Author Topic: Using flaps? (Read 231 times)

Ohio43 · « **on:** January 06, 2005, 02:52:12 PM »

Was in the TA the other day and monitored conversation of people talking about using flaps in a dogfight. Didnt really follow the thread much but I have never used flaps in a dogfight because they auto retract at certain speeds. I assume they were refering to stall fighting, or is there a way to bypass the auto retract feature for faster speed dogfighting?

humble · « **Reply #1 on:** January 06, 2005, 03:24:08 PM »

Hmmmm.....

"dog fighting" occurs at any speed. You misunderstand flaps me thinks...as a plane slows down the loss of airflow over the wing decreases the amount of lift the wing (and parts there of) generate. Two things happen...the 1st is a stall the second (think I've got this right) is the loss of lift minimizes the planes ability to turn (you cant pull enough "G"'s to maximize turn). Every plane has an optimal "corner speed"...this is the speed that provides the best turn performance...over that and the plane turns "wider"(bigger circle) under that and the plane turns "slower" (less degree's/sec) flaps hurt case A*....however they are useful once you fall below "optimal" speed by creating additional lift which helps the plane to continue to turn "fast"...however flaps generate drag so speed falls even faster and you lose the additional lift...now the plane is flying a "smaller circle" but the degree's per second has also fallen off ....

This generates a condition known as cannon fodder...

* some planes (mostly or all american) have "combat flaps" these are designed to be used at high speed (1st "notch")...they add wing surface area by extending out...but dont "drop"...planes like the P-51/P-38/P-47/F4U can drop these at high speeds (up to ~300) they provide additional lift with less than normal drag. How this helps is that you can turn "faster" at 2G's (degrees/sec) than your opponent...so he either loses "angles" or pulls "harder" (3G's lets say) and uses more energy since his wing is less efficient at high speed.

As a former trainer my best advice is to get involved in the conversation and ask questions...you'll find many folks willing to talk and or show you what you want/need to know.

Ohio43 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 06, 2005, 04:28:49 PM »

Ok, thanks for the info. I havent seen anything about key-commands for combat flaps in this game. Do they have one?

Ohio43 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 06, 2005, 04:30:20 PM »

Oh ya, and forgot to ask..whats the red line for on the air speed indicator?

humble · « **Reply #4 on:** January 06, 2005, 04:50:45 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Ohio43
Oh ya, and forgot to ask..whats the red line for on the air speed indicator?

One is "true airspeed" the other is indicated air speed...as you go higher your instrument for measuring speed is dealing with less dense air so its "off"....it will say your going 260 when your really going 350. The higher you go the greater the difference.