Dogfight techniques : tutorial video

[CaptainDoggles]

Originally Posted by Sutts

Does anyone else find this surprising? I always thought that using the rudder to keep the ball centered in turns was an essential part of efficient flying and an automatic habit with seasoned pilots.

You are correct.

Is it possible that the spit kept itself perfectly aligned in turns without use of the rudder?

No, it is not possible.

[rga]

Originally Posted by CaptainDoggles

No, it is not possible.

Eh! Correct me if I'm wrong but IMO rudder is to fight against adverse yaw when entering or exiting the turn. In the turn itself, rudder is not needed.

[CaptainDoggles]

Originally Posted by rga

In the turn itself, rudder is not needed.

You need the rudder to keep the longitudinal axis of the aircraft aligned with the arc of the turn, otherwise you'll skid. If your aircraft incorporates a significant amount of dihedral, there will be a net righting moment about the fuselage, meaning continued aileron input will be required to hold the turn. While it's true that things like Frise ailerons can counteract adverse yaw, there's also prop wash and P-factor to consider, both of which virtually guarantee that no conventional propeller aircraft can be "perfectly coordinated" in a turn without active use of a rudder.