How can I make my aircraft turn faster without sacrificing handling? I prefer to fly with my aircraft rather than have to fight it in a turn, but I can't seem to get my aircraft to make a 360 degree turn in under eight seconds.
I've been looking to the swallow, but I'm yet to make an air-frame that resembles the bird and is still properly balanced. In the meantime, does anyone have any tips?
I haven’t read the thread, so somebody probably already said this, but one of the big things is having your plane be light. If it isn’t heavy, it will turn a lot faster.
@Shmexysmpilot Thanks!
@OtterOfToast I made an unlisted successor with the changes and tagged you in it
@Shmexysmpilot
The thingy!
Done!! All I need on this now is a better turn time if you can swing it. Then I can use that and apply it to my other craft.
@OtterOfToast that's good. Whatever happened, at least it works. And no problem, I'm glad to help :)
@Shmexysmpilot I just got it to work... Somehow? I don't know how, but I've saved the working engine as a sub-assembly, so I might not have this problem again. In the mean time, I'll tweak the jet! I might just make an all-around better air-frame and ask for help with that one. Thanks for the help, btw! Much obliged.
@OtterOfToast I'm sure it's not you. If it happened when it was detached I would suggest making sure there was an intake for the engine on the bomb, but the inconsistent part is weird. Sometimes weird stuff just happens that doesn't really have an explanation
@Shmexysmpilot Sometimes it just doesn't work. Other times, it turns off afterwards. I haven't found anything consistent yet :\ I know I'm not all too much help, but I am trying.
@OtterOfToast does it turn off only when you detach it, or does it just not work?
@Shmexysmpilot I don't even know that trick. It has fuel and an engine. Kinda' the whole point of the device. The thing is-- the engine turns off.
@OtterOfToast the VTOL trick where the nozzles were powered by an external engine no longer works. You'd need to have an engine and some fuel on board if you want to have it powered. Control surfaces and stuff will work like normal when disconnected though
@Shmexysmpilot Do you know if RC capabilities have been cut? The bomb doesn't keep going like it should when you detach it form the plane-- but sometimes it does? I'm confused-- do you know anything about this?
@OtterOfToast ok!
@Shmexysmpilot I'll post it later once I get its ordinance in order. I'm working on torpedoes and buzz-bombs on the side. I actually have three, but the one I'm working on mainly needs a good boost to maneuverability, but I'm thinking of scrapping it in favor of the one it came from, but either way, I'll get something to you.
Could you tag me in a plane that is a good example of this? I could fiddle with it and try and figure out what the problem is
One thing I do is I make the tail wings out of 2 parts, one for the wing, one for the control surface, but I wouldn't recommend using this because it is unreliable and can either lead to the plane stalling at high altitudes and going into a spin, or not being able to pitch up at properly, for instance, my DC-3.
With the CoM and lift, make the CoM further and further away from the CoL, until it doesn't do that spinny thing.
Also making the primary wings semi symmetric reduces chance of stalling, and also helps the plane pitch up faster.
Ok then. @OtterOfToast
@jamesPLANESii Could you put it all in one comment, pls? It's kinda' awkward to respond to three comments that all tie into one paragraph. But aye! I've done all of these things. If you'll notice, all of these things are practiced in my other aircraft.
That can't make a full circle in less that 8 seconds...
I just need to know how to make a plane more agile without throwing itself around like a gorilla in a swimming pool.
Also making the primary wings semi symmetric reduces chance of stalling, and also helps the plane pitch up faster.
With the CoM and lift, make the CoM further and further away from the CoL, until it doesn't do that spinny thing.
One thing I do is I make the tail wings out of 2 parts, one for the wing, one for the control surface, but I wouldn't recommend using this because it is unreliable and can either lead to the plane stalling at high altitudes and going into a spin, or not being able to pitch up at properly, for instance, my DC-3.
@Shmexysmpilot Aye, it just.. .Flops out of control. Usually I have the two about 1-2 units away form each-other (block length), but it's still hard to keep its trim in-line. As for the CoT, that's why I've been moving towards aircraft with a more centralized design, if that makes sense. Engines near the center, wings near the center, mass near the center, big happy family, and it works well, but it still doesn't get me anywhere. The only way I can make the aircraft turn a bit faster is by setting the trim in that direction or make the aircraft incredibly unstable and unpleasant to fly.
@OtterOfToast like it flips out of control or something? They still need to be a little separated for stability, so you could try and move them apart. You also want your CoT to be more or less in line with the CoM. It's not as important, but it can torque the plane in weird directions when you're going slowly
@Shmexysmpilot They usually have both. The issue with the CoM and CoL positions, however, is through some kind of discrepancy or whatever-- whenever my aircraft's centers are in line like they should be, as close to eachother as possible---- the plane... Has a seizure upon takeoff. Doesn't matter the size, wing shape, placement-- nothing. It WILL have a heart-attack and die.
Getting the CoM as close to the CoL means the control surfaces can rotate the plane easier, so you'll get more maneuverability while having smaller control surfaces (and also less drag when turning). Planes can get sluggish and slow to respond if the wing loading or speed isn't high enough though, so make sure it either goes fast or has plenty of wing area