Energy Maneuverability

[MadBlaster]

Originally Posted by JG14_Josf

The other curves are Sustained Turn Performance curves or Specific Excess Power at 0, or Ps=0 whereby the plane is not gaining or losing any energy while it is on that line at those speeds, those g loads, and that line is a turn at those speeds, full power, where the pilot is flying a plane in a turn not gaining or losing altitude and the far right point is Top Speed and as soon as the pilot starts turning in a level turn a new plot is added to the line and the pilot could stay at that plot with a very wide turn not gaining and not losing altitude, and the pilot can tighten the turn and make a new plot, not gaining altitude, not losing altitude, not accelerating, not decelerating, flying at that bank angle, full throttle, coordinated turn, full power, and if the bank angle is moved even steeper, and steeper, maintaining level flight, the end result is a stall and that is the far left point on that lower curve which is The Sustained Turn Performance Envelope, and notice, please, how the Mig is much better at Sustained Turns compared to the F-86 except if both planes are turning a Sustained Turn at speeds above .7 Mach at which time the F-86 can out turn the Mig if the Mig pilot tried to follow at that airspeed (but the Mig can just cut the turn).

I think this test could be re-created in game. Four pylon type objects set up in box pattern, equi-distant, as lying on the edge of the imaginary turning circle. Fly the circle, note the time of completion from 0 to 360 degrees and IAS. Deviation from the flight path is fail. Loss of alitude is fail. As per above, follow each successful completion with another test. Shorten the distance between the pylons by some incremental amount. Repeat until the test can no longer be completed without loss of altitude or deviation from the flight path. I don't even think you need g meter. But I guess it would be helpful while conducting the test to make sure you are flying constant g.The test I described before, I think that would give you the instantaneous value. So, if you think 109 v spit diagrams are similar to mig v sabre? Then I agree with you. You need to do both type of test, sustained and instantaneous turn rate, to get full picture. I think. Probably would need to use device link and make tracks of each test to ensure flight path is followed, altitude is maintained, full power settings, ...etc. If your at sea level, need for tas conversion may not be necessary. I guess it boils down to how accurate you want to be in this.