Navigation in Hurricane and Spitfire

jimbop · #1 11-21-2011, 09:35 AM

Is anyone successfully navigating from instruments in the Hurricane or (I assume) Spitfire? I know how to navigate and can set the directional gyro according to compass but when flying the gyro quickly goes so far off it is practically useless.

Is this just meant to be modelling precession? If so it is WAY too sensitive since just turning gently throws it out. Or am I doing something wrong?

klem · #2 11-21-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbop

Is anyone successfully navigating from instruments in the Hurricane or (I assume) Spitfire? I know how to navigate and can set the directional gyro according to compass but when flying the gyro quickly goes so far off it is practically useless.

Is this just meant to be modelling precession? If so it is WAY too sensitive since just turning gently throws it out. Or am I doing something wrong?

I peer round the stick at the magnetic compass (using TrackIR) and we're mostly able to fly visually anway unless on the deck. To be honest I haven't had the patience to see if it can be managed with the, apparently, usual resetting every ten to fifteen minutes.

SEE · #3 11-21-2011, 01:57 PM

Same as Klem, I use the map and land marks. The compass and gyro are too cumbersome for me at the moment. I will use it when bad weather conditions are introduced, blanket cloud cover, etc.

ATAG_knuckles · #4 11-21-2011, 04:39 PM

I would love to be able to use the compass/gyro. Took some time to lean how to use the British Compass. My only problem is the stick/spade is always in the way of an accurate compass reading (I do use TrackIR) If I move the stick the plane banks and the compass starts spinning: So at this time I use landmarks.

However I have wound up lost a few times,

Denis/Knuckles

ATAG_Snapper · #5 11-21-2011, 05:05 PM

To paraphrase the American frontiersman, Daniel Boone: "I've never been lost on the ATAG server.......but I've been mighty confused for an hour or two....." LOL

jimbop · #6 11-21-2011, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SEE

I will use it when bad weather conditions are introduced, blanket cloud cover, etc.

This is what I am wondering - is it possible at the moment? I find that the gyro slips too fast to be useful.

I enjoyed the old training challenges in 1946 where you (for instance) had to find an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean by navigation. I could not do that in the Hurri at the moment.

IvanK · #7 11-21-2011, 11:34 PM

Gyro precession on both the DG and AH are too quick in 1G flight imo. Though after violent manoeuvring they are probably true to form.

The DVD "Spitfire from the cockpit" shows similar AH precession/toppling to what we see in CLOD but only after vertical manoeuvring that exceeds the AH gymbal limits.

jf1981 · #8 01-08-2012, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbop

Is anyone successfully navigating from instruments in the Hurricane[...] ?

Jimbop,

Yes this works fine. You have to adjust regularly, flying straight will not induce a decay but sharp turn will. Smooth turn won't (directional gyro however needs to be checked from time to time and readjusted. Turning around will shift it slowly, nuless you're really careful.

Same happens for artificial horizon, it works very well but only under smooth a/c control. Anything else will make it turn upsidedown or bank.

I would recommend to keep the director North pointing 0 and use this chart, you mirror flip the "T" position on magnetic compass, this gives you a real magetic headin at once, see attached example.

Hope I'm not too messy, let me know if you don't understand. Remember adding 10 degree, geographic N is magnetic 10°, for any geographic heading H you need to follow a magnetic path H+10°.

Attachment represent the bottom magnetic compass in its default position. This is N at top position.

jimbop · #9 01-08-2012, 07:50 PM

Thanks - I forgot about this thread, should have updated. Yes, it works fine as is although it's difficult to see the compass behind the control stick. I set the DG on the ground and then set again during the climb since it is usually thrown out a bit during takeoff.

Blackdog_kt · #10 01-08-2012, 09:30 PM

I end up using just the compass and course setter most of the time.

I just measure the angle on the map with the protractor, for example 125 degrees, then set the course setter to heading+10 so in this case 135 degrees.

By comparing landmarks i get into the general direction right after takeoff, then i just lean to the side with freetrack (can also be done with the mouse, hold the middle button down and drag the mouse left/right to lean) and look at the compass from zoomed out view. This way i can both keep the plane flying straight and look at the compass.

Since i have the on-screen systems messages enabled, i know what kind of heading i selected on the course setter. Then i just look to see if the 3 lines (the two "guides" and the actual T-shaped compass line) are parallel. Doesn't matter which angle you view it from, as long as the lines are parallel, you are flying the course chosen by the course setter.

I find it's much easier and faster than trying to hold the plane steady long enough to calibrate the gyro. I use this method on both Hurris and Blenheims. The Blen has a clear, unobstructed view of a secondary compass in the bombardier station, but i now find it easier to set a course with the course setter and follow it, than read the gyro.