[FlyXwire]

As a sidenote, in the short years that computer flight simulations have been attempting to replicate the air war over the Western Front, and with varying degrees of success, some German fighters have not faired well when combat engagements have approach neutral terms. As an example, the Fokker Dr.I, by virtue of its comparatively lower top speed and reduced range, has faired poorly when virtual pilots have attempted to use it as an intruder. Without the Fokker Triplane being used within the doctrinal limits prescribed, its deficiencies as a balanced fighter became apparent. This in turn set forth efforts to 'correct' those parameters that were perceived to have been incorrectly configured within the Triplane's computer flight modeling, so that the aircraft could perform up to the renown of its historical reputation. The fact is, the Fokker Dr.I was being fought in simulations without respect to the tactical realities of the period, and as dictated by historical, doctrinal, and performance limitations prescribed.

It has often been said that an average combat aircraft flown by a superb pilot could best a superior performing aircraft flown by a less accomplished opponent, and this is undoubtedly true. To a degree though, this spoke to the discipline of the expert pilot of knowing how to fight his aircraft to its fullest, but even more so, in his knowing how not to fight his aircraft to its disadvantage. However, in virtual simulations, where grinding circles and chasing after an enemy's tail offered the simplest test of man against man, and machine against machine, the art of vertical air fighting; the use of the slashing diving attack became less practiced. In this regards, it can be demonstrated how important tactical training became in the later years of the Great War, as formation flying and engagement routines required as much discipline of a unit's pilots to adhere to, as learning how to skillfully dogfight their aircraft to the fullest might have been desired.

In an era where the differential in the maximum aircraft speeds (on the level) of the protagonist fighters was on the order of 20-25 mph, the ability to close with the enemy was going to be determined more by gaining altitude superiority over ones opponents, and using the energy of diving to get within firing range. As has been mentioned already in this thread, the Entente fighters such as the S.E. 5a, the Spads, the Bristol Fighter, and the Camel were all robust enough to practice diving attacks without undue worry of airframe integrity. Combined this with good straight line performance and operational range, and it can be appreciated how the British, American, and to a lesser extent the French routinely pursued the enemy, and on his side of the lines.