flight characteristics

[Marabekm]

Is it just me, or do the flight characteristics of planes just get thrown out the window, when fliers reduce fuel load?

Maybe I am doing something wrong, but it doesn't seem legit that a b-24 or any heavy bomber for instance, no matter how small amount of fuel it takes, should not be able to turn with say an Oscar, even if Oscar forgot to reduce fuel and took 100%

[dimlee]

I think it depends on particular FM. There are more and less "realistic" models. AI heavies do some crazy tricks sometimes. I recall earlier non-flyable Pe-8 - you could make several killer loops in a row with her and dive at speeds over 700 km/h. But flyable TB-7/Pe-8 introduced several years ago looks OK.

[IceFire]

I've seen a B-17 and a Lancaster at various airshows pull some very tight turns. They have big wings designed for very heavy loads... Take away the bombs and the majority of the fuel and they are pretty good slow speed turners.

Not surprised.

[Janosch]

There is only one specific condition when a bomber can "turn" with an undamaged Oscar. This is when the player is flying the bomber, and AI is flying the Oscar, and the fight goes to a very low altitude. AI will start hiccuping and leveling wings at bad times, so it may seem that a bomber can indeed turn that well.