This means that to maximize your score, focusing on aerial dominance is far more effective than attempting to strafe infantry.

Additionally, capturing objectives from the air is possible in certain situations. For example, fighter planes can circle over “E” point to capture it at the start of the round, provided no enemy units are contesting the area. This allows pilots to contribute to the overall team effort beyond just securing air dominance.

Balancing Air vs. Ground Combat

While air-to-air combat in Battlefield 1 is thrilling, the connection between aerial and ground warfare feels somewhat disjointed. Unlike previous Battlefield games, where helicopters and jets could significantly impact ground battles, Battlefield 1’s air combat largely remains its own separate battle. Ground troops don’t feel as threatened by aircraft, and unless a pilot is highly skilled, their influence on ground objectives is minimal.

Despite this, the ability to destroy lightly armored vehicles and stationary emplacements does provide some utility. Rockets can assist in finishing off damaged tanks or removing anti-air emplacements that pose a threat to friendly pilots.

Threats & Counters to the Bomber Killer

As powerful as the Bomber Killer loadout is, it does have its weaknesses. Here are some of the biggest threats to be aware of:

• Anti-Aircraft Guns – Ground-based AA guns can make quick work of any aircraft, especially if pilots get too aggressive.
• Armored Trains – The AA guns on armored trains are particularly lethal. Engaging them head-on is ill-advised.
• Other Skilled Pilots – While the Bomber Killer loadout excels at destroying bombers, it requires skillful maneuvering to outgun enemy fighter pilots.

Final Thoughts

The Bomber Killer loadout is one of the most satisfying ways to engage in aerial combat in Battlefield 1. It brings back the thrill of skill-based dogfighting, rewarding precise aim and tactical decision-making. While it heavily favors taking down bombers, its effectiveness against other aircraft makes it a formidable choice for players looking to dominate the skies.

If you haven’t taken to the skies in Battlefield 1 yet, now is the time to give it a try. The absence of lock-on mechanics makes aerial combat feel more immersive and rewarding than ever. Whether you’re an experienced pilot or a newcomer, mastering this loadout will give you an edge in the battle above. So strap in, take off, and rain destruction from the skies!