S! Everyone, and the Virtual Thinderbirds.

I am a huge fan of your movies and I think that you guys do a hell of a job recreating the Thunderbirds show. I was thinking about maybe giving it a shot and hanging with you guys and possibly trying out. The thing is I was just wondering what you age limit is. The squad I'm in for IL2 has an age limit of 18 (Im 15 by the way), but they said that they let me stay because of my maturity level. I just wanted to know what you guys think, if you still think Im a bit young then thats alright, I wont think less of you. Thanks in advance.

Oh and by the way, I spend some time with the Silver Triggers. If you dont know they were an IL2 aerobatic squad that broke up some time ago. So I have an idea of what Im getting into with the aerobatics that I would be doing.

I flew with the Silver triggers too, They were good. But formation flying in warbird and in modern jet is a little bit different I think. I tried once I could hold in formation but only by using the airbrakes...

How are you doing ? Are you using the airbrake too?

Flagada02 wrote:Are you using the airbrake too?

No, not at all, except for rejoins...

Mmmm lol thank you for the information! Then how much are you reducing when you are too fast in the formation ?

ChwyNiblet wrote:...I was just wondering what you age limit is?

No age limit; however, making the team is as competitive as ever and requires more than just good skills. Read the "stickies" in the main forum for more info. You can approach our Recruiting for a tryout if you wish.

Flagada02 wrote:Then how much are you reducing when you are too fast in the formation?

There is no magic formula here. I could elaborate on that for hours, depending on the situation. Are we pulling, induced drag, airspeed, momentum and so on. In general you'll always be feathering the throttle in small increments back and forth to maintain position. As you go vertical, first of all you'll increase back pressure (creating more lift and as a byproduct of lift your induced drag will increase). This requires a counter action of more power. As jet engines fly slower they require more power to maintain speed, so once again adding a little power. Flying a slightly wider arc than the lead aircraft also requires more control input (increased drag, hence more power) to maintain position. In straight and level (unloaded flight), you'd still be moving the throttle back and forth continuously to maintain your position; however, work on smoothing out those inputs and the closer you hold formation, the more minute and precise these motions need to be. So, if you're asking how much to bring the throttle back it depends on momentum, drag, speed (power output) and your previous throttle action. Was the throttle at a high power setting with the aircraft drifting back? If so, anticipation of a power back needs to be initiated before the forward motion starts. Anticipating momentum and output vs. throttle position is key and the reason I cannot give you a magic formula. Maintain a calm and work with small throttle inputs! Anticipating when you need to throttle up for increased drag (pull), flying the outer wing vs. inner wing (power up vs. power back respectively) in a turn surely helps, but the best tip is keep the throttle hand moving as necessary using small movements.

Lawndart

Lol I couldn't understand everything you just say but I got the idea! (I'm French)
Hum The thing is that in Il2 I just have to reduce 1 or 2% sometimes so the plane stay behind, but when I tried the same thing on lock on (with no patch) when I put too much power, I reduce throttle at 0% but nothing to do, my plane is going foward the leader! but with the airbrakes I could manage to be as stable as in IL2... Maybe it was the version of lock on, maybe it is a difference between Lock On and IL2? Anyway thank you for the answer, I can see that it appears to be the same for jet planes than for propeller planes.

well the difference with the jets and prop planes for formation flying is that the prop planes have a sort of instantaneous throttle response .. so when you throttle up.. your plane is accellerating at the same time.. beause the propellars are in direct contact with the wind..and are pulling the aircraft..not pushing

but with jets your have a spool up lag.. ,the jet is inducting the air and mixing fuel and burning for thrust..etc...sowhen you throttle up.. its not right then and there.. is a second or 2 behind the response.. so the pilots are flying "2 SECONDS IN THE FUTURE"with anticipation of how much throttle is needed or not needed. taking that 1 or 2 seconds into consideration. like he said.. the airbrakes are mostly used for rejoining.

hope this adds something to his answer lol

Sinister, well said. There is a huge difference in the real world between flying jets and props. And many people don't understand the aerodynamic concept of propellor-driven aircraft "pulling" themselves through the air. BIG difference in reaction time. Good stuff MS! That's why flying tight formation, especially in a single engine jet, has it's own set of challenges.

Bon