Originally Posted by
airdoc
Catseye the P51 module in DCS is very different from any other sim in the sensitivity of the control surfaces. I also have the Saitek rudder pedals and in the beginning had a tough time keeping it straight during takeoff. By introducing a curve, it made it easier, but nonetheless nothing similar to IL2 or CLOD. Takeoff and landing are procedures that you always have to be extra careful in DCS P51 no matter how experienced you are in the sim (its part of the realism).
The rudder is more powerful than in CLOD (and far far more powerful than IL2), and should be more carefully handled.
If after introducing a curve on the rudder pedals you still find it hard to keep her lined up during takeoff consider the following things :
1. Check that you have takeoff rudder trim set properly (5 degrees right)
2. The P51 is very sensitive to changes in torque. What manifold pressure do you use for takeoff? You shouldn't go at max throttle (>60 manifold), unless there are specific circumstances (max weight with tanks, very short runway). In reality most pilots used 46 inches for a standard weight takeoff with no flaps. Higher manifold will yield more torque and require more rudder input. A way to a steady takeoff is to hold breaks fully on until 30-35 inches (the plane doesn't move at that setting), release them and gradually add power up to 45 inches immediately after that. If you mess with the throttle very abruptly or increase to max, then the aircraft will respond with jerky pulling to the side. One can still take-off with max throttle but it's more difficult and there is a risk of over-revving (engine will burst a few seconds after takeoff), because of the fine take-off pitch.
3. I found it helpful to use a number of slight, sudden, brief rudder pushes when i see the aircraft getting off track in order to keep it centered. Because the rudder is so powerful, any kind of prolonged or deep push will put the aircraft in a non-recoverable course and flip over -again, it's completely different from any other sim.
It takes quite some practice to get comfortable with takeoffs in the P51. Even after months of playing, I still have to be sure I checked everything right before takeoff. Drop tanks, bombs or sidewind, make it even more challenging. Things such as a forgotten elevator tail-heavy trim set for the previous landing will result in a certain stall and crash during the takeoff. That's the beauty of this sim.
cheers
EDIT : just saw that Foul Ole Ron had already mentioned some of this, sorry for repeating
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