Flap Usage

[Dingy]

Just out of curiosity, I am posting this email to see just how many of you actually use any flaps during combat.  

The planes I have become decent in are the 51 and the Niki and I do use flaps during combat.  In the Stang, the only time I used them was after a zoom when I would pull my nose up 90 degrees and when close to stall speed, pop a notch of flaps to ease myself over then retract them as I descended.  I find myself using them also during loops to nurse myself over the top.  I engage them just beefore I become inverted and then detract them after my nose comes over the top.

In the Nik, I use them the same way.  Anyone use them any differently?  Is it different in a different plane?  Just curious to see how everyone works the flight model.

-Ding

[Extreme]

I use flaps in Hog as you do in the P51 - especially if I have to make a quick reversal at the top of my wingover or loop.

In a sustained turn in the Hog or Nik, I drop a notch of flaps as well, but I avoid that if I can for obvious reasons.

Ex.

[Wardog]

Good example of flap useage today. I was low in me p51 bout 2.5k had a 109 & 205 overhead my hi 6.. 109 zoomed my 6,i slowed as i was watching him dive in, Split S, 2 notches of flaps as i was inverted and pulled hard on stick,aileron roll and yup.. I was on his 6   had a Spit zoom in and chew some parts off & 205 just stayed up watching. I stayed with the 109 till i kilt him & at about the same time i had a Bish come in and take the Spit off my tail..

I would never consider using more than 1 notch of flaps on the p51 at low alt, You will lose to much E and never get your speed back. But i was close to base & could see a few Bish around  



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Wardog = 357th Pony Express =
== Death From Behind ==

[Spatula]

I dont use them except when taking off bombers. I really should use them in planes like the mustang etc. I dont normall fly the mustang. I normally fly the spit and flaps on that are bl**dy air-brakes, so i never use em - ever.
I always have problems reversing 109s, 190s, mustangs, hogs, when i got a con on my 6 (slightly slower) about D2.5 or so at co-alt. I can never get the nose round in time on the chandelle and die. Even if i did it leads to a HO which i try avoid.
grumble grumble grumble.
Must try the flaps thing  

Tar,

[Spatula]

I dont use them except when taking off bombers. I really should use them in planes like the mustang etc. I dont normall fly the mustang. I normally fly the spit and flaps on that are bl**dy air-brakes, so i never use em - ever.
I always have problems reversing 109s, 190s, mustangs, hogs, when i got a con on my 6 (slightly slower) about D2.5 or so at co-alt. I can never get the nose round in time on the chandelle and die. Even if i did it leads to a HO which i try avoid.
grumble grumble grumble.
Must try the flaps thing  

Tar,


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Supreme Mega-Overlord Spatula      
"...Perfect for serving"

= 1st Airborne Kitchen Utensil Assault Group =

[Hristo]

When it is more important to bring nose around than to keep E.

Usually at high alt after the Imelmann or hammerhwead/wingover where I go for the shot.

Mostly it is 1 notch, but sometimes even full flaps.

[Duckwing6]

ditto .. and in spiral dives/ scissors when you really want to go slow

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Phillip "Duckwing6" Artweger
Flight Officer "E" Flight
Skeleton Crew

[CRASH]

Seems as if the drag portion of the flap modeling is in place, but the extra lift that should be gained in the pony doesn't seem to be there.  You can test it by putting your plane into a turn near stall speed or in level low speed flight near stall and see if popping the flaps helps any.  It actually makes things worse because the drag is modeled.

CRASH