Thrust vs. Prop Pitch

I've been a pilot since 1976 and flown fixed, two-speed and constant speed props. You should always get best performance at max map and max allowable rpm.

[Blackdog_kt]

Sure, but unless the aircraft has a constant speed prop the max allowable RPM does not correspond to setting the pitch controls full forward and keeping them there.
For example, a 109 with the pitch set at the 11:30 or 12:00 (full fine) position will easily go above maximum RPM in case of a power on dive at somewhat high speeds

I guess it's little things like that, subtle but important details, which confuse most people along with the habits carried over from the previous IL2 series.

[Peril]

Sorry, miss read this top be constant speed prop.

[mcler002]

i think we should now look at actual aircraft performance on the game...

a) what top speed have you got out of the me 109 e3 (for example)
b) what was the ata
c) what was the prop
d) what attitude where you flying

for example i managed to get up to 450/ 460 kph in the me 109 e3... with full throttle (so about 1.3 - 1.35 ata) and prop pitch down to around 10:00 - but the thing is, you need to remember that prop pitch needs to be monitored (like all other things in the aircraft) at most times... especially in combat! I was rather impressed 9or very lucky) to outrun a couple of aircraft on the Repka 3 server just now (before it crashed?)... so yes, any tips of improving the speed above 450 (besides diving), im all ears!

[Varrattu]

There is a multitude of variations one can use to achieve your goal of maintaining maximum speed. Finding the best throttle setting, with the best rpm setting combined with the best radiator setting and a properly trimmed aircraft engine will provide best efficiency.

All engines have a powerband. Concerning the 109 I regularly operate between 2100-2400 rpm at 1.35 ata with no engine damage. 2400 rpm being most commonly used for max. climb or speed. Listen to your aircraft the sound will tell you a lot.

In combat it may prove necessary to push past normal flight limitations. Therefor Boost/wep can be used at any time you need extra power or speed. It can help you get off a short runway, or avoid that vulcher trying to get you as you takeoff. Just remember that anytime you push past normal flight procedures your aircraft may experience failure.

A properly trimmed aircraft will be faster. If you do not adjust trim and push the nose down by forcing your stick forward your plane will increase speed but at a slower rate and control pressure may become excessive at high speeds and you will not achieve the maximum airspeed potential of your aircraft.

Happy flying

Varratt

[CaptainDoggles]

Originally Posted by mcler002

i think we should now look at actual aircraft performance on the game...

a) what top speed have you got out of the me 109 e3 (for example)
b) what was the ata
c) what was the prop
d) what attitude where you flying

for example i managed to get up to 450/ 460 kph in the me 109 e3... with full throttle (so about 1.3 - 1.35 ata) and prop pitch down to around 10:00 - but the thing is, you need to remember that prop pitch needs to be monitored (like all other things in the aircraft) at most times... especially in combat! I was rather impressed 9or very lucky) to outrun a couple of aircraft on the Repka 3 server just now (before it crashed?)... so yes, any tips of improving the speed above 450 (besides diving), im all ears!

On Syndicate Dedicated last night I achieved 480 kph IAS on the deck over the Channel. I was running at 1.45 ata ("afterburner" in ingame jargon) and 2400 RPM. Rads were about 1/4 open and I had some holes in my control surfaces from British .303's

[CaptainDoggles]

Well I confess I wasn't looking too closely at the speedo, but it stayed in the 450-500 range for quite some time.

Rads closed really helps. 440 kph indicated seems a little slow to me, I hit 450ish no problem at 2000m or so without having to dive.

[TomcatViP]

Don' forget to close the oil rad too.

There is a shark tooth on the crtl gauge. I use it regularly as a mark for high perf regime - e.g. high speed/ high cruise / fast climb - or high alt setting (5K - to keep the oil warm) with no problem.

[Crumpp]

You should always get best performance at max map and max allowable rpm.

Yes, Vmax is achieved with max manifold pressure and rpm.

[Sternjaeger II]

Originally Posted by zipper

I've been a pilot since 1976 and flown fixed, two-speed and constant speed props. You should always get best performance at max map and max allowable rpm.

that's true for constant speed propellers.