I understand and agree with a part of what you say IvanK: it is indeed possible to map the trim a rotary or a slider, and in appearance an electrical trim controlled via rocker switch in a RL A/C will not behave differently in IL2 if controlled also by a rocker switch…
The problem is that this works…in a kind of approximate way, even if it is obvious that you do not realize it!
A trim is a device controlled in a very precise and sensitive way: for instance a manual trim pitch control like a wheel allows the pilot to adjust the attitude of his A/C with such precision that it can fly level for dozen of miles without re-trimming it (this will not work on a Mustang with the rear tank!).
This pilot can do that because the direct consequence of trimming is a change in the force the pilot has to exert on his stick to keep it at the position associated with the sought-after attitude.
This particular sensatory cue is totally absent from a joystick for obvious reasons (why do you think joystick controlled modern fighters and transport aircraft use an auto-trim?) so the only way to control your trimming state is to look at your display to check if with the trim value you have input via your rotary the attitude of the A/C does not change: if there is a change trim again, and check again…
Needless to say, this can work with a certain precision in a cruise phase of flight, but in maneuvers or in a landing pattern where the re-trimming need is permanent, you do not have this luxury, so you trim, yes, but not with too much precision!
This is probably why the AI aircraft are flying so well: they are by essence auto trimmed at all times on all axis’s so have always the best performance (this is specially true for yaw where being out of trim means drag increase, not so much for pitch trim).
Another missing element (always there in RL) is the fact we have no visual clue of the trim “neutral” position which is an absolute necessity if you want to pre-trim your A/C at take-off: on yaw trim equipped high-torque aircraft you need to position your trim in order to help you keep your trajectory otherwise it is a lot more difficult, like with A/C without yaw trim (cf Bf 109!). It is also useful in pitch when the fuel quantity/payload loading as a large influence on your aircraft balance.
The solution I propose (assuming it makes programming sense for the realistic “trim variation” time; for a simple “set proper trim instantly” request there should be no issue) allows you to fly in trim if you think about it (like in RL) including a certain amount of time to re-trim, depending of how far out-of-trim you are, and also depending on the fact you finish the operation; if you get distracted you may have improved your trim state, but not obtained perfection: all of that is also realistic...
JV
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