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Baffin
May-07-2014, 09:18
Having seen a lot of peculiar takeoffs lately, I though I'd offer another quick lesson for getting the Spitfire off the ground.

First, I urge all newcomers to take off into the wind! Use the runway that shows the yellow signboards on takeoff. Depending on the mission map, failing to do this can result in the most experienced of us ground-looping with much weeping and gnashing of teeth. Don't overthink the crosswind controls if the wind is a little off the runway heading: Use rudders to point the plane down the runway, and keep the wings level with left and right stick if necessary. After 60 MPH it gets much easier!

A good takeoff begins with a proper trim setting. (A division of trim is one of the graphic lines on the elevator trim gauge under the green gear light.)

RAF Spitfire Pilots' notes (Our Flight Manual) recommends one division aircraft nose down (AND) before takeoff. This will establish about 220 MPH in the climb later. The plane will almost fly itself off the ground a little after 90 MPH (Rotation Speed).

Alternatively, 1.5 units AND will raise the tail up a bit earlier so you can get close to a Level Flight picture before rotating at 90 MPH. This trims the plane for about 245MPH in the climb which is close to Spitfire cornering speed. (Basically the tightest, fastest turn you can get)

Quick checks before taking off? The best is the original RAF method: T M P R & Flaps. (Trim Set, Mixture rich, Prop fast, Radiator Open & Flaps UP.) This check also saves much weeping.

How about the "Pitch Picture" of a normal takeoff. What should you be seeing during the takeoff?

Keep it simple. Always use full throttle and fast propeller. Be aggressive with rudder to keep the plane going straight down the runway. There are lots of opinions about fast or slow throttleup, but try to have your throttle set full as soon as you are able. If you have trouble keeping the plane going straight, abort the takeoff and try it again rather than crash and then have to start all over with a new plane. Very frustrating!

After holding the stick back during taxi out, don't forget to let it go to neutral at throttle up. It takes a little practice, but you have to control the wings level picture without any forward or back pressure until approaching 90 MPH. It's very easy to over control during rotation, so go easy on the backpressure when rotation time arrives.

With whatever trim setting you choose, at 90 MPH smoothly rotate to align the horizon with the bottom of the front windscreen. Hold that picture throughout gear retraction... do not let the pitch wander up or down. Fly the plane... don't let it fly itself!

When the gear retracted red light comes on, lower the nose to put the center of the gun sight on the horizon while simultaneously reducing the propeller pitch just a little to establish 2850 RPM. Leave the throttle full open while accelerating and once again, do not let the pitch picture wander. Your rate of climb will be about 100 Feet per minute as you rapidly speed up.

At 185 MPH, you have sufficient airflow to open the radiator shutters if you want to. One half open position is a good starting point until you figure out your favorite setting. Leave them alone if you are busy learning.

Keep an eye on the RPMs (2850 max for 30 minutes) during climb out, especially in the early MK I, as the RPM will climb with the altitude. Interestingly, that limit is reduced to 2700 RPM in the newer MK II.

As you accelerate past 200 MPH, the stick pressure will decrease until you reach the airspeed associated with the preflight trim setting. At this point, allow the pitch to settle down and the plane will almost climb itself.

Check six!

9./JG52_Meyer
May-07-2014, 10:38
Thanks for this Fidget , i may have to fly one of these in an up coming campaign :flying2: and never having flown one before this info is a god send

92 Sqn. Philstyle (QJ-P)
May-07-2014, 11:13
This might help you a little bit;


http://youtu.be/IPli3rFPge4