Just How Stable Is Catalina?

[Halo]

Although it would be a sitting duck (famous picture) in most situations, the Catalina has been a favorite for eventual addition to Aces High.

I found one in MS Flight Sim 2004 add-ons, and was surprised to find it is the first aircraft I have ever seen in any flight simulation that will take off and land simply by increasing and decreasing the throttle -- no need to touch any other controls.

Is this just a fluke of MSFS 2004, or is the real life Catalina that stable?

Flying it is about like piloting a blimp.  Going nowhere fast, but rock steady.  Water effects in MSFS 2004 are fun, as is its unmatched gorgeous external viewing.  

Researched Catalina on Google but didn't find anything commenting about any possibility of throttle only takeoff and landing.  Whaddya think?

[Sikboy]

I can't comment on the stability issue, but I have to agree that it could be a good addition to AHII. The ToD aspect could really open up the world for support aircraft. The Catalina could run Maritime Patrol, SAR, and transport missions within the ToD framework, and while a lot of folks would be bored to tears with it, I know of a few (my father included) who would enjoy the opportunity to something along those lines.

Its hard to say what will play with the masses though. I loved leading a scouting unit in Midway (Fall 2002), but most of my unit threatened to mutiny if they didn't get a bombing mission (we were in SBDs).

-Sik

[Red Tail 444]

Originally posted by Sikboy
I can't comment on the stability issue, but I have to agree that it could be a good addition to AHII. The ToD aspect could really open up the world for support aircraft. The Catalina could run Maritime Patrol, SAR, and transport missions within the ToD framework, and while a lot of folks would be bored to tears with it, I know of a few (my father included) who would enjoy the opportunity to something along those lines.

Its hard to say what will play with the masses though. I loved leading a scouting unit in Midway (Fall 2002), but most of my unit threatened to mutiny if they didn't get a bombing mission (we were in SBDs).

-Sik

 If they add it, there better be a "perk per airborne minute" multiplier each time someone flies one:rofl

[Sikboy]

Originally posted by Red Tail 444
 If they add it, there better be a "perk per airborne minute" multiplier each time someone flies one:rofl

and thus my implication that it would have limited appeal. Of course, I'm thinking along the lines of ToD, so I don't think Perk points are really at issue.

-Sik

[Nilsen]

Lets just make HiTech give it to us so we can find out for ourselves

Catalina? .....yes please

[gofaster]

I'm thinking it'd make a good substitution for the C-47, plus it would be armed.  Can you imagine the potential of launching a PBY full of troops from a carrier group?

[Red Tail 444]

Originally posted by gofaster
I'm thinking it'd make a good substitution for the C-47, plus it would be armed.  Can you imagine the potential of launching a PBY full of troops from a carrier group?

I wasn't aware PBY's were sea based...
I wouldnt mind flying one if it had an ENY of 2,000, however

[Halo]

I'm not aware of Catalinas ever being used for troop transport or actually being based at sea with any ship group.  Patrol was their bag along with the famous night attack spinoff.

[HoHun]

Hi Halo,

>Researched Catalina on Google but didn't find anything commenting about any possibility of throttle only takeoff and landing.  Whaddya think?

No way :-)

Any crosswind component during take-off would push the downwind float deeper into the water, which would create greater drag and try to yaw the aircraft nose downwind. The same crosswind would also act on the vertical tail by trying to yaw the aircraft nose upwind, but these forces weren't normally compensating each other, so pilot "interference" was still necessary :-)

I'd also imagine that for getting onto the step, control of the angle-of-attack of the flying boat with relation to the water surface is required. Maybe the correct trim would make the trick possible in perfectly calm seas, but I'm sure with any noticable swell, the pilot has to fly the aircraft.

On the other hand, I believe the Catalina really has a reputation for stability as well as one for unimipressive speed ;-)

Regards,

Henning

[Seeker]

Originally posted by Halo
I'm not aware of Catalinas ever being used for troop transport or actually being based at sea with any ship group.  Patrol was their bag along with the famous night attack spinoff.

They were used for sub hunting too; being armed (I believe) with depth charges.

HiTech has said that at some point he'd like to see subs in the game; when/if it happens; we'll need a way to kill 'em.....

[Halo]

Henning, thanks for your input.  Yeah, a PBY throttle only takeoff and landing seems impossible to me too.  But ... maybe on a glassy sea, no wind ... I wonder.  

Another factor would be the prop rotation.  I assume, unlike the P-38 and like most twin props, the props rotated same direction?  If so, obviously would require pilot yaw control.  But if props did rotate in opposite directions, throttle only ascent and descent seems more possible.

Now I'll have to find a P-38 on FS 2004 to try that throttle only bit, except I think only a seaplane could do that stunt because of the endless "runway."  My current 7.30 X-Plane allows endless takeoffs through obstacles so might try it there.  

Another problem with this particular PBY in FS 2004 is that the wingtip floats are retracted up and I haven't figured out how to load enough panel to find the down control.

The ease of upgrading in Aces High is really stunning compared to MS Flight Sim 2004 and X-Plane where you have to hunt and stuff and unzip and fool around until the folders are properly layered and positioned.

I've added quite a few planes in both FS 2004 and X-Plane but it is never easy.  And some sites even charge a premium for fast downloads.  Oh well, nothing is free, and developers certainly deserve payment.  

It's the generous people who donate well-crafted add-ons that deserve special thanks.  What marvelous gifts to the community.

[HoHun]

Hi Halo,

>Another factor would be the prop rotation.  I assume, unlike the P-38 and like most twin props, the props rotated same direction?  

Yes.

http://members.aol.com/hohunkhan/Catalina.jpg

Regards,

Henning (HoHun)

[storch]

ask phillipe cousteau what he, er, um wait he's dead ain't he.

[SpitLead]

Sooooo, I just HAVE to ask this question from a gameplay standpoint, if you land on water is it a successful landing???  Don't see why not.  No ditch recorded

[memnon]

Originally posted by SpitLead
Sooooo, I just HAVE to ask this question from a gameplay standpoint, if you land on water is it a successful landing???  Don't see why not.  No ditch recorded

good ? i would think you would. If we do get the Cat we should be able to take off from both land and water.