Radiator Question

[btasm]

Although I've played Il-2 for a bit, I've never actually assigned a joystock control to the radiator, because quite frankly, I don't know what impact it has. Maybe I should, but I haven't.

Now, seems to me that with 4.11.1, aircraft overheat with frequency and, I suppose, employing the radiator might, by goodness, be useful. So I have assigned a slider to it. Just can't figure out where to take it from there. So, some questions:

1. Does using the radiator, in fact, help prevent overheating?

2. Does using the radiator (assuming it helps cooling) have a negative impact on performance and, if so, how much?

3. I assume that by "opening up" the radiator, the higher percentage it's open, the greater the cooling effect, correct?

Any insight on this would be great.

PS: I've got a limited number of sliders, etc. on the joystick so assigning one to the radiator means removing another, so I'm trying to assess the pros and cons. It does not appear that you can operate the radiator with keystrokes.

Thanks.

[Aviar]

You CAN operate the radiator with keystrokes. The command is named 'Cowl or Armor Flaps'.

Aviar

[JtD]

1. Yes, to certain degree.
2. Yes. Depends on the aircraft, but for a fighter about 20 km/h in speed and 1 m/s in climb.
3. Yes.

[ElAurens]

I have my radiators in IL2/46 set on a rocker switch on my throttle. It opens and closes the rads in 10% increments and selects the auto rad function on aircraft so equipped.

I use a slider in Cliffs of Dover, on the odd month that I actually fly it.

[btasm]

Originally Posted by Aviar

You CAN operate the radiator with keystrokes. The command is named 'Cowl or Armor Flaps'.

Aviar

Hummm. Never noticed that before. Thanks.

When operating this function (letter "R" on the default keystrokes), as you press the keystroke the options are Closed, Postion 2 through 8, Open and "Closed/Auto". Closed and open are obvious, Postion 2 through 8 suggests incremental increases in opening the cowl, but what is "Closed/Auto"?

[JtD]

Some planes have a thermostat controlled radiator. If you use it, the radiator will be closed unless the engine is running hot, which is when the radiator opens automatically. Hence "closed/auto".

As far as performance impact, fully closed is maximum performance (speed) and fully open is minimum performance (speed). This, it turns out, is unrealistic, as most cooling systems had a design opening angle that was engineered for minimum drag, further closing was simply to reduce excessive cooling. It turned out, for instance, that the Fw190D's minimum drag setting was 23% open.

The game is what it is ...

[btasm]

Thanks all for your help.

One last question, however. Is it me or does the 4.11.1 patch seem to enhance overheating?