Forum: F-16 Procedures

I have question and I am only a simulator pilot.

Very often I see fighters are moving on their lateral axis (left or right)without banking. (while refueling etc). during this i believe their heading does not change. How do we do this, do we use rudder paddels, stick? can any real pilot tell me.
see wingman in these videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCoazgjF ... embedded#!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrOIcnt6 ... re=related

or see tis videos...see how he goes to the other side of lear jet in the middle of video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3uADBY_Eas

while answering please tell if u ra real pilot Smile

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Actually their headings are different, almost imperceptibly.

At 400 knots, if the crossing aircraft changes its relative heading only '1 degree' it will generate a relative lateral speed of about 7 knots for the crossing. '1 degree' difference in heading is effectively imperceptible.

They usually do this with a small, momentary stick input in roll, and then level the wings during the crossing maneuver which gives that false same heading appearance. When complete, they will then dip the wing in the opposite direction to realign their heading with the other aircraft.

More exaggerated crossings can be done however, to include a barrel roll type maneuver.

old pilot, OL

thanks outlaw. what have been flying in old days btw. Smile

I flew trainers & fighters in the military and then civilian transport aircraft.

A long time ago I taught a lot of military student pilots how to fly basic formation, including that basic crossing maneuver.

You asked a good question.

OL

Thanks OL.

No rudder input involved at all in this maneouvre then?

Nope. There is no pilot rudder input required. Flight control systems today may give you a slight automatic rudder deflection during the roll command input to the stick anyway. I doubt you’d be able to detect any rudder movement when establishing a slow, smooth crossing maneuver however.

I think most modern fighters are basically “feet on the floor” aircraft.

“Stick & rudder” has essentially become "computer assisted stick".

Very Happy

OL

Great ! Thanks for getting back OL !

Forum: F-16 Procedures

Sway or Drift without Banking