Ground power - what is it good for?

[VsetciPokapu]

Hi, I´think the title says it all. My question is: Are there any possible situations in DCS where the ground power is necessary, since I´m able to start the engine without it? Same for L-39, MiG-21 and Mi-8 (haven´t played the other planes yet).

 

Thanks!

[firmek]

It's hard to find real practical use of GP in sim apart of planes that require it for startup due to unscientific battery current or lack of APU.

Can be used to power up A-10C systems without running generators (APU or engines).

[AnnaNass]

Hi, I´think the title says it all. My question is: Are there any possible situations in DCS where the ground power is necessary, since I´m able to start the engine without it? Same for L-39, MiG-21 and Mi-8 (haven´t played the other planes yet).

 

Thanks!

 

Of course!

At first: The Sabre (F-86) and Mig-15 needs ground power to start the engine. The F-5 needs ground air to start the left engine.

 

In the case of the A-10 and Mirage you can use the ground power to align the INS systems (saving fuel) or to keep the systems aligned during repair.

 

If you have your first time in a new module you can use ground power to get familiar with the systems without depleting the battery or having the APU or engines running the whole time.

Edited September 1, 2016 by AnnaNass
Adding facts from other vpilots

[VsetciPokapu]

Yeah, I think I saw F-86 start-up video on youtube where it was mentioned. So for Soviet and Czechoslovak DCS planes it is not vitally important.

Thanks for answers!

[firmek]

It is also required by MiG-15. Both Sabre and MiG-15 (and some other older planes) don't have APU nor their batteries are able to supply sufficient current to start up the engines.

[VAF [136] Striker]

Another use is if you take some battle damage, land and need repair. I use it on the A-10C and the Ka-50 all the time. You can shut down the engines and request repair without having to restart all the systems and go through alignment again. I know that this is in the L-39 section but I'm guessing that the same situation would apply.

[msalama]

without having to restart all the systems and go through alignment again

 

This. But other than that, I never use it in the L-39(ZA).

 

Flying the Mi-8, however, is a different story altogether. If I'm, say, on a FARP waiting for stuff to happen before continuing with the mission, I always dial in GP and put my engines on idle, because the chopper will then definitely stay put without my supervision - meaning I can go out for a ciggie and/or have a leak and/or get a brewski from the fridge and/or whatever; and all this without the bugger turning into the wind and/or drifting off the plate and/or running into a building and/or whatever in the meantime ;)

 

So yeah, it has its uses!

[_Randolph93]

Even if a plane can start with it's own battery, In real life they(most of the time) connect ground power to preserve battery as starting is a power intensive process.Not that it matters in DCS as you get fresh aircraft every flight.

[msalama]

Not that it matters in DCS as you get fresh aircraft every flight.

 

Indeed. IRL, they usually use it pretty much always regardless of the AC type.