Has course auto pilot taken the place of level stabilizer?

[Treetop64]

Originally Posted by stugumby

So it appears level stabilizer isnt needed for US and German planes since course auto pilot does the same basic function.

Both autopilot functions have their uses, at least for German bombers.

With the level stabilizer you can make extremely precise heading changes using the rudder trim, but it won't hold a consistent heading over long flights and the aircraft will slowly swing off course. However, the course autopilot will reliably keep you on a selected heading no matter how long you've been transiting (you still have to account for wind drift if you have wind turned on), but is nowhere as precise as using the rudder trim with the level stabilizer when aiming during the bomb run.

You can use the course autopilot during the bomb run with German bombers, but it's not ideal. I always switch to the stabilizer when approaching the target then switch back to the autopilot again once I've established my heading and altitude on the return leg.