Mouse Control Masterclass: Inside Loop

Pilots!

Since the arrival of version 0.5.3, World of Warplanes' mouse control methods have evolved significantly. Now there are three different ways to steer your aircraft when using the popular mouse-and-keyboard combination. Earlier, we explained how to properly calibrate the different settings of the mouse. Today we want to show you how to perform some of the most common air maneuvers, both when using the ‘Standard’ version or either of the two directional versions, ‘Vector’ and ‘Hybrid’ of the mouse controls.

Note: The difference between ‘Vector’ and ‘Hybrid’ is as follows:

With the Vector system, every motion in a certain direction will continue moving in that direction indefinitely without further repositioning of the mouse cursor. With the ‘Hybrid’ system, the same is true for bigger motions. However, for smaller movements within a certain range, instead of continuing indefinitely, your plane will auto-centre on the position of your cursor instead of continuing to turn indefinitely.

While these differences is important to know, and helps you choose the right type of controls depending on your preferences, it is a negligible distinction for the purposes of this article. Therefore, when explaining the maneuvers, we will combine ‘Vector’ and ‘Hybrid’ into one configuration and compare it to the default ‘Standard’ version.

Air Maneuver: Inside Loop

Also known as the “loop-the-loop”, this basic maneuver is part of every ace pilot’s repertoire. In performing it, the aircraft turns upwards from the straight, and continues pitching up until it has completed a full vertical circle.

On Standard 

In order to execute this maneuver with the ‘Standard’ mouse controls, you need to slide your mouse in a constant motion in a straight line upwards, whilst making sure you always “look” 30-45° further inside the circle that you’re currently performing. It is of the utmost importance to have this motion be as constant and fluid as possible throughout the entire movement, otherwise the auto-steer mechanism could turn your plane horizontally to either side. Make sure you have enough room upward on your mouse's surface by sliding your mouse to the edge in front of you before beginning the loop. You may need to adjust your mouse sensitivity to reduce the mouse travel distance required.

On Vector/Hybrid

Executing the inside loop on ‘Vector’ or ‘Hybrid’ controls is as simple as it gets: Just move your directional cursor up to the top of the screen to “pull” your plane up, and begin the pitching movement. Keep the cursor there (without moving) until you’ve fully completed the loop and have reached your initial position. Move the cursor back to the center of the screen to stop pitching further and fly regularly along the horizon again.

Extra Tip: Use your air brakes (default key: S) when performing the second half of the inside loop. This will slow your plane down a little and keep it from losing too much altitude throughout the maneuver.