The rolling scissors is a more advanced version of the flat scissors.
If you haven't flown flat scissors, check out some of the training links in my WWII Combat Tips Page and come back to this after you have mastered
them.
How do you get into rolling scissors?
When a fast, high plane attacks a lower plane, the lower plane (if
he is smart) will pull up to face the attacker. After they pass, the fast fighter
will either extend, or he will pull up to trade speed for altitude. While the fast
fighter is pulling up, the slow fighter is pulling down to get his speed up for the next
pass. They have entered the rolling scissors, basically two planes following each other in
a barrel roll.
How do I win the rolling scissors?
Conserve energy. The first plane to run out of juice is the first
one to either stall or flatten out and fly straight.
If you are the faster fighter, you want to conserve energy by
pulling up with your wings level to the horizon, and making your turns while vertical.
Extend up in the vertical until you get to a comfortable speed to quickly turn back
down (don't get too slow).
If you are the slower fighter, you want to minimize the vertical
part of your scissors to keep your speed up. Use your slower speed and tighter turns
to your advantage, but keep your speed up at all costs.
Figure 1: Rolling Scissors with a faster and
slower plane.
If both planes have equal speed, it is a contest for who is
smoothest on the stick and can keep their speed up. In this case, the enemy plane often
will seem "locked", you will see it out the same direction of your cockpit
through the entire roll.
Rolling Scissors in action. Film available in Flim Section.
