Realism, whats missing?
 

I'm just curious to know, could someone fly a real plane from that era based only on what they know in IL-2 1946? Or are there any vital components missing from the flight model?

I guess, anyone would tell you 'G-force' (on your butt) as first thing. :)

I think you'll have a problem starting up the engine as long as in IL2 you just press a button to start up your engine! In real life is more complex! You can learn how to do it, quite close to reality if you play DCS - P51 Mustang!

I don't think so, it isn't a procedural sim.

I think the best analogy for a "Can I learn to do stuff from virtuality" is when you only, suppose, "learn" how to play a piano by playing around with a "virtual piano" app for a smartphone/tablet then you find yourself in front of a real piano -- you realize it's similar, but there's a lot more to it, which you can't learn only by the limited scope of virtual emulation.

Wow! I just watched the start up procedure in that game on youtube, its really cool. I know it would never happen but I wish we had something like that in Il-2. All i really have to do is press I and lower my flaps increase engine mix ._.


Still my favorite flight sim ever though! Not trying to hate on it trust me, this game as sucked away more of my hours then I like to admit :P

Seconded. Take offs and landings are so much harder there than in IL2. IL2 is a good start to learn the basics. Even though they are very new in WW2 planes era DCS represents a whole new ball game, from combat to flight modeling.

Up to now I didn't manage to start a P-51 in DCS... I cannot cope with the heavy left/right swing and rudder input. Is that really soo hard IRL?

Pretty much yeah. From what I was able to see on YT (I do not own FSX), A2A models this the same way.

The trick lies in tail wheel lock. Keep the stick back for the first 2-3 seconds of rolling - that will limit its movement to 7° IIRC.

Also, make sure you are taking off into the wind. Tailwind, especially if it is a strong one and blowing from 4-5 or 7-8 OC will make it impossible to take off / control.

You do not need 3000 RPM or full 60" of manifold pressure as well. 41" with 2700 RPM (maximum continuous) will suffice. You only need full power if you are taking off a short runway with a full bomb load, coupled with topped off fuel tanks.

Here is a collection of tips from a real P-51 pilot, who commented how A2A sim models it. DCS is nearly identical from what I can tell.

Good find T}{OR and thanks for posting!

Applying takeoff power before oil temp is at least 40 degrees Celsius, and - for air cooled engines - CHT is 100 degrees Cesius, is a big no-no.

Having to turn the prop before startup.

The pre-flight.

I'll say it again: the pre-flight.

The actual visceral experience and significant physical and mental demands of managing and operating an aircraft and relevant systems.

Working the radios, which depending on where you're flying, can be the hardest part of flying.



Detail things I'm not sure of:

Drag coefficients per airframe type.

Dynamic pressure on control surfaces at higher speeds.

Typical control surface effectiveness being reduced once deflected beyond ~.23 rads.

How propeller efficiency is modeled.


In short, the truth is that desktop flying is simplified in the extreme. It is never smart to assume someone can fly a plane in real life, just because they flew one in a video game, no matter how "authentic" they convince themselves it is. There is an awful lot more to flying than just flying the aircraft...