Saving fuel

[Helm]

As you probably know you can lower you fuel consumption by adjusting the RPM and throttle settings.  My question which do you do first?


Helm ...out

[Hap]

Helm, after piddling, I'm an RPM guy.  In a 40, 25 or 11 jug, put your rpm to 20.  Happy days ensue!

[Puma44]

As you probably know you can lower you fuel consumption by adjusting the RPM and throttle settings.  My question which do you do first?


Helm ...out

Reducing power, reduce throttle/manifold pressure then prop/RPM.  To increase power, increase prop/RPM, then throttle/manifold pressure.

[Scherf]

It's worth having the E6B open to show range remaining etc then play around with revs and boost, see what setting seems to do best for what you need.

[earl1937]

Reducing power, reduce throttle/manifold pressure then prop/RPM.  To increase power, increase prop/RPM, then throttle/manifold pressure.

Correct, but don't expect engines in this game to react as the real ones did. They have done a pretty good job modeling these engines in the game, but when fooling with throttle and RPM, consult E6B for gest results and do it as "Puma" points out.

[Puma44]

Correct, but don't expect engines in this game to react as the real ones did. They have done a pretty good job modeling these engines in the game, but when fooling with throttle and RPM, consult E6B for gest results and do it as "Puma" points out.

Ditto on the gameness.  I have noted that with the E6B open when adjusting manifold pressure and RPM,  endurance time responds in what appears to be an appropriate manner.  Of course, the game most likely can't simulate the environmental affects and age/mechanical health of the engine(s).  More than once, adjusting manifold pressure and rpm has given me enough endurance to make it back  a safe landing vs landing short at some farmer's field.

[Widewing]

HTC set the fuel burn rate at 2/1 for game balance. If set at 1/1, we would find short-legged, high performance interceptors over bases 100 miles from their take off field. Thus, you don't see swarms of La-7s two sectors from their base. A big part of the balance issue solution is that most want to get to a fight ASAP. It works because most players firewall the throttle and keep it there all the way to the destination.  

If you want to fly those types of fighters that don't have a drop tank option (La-7 and Yaks for example) long distances (comparatively), you must accept the fact that the ingress and egress legs will take longer to do so. Just open E6B and take a look at the various power settings. Normal power still burns too much fuel. So, depending upon the range you need, you select the power setting that best suits your need. Just keep in mind that an La-7 will burn down fuel at a very fast rate using WEP. So, leave yourself a good margin for combat. In many cases, you can double your range using the most efficient cruise setting. Also keep in mind that when you decide to RTB, you won't be able to power back until clear of the enemy. So, factor that into your fuel plan too. In bombers, speed is your best defense against interception. So, most players will not use fuel saving power settings. In the case of bombers, the player is already resigned to a long flight to and from the target.

As to how to set cruise power... In the real world, you would throttle back first, and then adjust your RPM. Likewise on power-up, you would first increase RPM and then add throttle. Do either process in the reverse order, and you risk over-boosting the engine, which can cause detonation and result in damage.

This is not the case in Aces High. The engine cannot be damaged. So, you may use whatever sequence you prefer.

[earl1937]

HTC set the fuel burn rate at 2/1 for game balance. If set at 1/1, we would find short-legged, high performance interceptors over bases 100 miles from their take off field. Thus, you don't see swarms of La-7s two sectors from their base. A big part of the balance issue solution is that most want to get to a fight ASAP. It works because most players firewall the throttle and keep it there all the way to the destination.  

If you to fly those types of fighters that don't have a drop tank option (La-7 and Yaks for example), you must accept the fact that the ingress and egress legs will take longer to do so. Just open E6B and take a look at the various power settings. Normal power is still burns too much fuel. So, depending upon the range you need, you select the power setting that best suits your need. Just keep in mind that an La-7 will burn down fuel at a very fast rate using WEP. So, leave yourself a good margin for combat. In many cases, you can double your range using the most efficient cruise setting. Also keep in mind that when you decide to RTB, you won't be able to power back until clear of the enemy. So, factor that into your fuel plan too. In bombers, speed is your best defense against interception. So, most players will not use fuel saving power settings. In the case of bombers, the player is already resigned to a long flight to and from the target.

As to how to set cruise power... In the real world, you would throttle back first, and then adjust your RPM. Likewise on power-up, you would first increase RPM and then add throttle. Do either process in the reverse order, and you risk over-boosting the engine, which can cause detonation and result in damage.

This is not the case in Aces High. The engine cannot be damaged. So, you may use whatever sequence you prefer.

As usual WW, you make some good and valid points about the game. <S> to you sir for your service to your country and help here in this game!

[MK-84]

HTC set the fuel burn rate at 2/1 for game balance. If set at 1/1, we would find short-legged, high performance interceptors over bases 100 miles from their take off field. Thus, you don't see swarms of La-7s two sectors from their base. A big part of the balance issue solution is that most want to get to a fight ASAP. It works because most players firewall the throttle and keep it there all the way to the destination.  

If you want to fly those types of fighters that don't have a drop tank option (La-7 and Yaks for example) long distances (comparatively), you must accept the fact that the ingress and egress legs will take longer to do so. Just open E6B and take a look at the various power settings. Normal power still burns too much fuel. So, depending upon the range you need, you select the power setting that best suits your need. Just keep in mind that an La-7 will burn down fuel at a very fast rate using WEP. So, leave yourself a good margin for combat. In many cases, you can double your range using the most efficient cruise setting. Also keep in mind that when you decide to RTB, you won't be able to power back until clear of the enemy. So, factor that into your fuel plan too. In bombers, speed is your best defense against interception. So, most players will not use fuel saving power settings. In the case of bombers, the player is already resigned to a long flight to and from the target.

As to how to set cruise power... In the real world, you would throttle back first, and then adjust your RPM. Likewise on power-up, you would first increase RPM and then add throttle. Do either process in the reverse order, and you risk over-boosting the engine, which can cause detonation and result in damage.

This is not the case in Aces High. The engine cannot be damaged. So, you may use whatever sequence you prefer.

All these years and I never knew you could control rpm/throttle independently 

[SmokinLoon]

The E6B is your friend.  You can adjust either setting manually, but using the - or + key on the numerical pad goes a long way in simplifying things.  All in all, just get to your desired altitude and then read the settings in the E6B.

You'd be VERY surprised how far you can push that otherwise short legged plane once the throttle is managed.  The La7 and Yak-3 are the best examples of this.  The Spitfire Mk IX is another very good example.  190's, etc.

Nothing like doubling your time of flight and still doing 330+ TAS.  If the squeakers would quit with the full throttle they'd get more satisfaction in range. 

[mike8318]

I reduce the prop rpm on the LA7 as soon as the engine gets to full power on takeoff. Works like a charm!

[MK-84]

What is the advantage/disadvantages of changing prop rpm vs adjusting the throttle?

[BaldEagl]

You could always climb to 35K.  I hear it saves fuel.

 

[Zoney]

You could always climb to 35K.  I hear it saves fuel.

 

(looks at feet an whistles nonchalantly)

[colmbo]

What is the advantage/disadvantages of changing prop rpm vs adjusting the throttle?

In game I don't know.  Real life on normally aspirated airplanes the most efficient way to run is wide open throttle(at a high enough altitude that you're only putting out 75% power +/-),  with RPM at cruise, mixture leaned appropriately.

On supercharged or turbocharged engines reducing RPM can cause a power reduction due to reducing supercharger or turbo speed with a resulting drop in manifold pressure.