Blenheim high boost takeoff

[PolishEagle1939]

Has anyone taken off in the Blenheim using the outer tanks, boost control off and +9 manifold pressure? An overloaded takeoff as the pilots handbook calls it. In other words do we have 100 octane in the outer tanks? I keep wrecking the engine. Overheating it I think. Anyone been successful in taking off in this fashion. Thanks in advance for any clues. P.S. I don"t takeoff actually overloaded weight-wise it's just what the manual calls it

[theOden]

Sadly no.
Unless I tip-toe extremely easy and having a looong coffeebreak at hold-short I will always blow the engines.

Blenheim being useless keeps IL2:CoD uninstalled on my machine as I'm not impressed by the airQuake that this sim represents today.

:(

[phoenix1963]

No, The Blenheim appears to run on 87 octane fuel only - so engine behaviour would suggest.

It can be successfully flown providing you keep these things in mind: boost less than 4 lbs; cylinder head temperatures (over right hand shoulder) >180 but <<250; begin introducing carburetta heat at just below 5000 ft; switch to coarse pitch (or nearly coarse) as soon as you reach 120 mph at takeoff; make sure your engine oil doesn't drop too low with low revs.

56RAF_phoenix

P.S. That's a pretty silly comment Oden, flying the Blenheim is the CLOD activity least resembling airQuake I can imagine. The problem is it is unrealistically unforgiving ATM.

[Wandalen]

I am using the Blenheim alot in COD :) To manage a sucsessful take off i need to open all radiators, select outer tanks and boost on. Temperature must never go over 250. :-P

[Ataros]

Blenheim being useless

andersbravers and his wingman find some use for it on Repka #1 when Luftwaffe is asleep :)
http://www.sukhoi.ru/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=144161&d=1320399964
http://www.sukhoi.ru/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=144162&d=1320399967
http://www.sukhoi.ru/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=144167&d=1320400218

Depends on the pilot I guess.

[Kupsised]

Actually the Blenheim is extremely easy to fly if you stick to a few simple rules:

- Never go above around 80% throttle for more than 20 seconds or so, even on takeoff (with full flaps and a reasonable runway you can easily takeoff, even fully loaded, with only 80%)
- Straight after takeoff, reduce throttle to around 75/70% and reduce pitch slightly
- Might not be necessary, but I always keep both rads fully open unless, when cruising, the engines start to splutter, in which case, close them fully for around 30 seconds or so (and maybe throttle up a bit to introduce some heat to the engine quickly), then open them again just under half way.
- NEVER! use boost cutout for more than 20 seconds once you're up, especially with rads anything less than 100% open.The only time I ever use it (and full throttle) is to quickly recover from shallow dive-bombing runs to regain altitude and get away from the 'ack as quick as possible.
- Rads fully closed on landing and almost glide in on pretty much idle throttle. That way your engine will have the heat that if you need power quickly to abort the landing, the engines will have the temp to provide it almost immidiately, rather than being left powerless with spluttering engines.

I might be flying it totally wrong, but I don't care really. I never have an engine blowout any more and I love flying it, it's so rewarding to fly when you get it right, and following those rules I don't get it wrong anymore. Like I said, they probably aren't the most optimum settings to fly it on, but it works and it's a real joy to fly.

Either way, if you only follow one of those rules, have it be the 80% on takeoff rule. I read it somewhere on these forums, I can't for the life of me remember what the thread was now, but it works a charm. I used to use boost on takeoff and 100% all the time to try and get up before the engines overheated, but would get blowouts 50% of the time. With the 80% rule I am getting off the ground every time without ever having a blowout.

EDIT: I just realised that entire last bit sounds like some weird telesales ad :D

[theOden]

.. flying the Blenheim is the CLOD activity least resembling airQuake I can imagine...

orly?

[phoenix1963]

...flying the Blenheim is the CLOD activity least resembling airQuake I can imagine....
One develops a permanent crick in the neck from looking over the right shoulder to monitor the CH temps! That engine cooling model is more lethal than a 109!

56RAF_phoenix

[theOden]

One develops a permanent crick in the neck from looking over the right shoulder to monitor the CH temps! That engine cooling model is more lethal than a 109!

56RAF_phoenix

Thats so true it hurts.

Kupsised procedure sounds very interesting, will try next time I find the effort to reinstall (thanks for post Kupsised).

Atatos, yes I'm totally useless. Maybe one day I'll be half of what you are. I can only hope.

[Sokol1]

Sadly no.
Unless I tip-toe extremely easy and having a looong coffeebreak at hold-short I will always blow the engines.

Blenheim being useless keeps IL2:CoD uninstalled on my machine as I'm not impressed by the airQuake that this sim represents today.

Mmm, no. I have more than 50 hours online (ATAG) with Blenheim, blow up dozen ships - one Minensuchoot, parking veicles, artilhery, and a successful level bomber from 3000 ft, and 3 confirmed kills (110 and 109) plus 2 maneuver kill (109).

To fly my advice is:

1st forget these "historical Blenheim notes"...

Put 20/30% of fuel (more than sufficinet for online action) select Inner tanks, start engines, zeroed trims, dont open radiator flaps and dont await ~5/10 minutes to oil temp rising, force engine throttle (you notice when engine is to stalling) to rapid rising temps, when you are in 50% of throttle, open radiadors and take of. My record is 3:40s.
Gear up, prop coarse, trim to level flight or climb. If you dont use 100% throttle,no need to check temps every minute. ;)

Sokol1

[PolishEagle1939]

I should have mentioned normal takeoffs I've figured out but I was wondering about takoffs with boost control off, using the outer tanks and +9 boost. Sounds like we don't have that capability. In other words we don't have 100 octane in the outer tanks. Too bad!