Mouse Control Masterclass: The Split-S

Now that you know the inside loop, barrel roll and Immelmann, it’s time to take a look at the Split-S!

The Split-S is a widely used dogfighting maneuver, during which the pilot half-rolls his aircraft to an inverted position before executing a descending half-loop. This move is often used to evade an enemy or break off combat. The Split-S is the opposite of the Immelmann Turn.

On Standard

There are two ways to perform this maneuver on the Standard controls. One is to use the mouse with the automatic Split-S feature, while the other requires mapping of the ‘Roll’ function to your keyboard. 

Option 1:

In this variant, to initiate the maneuver, move your mouse down until you are looking straight at the ground. This will make the automatic Split-S function kick in, which will begin to roll your plane. Keep looking down until the aircraft has turned itself a full 180° (i.e., it is upside down). Now just pull the mouse back up towards the horizon - you will be looking up and your aircraft will perform a descent, a half roll and a 180° directional turn.

Option 2:

This is the ‘cleaner’ version of the Immelmann, but requires that you map the ‘Roll left’ and ‘Roll right’ commands to your keyboard. We suggest mapping them to the A and D keys so that you can use them comfortably in conjunction with the boost (default W) and air brakes (default S). In this variant, you initiate the maneuver by rolling a full 180° left or right by pressing and holding the appropriate key on your keyboard. When your plane is flying upside down, let go of the key and begin a steady and firm downward motion of the mouse, pulling your plane down. Just as with the inside loop, you need to make sure your camera view stays ahead of your plane’s current position throughout the entire movement. Once your camera view reaches the horizon again, stop the mouse movement. Your plane will pull up to your desired angle and the camera will automatically readjust itself to follow your plane properly again.

Note: Option 1 executes the move faster. However, you lose more altitude in the process, because you begin the plane’s turn around its own x-axis only while descending. Option 2 requires more time but enables you to perform the move in a tighter fashion, which is good for lower altitudes.

On Vector/Hybrid

Just as on Standard, the Split-S can be performed with or without the help of the ‘Roll’ command on the keyboard when using the Vector/Hybrid controls.

Option 1:

In this version, you begin the maneuver by moving the mouse cursor to the far left or right side of the screen. You perform the half-roll necessary by holding the mouse cursor at the absolute far left or right position, rotating the mouse down throughout the roll. Once you’re upside down, pull the mouse up and into the center of the screen again. This will begin the swing downward. Keep the mouse cursor at the top of the screen until you reach the opposite horizon again then move it back to the center of the screen and you’re done!

Option 2:

For this one, you should map the ‘Roll left’ and ‘Roll right’ commands to your keyboard. Press and hold either one of them until you’ve flipped your plane 180°. Then simply pull the mouse cursor up and position it at top of the screen in the center. Keep it there until you reach the opposite horizon again then move it back to the center of the screen. That’s it!

Note: Regardless of which controls you choose, you will lose altitude in the process of executing the move! Make sure that you’re high enough before attempting to pull off this maneuver.