How do you fly a Fw-190?

[Von Heydte]

Okay, I usually fly the 109 and it is my plan of preference and I am trying to learn how to fly the 190 on realistic/simulator and it is kicking my ass. This plane is absolutely unforgiving! I stall out on what seems like simple turns and climbs and bleeds off speed like nothing I have seen. I can't even seem to do a decent climb without a stall. I understand that this plane isn't a turning fighter but an energy fighter buT i'm having hell just flying the plane in simple maneuvers. Some help would be appreciated.

[TRC Subaru]

Originally Posted by Von Heydte

Okay, I usually fly the 109 and it is my plan of preference and I am trying to learn how to fly the 190 on realistic/simulator and it is kicking my ass. This plane is absolutely unforgiving! I stall out on what seems like simple turns and climbs and bleeds off speed like nothing I have seen. I can't even seem to do a decent climb without a stall. I understand that this plane isn't a turning fighter but an energy fighter buT i'm having hell just flying the plane in simple maneuvers. Some help would be appreciated.

You did turn your elevator setting down already...right?

[Von Heydte]

I dropped the aileron sensitity to half but I didnt touch the elevators. I'll do a practice mission with the elevators less sensitive tonight and see if that helps.

Originally Posted by TRC Subaru

You did turn your elevator setting down already...right?

[reverend66]

The 190 is a "boom & zoom" fighter and will stall in tight turns. The best way to fight with this plane is to use it's speed & fast rolling abilities. First off altitude is life in this aircraft, stay off the deck! You want to get above your opponent & use slash attacks. Dive on your prey & unleash cannons at close quarters, if you miss use your momentum to take you back up above them and come around for another run. Do not get into a turn fight for any reason, it will not end well for you. If you are being pursued do not turn to avoid gunfire, barrel roll, this plane has probably the fastest roll rate, use your speed to get away.

[Von Heydte]

Sounds like the same tactics that I "try" to use in the 109. I'm trying to learn some rolling type maneuvers to work with the 190s excellent roll rate but even a modest climb and and turn gives me trouble. I think I'm trying to do a lag roll but I'm sucking. LOL. I really want to learn to fly this beautiful aircraft as you just don't see many people using it online. I'm staying away from the usual favorites online like the Spit and 153. I appreciate the advice too.

Originally Posted by reverend66

The 190 is a "boom & zoom" fighter and will stall in tight turns. The best way to fight with this plane is to use it's speed & fast rolling abilities. First off altitude is life in this aircraft, stay off the deck! You want to get above your opponent & use slash attacks. Dive on your prey & unleash cannons at close quarters, if you miss use your momentum to take you back up above them and come around for another run. Do not get into a turn fight for any reason, it will not end well for you. If you are being pursued do not turn to avoid gunfire, barrel roll, this plane has probably the fastest roll rate, use your speed to get away.

[Yossarian]

I just a go with one on line. Sure is does have the speed to climb and an excellent roll rate but it is really bad to fly. I never got a single kill using it. Admittedly I only got shot down a couple of times because of the roll and speed but it was really hard to aim precisely.

[reverend66]

She takes a lot of practice but it's worth it. I used to fly them almost exclusively in Warbirds online. Just remember, stay up high and look for unsespecting targets. Never EVER get into a turn fight, once you lose your speed you are a sitting duck. In fact try not to turn at all unless you are above and away from all hostiles. There used to be a book you could buy online called Butcher Birds Guide to a Free Lunch. I was written by the best 190 pilot in the virtual skies. It had great tips for flying the beast (I have a copy somewhere). Unfortunaltely the author passed away and it is no longer produced. You may be able to find a used copy online though.

[reverend66]

It looks as if the book is out of print. I work in publishing so I'll check to see if anyone still holds a copyright. If it is not under copyright I will scan my copy & make it available to you guys.

[mondo]

It doesn't have a rotary, it has a radial. Torque from radials is no different than torque from a inline engine. The propeller causes the torque effect, not the engine.

Radials are harder wearing and don't have glycol coolant, they are mostly aircooled so are not prone to radiator damage. Much better for using at sea or in a ground attack aircraft where resiliance is required.

Originally Posted by Von Heydte

Okay, I usually fly the 109 and it is my plan of preference and I am trying to learn how to fly the 190 on realistic/simulator and it is kicking my ass. This plane is absolutely unforgiving! I stall out on what seems like simple turns and climbs and bleeds off speed like nothing I have seen. .

Don't turn at all. Roll, the 190's had the best roll rate of any WW2 plane throughout the speed range. The 190 is all about vector rolls, rolling scissors, negative rolls, yo yo's...just don't make sharp low speed turns. Your probably stalling as your speed isn't high enough or your AoA is too sharp in a climb.

The only time you should turn with a 190 is at high speed, at 400kph+ you can do 45 to 90 degree turns only. Then straighten up.

A dog fight is all about getting the enemy in front of your guns, not turning like a l00n in the grass. The 190 is all about energy, maintaining energy, attacking then extending. Just don't' turn with it because you won't be able to out turn anything in it anyway.

[Von Heydte]

Good stuff, Mondo. Thanks a bunch. Are there any videos online that show how to do these roll maneuvers? I see them in books but seeing it on a page and executing are two different things. As far as maintaining energy, I assume you mean climbing whenever you can to gain as much potential energy to save up for another diving attack?

Originally Posted by mondo

It doesn't have a rotary, it has a radial. Torque from radials is no different than torque from a inline engine. The propeller causes the torque effect, not the engine.

Radials are harder wearing and don't have glycol coolant, they are mostly aircooled so are not prone to radiator damage. Much better for using at sea or in a ground attack aircraft where resiliance is required.



Don't turn at all. Roll, the 190's had the best roll rate of any WW2 plane throughout the speed range. The 190 is all about vector rolls, rolling scissors, negative rolls, yo yo's...just don't make sharp low speed turns. Your probably stalling as your speed isn't high enough or your AoA is too sharp in a climb.

The only time you should turn with a 190 is at high speed, at 400kph+ you can do 45 to 90 degree turns only. Then straighten up.

A dog fight is all about getting the enemy in front of your guns, not turning like a l00n in the grass. The 190 is all about energy, maintaining energy, attacking then extending. Just don't' turn with it because you won't be able to out turn anything in it anyway.