B-17 takeoff run(s)

[covega]

With fuel loads above 25% and bombs aboard, the B-17 uses all of the default runway, even with 10% of flaps, and commonly breaks ground only after entering the overrun area of the runway and bouncing through rocks and gravel.
It appears that either the runways are too short or there is some programming code which keeps the B-17 on the black top for the full length of the runway.    

[Terror]

With full fuel loads(75%-100%), the B17 is hard pressed to leave the ground before the end of the tarmac, but with smaller fuel loads I seem to make it off the ground pretty easily before the end of the runway.  The key is to keep it 3 point the entire roll and as you gain enough speed to go airborne, the plane will lift off itself.  Do not pull the stick all the back either.  Just use enough elevator to keep the tail wheel down on the runway.  This was the "text book" way to launch B17s.  

After experimenting offline.  The B17 does need longer runways for 75-100% fuel load take offs.  

Hope this helps!
Aaron E.


[This message has been edited by Terror (edited 04-11-2000).]

[Replicant]

Hi

I usually use two clicks down on the flaps (20%?) and I don't have any problem at all since ver 1.02  Before that was a different matter!  

Regards

'Nexx'

[popeye]

According to a USAAF training film that I have, the SOP for the B-17 was a 3-point takeoff.  Keeping the tail down was supposed to produce the shortest takeoff roll.  Haven't tried it in AH yet.

Oops....hadn't seen Terror's post.  Guess it works just like RL.  Damn, those guys at HTC are good!  

popeye
 

[This message has been edited by popeye (edited 04-14-2000).]

[Ripsnort]

Using elev trim rather than stick,(combined with flaps near  the end of runway) to take off with heavy load is my prefered method.

[This message has been edited by Ripsnort (edited 04-14-2000).]

[F4UDOA]

I don't think takeoff run distances are modeled in AH. An F4U should leap of the ground in a clean config (IE. no flaps or externals) with 100% fuel, ammo in 700ft. compared to P-51 at almost a thousand ft.
Same for most Army mounts and the FW-190.
Compared to their Naval counter (Niki and F4U in AH) parts they should eat up considerably more runway on takeoffs. But I don't think this is yet modeled.

Thanks
F4UDOA